Canterbury veterans commended for community support
Six former servicemen and women from Canterbury have been praised for their support of fellow veterans and the wider community at East Kent Mind’s Veterans Recognition Awards.
And four of the Canterbury award winners were recognised for the part they have played in running the Veterans Hub at Spring Lane Neighbourhood Centre, an initiative supported by the council.
The event was held by the mental health charity at St Peter’s Anglican Church in Canterbury and was attended by the Lord Mayor of Canterbury, Cllr Jean Butcher, and Lady Mayoress, Di Baldock.
Eric Hearn’s award was not only in recognition of his weeding, pruning, and planting at the Hub’s garden, but for also helping local young people plant their own fruit and vegetables for them to cook in a class held at the centre.
As one of the original volunteers who helped kick start the Veterans Hub, Jan Edis was praised for her tireless work behind the scenes to support fellow veterans and promote the Armed Forces Covenant to local businesses.
John Elson was commended for constantly bringing fun and enthusiasm to the group through his quizzes and fundraising events as one of the Hub’s dedicated volunteers.
Barbara Munns, the council’s Neighbourhood Centre Team Leader and Armed Forces Officer, also received an award for the support she gives to local ex-military and their families while overseeing the Veterans Hub and organising its highly popular Saturday morning meetups.
Her commendation highlighted the key role she played in gaining the council’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award – the Ministry of Defence’s highest badge of honour in recognition of supporting the Armed Forces community.
Cllr Pip Hazelton, Cabinet Member for Housing and the council’s Armed Forces Champion, said “I am incredibly proud of our district’s vibrant veteran community, and I am even prouder to see those who have worked so hard to build it receive the recognition they deserve.
“After years of serving their country, they continue to give back in civilian life by cultivating and uplifting communities. These are the people who make our district so special.
“And as a council, we are so pleased to be able to give back to them and their families, whether it’s supporting veterans working for us through the ERS Gold Award or those living in the district through the Veterans Hub and the brilliant work Barbara does.”
Anyone wanting to get involved in the Canterbury Veterans Hub can email Barbara to find out more.
Published: 5 August 2024