MOD Armed Forces Badges Presented to Kirklees Care Home’s Veterans
A SPECIAL presentation took place at a Kirklees care home event to honour residents who served in the armed forces.
Ministry of Defence issued badges and certificates were presented to veterans living at Longroyds and Pilling House Care Home, in Skelmanthorpe, at their inaugural veterans’ coffee morning.
Veterans from the care home were joined by Rural Veterans Hubs Kirklees, a veteran led community initiative, and Kirklees Council Cllr Tim Bamford, as well as friends and family for the presentation.
The “HM Armed Forces – Veteran” lapel badges are issued to eligible veterans who have served in the armed forces, as well as war widows and widowers.
Among them was Neil Sykes, 90, who served at RAF Kirkham for two years, where he played cornet in the military band. The highlight of his service was playing the national anthem for Queen Elizabeth II at the inauguration of Scammonden Dam in October 1971.
Fellow resident Elizabeth Martin, 88, also received a veteran badge, as the spouse of Seargent Major Tommy Martin, who served in The Duke of Wellington’s Regiment of the British Army for many years.
Elizabeth said: “We met at a dance when Tommy was stationed in Northern Ireland, near to where I lived. After we got married, we spent many years travelling the country while he served, living in the married quarters.”
Robert Guyan, 84, received a veterans badge for his service in the RAF as a senior aircraftsman for nine years.
He said: “A lot of things happened in the forces that were classified and we aren’t allowed to talk about them, but I am very proud of my service and thankful for all the places I travelled to and have seen around the world.
“Receiving the veterans pin and certificate means a lot. I know my wife, who has passed away, would be very proud.”
The inaugural veterans coffee morning at Longroyds and Pilling House Care Home is the first of many regular events, where veterans can meet and share stories, memories, and chat over coffee, tea and cakes.
It is one of several initiatives that have helped the care home achieve Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status – a scheme from Armed Forces charities Royal Star & Garter and Royal British Legion, alongside NHS Veterans’ Covenant Healthcare Alliance (VCHA), and with funding support from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust.
Tracey Keenan, home manager at Longroyds and Pilling House Care Home, said: “We’re all very proud to receive Veteran Friendly Framework status, as it’s an honour to care for those who have served and sacrificed for their country.
“The team has undertaken specialist training to enhance their awareness of the challenges faced by veterans, ensuring their experiences are recognised and honoured.
“We also held our first veterans coffee morning, when we were able to present our veterans with their HM Armed Forces Veteran pin and certificate, which was a really special occasion.
“The aim of the coffee morning events is to create a safe space where our veterans, friends and family can come together, share memories, chat together and feel part of a strong community.
“The event is open to any members of our veteran community and we hope to see as many as possible next time.”
