Pathfinder International magazine is delighted to be the official media partner once more for the National Armed Forces Day Main Event taking place on June 24-26 in Scarborough.
It is the sixth time we have had the honour of holding such a title and we are delighted to support our troops once more this year on this day and every day of the year, as we have done since Pathfinder’s inception in 1991.
In this section, we hear from some of the sponsors and partners for the National Armed Forces Day Main Event for 2022 and hear why they are backing both the 3-day event in Scarborough and the UK military in general.
Pathfinder editor, Mal Robinson said: “It is a huge honour to be involved once again for Armed Forces Day. As a veteran I know how important it is to have the support and backing of our nation and it is tremendous to see everyone come together once more for this unique annual occasion.”
Fellow media partners Greatest Hits Radio Yorkshire Coast kick off proceedings.
“Greatest Hits Radio Yorkshire Coast are delighted to be supporting the Armed Forces Day National Event in Scarborough this year. Being Scarborough’s local radio station and having such close ties to the community, we are thrilled it can now finally take place after 3 years of planning and the Covid-19 pandemic.
We want to help spread the word with our listeners to help the Borough of Scarborough celebrate our incredibly brave and dedicated Armed Forces, Defence Staff and their families; as well as making the most of the opportunity to showcase our wonderful towns and coastlines. The current terrible situation in Ukraine has brought home what an important role our Armed Forces play in maintaining our security and safety on a daily basis, so we can go about our daily lives. Added to that their peacekeeping and humanitarian aid roles provided across the world means we can work towards a brighter future for our children.
We know many thousands of people plan to travel into the Scarborough borough from all over the country so we will be increasing our traffic and travel updates throughout the day itself; Saturday 25th June. If you plan to visit, be sure to tune into Greatest Hits Radio Yorkshire Coast on 96.2FM or DAB to ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.”
Adding to this sentiment were the following sponsors and partners…
“Armed Forces Day reminds us as a company of the invaluable contribution that our Armed Forces provide to the security of our nation. It gives us an opportunity to thank serving troops, reservists and veterans for their service, and as a Defence supplier, it re-enforces our drive to deliver cutting edge equipment and capability to the UK Armed Forces.” David Tuddenham, Managing Director at Chess Dynamics.
“We are proud to support Armed Forces day to recognise the brave people we have in Ryedale who have prioritised their country. We have staff, Councillors and residents who have served as heroes, or who have supported friends and family to do so. We are deeply grateful for their service.” Margaret Wallace, Director of People and Resource for Ryedale District Council.
“At Beyond Housing we are proud to have been recognised as a leading employer for our commitment to supporting the armed forces community.
Our continued sponsorship of Scarborough’s Armed Forces Day underlines that commitment and will help to encourage others to join us in showing appreciation and respect for our serving personnel, reserves, veterans and their families.” Rosemary Du Rose, Chief Executive at Beyond Housing.
“Wold Top are honoured to be involved in this event. It’s a great way to recognise and appreciate the many exceptional men and women who form our Armed Forces. We raise a glass to them all.” Kate Balchin (Director).
“Before Bradley went with the angels, he spent an amazing time in Scarborough and he was invited to armed forces day, he had an amazing time and was made to feel so welcome. We are honoured to now be attending to represent the charity set up in Bradley’s name.” The Bradley Lowery Foundation.
“Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors recognises the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families have in our community. We therefore take the time to understand the special circumstances many armed forces personnel and their families face and make sure we are aware of this when they contact us for legal advice. Therefore we are proud to have committed as a ‘Business Supporter’ for the Yorkshire Armed Forces Day National event taking place 24-26 June 2022 in Scarborough, encompassing Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25 June 2022.”
Chris Myles, Director and Head of Family Law at Crombie Wilkinson Solicitors.
“As a family business established over 116 years ago who was heavily impacted by both World Wars, and who saw first-hand the invaluable support of the Armed Forces community, House of Townend is proud to support those individuals, both past and present, who serve our country.” John Charles Townend, Managing Director.
“Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL) is backing this year’s National Armed Forces Day as we are proud to see a national spotlight shone on Scarborough. As a large employer in the area, we appreciate the protections afforded to us by our armed forces who stand as the nation’s protectors, defending the UK and its interests.”
The producers of Slingsby Gin added: “Spirit of Harrogate wanted to be involved with Armed Forces Day to show our continued support of past and present service men and women. They bravely protect and serve this country so selflessly so we would like to do our bit to thank and celebrate them”
Kate Green, Head of Armed Forces Engagement at the Royal British Legion, said: “We are proud to support this year’s national Armed Forces Day event in Scarborough. Our work supports and celebrates the Armed Forces community 365 days a year, but on Armed Forces Day in particular, it’s important that we thank all those who serve and we are delighted to join the rest of the nation to celebrate their service and sacrifice.
The RBL supports people across our Armed Forces community, from those currently serving, both regular and reserve, to their families and our ex-serving veterans who continue to contribute to society long after service.
Armed Forces Day is an opportunity for us to celebrate and to thank our Armed Forces community for all they do for us – everything from global peace-keeping missions to anti-poaching operations, from helping us all during the pandemic to providing humanitarian relief overseas. “
“We are honoured to be supporting the Armed Forces Day National Event 2022. It’s so important we show the Armed Forces community how valued they are and we are delighted to be involved in the upcoming celebrations.” Charlotte Holmes, Community Manager, Harrogate Spring Water.
Howard Snape, regional president GB and Ireland, McCain Foods, said: “We’re delighted to support the Armed Forces Day national event this year, and I’m incredibly proud that our hometown of Scarborough has been chosen as the host.
As one of the biggest employers in our area, we want to help showcase our region and demonstrate our support for the local community, as the nation comes together to celebrate and recognise the work of the UK armed forces.”
Steve Richards, Parkdean Resorts CEO, said: “As a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Silver Award achiever in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, we are thrilled to be a key partner of Armed Forces Day 2022.
“As a business, we very much recognise and value the role of the UK’s Armed Forces, those who serve and have served, and their families for providing unwavering support.
“We champion the Armed Forces community, employing many veterans, reservists and volunteers, and are rewarded by the impressive skillset that they bring to our business.
“We are delighted to sponsor the Armed Forces Day National Event Evening Concert, performed by the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood.
“Sponsoring this event is a great opportunity for us to show how proud we are to support our service people and thank them for their tremendous contribution to our country.”
The team at the Portakabin/Shepherd Group stated: “As a national business, it’s important for us to ensure we support initiatives in our community which reflect back the lives of our people, customers and local community.”
Fellow corporate participants, RIFT added: “RIFT are corporate sponsors of ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, and have supported over 60,000 Armed Forces personnel in reclaiming over £100m in overpaid tax. We are strong advocates for the military community, and Veteran employers. As Gold Award holders of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, RIFT are proud to sponsor the National Armed Forces Day celebrations.”
The Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough is always a popular attraction and SJT Executive Director Caroline Routh added: “We’re delighted that Scarborough is – finally! – getting to host the Armed Forces Day National Event in 2022. It’s a great way of bringing attention to our beautiful town and all its fantastic events and resources.”
The team at Dementia Forward continue the theme of gratitude.
“Dementia Forward is proud to be a part of Armed Forces Day 2022. It is wonderful that this national event is being celebrated in the county where we provide support, and it is an opportunity for us to show our appreciation to the men and women who serve our country, and to raise awareness of the work we do and the support we can offer.
Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity to come together to recognise the incredible people who have protected our country in the past, who are serving in the present and who will make that commitment in the future.
As a charity we are backing Armed Forces Day 2022 as we have supported many ex-service men and women. We have heard stories, both uplifting and heart-wrenching, from our clients about their own personal experiences and understand the huge value in reminiscence around this subject. We also are aware of the importance of recognising and learning about the culture within the forces to ensure we provide person-centred support. We have had clients proudly bring in their service medals to show to us and their fellow group members and we believe it is important to give people opportunities to talk about this time in their lives, and to say thank you for the sacrifices they made for us.
