Simon Weston OBE flies the flag for Armed Forces Day

Simon Weston OBE at Rochdale Town Hall with (left to right) Mayor of Rochdale Carol Wardle, Acting Chief Executive Linda Fisher and Councillor Alan McCarthy

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imon Weston OBE – the nation’s favourite hero, was the star guest at Rochdale Town Hall this week at ab event attended by over 300 guests comprising veterans, cadets, business and community representatives.

The Falklands veteran talked candidly about his life story – from the devastating injuries he sustained when his ship, Sir Galahad was attacked, to his subsequent life as a public figure and motivational speaker.

The event was held to encourage businesses in the borough to sign up to the Corporate Covenant - a voluntary pledge from organisations who wish to demonstrate their support for the armed forces community.

Acting Chief Executive Linda Fisher said businesses can help the Armed Forces in lots of ways from providing discounts to supporting reservists: “We really want to encourage local businesses to sign up to the boroughs corporate covenant. It’s important we show businesses what a good opportunity this could be for them. Businesses can offer to pledge as little or as much as they wish, from supporting Armed Forces Day, to providing discounts for our Armed Forces and their families.

"Ex-Armed Forces personnel have transferrable skills and we would like businesses to pledge to support them into local employment. A key message we want to get across is that businesses in Rochdale can make a difference by supporting our Armed forces and equally the Armed forces can make a difference to the businesses in Rochdale as excellent employees. Having Simon Weston OBE support our work means so much.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy, Lead Member for the Armed Forces said: “Simon’s story was inspirational and he is a perfect example of someone who has gone on to achieve amazing things even though there were significant obstacles in the way. He is such an enthusiastic and engaging speaker and he really inspired our guests. He is also a great role model for the young people who attended the event, as he is proof that anything is possible whatever life throws at you.”

The audience was captivated by Simon’s incredible story and his resilience, spirit and determination to recover. Simon said he was impressed with Rochdale’s commitment to the Armed Forces: “Ex Armed Forces personnel can make great employees and can really help your business. The work being done here in Rochdale to support them is commendable and something that other authorities are adopting as best practice. I am pleased to see so many business people here tonight and I urge them to sign up to Rochdale’s Corporate Covenant. Having previously visited Rochdale I was pleased to see all the regeneration taking place in the town, you can really see the positive difference it is making.”

Brigadier Coles from the 42 Brigade, Preston Barracks opened the evening and said it was an opportunity to recognise the work Rochdale has done:

“There has been a tremendous amount of hard work and dedication backed up by practical improvements in support of our Armed Forces.”

Col Baz Heap MBE from Preston Barracks highlighted the benefits of employing ex-military personnel and Jason Tyler from local business Lockrite talked about his transition from the army into civilian life and business.

Other speakers during the evening included Lt Cdr Lee Paddock from the Ministry of Defence and Phil Ewbank from Commercial Contract Engineers Ltd.

At the end of the evening, Simon Weston OBE was presented with a gift by five-year-old Annabelle Griffin, daughter of Jared Griffin from RRG Toyota, who supported the event.