Plans for a borough veterans’ council were on the table at events in Leigh and Wigan last month. Forces veterans trooped along to Leigh Miners Welfare Institute and Robin Park Arena to have their say on council proposals for a common voice to deal with their common concerns.
The veterans’ council – the first of its kind in the country – will hold regular gatherings and represent members in their various dealings with the borough’s public service agencies. Councillor Keith Cunliffe, Healthier Communities and Older People’s Champion, explains: “Veterans’ councils are common in the USA, where they give their members a real voice on issues like housing, health and employment. We’d like to see the same thing here.
"But it’s up to veterans themselves to decide what form the council will take and it should be led from the start by the very people who know best what is needed. The veterans’ council would act as a dedicated point of contact at a local level, whilst supporting the hard work and commitment of the various other veterans organisations that exist.”
For more information on the veterans’ council, please contact Philippa Gill on 01942 404501 or Liz Blagburn on 01942 404594. Spring View backs borough heroes
Spring View backs borough's heroes
Friday, 27th June is UK Veterans’ Day – except in Wigan!
If you have served in the armed forces (plus the merchant navy and fishing fleets who have supported operations) – or you want to cheer on those who have – it’s the following day that promises to be one of the most important dates in this year’s calendar.
On Saturday 28th June, Spring View Sports Association is celebrating the contribution made by the forces over many years – and they are inviting the whole borough to join in. Among the many highlights in and around (and over!) the association’s Marlborough Avenue HQ will be a military band march, special presentations to veterans by the borough’s three MPs and, organisers hope, a midday aerobatics fly-over.
A battle re-enactment and lots of other military paraphernalia will also feature. There’ll be fun and games for all the family, with rugby and football competitions, climbing wall, assault course and paint ball, and bouncy castles. While there will be no on-site parking, park and ride schemes will operate from Platt Bridge Clinic in Liverpool Road and Wigan’s Darlington Street car park.
Anybody wanting more information about the event should email springviewclub@hotmail.co.uk or telephone John Bowden on 07921 032163. Local schools are especially urged to get involved.