For dementia support across North Yorkshire, please call 03300 578592 or visit our website www.dementiaforward.org.uk
Meanwhile, regular advertisers and clients of Pathfinder, MBDA said: “Working with all three services of the UK’s Armed Forces and as an employer to many ex-service people and reservists, MBDA is naturally a proud supporter of Armed Forces Day. We salute all those currently serving at home and abroad, their families, veterans, reservists and cadets for all your hard work, dedication and effort to keep us safe in the UK and around the world. Thank you.”
Fellow friends of Pathfinder, Landmarc added: “On Armed Forces Day, and every day, we are proud to show our support, respect and gratitude to all those who make up our military community. From serving troops to service families, veterans, reservists and cadets, it takes strong, brave individuals to serve their country. Thank you for everything you do to keep us all safe. We salute you.”
Pathfinder columnists, Forces Pension Society and sponsor of our Veteran’s Postcard said: ““The Forces Pension Society is incredibly proud to support the Armed Forces Community, and Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to re-state our admiration and commitment to everyone serving today” FPS CEO, Major General Neil Marshall OBE.
Alison Rose, NatWest Group chief executive, said: “Armed Forces personnel make a vital contribution to the peace and stability of communities throughout the world during both conflict and peacetime – the latter most recently demonstrated by their exemplary response to the Covid 19 pandemic.
“We are incredibly proud to support the Armed Forces Day national event, and our commitment to the Armed Forces Corporate Covenant shows that no member of the Armed Forces Community will face any disadvantage in accessing banking services with NatWest.
“We look forward to participating and supporting our Armed Forces at the event in Scarborough and at local events throughout the whole of the United Kingdom.”
Councillor Eric Broadbent, Mayor of the borough of Scarborough, said: “The people of our borough are proud supporters of the Armed Forces so it is with great excitement that we prepare to host the prestigious Armed Forces Day national event in Scarborough this year.
It will be a great honour for us to show our appreciation for their outstanding service by welcoming serving personnel, veterans, military charities, special guests and visitors to the town for what promises to be a very special celebration.
Working with the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force and our partners and sponsors, we are pulling out all the stops to make the 2022 national event truly spectacular.”
The vast array of sponsors and suppliers for the National Armed Forces Day Main Event is incessant and we continue with more messages and stories from backers for this year’s event in Scarborough…
Antac Support Services – Official Business Supporter
Stephen Burton, Managing Director
“We are proud to be supporting this year’s Armed Forces Day National Event. As a company, we recognise the wonderful contributions of our Armed Forces community and we try to do what we can to support them. This will be a wonderful event to celebrate all those within the Armed Forces.”
Babcock – Official Silver Sponsor
Babcock is a proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant, and the recipient of a Gold Award in the MOD’s Armed Forces Covenant Employer Recognition Scheme.
A spokesperson for Babcock said: “As a major employer of service leavers and reservists through our active recruitment approach, we are proud to sponsor this year’s Armed Forces Day National Event.”
BAE Systems – Official Silver Sponsor
Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford GCB CBE DL, Senior Military Adviser
“Providing support to our Armed Forces lies at the very heart of what we do as a company. We value the unique relationship we have with both serving members of the Armed Forces and veterans, and we recognise the invaluable contribution that serving personnel, reservists and military families bring to our businesses.”
Balfour Beatty –Official Silver Sponsor
Paul Raby, Balfour Beatty Group HR Director commented: “As we celebrate Armed Forces Day across the UK, we remain steadfast in our commitment to breaking down the barriers that veterans, reservists and partners currently face; accommodating their needs and requirements, so that we can utilise their significant, transferable skillset. By offering long-term careers across the UK we can fulfil our military partners’ ambitions, giving them equal opportunities to thrive across all areas of our business and join our ever-growing community of ex-Forces.”
Bremont – Official Supplier
Showed their support for the Armed Forces Day National Event 2022 by kindly donating a private hosted tour of the new Bremont Manufacturing & Technology Centre, aka ‘The Wing’ , for the Gala Dinner Charity Prize Draw.
