Veterans Luncheon on eve of Remembrance weekend.

Pic with Mr Joseph Partington and the Mayor

I today hosted my annual Veterans Luncheon at Leigh Miners Welfare Institute.

Now in its 8th year, over 150 veterans and guests attended the luncheon and tucked into food supplied by Claphams Bakery and Leigh Sainsbury’s.

Joining me was the Mayor and Councillors representing wards in the Leigh area.

Alderman Tom Sherratt acted as MC for the day and attendees enjoyed a wonderful performance by the Brass Band of Fred Longworth High School.

The luncheon was also the opportunity to reflect on the 60th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in 1953. Over 82,000 British servicemen fought in the War and more than 1,000 died in the conflict held during the Cold War period.

I was also honoured to present a HM Armed Forces Veteran Lapel Badge to Mr Joseph Partington, aged 79 of Rutland Ave, Lowton who served in the Army during the 1950s.

It is always fantastic to see so many of our veteran community all together on the eve of this very special weekend when we remember those who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we all enjoy today.

Veterans continue to play a special role in our community and today is a thank you to them for all that they have done and continue to do in the service of our country.

Veterans Luncheon

Today, I hosted my annual Veterans Luncheon at Leigh Miners Welfare Institute. This event, now in its 7th year was attended by over 130 local veterans and the first citizen of the Borough, the Mayor Cllr Myra Whiteside.

Special thanks to Waterfields Bradshawgate branch, and the Leigh ASDA store for proving the catering and to the staff of Leigh Miners for once again supporting this event.

Pupils from Lowton CoE High School provided musical entertainment and  I was delighted to present a HM Armed Forces Veteran Lapel Badge to Mr Colin Lancaster of Buck Street who served in the Army Pioneer Core between 1960-62.

This weekend I will join with the whole community in commemorating the contribution and sacrifice of our armed forces and especially, those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.