Respect for Veterans

Seldom does a subject hit the raw nerve harder than when others make pretentious claims on behalf of me and my former comrades.

In Blackpool there is a small but completely hidden core of ex soldiers who live in poverty and misery, have mental and health problems and never a single charity goes to their aid. One reason is that until these people ask for help, none is offered. That is ludicrous and should be tattooed across the foreheads of the overpaid heads of Ssafa and the RBL.

And every time the likes of Julian Manure take £200 per week out of charitable contribution, those who work for charity receive that much less to distribute to the needy, NOT THE GREEDY.

As for gaining respect let me remind this crew that respect is earned and those of us who have earned it do not need badges or cards to prove it. I include former miners, those who have worked all their lives only for politicians to openly rob them through inadequate pensions, spinsters and war widows who fetched up children without state handouts.

What, no cards for my mum?

Amplify’d from www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

Money saving card for brave

BLACKPOOL is set to be the first town in the UK to launch a loyalty card for those who serve their country.

The scheme will see serving military personnel and veterans offered discounts on goods and services from participating businesses.

It is hoped it will help consolidate the resort’s reputation as a welcome haven for people who have served in the forces.

The scheme has been set up by Supporting Our Brave, the community interest group based in Bank Hey Street which offers welfare support for former soldiers.

Project manager Julian Mineur said: “It is a well known fact Blackpool hosts more ex-service association reunions than any other place in the UK, as well as hosting the country’s biggest Armed Forces Week celebrations.

“This epitomises the great partnership between the veteran community and Blackpool Council. We estimate that some 40,000 veterans will visit the resort in 2011.

“We see many hundreds of veterans and their partners at our exhibition in Bank Hey Street and they spend thousands of pounds in the town boosting the local economy.

“The loyalty card is Blackpool’s opportunity to say thank you for your service to the crown. This is a totally free project as there is no charge to businesses wishing to offer a concession or discount. We also produce a directory of offers and supply window stickers to participating businesses.”

The loyalty card will be distributed free of charge to serving members of the armed forces and veterans on proof of service.

It entitles the card holder and their families to discounts at shops, pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels but alcohol is not included in the discounts.

“The loyalty card is a wonderful way of ensuring Blackpool leads the nation in honouring HM Armed Forces, past and present.” Read more at www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk

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