Crofts Chocolates –Official Supplier
Showed their support for the Armed Forces Community by kindly donating the handmade chocolates for the Gala Dinner.
Armed Forces personnel launched the countdown to Armed Forces Day with a military display in Scarborough, the host town of the Armed Forces Day 2022 national event.
A Royal Navy Merlin helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron flew over Scarborough Castle, and a Royal Marines team abseiled down the castles keep, unfurling the Armed Forces Day flag.
The event marked 100 days to go until Armed Forces Day on Saturday 25 June 2022.
Defence Discount Service – Official Partner and exclusive Discount provider of Armed Forces Day National Event 2022
Defence Discount Service CEO, Tom Dalby, said:
“While the pandemic meant that many of us were unable to go about our lives as normal, the Armed Forces have remained an integral part in helping to keep communities safe and have played a vital role in supporting efforts to adapt and respond to the ongoing challenges.
“We always endeavour to help those who’ve served our nation both at home and abroad, which is why we’re proud to help our members save that little bit more every time they shop.”
East Yorkshire Buses – Official Transport Partner
They are supporting the Armed Forces Day National Event by providing transport support via an event Park and Ride scheme.
Five Star Collection – Official Business Supporter
They are a local hospitality business that was proud to sponsor Armed Forces Day National Event as a way of showing their support to the Armed Forces community.
Gardner Aerospace – Official Business Supporter
They are supporting the event because they have close relationship with the Armed Forces and they employ ex-service personnel.
Green Sea Services – Official Business Supporter
Green Sea Services “Sponsored the Armed Forces Day National Event as a good will gesture, as he always supports our forces at every opportunity.”
Halo Solutions – Official Business Supporter
Halo Solutions supported the event because they have a close relationship with the Armed Forces and they have signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
James Potter Eggs – Official Supplier
To show their support for the brilliant work the Armed Forces do they have supported the Armed Forces Day National Event Gala Dinner.
Phoenix Private Ambulance Services and Randex-Vigilant Security Services (SW) & UK (same group owns both businesses) – Official Business Supporters
Mike Colton, Operations Coordinator Randex-Vigilant Security (SW) ltd:
“We are supporting Armed Forces Day National Event 2022, primarily due to the fact that we employ a number of Ex-military and serving reservists from various countries, we feel that by supporting the event it will show a small amount of appreciation for the work they have carried out and for the current serving members of the Armed Forces.”
Red Lea Hotel – Official Business Supporter
They supported the event because they wanted to thank the Armed Forces and they were proud that Scarborough had been chosen to host such a prestigious event.
Scarborough Spa – Official Partner
“We are proud to be an official partner of Armed Forces Day National Event 2022 and we look forward to hosting all the members of the Armed Forces Community”
SWC Trade Frames – Official Business Supporter
Susan Richings, Chairman: “SWC is supporting the Armed Forces Day National Event in recognition of the dedication of the Armed Forces & want to extend our unconditional gratitude to all involved present & past. We have colleagues and family members who have previously served & want to demonstrate & celebrate our indebtedness to them.”
Secure Events UK – Official Business Supporter
Stanley Awoh, Executive Director: “We recognise the brave sacrifices these men and women put themselves and their families through, the least we can do to appreciate such bravery and commitment is to support events like the Armed Forces Day National Event”.
SikSilk – Official Supplier
Global fashion brand SikSilk were founded in Scarborough and they wanted to show their support for the Armed Forces Day National Event by donating a prize to the Charity Prize Draw.
Taylor Wimpey– Official Silver Sponsor
“Taylor Wimpey is an open and inclusive business. Whether we are dealing with customers, suppliers or subcontractors it’s important that we are always doing the right thing. We know that ex-military people can be a huge success in our business and have plenty of examples of people that have progressed with us having left the armed forces. We are delighted to have been recognised as a Gold Award holder for the government’s military covenant Employer Recognition Scheme. We actively encourage serving and former servicemen and women, and their families to join our business. Please visit www.taylorwimpey.co.uk/jobs for more information”
The Afghan Rug Shop– Official Business Supporter
“My wife and I are veterans of 8 operational tours with a combined service of 20 years, so it’s an honour and pleasure that our business is able to support our service community for Armed Forces Day National Event 2022.
