Support Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June 2019

Shropshire Council is inviting businesses in Shrewsbury to take part in a military themed window display competition to mark this year’s Armed Forces Day on Saturday 29 June 2019.

The day, which is normally celebrated over a two-week period from 24 June until 7 July, is a fantastic opportunity for communities to come together and thank our forces personnel for the jobs they undertake on behalf of the country and in defence of the realm.

Councillor Lezley Picton, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and leisure, said:

“We’re encouraging as many businesses as possible to get involved and dress their window as part of the celebrations from 24 June until 7 July.

“Businesses can also show their support to military personnel, veterans and their families by holding events such as bake sales or coffee mornings.”

The prize for the winning window display will be a tour of RAF Shawbury for up to 12 employees. It will include a tour of the facilities, static helicopter, static aircraft including a Red Arrow Hawk and the chance to fire either a rifle or pistol on one of their ranges.

To kick-start the celebrations, the council will be raising the Armed Forces Day flag at Shirehall in Shrewsbury on Monday 24 June 2019 at 9.30am, and afterwards a few local organisations will sign the Armed Forces Covenant.

Shropshire Council was awarded an Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award in 2017.

During the two weeks, the council will also be offering free access to serving personnel and their immediate family members at Shrewsbury Sports Village, The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre, Whitchurch Swimming Centre, Market Drayton Swimming and Fitness Centre, Oswestry Leisure Centre, Ludlow Leisure Centre, Church Stretton Sport Centre, Cleobury Mortimer Sports and Fitness Centre, SpArC Bishops Castle, Meole Brace Golf Course, Roman Road Sports Centre, Idsall Sports Centre and Much Wenlock Leisure Centre.

Lezley added:

“Both regular and reservists members of the Armed Forces along with veterans and military families all perform vital roles in their local communities and in defence of the country and we are committed to recognising, valuing and supporting their contribution.

“It’s great to see so many things happening to mark this important day.”

For further information please contact Sean McCarthy or Sarah Kerr by emailing SAFCC@shropshire.gov.uk