User:Captsen1/Heroes Welcome

Heroes Welcome UK

In early 2008 Scarborough, Britain's First Seaside resort(Sea Bathing since 1646)launched the Hereos Welcome in Scarborough inniative.

It all began when a single hand drawn poster appeared in one of the resort's seafront Fish and chip shops it read, "Heroes Welcome Here" the owner had been angered by a number of negative media reports regarding the thoughtless treatment of Armed Forces personnel by some in the community. In particular the case of Cpl Thomas Stringer being turned away from a Woking Hotel as he was in uniform and Peterborough Councils request that uniforms should not be worn in the City environs.

From humble beginnings the scheme spread quickly across the resort, before coming to the attention of the Mayor who suggested that it be officially adopted  by the Town. The Scarborough Evening News offered to produce a proper logo and so the Heroes Welcome in Scarborough scheme was born with an official launch at the Scarborough Town Hall in May 2008.

In March 2009 Major John Senior TD the Scarborough scheme coordinator was invited (in conjunction with the Armed Forces Day Team MOD) to speak at the National Association of Civic Officers Annual Conference. As a result of the presentation West Norfolk Borough Council asked if it could join the scheme and this was quickly followed by interest from Sefton Council, as a result work was immediately undertaken to produce a clear set of guidelines and protocols for a national scheme, a website was launched in June 2009 and since then civic membership has grown steadily.

Since its launch in Scarborough, Heroes Welcome UK has developed into a national partnership of communities, a network of Towns, Cities, Districts and Counties all working together in order to show their open support to those serving in the Armed Forces. Membership is free and joining up is simple, an easy to use joining guide is available as a download from the Heroes Welcome UK website at www.heroeswelcome.co.uk.

The guiding principle at the heart of it all is a simple gesture, a warm welcome, "a sticker and a smile". Heroes Welcome is not a charity nor a discount scheme although many of its members do offer a small discount or service upgrade it is not mandatory to membership

In 2010 the Town of Wootton Bassett (now Royal)was invited to be the Heroes Welcome UK Town of Honour. The Mayor agreed and this is signified by a star being placed on the map of Uk members.

Heroes Welcome in Hampshire / Armistice Day 2011.

At 11am on the 11th of November 2011 the County of Hampshire formally joined Heroes Welcome at a ceremony held by the Chairman of the Council Cllr Anna McNair Scott in the Great Hall Winchester. The launch was attended by the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff. local Military Commanders and all the Hampshire Members of Parliament including Sir George Young MP, Leader of the House of Commons. the Chairman of the County Council made the following statement:

Councillor McNair Scott said: "All I am asking is that where a 'Heroes Welcome' logo or sticker is displayed, then you agree to give a special warm welcome to members of the Armed Forces. You may also like to offer a small discount or service upgrade, but that is entirely up to you.

"We can all thank a helpful police officer, fireman, nurse or doctor, but a Soldier, Sailor or Member of the Air Force does his or her work and we, the ordinary British public, never really get a chance to say a proper thank you. Joining 'Heroes Welcome' helps to remind our heroes that they are indeed, very welcome in Hampshire, particularly as we are the only County that has all three services based here."

John Senior, National Coordinator of the 'Heroes Welcome' scheme, said: "The Heroes Welcome partnership is delighted and honoured to be joined by Hampshire County Council. The launch of 'Heroes Welcome' in Hampshire is significant and will directly benefit service personnel particularly Junior ranks and their families.

"Membership of 'Heroes Welcome' provides a recognisable and simple method for local communities and businesses to demonstrate their open support in a way that is meaningful, appropriate and appreciated." Hampshire has become the latest part of the UK to join a scheme that offers support and recognition for the role of servicemen and women across the County.

Following a wreath-laying ceremony to mark Armistice Day (Friday 11 Nov), Hampshire County Council Chairman, Councillor Anna McNair Scott launched Hampshire's 'Heroes Welcome' scheme which aims to give support, quiet recognition and a little extra hospitality to Armed Forces personnel and their families.

'Heroes Welcome' is a well-established community partnership, supporting the Armed Forces 365 days of the year. In launching the 'Heroes Welcome' scheme in Hampshire, the County is joining a growing network of towns and cities across the UK who wish to show their open support for the British Armed Forces.

Ref Hanmpshire Gov Webpage Building On Hampshire' Strong Armed Forces Ties Hampshire has a historic and long-standing close relationship with the Armed Forces and has a wider range of military facilities than any other county in the UK. Approximately 22,000 serving personnel are stationed in Hampshire in addition to around 6,000 civilians directly employed by the Armed Forces in Hampshire (including Portsmouth). The Council's strong track record of working closely with the Armed Forces and military partners, has also led Hampshire to become one of only three local authorities in England selected to introduce the new Armed Forces Community Covenant earlier this year. The Covenant aims to improve the range and quality of services available to service personnel, their families, veterans and reservists.

December 1st 2011 Heroes Welcome in North Yorkshire The Chairman of North Yorkshire County Council Councillor John Fort has indicated that the county intends to join the Heroes Welocme partneship with immediate effect, North Yorkshire is home to the largest British Military Garrison at Catterick as well as many other bases across the region, including RAF Leeming, Dishforth, Fylingdales and Linton on Ouse  also Ripon Barracks and Topcliff.

The Heroes Welcome Founding Committee has pledged to continue with the scheme until at least the last member of the Armed Forces has stepped off Afghan soil and then it will review the need to continue.