Trafford Community News

04/04/2025

YOUNG CITIZEN AWARDS

In March, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Eamonn O'Neal OBE DL, hosted the Young Citizen Awards.

We are extremely proud that three 318 cadets were nominated for recognition in this award, which is supported by the Greater Manchester High Sheriff Police Trust, Manchester United Foundation and Beaverbrooks, and celebrates the service of young people in the Greater Manchester community.

Sgt McKay and FS Ward received recognition for their contributions (Highly Commended). We are very pleased to announce that Sgt Chapman was short-listed, attended the awards evening, and ultimately achieved the Runner-Up prize.

Sgt Chapman has been recognised in particular for her kindness and thoughtfulness, always first to support others and look out for welfare needs: as well as her position as an NCO at 318, where she focuses on welfare and mental health advocacy, she also volunteers in the community, providing company for elderly and those in palliative care.

The awards evening was also attended by FS McManus, alongside Dr O'Neal as his appointed High Sheriff's Cadet, fulfilling his duty serving the community and helping to recognise the incredible nominees from all over Greater Manchester.

The commitment and community spirit of these cadets is exemplary, reflective of the good citizenship that characterises our Squadron and the greater RAFAC organisation. Our cadets make us proud every day!

Greater Manchester Wing - Air Training Corps North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets Trafford Community News Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man

23/03/2025

Very sad to hear about the fire at J. Davidson they were great supporters of Trafford community news

15/03/2025

Lancashire Cricket to host ‘Destination Manchester’ trade event in Bengaluru

Lancashire Cricket is set to host a ‘Destination Manchester’ trade networking event during the Club’s 2025 pre-season tour of Bengaluru.

The event, which will be held on Tuesday 18 March at the Conrad Bengaluru, will focus on showcasing Manchester as a tourist destination, and a dynamic investment landscape, ahead of the India Men’s and Women’s Cricket Teams playing at Emirates Old Trafford on several occasions over the coming years.

Destination Manchester is being hosted by the Club in association with Visit Britain, Manchester India Partnership and Marketing Manchester and will feature presentations for the travel trade in Manchester from senior business leaders.

There will also be a Q&A session hosted by former Lancashire and England wicketkeeper Warren Hegg, with the panel including Club President Dame Sarah Storey, Lancashire Cricket and Manchester Originals players Tom Hartley and Fi Morris - plus Lancashire Men’s Harry Singh while the full Lancashire Women’s squad will also be in attendance as part of their pre-season tour.

Chandru Iyer, Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka and Kerala, will also be in attendance on the evening, alongside a representative from RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group (RPSG).

Lancashire Cricket is playing its role in supporting bilateral trade talks between the UK and Indian Governments.

Following a recent visit which included Bengaluru, the UK Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson announced over £100million worth of Indian investments into the UK. The investments strengthened UK-India economic linkages and showcased exciting opportunities for Indian companies looking to grow in the UK.

The Lancashire Cricket hosted event follows last month’s announcement that the Club has entered into exclusivity talks with RPSG Group for the owners of Lucknow Super Giants to acquire a stake in Manchester Originals, The Hundred franchise team which is based at Emirates Old Trafford, with the transaction set to represent a deal of over £100million in value on its own directly into Manchester.

This is the fourth year-in-a-row the Club has travelled to India for pre-season preparations, a country the Red Rose shares a long-held connection with stretching back more than 50 years when Indian International wicketkeeper batter Farokh Engineer joined the County in 1968. Since Farokh retired, six further Indian players – Murali Kartik, Dinesh Mongia, V.V.S. Laxman, Sourav Ganguly, Washington Sundar and most recently Venkatesh Iyer – have represented the Red Rose.

In this year’s Indian Premier League, Lancashire players Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans), Liam Livingstone (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) and Phil Salt (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) will all feature, whilst Sophie Ecclestone (Up Warriorz) is involved in the ongoing Women’s Premier League.

Speaking about the event, Lancashire Cricket’s Chief Executive Daniel Gidney said: “We are delighted to be in Bengaluru once again for our annual men’s and women’s pre-season tour. Destination Manchester will bring together senior business leaders from both India and the UK to highlight all that Manchester has to offer as both a tourist destination and as a dynamic investment landscape.

“Lancashire Cricket is proud of its relationship with India, and we are excited to be welcoming the Indian Cricket Teams to Emirates Old Trafford over the next few years, starting this summer when we host our first Women’s IT20 in over a decade, followed by a Men’s Test Match in July.

“After recently entering into exclusivity talks with RPSG, we are looking forward to completing that deal and strengthening our relationship with India even further as we work together to grow Manchester Originals and Lancashire Cricket alongside their stable of teams, including Lucknow Super Giants of the IPL.”

