Photo above – the new flagpole in Banstead
Photo above: Former servicemen attending Banstead’s Armed Forces Day commemorations.
The 25th anniversary of Armed Forces Day commemorations in Banstead centred around the town’s new flag pole in a ceremony to honour the armed forces.
The Banstead Royal British Legion and Surrey County Council raised funds for the flag pole which has been sited close to the War Memorial. Reigate and Banstead Borough Council moved its annual ceremony from Reigate Town Hall to Banstead for the occasion.
Susy Radio’s Neil Munday attended the ceremony which was led by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor James Baker, an ex serviceman:
The Reverend Captain Doug Ross led prayers for those gathered at the ceremony who included both serving and retired members of the armed forces, local residents and dignitaries.
The above recording ends with the Royal British Legion Banstead and District Branch who presented their reply to the gathering, thanking those who had helped with the fund raising for the new flag pole which would be a new focal point for the town.
Photo above, Deputy Mayor for the Borough of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor James Baker and dignitaries.
Photo above – Deputy Mayor, Councillor James Baker and his wife, Caroline.
All photos credit – Neil Munday
Photo above courtesy of Tracey Franklin. Photo shows Spynes Mere Lake.
Volunteer wildlife rescuers were called to Mercers Lake Country Park in Merstham earlier this month after a swan was killed by a group of youths using a brick.
Police have launched an investigation and are using dispersal orders around the lakes at weekends following increased reports of anti social behaviour. It follows a similar attack on a swan at the lake last year.
Dan Rogers is a volunteer at the Swan Sanctuary and spoke to BBC Radio Surrey:
The dispersal orders at Mercers Park extended to all four open water areas from Holmethorpe to Spynes Mere.
Inspector Lyndsey Whatley of Surrey Police says anti social behaviour is a seasonal issue at the lakes:
Photo courtesy of Surrey Police. Photo shows Mercers Lake.
Photo above courtesy Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner. Photo shows Katy Bourne (Sussex PCC) and Louise Crawford, Animal Welfare Scheme
A new programme has been introduced to promote and ensure the welfare of animals working within Sussex Police.
Volunteers from the Animal Welfare Scheme will check on the welfare of police dogs within the Gatwick Explosives Dog Unit. They will make unannounced visits to Gatwick Police Station, providing independent scrutiny of the kennels, vehicles and training grounds.
After their visits, the volunteers will submit their reports to the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.
Photo courtesy Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner’s office. Photo shows Sussex PCC Katy Bourne, Louise Crawford (Dogs Trust) and Superintendent Graham Barnett, the lead for the Specialist Operations Unit
