I was at a concert last night supporting pa-in-law who, at 84, still plays percussion with Huntingdonshire Concert Band. They shared the stage with the rousing Royal Artillery Band, and proceeds from the evening went to SSAFA, whose local stalwart volunteer Judith Borland MBE is the wife of my husband’s cousin, and reminded the audience how they were there to support families of the armed forces.
So it was a wonderful end to the evening to hear David Cameron’s announcement about the military covenant, with the government writing into law its support for our servicemen and women, pledging to care for their health and ensure their housing and education needs were met when they returned home. What a pity we didn’t know about this earlier in the evening so everyone could have cheered, and the band would have played something extra special to show its delights. I bet Judith celebrated later!
Because of my work with Headway Cambridgeshire, a charity which provides rehabilitation for adults with an acquired brain injury, I would particularly like to see more rigorous checks carried out on potential brain injury , with our returning armed forces provided with all the facts and information alerting them to any potential dangers. What data is there about how many of them suffer mild traumatic brain injury, and there are concerns that some of them could be returning to battlefields still suffering from undiagnosed or treated treated injury. It is crucial it is diagnosed as soon as possible, and here is a link to the symptoms to watch out for.
Dame Norma Major was in the audience, btw, she looked so graceful and elegant and has a wonderful smile.
I wouldnt hold my hopes on this ” covenant ” Ellee , the devil as always will be in the detail.
It all seems somewhat woolly at present with some talk of ” fairness ”
I ask you fairness for men and women who are prepared to pay the ultimate sacrifice .
Wait till the liberal elite get their mucky hands on it, they dont like soldiers or what they stand for.
The military should all be getting care over and above what the normal man in the street gets .
I suspect that in fact we will find at the end of the process they would all be better off claiming that they are gypsies and travellers , groups who do get special treatment enshrined in law.
I agree with your views, and I don’t think the government will get away with trying to back down on its pledges. Our armed services deserve proper support when they return home, and I hope they get it.
The concert sounds wonderful but your pa-in-law more so.
I think any politician that made promises at such an event would have spoiled the evening for me. The promises are rarely met, whichever party made them.
Elle. Dr Jim Fowler has died. HEart attack on Soniston waters kayaking. I have blogged about it and thought you should know. Simon