Our commitment to the Armed Forces Community
On 4 May 2023, Bude-Stratton Town Council formally signed the Armed Forces Covenant, committing to providing more visible and ongoing support for our Armed Forces Community. This will include, but not be limited to:
- the establishment of a Lead Cllr for the Armed Forces in the Bude-Stratton community
- developing a section on the BSTC website to provide news and information to further the understanding of the contribution the Armed Forces community has made
- promoting organisations supporting the AF Community through sharing and linking to social media
- encouraging the inclusion of AF Community at Town Council events
- and assisting where possible with the observance of Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Dates for Your Diary
Meetings are held monthly for the Royal Naval Association and Royal Marines Association Bude branches:
- RNA – First Thursday of the month
- RMA – Last Thursday of the month
Both take place at the Falcon Hotel:
Falcon Hotel
Bude
EX23 8SD
Tel: 01288 352005
News
ARMED FORCES COMMUNITY NEXT STEPS CAREER FAIR
Are you a service leaver or a family member of someone currently serving in the Armed Forces?
Cornwall Council are holding a Armed Forces Community Next Steps Careers Fair at Heartlands in Pool, near Redruth, on Wednesday, September 27, from 10am to 4pm.
This FREE event connects individuals and businesses, providing opportunities for service leavers and their families to meet with recruiting employers.
Don’t miss out on the chance to discover exciting career prospects and access support. Book via Eventbrite today https://orlo.uk/64vNz
RNA AND RMA DONATE £200 TO SUPPORT BUDE AT WAR EVENT
The Royal Naval Association (RNA) and the Royal Marines Association (RMA) have made a sizable contribution of £200 to support the upcoming Bude at War event, scheduled from Friday 15th September to Sunday 17th September.
This generous sum was raised through a recent raffle and charity auction. The RNA and RMA committed to bolstering this local community event and their combined efforts resulted in the collection of £150. Adding to this, the RMA generously chipped in an additional £50, bringing the total amount raised to £200.
It is hoped the funds raised will help to further enhance the Bude at War event. The RNA and RMA will be actively participating at the event and they welcome anyone that wants to come along to show their support.
For more information about the Bude at War event click here.
COMMEMORATING THE 79th ANNIVERSARY OF D-DAY
Dave Worth, Chairman of Bude & Stratton Royal British Legion, paid tribute to the fallen heroes of D-Day by laying a wreath at the Shalder Hill Memorial. Representing the Bude branches of the Royal British Legion, Royal Naval Association, and Royal Marines Association.
This year, the commemoration held even greater significance as it paid tribute to a local hero, Alan Litchfield, a D-Day veteran from Bude who sadly passed away in April.
As we remember D-Day and its enduring legacy, let us take a moment to reflect on the bravery and selflessness of those who fought for our freedom. Their sacrifices shall never be forgotten, and their stories will continue to inspire future generations.
ARMED FORCES WEEKEND – 23-25 June, 2023
Mark your calendars for the highly anticipated Armed Forces Weekend from the 23rd to the 25th of June! We’re thrilled to share that Cornwall Council will be hosting this extraordinary national event in Falmouth. Prepare for an unforgettable experience as Falmouth becomes the vibrant backdrop for the largest military pageant ever held in Cornwall!
You won’t want to miss out on the excitement as there is an impressive line-up of 30 separate events and captivating displays throughout the weekend. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an aviation fanatic, or simply looking for a fantastic day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
To help you plan your weekend adventure and ensure you don’t miss any of the highlights, we encourage you to check out the official guide. It provides a detailed list of all the thrilling activities awaiting you during this incredible celebration of our armed forces. Simply visit the following link:
MARKING 80 YEARS OF THE TURNING POINT IN THE BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC – MAY, 2023
To mark the 80th anniverary of the Battle of the Atlantic, you will notice the Union Flag flying on Shalder Hill and the White Ensign on the Elizabeth Mast on Shalder Hill.
The Battle of the Atlantic has been called the “longest, largest, and most complex” naval battle in history. It took place during World War II, between the Western Allies and the Axis powers, particularly Germany.
The Battle of the Atlantic started almost immediately after the Second World War began, and involved thousands of ships covering millions of square miles of ocean with the advantage regularly shifting from side to side. The Allies gradually overcame German surface-raiders by the end of 1942 and the major threat of U-boats by May 1943, although losses due to U-boats continued until the end of the war in 1945.
Supporting organisations
Combat Stress
For over a century, Combat Stress has been helping former servicemen and women deal with issues such as PTSD, anxiety and depression. It provides specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict.
Tel: 0800 138 1619 (24/7)
Veterans Welfare Service
The Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) provides professional help and advice to veterans, anyone supporting a veteran, their families and dependants. Types of help include transition from service to civilian life, bereaved families and changes in disablement.
Centurion Tel: 02392 702232
Email: Veterans-UK-VWS-South@mod.gov.uk
Royal British Legion
The Royal British Legion helps members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families, supporting serving and ex-serving personnel all year round, every day of the week.
Tel: 0808 802 8080
Bude-Stratton Branch – 5 Burn View, Bude
Email: Sarah.mallard@hotmail.co.uk
Royal Naval Association
With more than 250 branches in the UK and overseas, RNA is a family of current and former Naval Service personnel, relatives and supporters of the country’s Royal Navy.
Get in touch with the Hon Secretary, Bob Gelder, Bude Branch at: bobgelder1@gmail.com
Bude Surf Vets Cornwall
BSV gives Military Veterans, Blue Lights Services and their families an opportunity to socialise, surf and support one another in an informal and friendly setting, without judgement or questioning.