Spenborough's recognition of the high regard we hold for our Armed Forces, was illustrated again at the flag raising ceremony for the start of Armed Forces Week on 24 June 2013 at the War Memorial in Cleckheaton.

The Principal Guest, representing Her Majesty The Queen, was the Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Gordon Tollefson CStJ, JP, DL, FRSPH, ACH.

Prayers were led by the Branch Chaplain Reverend Brunel James, following which, the Armed Forces Day Flag was raised by the Branch Chairman Mr Eddie Morton and saluted by the Deputy Lieutenant.

A wreath was laid by senior Branch Member Mr Barry Scott (Royal Engineers) who preformed the duty on behalf of the Branch President Mr Eric Martin.

The Branch Chairman delivered the Exhortation and Kohima Ephitat and the assembled crowd stood in two minutes silence.

The number attending seemed a little smaller than last year and perhaps the extensive roadworks for gas repairs in Cleckheaton have had a bearing on it? We shall see next year.

Light refreshments were once again provided by the Women's Section in St Paul's Church Hall and we are grateful to Father Peter Smith and the Church for making their facility available.

Finally, the Branch Chairman Mr Eddie Morton, expressed the Branch's grateful thanks as ever to The Spenborough Branch Women's Section for provision of the drinks and the now famous scones!

On behalf of the Women's Section, Mrs Wendy Walker thanked Mr Morton and surprised him by presenting him with a Cetificate, which duly enrolled him as an Honorary Member of the "Ladies Washing Up Team". A starter kit of regalia was provided, including, apron, rubber gloves and a mop. Never let it be said that the Spenborough Branch does not embrace equal opportunities.

Some photographs of the day are shown below.

The Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire being escorted to the Memorial.

The Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Mr Gordon Tollefson. To his left, Branch Chaplain Rev Brunel James and the Branch Chairman Mr Eddie Morton. To his right, Branch Standard Bearer Mr David Lamb escorted by Branch Members Alan Serjeant and Jim Hodgson.

Branch Member Mr Barry Scott (Royal Engineers) who laid the wreath.

The Deputy Lieutenant talking to Lord Shaw of Northstead DL, JP and Lady Shaw.

Branch Chairman Mr Eddie Morton - now an Honorary Member of "The Ladies Washing-Up Team".

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