Shuja Bin Mehdi, VisitBritain’s Senior Manager Industry Engagement, India commented: “VisitBritain is excited to welcome Lancashire Cricket and Marketing Manchester to India. Through this roadshow, we aim to showcase our trade partners the incredible experiences that Greater Manchester and Emirates Old Trafford offer visitors – whether it is world-class sporting events, vibrant culture, heritage or great music. With the recent launch of our global ‘Starring GREAT Britain’ campaign, we are inspiring visitors to see Britain as the star of the show, bringing iconic film and TV locations to life. Be a part of the set-jetting trend, choose Britain, explore more and come now.”

Simon Arora, Chair of The Manchester India Partnership, and founder of B&M, said: "Lancashire Cricket’s ‘Destination Manchester’ event in Bengaluru is a great example of the deepening ties between Manchester and India. Sport has always been a powerful connector, and with Manchester set to host India’s men’s and women’s international cricket teams, this event is a great platform to strengthen relationships across tourism, business, and investment.

“The Manchester India Partnership is proud to support initiatives like this, which not only celebrate our shared passion for cricket but also create meaningful opportunities for collaboration. With significant Indian investment already flowing into the UK, and Manchester playing a central role in these economic partnerships, we look forward to seeing even greater connections grow following this visit.”

Victoria Braddock from Marketing Manchester added: “India is a key market for the growth of Greater Manchester’s visitor economy, and ‘Destination Manchester’ is a unique opportunity to showcase the best of the destination and engage with travel trade partners and the media to drive visits to the region.

“It is also a timely opportunity to explore connections with the announcement of a new direct flight from India to Manchester Airport with airline IndiGo, starting in Summer 2025, which will open up new opportunities for visitors, trade and investment to strengthen Manchester’s position as the global gateway to the north.”

12/03/2025

TRAFFORD LOSE OUT AGAINST STRONG ASPULL

Trafford MV Rugby stumbled once again in their relegation plight as they were hit be a significant defeat at Aspull. In excellent Spring conditions it was the home side that looked up for the contest and Trafford were much too lethargic in the early part of the game to prove a strong opposition.

The game started at a ferocious pace and intensity and it did not take Aspull long to build up a deserved 28-0 lead - the writing was on the wall. Aspull were well coached and played the game at a pace that Trafford never really got to grips with. The final score 66 - 28 tells it's own story, Trafford battled to stay in the game but Aspull proved too strong on the day. Tries from Micah Dyos 2, Lewis Kingdon and Craig Collier plus 4 conversion from Pat Eccles was some reward to TMV and earned them a losing bonus point but this was small consolation. Player of the Match for Trafford was open side flanker Chris Ward who led from the front and worked hard in defence.

Despite Trafford's efforts Aspull had too much in reserve and took the game 66 - 28 and the league points were in the bag.

With just two league games left Trafford have plenty of work still to do as the chance to avoid relegation is still there for grasping although more and more the fortune of other teams in the scrap becomes vital.

Trafford MV's next game is at home on March 22nd against Glossop which will be vital to the seasons outcome. Other results at the weekend were

Aspull 66 vs 28 Trafford MV
Broughton Park 24 vs 27 New Brighton
Didsbury Toc H 9 vs 21 Tarleton
Glossop 19 vs 26 West Park (St Helens)
Heaton Moor 25 vs 40 Aldwinians
Liverpool St Helens 12 vs 22 Wilmslow

Trafford MV 2nd XV were let down late in the day by opponents Altrincham Kersal who could not raise sufficient player numbers to get their team on the field leaving a disappointed Trafford squad kicking their heels with no fixture.

Eccles 3rd XV Home Walkover Glossop 2nd XV
Leigh 2nd XV 17 vs 36 North Manchester
Rossendale 3rd XV 40 vs 26 Aldwinians 3rd XV
Trafford MV 2nd XV Home Walkover Altrincham Kersal 2nd XV
Warrington 2nd XV 77 vs 12 Rochdale 3rd XV
Wigan 2nd XV 57 vs 7 Tyldesley 2nd XV

Join us in the Clubhouse at Trafford MV this Saturday for the final day of the Guinness 6 Nations Championship this weekend when all 3 games will be showing on the screens.

