St.Helens Armed Forces Covenant Progress Report

Report 11

St.Helens Armed Forces Community Covenant Progress Report 11 2018-19

St.Helens Armed Forces Covenant Progress Report 2019

Foreword

After such a productive and event filled year I am once more reminded in viewing the information within this Armed Forces Covenant Report of the great honour it is to support the Armed Forces Community as St.Helens Armed Forces Ambassador.

The diversity of the British Armed Forces Community never ceases to amaze me. It stretches beyond the differences between Her Majesty’s Naval Service, The , and The Royal Air Force, it is more diverse that the different traditions and customs of Battalion, Regiment and Unit; the diversity of the Armed Forces Community reflects the diversity of society as a whole.

In attempting to ensure we provide the Armed Forces Community with equality of access to Public Services, the Council and its Partners must keep this diversity in mind. In the modern Armed Forces there is a clear representation of both genders in all Services and Rank. The Community spans all generations from the youngest Cadet to the oldest Veteran. It incorporates the different ethnicities and cultures of the Commonwealth, as well as reflecting the varied identities of the Shires, Boroughs, and Regions that make up the Nations of the .

In the past 5 years we have celebrated the Borough’s First World War recipient, and they too reflect this diversity. One served with the local South Lancashire Regiment, a second with the London based Royal Fusiliers, a third with the Irish Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, and a fourth with the Canadian Royal Winnipeg Rifles. In St.Helens we have our very own Lancashire Artillery Pipes and Drums, linked to 103 Regiment the Royal Artillery Reserve, with its wonderful Scottish anthem of “Highland Cathedral”, its bagpipes and Tartan. All this historical and cultural reference remind us, that the modest Towns and Villages that make up the Borough of St.Helens are home to residents, including an Armed Forces Community, with a diverse heritage that stretches far and wide.

Our Covenant pledge is to honour all the brave women and men of that Armed Forces Community, past, present, and future, and the Council and its local Partners hope that the readers of this report will appreciate our efforts in the last 12 months to do just that.

Councillor Lynn Clarke Armed Forces Ambassador

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Content

Introduction page 4

Progress against promoting equality of access to public services page 5

Effectively signposting the Armed Forces Community to key Public and page 8 Voluntary and Community services

Identify opportunities to recognise and honour the Armed Forces Community page 9

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ST.HELENS ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY COVENANT PROGRESS REPORT 2018-19

REPORT 11

1. Introduction

1.1 The St.Helens Armed Forces Community Covenant was signed on 18 June 2012 between serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families working and residing in St.Helens and St.Helens Council, St. Helens Local Strategic Partnership, the Charitable and Voluntary Sectors and other members of the civilian community of St.Helens.

1.2 The Community Covenant aims to encourage all parties within St.Helens to offer support to the local Armed Forces community and to promote equality of opportunity for Service personnel, families and veterans to access the help and support available from the MOD, from statutory providers and from the Charitable and Voluntary Sectors.

1.3 The St.Helens Armed Forces Community Covenant Steering Group (AFCCSG) was convened from representatives of the signatory agencies to co-ordinate and direct the implementation of the objectives of St.Helens Armed Forces Community Covenant.

1.4 The objectives of St.Helens Armed Forces Community Covenant are as follows:

• Advance equality of opportunity for the Armed Forces Community to access public services • Education • Skills and Employment • Housing • Health and Wellbeing

• To ensure members of the Armed Forces Community are effectively signposted to key Public and Voluntary/Community services.

• Identify opportunities to recognise the Armed Forces through such activities as Freedom, Homecoming and Remembrance Parades and support to the annual Armed Forces Day.

• Identify opportunities to access the Covenant Fund.

1.5 For transparency and scrutiny the St.Helens Armed Forces Community Covenant Steering Group provide a progress report annually to the Commanding Officer at Headquarters North West, St.Helens Council Members, and the General Public

1.6 This report identifies the progress that has been made against the objectives of the St.Helens Armed Forces Community Covenant for the period June 2018 to May 2019.

