Suzanne Fletcher's Blog

Whatever we think of current wars, brave men and women are going out there and literally risking life and limb to make the world a better place.  Today, Forces Day, was the presentation of the Afghanistan Medal to Corporal Tom Clarke who has recently returned from duty.  The Queen's representative, HM Lord Lieutenant of Durham, Sir Paul Nicholson, di the presentation presdied over by the Mayor.  A small token in a way, but a big thank you on behalf of the people.

Afterwards I visited some of the displays and was pleased to see on the SSAFA stall the neck ties that are being made locally.  These neck ties (see the picture) are made by putting in some beads that retain moisture so when they are soaked and worn by the soldiers they bring the heat down by 5 degrees - very important indeed if you are working at 40 degrees!  This is all done locally by volunteers led by Joy in the picture here, adn she says that if there are any service people known to us that are in Afghanistan they will send them out a parcel. Contact SSAFA at the local TA Centre on 01642 553666 or cleveland@ssafa.org.uk .  A big thank you to those who work hard at making up the ties and sending out the parcels.