As an ex-regular and now reservist and business owner, it is wonderful to be able to help celebrate and showcase our Armed Forces community”. James Wilthew – Founder of The Afghan Rug Shop.
The Boys Brigade– Official Partner
“It is an honour and a privilege to be part of this celebration of our Armed Forces; The Boys’ Brigade and our members are delighted to be supporting the day and are very much looking forward to being there” Mike Colbeck, Company Captain, The Boys’ Brigade, 5th Scarborough Company
Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity– Official Partner
“We are honoured to support Armed Forces Day National Event. This will be a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of our charity’s work across the region, as well as raising funds that will go directly towards funding research and supporting the patients and families who need it most.” Nicki Hood, Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager.
York St John University– Official Education Partner
“Military service children are a third less likely to enter higher education than their peers, despite evidence of high academic attainment amongst this group. We are at the forefront of the sector in working to improve the access of military service children into higher education. We have a long-established recognition of the way the military lifestyle – high mobility, separation and frequent parental deployment – impacts on the education of many children from armed forces families. We deliver specific interventions for military service children to increase their knowledge of higher education and enable them to plan their future and have fostered a collaborative approach across local universities and other agencies to ensure this underrepresented group is a focus within our region” – Grant Saker.
Members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force raise flags in support of Armed Forces Day. at the Houses of Parliament.
Members of the Armed Forces raised the Armed Forces Day flag at Parliament today to celebrate the start of Armed Forces Week.
The Speaker of the House of Commons invited Armed Forces personnel and senior military officers to attend the ceremony in the presence of The Speaker and other Members of Parliament.
The Union Flag, the Armed Forces Day flag, the tri-service flag and the flag of the House of Commons were raised by Lance Corporal Gino Richards, Corporal Diane Smith, Leading Hand Loren Jackson and Lance Corporal Ben Clark.
Music was provided at the ceremony by The Band of The Scots Guards, British Army, and the Voice of Armed Forces Children Choir.
The ceremony included remarks by The Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, and Rev. Canon Tricia Hillas, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and Canon of Westminster.
The ceremony ended with the National Anthem.
Zalaris – Official Business Supporter
“At Zalaris, we recognise the value of Serving Personnel, Veterans and military families who all contribute to our business and community.
So, we are proud to support Armed Forces Day National Event 2022 at Zalaris UK & Ireland and have committed to honour the Armed Forces Covenant.
Through this commitment, we aim to uphold the key principles of the Armed Forces Covenant by ensuring no member of the Armed Forces community faces any disadvantage in the provision of services. We commit to: working with the Career Transition Partnership to establish a tailored employment pathway for Service Leavers, actively support the employment of Service spouses and partners, offer flexible working conditions for Service Partners before, during and after a partner’s deployment, actively support our employees who choose to be members of the Reserve forces, actively participate in Armed Forces Day, actively support our local cadet units”
Yorkshire Tonics – Raisthorpe Manor
Yorkshire Tonics are supporting the Armed Forces Day National Event 2022 by providing tonics for the ‘Yorkshire Gin & Tonics’ enjoyed by the guests of the Gala Dinner.
We end the messages of support with a message from Tesco – Tesco is the platinum supporter of the National Armed Forces Day Main Event.
Marcus Denison, director sponsor of the armed forces at Tesco, said: “We’re proud to be able to support National Armed Forces Day in Scarborough which will celebrate the tremendous contribution our service people make to our country.
“At Tesco, we signed the Armed Forces Covenant to show how we value our military personnel.
“As a veteran working and former chair of our Armed Forces Network, I am extremely proud to work for a business that was recognised with a Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award for its support of the armed forces community.”
READ THE DIGITAL VERSION OF THE ARMED FORCES DAY SPECIAL ISSUE OF PATHFINDER HERE!
Keep an eye out for Pathfinder’s team handing out the June issue of the magazine in and around Scarborough and the set of 4 specially produced postcards for the event.