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2. Progress against promoting equality of access to public services

2.1 This section sets out an update of the issues raised by the Armed Forces Community linked to the public service areas of (i) Housing, (ii) Education / Skills, (iii) Employment, (iv) Health and Wellbeing.

2.2 Torus Housing run “Under One Roof”, the St.Helens choice based social housing letting scheme, which governs the allocation of Registered Social Housing in the Borough. Under the scheme, social housing applicants bid on available property. Where there is more than one applicant the bidders are prioritised in ‘bands’ dependant on their housing needs; with ‘Band’ A being the highest priority, and ‘Band’ D being the lowest. Homeless people, including homeless Armed Forces Veterans, receive the highest priority under the Choice Based Letting Scheme = ‘Band A’, which is defined as Urgent Housing Need. The table below shows the Armed Forces enhancements within the ‘Under One Roof’ choice based letting scheme.

Armed Forces With Significant Housing Need Without Significant Housing Category Need Regular Forces and Band B (with a 12 month Usual banding according to Wounded enhancement on the waiting list) need Former Regular Band B (with a 12 month Usual banding according to Forces (Veteran) enhancement on the waiting list) need Regular Forces Band B (with a 12 month Usual banding according to Widow(er) in Forces enhancement on the waiting list) need Accommodation Regular Forces Band B (may apply 6 months Usual banding according to being discharged or before discharge / redundancy) need made redundant Reservist and Band B (with a 12 month Usual banding according to Wounded enhancement on the waiting list) need

In order to be eligible to apply for social housing people who live outside of the Borough must have a local connection to St.Helens; e.g. family members living in the borough. However, Armed Forces applicants who live outside of St.Helens (including Armed Forces Personnel returning from postings abroad) are given a special status; they do not need to have a local connection in order to apply for social housing in St.Helens.

2.3 Armed Forces Families receive a specific dispensation under St.Helens Council’s School Admissions Code which reflects the unique circumstances faced by Armed Forces Families when being posted to different locations. Unlike civilian applicants, the School Admissions Team will consider applications for school placement from re-locating Armed Forces Families before they physically move to the area. Approval of such a request is conditional on the application being accompanied by an official letter from the appropriate Armed Forces Officer, declaring the relocation date and postal address to which the family is moving.

2.4 In relation to employment the main partner is St.Helens Job Centre Plus. Job Centre Plus works closely with the Career Transition Partnership and Army HQ North West to ensure that Regional Service Leaver have appropriate information about employment and self- employment opportunities in St.Helens. This includes making use of the “St.Helens Armed Forces Information Leaflet” developed by the Council, and including information that people moving or returning to the borough would need to know.

2.5 The Armed Forces Community has a priority focus within St.Helens key health assessment tool The Joint Strategic Needs Assessment (JSNA) and this is reflected within the St.Helens Health and Wellbeing Strategy. The key issue for Armed Forces Community Health Commissioning have been identified as Addiction, Mental Health, Homelessness, and Social Care. Specialist mental health and addiction support is available, this includes Bridgewater

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HNS Trust’s Live Life Well Ex Armed Forces Service provided by, and ‘Change, Grow, Live’ the free and confidential drug and alcohol service, and the specialist psychological therapy service ‘Veterans in Mind’.

2.6 St.Helens Council’s People’s Services commission the ‘Veterans in Mind’ service from Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust. Veterans in Mind provide specialist high quality mental health care, with a focus on improving psychological wellbeing, increasing social networks, and long- term recovery. The service works in partnership with Combat Stress to deliver clinical treatment and welfare support to veterans who suffer from ongoing psychological issues resulting from their time as a serving Armed Forces member.

2.7 ‘Veterans of the Foundation’ is the St.Helens Rugby League Football Club’s Community Foundation’s Armed Forces Hub. This is the key partner providing services and support to the Armed Forces Community in St.Helens. The Veterans of the Foundation Armed Forces Breakfast Club is held every Thursday at 9am and operates from the Red V Café at the Totally Wicked Stadium, McManus Drive, St.Helens, WA9 3AL. The Breakfast Club is regularly attended by Veterans and Serving Members of the Armed Forces and provides people with an opportunity to socialise and address any issues people may be experiencing.

