Appeal to community to join forces for servicemen (From Northwich Guardian)

Appeal to community to join forces for servicemen

2:20pm Thursday 21st June 2012 in News By Gina Bebbington

AN ARMY veteran is organising an event to bring the Northwich community together and say thank you to the Armed Forces.

Cheryl Shepherd, 43, is holding an Armed Forces Day at the Kingfisher pub on Saturday, June 30.

The Kingsmead woman said: “I’m so excited about organising the event because it’s something I’m so passionate about.

“I’m a veteran myself, I was in the Army for six years about 20 years ago, which is why I’m really passionate about it.”

The day will be opened by town mayor Clr George Mainwaring and will include a display of military vehicles as well as activities like face painting, hair braiding and nail art.

Northwich cadets will also be on hand to chat to visitors.

Cheryl, now a probation officer, said: “Armed Forces Day is about increasing awareness with regard to the contribution that soldiers and previously serving soldiers make to our country.

“The whole day is about saying thank you for them and also their families who have been left behind.

“It’s not about raising money, it’s about us as a community coming along and saying thank you.

“Everyone knows about Remembrance Day but no-one’s really aware of Armed Forces Day, they think it’s a charity but it’s about appreciating the work that’s been done in the past, the work that’s being done now and the young cadets, the army cadets, air cadets and sea cadets because they could be our future.”

The event will take place at the Kingfisher, in Kingsmead Square, from 11.30am to 2.30pm.

Cheryl is appealing for any donations of raffle prizes for the day. Anyone who can help should ring her on 07896 521173.