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Two students have been helping pensioners at a local day centre to remember war time stories in the run up to National Veterans' Day and Blackpool Veterans’ Week.
Tilly Wild and Judith Nutter, both studying for degrees in Occupational Therapy at the University of Cumbria, are spending time with groups of WWII veterans at Highfield Health and Wellbeing Centre, Blackpool.
Over 15 service users, both male and female, are veterans and many will spend time between now and Veterans’ Week, 21-29 June, recalling and recording wartime memories.
Throughout Veterans’ Week, presentations of Veterans’ Badges will be made at the Highfield Road centre for the over-65s alongside a day of themed celebrations. Users of the centre include former members of the Royal Navy, Lancashire Fusiliers, RAF and the Army Catering Corps.
Blackpool has been chosen this year to host the national event, which will feature a veterans’ parade through the town, followed by a spectacular illuminated beach-landing by the Red Devils parachute display team and a massive fireworks display. Last year, Birmingham hosted National Veterans’ Day and in 2006, the first event was held in London.
Tilly said: “One memory we’ve uncovered during our sessions is how people often carried sandwiches around in their gas mask boxes, whilst leaving the potentially life-saving equipment at home!”
Judith added: “We’ve also talked to a lady who was in the Women’s Land Army and was sent to Cambridge to sow crops and another who joined the Women's Junior Air Corps at 16”.
Many of the stories will be displayed at the centre, alongside memorabilia including ration books, photos and clothes, for friends and families to come and visit.
Cllr Mrs Maxine Callow Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Whilst Blackpool has a long standing association with our Armed Forces, especially servicemen and women from World War II, we are mindful that there are many younger veterans here in the resort.
“Blackpool will be welcoming veterans of all ages and backgrounds on National Veterans’ Day, to the many events during that week, and we would like all the veterans to come together and share their very different stories and experiences.”
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