2.8 Veterans of the Foundation Volunteers and Staff are trained to signpost and refer to specialist armed forces health organisations, including Veterans in Mind (NHS Funded Mental Health Specialist), and Shelter’s Merseyside Aged Veterans Partnership. Covenant Partners such as The Royal British Legion, Jobcentre Plus, NHS Bridgewater Trust, and St.Helens Council’s services - such as Public Health, Housing and Homelessness Advice, Leisure, and the Health Living Team - regularly attend the Armed Forces Breakfast Club to promote awareness of Public Services, and to advance equality of opportunity in the Armed Forces Community’s access to Public Services.

2.9 The Royal British Legion’s (TRBL) Case Officer for Cheshire and Merseyside continues to work extremely closely with Veterans of the Foundation Armed Forces Hub, providing regular outreach sessions at the Breakfast Club and doing joint visits. The Legion’s Information and Advice Worker makes use of the Veterans of the Foundation Armed Forces Breakfast Club to meet clients and introduce Veterans to the benefits available through the Legion.

The Mayor of St Helens Councillor Pat Ireland, The Mayoress Mrs Lynn Glover, and Armed Forces Champion Councillor Lynn Clarke, join Captain Harry Smedley at the Armed Forces Healthy Living Fair for Armed Forces Personnel, Veterans and Cadets on the 21st March 2019

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2.10 On the 21st March 2019, St.Helens Council Public Health Team partnered up with the 103 Regiment, Royal Artillery Reserves to hold a Healthy Living Fair for Armed Forces personnel. The Healthy Living Fair was arranged to encourage soldiers and their families to stay well both physically and mentally. The Healthy Living Fair was attended by Veterans, Cadets and Reservists and covered areas such as healthy diet, the benefits of exercise, smoking cessation, sexual health, and positive mental wellbeing. The fair was also an opportunity to provide health checks to identify health risks and improve collaboration between the Armed Forces and local health organisations.

Armed Forces Champion Councillor Lynn Clarke, the Mayoress Mrs Lynn Glover, and The Mayor of St Helens Councillor Pat Ireland with Armed Cadets at the Armed Forces Healthy Living Fair

2.11 St.Helens Council continue to offer access to all Council Leisure services for Armed Forces Personnel and former Members of the Armed Forces. The memberships are all inclusive, which enable members to access Council run Gyms, pools, Sauna, Steam Room and Classes. The full entitlements are outlined in the table below:

Category Benefit

All serving Armed Forces personnel on FREE access to all Council leisure centre; leave fitness suites and swimming pools

All serving Personnel and Veterans for 7 FREE access to all Council leisure centre; days starting on National Armed Forces fitness suites and swimming pools Day each year

Recipients of an Armed Forces Pension FREE Go Active Membership (Daytime and Compensation (MOD) including weekends)

Armed Forces Regular, Reserves and Discounted Go Active Bronze Membership Veterans (Anytime including weekends)

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3 Effectively signposting the Armed Forces Community to key Public and Voluntary and Community services

3.1 St.Helens Council Armed Forces Covenant Webpage include useful information for the Armed Forces Community. • Access to public services Health, Housing, Employment and Education • Access to local Armed Forces Charities, Associations and Groups

The What is St Helens Armed Forces Covenant? webpage explains the how, why, when and what of the Covenant

The St Helens Covenant Fund webpage includes links to the Covenant Fund Application Forms and Guidance on how to apply.

The St Helens Armed Forces Community News webpage includes Local Press articles News from St.Helens Armed Forces Associations and Charities Information on how the local community have honoured the Armed Forces Links to local Armed Forces Associations and Charities websites The St Helens WWI Commemoration Events - Funding and Planning webpage has information about the WWI Commemoration events and exhibitions going on in St.Helens, and guidance and advice on planning and promoting a First World War Commemoration event.

