Torridge raises the flag for Armed Forces Week

Veterans joined staff and councillors today (Monday, June 23) to mark the start of Armed Forces Week by raising a flag outside Riverbank House in Bideford.

Armed Forces Day itself is on Saturday (June 28) and offers an opportunity to demonstrate support for the members of the Armed Forces community, including currently serving personnel, service families, veterans and cadets.

At Monday’s ceremony in Bideford were guests of honour John Peel, Mark Allen, Bob Ferguson and Paul Fast, Royal Marines veterans from the Royal Marines Association North Devon, alongside Brian Mulholland (RAF veteran), Larraine Cox (Navy Wren veteran), Pat Ferguson and Jon Cox, civilian members of the Royal Marines Association.

The event was presided over by the Reverend Alan Glover, with piper Mike Harper from Bideford Youth Band lending a tune.

Councillor Doug Bushby, chair of Torridge District Council, said: “Events like this provide us with a great opportunity to come together and remember the sacrifices made by armed forces personnel and veterans, who work tirelessly to keep us safe and secure.

“We take pride in raising the Armed Forces Flag at Torridge as a symbol of our support and gratitude to the men and women who serve in the Armed Forces and the families that stand by them.”