Croydon celebrates Armed Forces Week

Armed Forces in Croydon. Pic: Croydon Council

Croydon  becomes the first borough in London tomorrow to hold an Armed Forces week.

Running from Monday, June 25, a week of events celebrating the borough’s link with the services will climax with the national Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 30.

Mike Fisher, the leader of the council said: “Croydon’s Armed Forces Week is the next step in strengthening local support and giving more help to servicemen and women and their families. We are proud to stand up for them and to help in any way we can.”

A ceremonial flag raising at in the forecourt of Taberner House, the main council offices will kick off the week. Two public events will follow – on Wednesday, serving and retired personnel can attend an open session on money management and on Friday, a former marine, Guy Jackson, will speak about the challenges faced by the transition into civilian life.

Invitation only sessions are also being held for local employers on employing reservists and for health and social care professionals on the long-term needs of former service personnel.

All events will take place at Braithwaite Hall in the centre of Croydon.

In December 2011 the borough was the first in London to sign an Armed Forces Community Covenant.  The agreement was set out between the council and armed forces and aims to provide help in areas such as housing, adult social services and employment, as well as encourage local community support for servicemen.

Colonel Ian McRobbie, Representative Deputy Lieutenant and the Queen’s representative in Croydon, said he was “very proud and privileged” to be part of the Covenant working group. “I would like to congratulate fellow members who have shown a positive commitment to maintain and enhance relations with all military people in the borough and wish Croydon Armed Forces Week much success.”

For further information visit the Croydon Council website.

By Joanne Fagg

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