3.2 The St.Helens Armed Forces Information Leaflet is available to armed forces service leavers and other members of the Armed forces community. It summarises local service information, useful websites and phone numbers and covers things like • How to register for social housing, doctor, dentist, schools etc. • Emergency services (including gas, water, and electricity) • Armed Forces Support Services such as Veterans Of The Foundation, The Royal British Legion and SSAFA Forces Help.

3.3 The Armed Forces Email Network is maintained by the Council’s Armed Forces Support Officer. This distributes information about all Armed Forces related activity, programmes and projects that happen in the borough, and surrounding areas. Representation on the network includes the local Reserve Forces (103 Regiment Royal Artillery and 156 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps), local Cadet Forces, local Armed Forces Regimental Associations, local Armed Forces Veterans, Armed Forces Charities, CICs, Voluntary and Community Groups; the local MPs and the Armed Forces Champion.

3.4 St.Helens Public Health Services produces a Directory of Health Support Services which is shared with all local Armed Forces Regimental Associations. This is further supported through the Council’s Armed Forces Support Officer visiting Regimental Association meetings and taking information about Health and Housing Support Services to veteran groups.

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4 Identify opportunities to recognise and honour the Armed Forces Community

4.1 On Saturday 25th June 2018 St.Helens Armed Forces Day took place in Victoria Park. The event began at 11 a.m. when Regimental Sergeant Major Fetigan of 103 Regiment Royal Artillery Reserve led the Parade Armed Forces Parade of local Reservists, Veterans, Sea, Royal Marine, Army, and Air Training Cadets. The parade was accompanied by the Combined Military Bands of the Lancashire Artillery Pipe and Drum, The King Division Band, and The Lancashire Artillery Volunteers Band conducted by Band Master Matthew Speight and Guy Booth. The event was designed to demonstrate the professionalism and diversity of the Armed Forces and included displays from the Royal Navy, The Rifles, Military Intelligence, The Royal Signals Corps, and the Royal Artillery.

St.Helens Armed Forces Day 2019, Victoria Park

The event included a full schedule of live music from the Military Bands, Vintage Entertainers, and local school choirs at the Victoria Park Bandstand. Artillery Field Guns, Army Vehicles, and climbing wall were augmented by Vintage Military vehicles and displays, a funfair, climbing walls, and an inflatable assault course. Friends of Victoria Park hosted a ‘Great Get Together’ event with flower arranging and an old fashioned a Victoria Sponge Cake competition, which contributed to the English Village Fete atmosphere. At 4 p.m. when the Combined Military Bands performed Beating Retreat to signal the end of the day.

Conor McGinn MP, Peter Wood High Sheriff of Merseyside, The Mayoress Mrs Lynn Glover, Major Roger Walters, The Mayor of St Helens Councillor Pat Ireland, Captain Harry Smedley, Mr Francis Ryan, and Council Leader Councillor Derek Long at St Helens Armed Forces Day 23rd June 2018

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4.2 On the 29th June 2018, St.Helens Rugby League Football Club gave Veterans, Cadets and Reservists free tickets to attend their Armed Forces Day Match at the Totally Wicked Stadium against Wakefield Trinity Wildcats. Cadets, serving personnel and veterans formed a Guard of Honour as Normandy Veteran Raymond Rush walked out to a standing ovation and presented the match ball ahead of the game.

Saints and Trinity walk on to the pitch at the Armed Forces Day Match at the Totally Wicked Stadium as Standard Bearers and Veterans form a Guard of Honour

There was a special presentation at half time when Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus presented Raymond Rush with the French Nation’s Chevalier on the Ordre National de le Legion d'Honneur Medal; an honour bestowed on surviving World War II Normandy Veterans.

Mr Rush, who was born in Prescot in 1923, joined the 1st Battalion of the South Lancashire regiment in September 1942. He was part of the first wave landing on Sword Beach, Normandy on 6 June, 1944 and saw action in France, Holland and Belgium and finished up in Croatia. He was demobbed in 1948 and returned to St.Helens, where he set up as a pig farmer before going on to work at Greenalls brewery.

Raymond Rush after presenting the match ball ahead of Saints vs Wakefield at Totally Wicked Stadium St.Helens

At half time Steve Leonard Director of Saints Community Foundation signed the Armed Forces Covenant and Saints Chairman Eamonn McManus renewed the Club’s Covenant commitment.

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4.3 The warm-up t-shirts Saints players wore before the Armed Forces Day game versus Wakefield were auctioned on the 9th July 2018. A total of £1,575 was raised for Veterans of the Foundation. The money was used to help the Veterans of the Foundations Armed Forces Hub to continue their work in the community.

4.4 On the 11th July St.Helens Council announced that it would mark the centenary year of the Great War Armistice, by installing 24 of the Royal British Legion’s ‘Silent Tommy Soldiers’ Silhouettes in various locations across the borough. Many of the silhouette figures were placed near to train stations to highlight the fact that many soldiers were given a train ticket to return home after the war – while others were placed in parks and along the side of roads as a fitting reminder that soldiers could often be seen walking across fields and along roads when returning home to their families. St.Helens Council also displayed a perspex ‘There But Not There’ silhouette at every Full Council meeting up to January 2019 to symbolise the servicemen and women of the borough that never returned from the First World War.

‘Silent Tommy Soldier’ to the left, and Council Leader Councillor Derek Long, Armed Forces Champion Councillor Lynn Clarke, The Mayor of St Helens Councillor Pat Ireland and the Mayoress Mrs Lynn Glover with the There But Not There Silhouette to the right

4.5 On the 22nd July 2018 a booklet titled A Soldier and Doctor: Memories of the First World War was published about Captain Archibald McLaren Ferrie M.B, R.A.M.C., Spec. Res. Captain Ferrie was awarded the Military Cross for “conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty” on February 18, 1918, at the age of 25.

300 copies of the booklet have been published and it includes his memories of being on the front line, documents relating to his military achievements, education, medical career and family tree. After the First World War, Captain Ferrie settled in St.Helens and joined the practice of Dr Reid. He became a well-known GP before going on to become an influential

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figure in the town as a police surgeon for 30 years, which involved investigating serious crimes. Dr Ferrie died on 2 January 1992 at Fairfield Independent Hospital in Crank at the age of 99.

4.6 On the 22nd August 2018 D-Day hero Harry Howard was presented with Legion d’Honneur Medal. Mr Howard who lives in Haydock, St.Helens was officially presented with his award by Mayor of St.Helens, Cllr Pat Ireland. In July 2018 he was given the title of Chevalier (Knight) of the Legion D’Honneur by French Ambassador Jean-Pierre Jouyet.

The Mayor of St.Helens Councillor Pat Ireland presenting Harry Howard with his Legion d’Honneur Medal

Harry, a navy telegraphist, was 21 when he became part of No. 6 Commando landing on Sword Beach and being part of forward observations, liaising with ships and guiding them to direct their gunfire onto inland enemy targets.

He then made his way with No 6 Commando to Pegasus Bridge, to relieve the airborne glider troops, who had captured the bridge in the early hours of D-Day. This began the liberation of German-occupied North Western Europe and laid the foundations of the allied victory on the Western Front.

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Up on receiving his award Mr Howard said “My job in World War Two was to direct the navy’s gunfire on enemy targets. I, like many veterans, did what we had to do to protect Britain. I am so proud to receive this honour from the French Military; it’s wonderful that all our hard- fought work was appreciated.”

Jean-Pierre Jouyet, Ambassador of France to the UK, said: “As we contemplate peace in Europe we must never forget heroes like Harry, who began the liberation of Europe, by helping to save France. We owe our freedom and security to his humbling dedication, selflessness, and bravery.”

4.7 On the 1st September 2018 a Samantha Thompson and the Veterans of the Foundation Armed Forces Hub held a charity night at St.Helens RLFC Totally Wicked Stadium. The event included food, entertainment and a raffle and highlighted the issues and help available for armed forces personnel. Funds helped to provide essential services and support to the Armed Forces community, including dependents in St.Helens and its surrounding areas, along with all serving personnel, reservists, early service leavers, veterans, and their families.

4.8 On Saturday 8th September 2018 Veterans, serving personnel and military family members climbed Ben Nevis in Scotland to raise money for Veterans of the Foundation’s Armed Forces Hub. More than 14 military veterans, carrying 100lb and a life size dummy on a World War One stretcher, completed the 2,300ft climb to highlight the struggle of life in the military and the support available in the community. A total of £4,635 was raised.

4.9 On Saturday 27th October 2018 commemorations honouring Newton-le-Willows’ Victoria Cross winner Norman Harvey took place with the unveiling of Private Harvey’s WWI VC Commemorative Paving Stone at Earlestown War Memorial and culminated with the unveiling of a new statue of Private Harvey VC.

Norman Harvey VC’s WWI Commemorative Paving Stone

The two-metre high statue of Norman Harvey VC created by the renowned sculptor and steel fabricator Ray Lonsdale was commissioned by Newton and Earlestown Community Group following £100,000 fundraising campaign. The statue captures the moment just after the action that won him the honour. The statue was unveiled after a special memorial service at St Peter's Church. Guests included Mr. Mark Blundell Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mr. Peter Wood DL, High Sheriff of Merseyside, Colonel Chris Owen, Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Regimental Secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Walkley Commanding Officer of the Royal Irish Regiment, St.Helens North MP Conor McGinn and around 80 members of Norman Harvey VC’s family - including his surviving daughter Geraldine Clarke who stated: "I feel very proud of him today. It means a lot and I am a bit overwhelmed. I'm amazed by how many people have turned up."

Born in Newton-le-Willows on April 6, 1899, Norman Harvey VC enlisted in the 4th Battalion South Lancashire Regiment in November 1914, when he was only 15. He was transferred to

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the 1st Battalion, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers in April 1918. He was 19 when he won his VC medal on October 25, 1918. Norman Harvey VC’s award recognised his actions in Ingoyhem, Belgium. When his battalion was held up and suffering severe casualties from machine-gun fire, he ran forward and engaged the enemy single-handed, killing two, wounding one and capturing 12 men and two guns. He later used a hidden machine-gun to put the enemy to flight. When night fell, he went out alone and gathered important information. Throughout these actions, Norman was limping as he had a sprained ankle. He re-enlisted for World War Two and was killed in action in 1942. He is buried in Haifa, .

The unveiling of Norman Harvey VC’s Statue in the Remembrance Meadow, Mesnes Park, Newton le Willows

4.10 On Remembrance Sunday 11th November 2018, the Borough of St.Helens commemorated 100th anniversary of the Armistice of the First World War. Formal Remembrance Services were held in Newton–le-Willows, Haydock, Rainford, Rainhill, and St.Helens Town, where more than 2,000 people; veterans, servicemen and women, dignitaries and families gathered together beside the Cenotaph in Victoria Square for the Memorial Ceremony.

Some of the many Veterans at the St.Helens Service of Remembrance, Armistice Centenary 2018

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4.11 On 17th December, the Pink Pearl Indian Restaurant in Newton le-Willows gave a free dinner to more than 50 Armed Forces Veterans. Pink Pearl owner Mr. Imran Choudhury contacted Samantha Thompson and Steve Leonard of Veterans of the Foundation to help arrange the festive event. Veterans shared their stories of their time serving in the Armed Forces while eating together at the Pink Pearl in Newton le-Willows. Mr. Choudhury said “it was amazing to have the servicemen here as they were all talking about their stories of war and serving this country. No one in my family has ever served in a war so it was extra special to me to hear these heroes share their stories with me and listen to what they have overcome. This was a deserved treat for the people who help us and have done so much and experienced so much to do that”

Left: Samantha Thompson and Steve Leonard of Veterans of the Foundation with Mr. Imran Choudhury. Right: Veterans and their families at the Pink Pearl festive Veterans Dinner.

4.12 On the18th January 2019 Dave Greenall from Moss Bank, St.Helens was awarded the Legion d’Honneur. Mr Greenall was recognised for his role in the D-Day landings after being officially presented with the award by St.Helens North MP Conor McGinn, supported by Councillor Lynn Clarke the Armed Forces Champion.

Dave Greenall, a former school teacher at Merton Bank Primary School, said “I am very happy to receive this award. I feel very proud. I’m very pleased to accept it and to see all the people here to see me accept it, thank you very much.”

Dave Greenall displaying his Legion d’Honneur Medal with St.Helens North MP Conor McGinn and Councillor Lynn Clarke the Armed Forces Champion

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4.13 On the 7th February 2019 Andy Reid was named as the new Honorary Colonel for the Merseyside Army Cadet Force. Colonel Reid said: “Having started my military career in the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, it means a lot to me to be able to return to my native County. I look forward to working alongside the officers and cadet force adult volunteers in helping inspire the cadets to achieve more and be the very best they can. I can’t wait to get started.”

Commandant of Merseyside ACF, Colonel Stephen Boardman MBE DL, who is also from St.Helens, added: “It gives me enormous pleasure to introduce Merseyside Army Cadet Force’s new Honorary Colonel Andy Reid, a truly inspirational role model, who I know will add tremendous value to our County, adult instructors and cadets. “I am sure that everyone in MACF will join me in making Colonel Andy extremely welcome and we look forward to hearing much more about his remarkable experience and working with him very closely in the coming years.”

Colonel Andy Reid with Merseyside Army Cadet Force Commandant Colonel Stephen Boardman

4.14 On 20th March 2019, St Helens Council published its new Armed Forces and Reservist Employment Policy. The policy includes a guaranteed interview scheme; offer Reservist employees and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers an additional 10 days paid leave per annum and unlimited unpaid leave for any period of mobilisation. The policy supports St.Helens Council’s commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity in employment for armed forces service leavers, reservists, veterans, their spouses or widow(er)s, and spouses of serving personnel.

Employee Testimony - 103 Regiment Royal Artillery Reserve Veteran Neil Groves, Senior Supervisor Recycle & Waste Services, St.Helens Council

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When I had my first interview with St Helens Council I made a point of informing the panel I was involved with the Territorial Army, and from there on they were very supportive. I was given 10 Days Annual Leave each year to complete my training requirements and this was on full pay and did not affect my Holiday entitlement. I was also given up to 15 days on some occasions where I did a special courses camp instead of the standard 10 days which would better my career with the Territorial Army and again they were very supportive with this. I did 16 years with the Regiment and St Helens Council were very flexible with this, also giving me time off on certain weekends where I was expected to work after Bank Holidays due to my role on a Bin crew as a Driver. Since my retirement with the Regiment I hold the role of Standard Bearer and I am given time off to attend Funerals where families request this.

Human Resources Manager Ste Rigby, Armed Forces Support Officer Simon Cousins, Captain Harry Smedley, 103 Regiment Royal Artillery Reserve, and Councillor Lynn Clarke St Helens Armed Forces Champion launch St.Helens Council’s Armed Forces and Reservist Employment Policy

4.15 On the 13th May 2019 Colonel Andy Reid embarked on his first Ambassador Challenge. Colonel Reid, who lost three limbs whilst serving in Afghanistan, set himself the task of cycling over 90 miles around the North West of to raise funds for ABF The Soldier’s Charity. He visited each of the organisations for whom he is an ambassador, to raise funds for ABF The Soldier’s Charity. This included ABF Soldiers Charity in Preston Totally Wicked HQ in Blackburn, Step Forward Homes in Knutsford, JMW Solicitors in Manchester, Morson International in Salford and the Totally Wicked Stadium in St Helens, where he is an ambassador for the Saints Community Development Foundation.

Colonel Reid stated: “it’s been 10 years since I was injured so to celebrate this I want to do a challenge or event every month till October 13th, the day I was injured. The Soldiers Charity have given myself and my family ongoing support over the 10 years so I want to raise £10,000 to say thank you and give something back to them.”

Colonel Andy Reid on his 90 mile Ambassador Cycle Challenge

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