Match report Wilf Dooley
Photo Chris Ward vs Aspull 080325

30/12/2024

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30/12/2024

New home for young people with complex needs is the key to independent living

Young people with complex needs are able to leave home and live independently for the first time thanks to a new service by Lifeways in Manchester.
Expert teams from Lifeways, the UK’s biggest team of professionals providing support for adults in the community, are supporting up to six residents - aged 17-30 - at the shared house in Trafford.
The service enables new residents to leave their family homes for the first time and live more independently than ever before.
The Trafford service is a partnership between Lifeways, Trafford Council, which commissioned the service, and Golden Lane Housing, one of the country’s leading supported housing landlords for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Liam, 22, has been living at the service for a couple of months and is already feeling the benefit of having 24/7 support and his own front door.
“Living here has given me a new start in life,” he said. “It’s given me stability and, even though I have an amazing family, being here has helped me realise that now my life makes sense. It’s given me a new start and a purpose.”
Liam has battled with mental health challenges, addiction and is neurodivergent but feels he is now supported by teams of people who understand him.
“(The service manager) Melonie is a fantastic soul. She doesn’t feel like a worker. She’s a genuine person who you can talk to and have a laugh with. She doesn’t approach it as work, she approaches it as a kind soul who is here to help.”
He now has his sights set on pursuing his dream to become a working actor and eventually a family. Liam said: “I’d like to be a working actor. That’s my goal and dream and I’d love to have a partner and family and a career. This is the best place to start.
“The people here are kind and understanding and don’t judge previous parts of your life. I haven’t always experienced that. Here, there’s no judgement, just understanding.
“I really feel like I have a future ahead of me now. As a person who has disabilities, I have never felt truly independent but now I do. I’m now in a position to build a life.”
James Denison, Regional Director for Supported Living (North West) at Lifeways, said: “Leaving the family home is a big step, and for people with complex needs it is an even bigger adventure, one in which we feel privileged to play a role.
“What we have in Trafford is an incredible home for six amazing young people who, with our expert support, will learn the skills they need to live a more fulfilling and independent life.”


Lifeways won the contract to provide this vital new service from Trafford Council and has been busy working with Golden Lane Housing to get the property ready.
“As the UK’s biggest care and support provider, Lifeways is also very pleased to be working in partnership with Trafford Council and Golden Lane Housing on a service which will genuinely enhance lives,” James added.
Cllr Jane Slater, Executive Member for Health and Independent Lives at Trafford Council, said: “We’re proud to be involved in this exciting project that will make such a difference for young people at a key point in their lives.”
Emily Collinson, Head of Development and Growth at Golden Lane Housing, said: “Our mission is to help people with a learning disability or autistic people to find and enjoy a suitable, safe home. We aim for our tenants to live in an environment which will support them to live as independently as possible.
“It has been fantastic to work with Trafford Council and Lifeways to bring this scheme to life and to welcome our new tenants. We wish them all the very best in their new home, and look forward to seeing how they get on fulfilling their goals in the future.”

30/12/2024

Trafford Council’s mighty school caterers serve up 13,343 Christmas dinners at 66 primary schools



Trafford Council’s school kitchen heroes are having their busiest few days of the year, preparing huge numbers of Christmas dinners for the children of our borough.



The Council’s inhouse school catering service is the third largest outside of London and will serve up 900kg of turkey, alongside vegetarian and halal options.



Hungry pupils will also wolf down over three tonnes of carrot batons, five tonnes of peeled potatoes, 1.75 tonnes of sprouts and 200kg of stuffing, before moving on to pudding.



Mass catering is a serious operation in Trafford, employing 297 permanent employees supported by 69 casual staff rustling up as many as 15,000 meals every school day.



Among those dedicated ranks are 48 cooks, 196 catering assistants and 63 supervisors working 6,545 hours per week. Many are long servers with 20 years or more history within the service.



Alongside 66 primary schools, Council caterers serve lunches at six high schools in Trafford. Quantities of food required include six tonnes of baked beans per annum!



Children consume 30% of their calories at school and catered meals are significantly more nutritious than an average packed lunch.



Cook supervisor Christine Fitzpatrick and cook Sinder Kaur have worked together at St Theresa’s RC Primary School in Stretford for nine years.



Christmas dinner is a highlight of the year, with a Quorn fillet option for non-meat eaters alongside turkey, chipolatas, roast and mashed potatoes, stuffing, peas, carrots, sprouts and gravy.



A helping of sprouts is optional – many children don’t like them! - and the main course is followed by strawberry and vanilla Christmas ice cream.



Christine said: “It’s great to see the children so giddy in their Christmas jumpers and party hats, really enjoying their food. We’re a small school so I know every child’s name and what they like to eat.”



On an ordinary school day, the most popular foods at St Theresa’s are curries, home-made sausage rolls, spaghetti bolognaise and jacket potatoes.



Cllr Stephen Adshead, Catering Portfolio Lead at Trafford Council, said: “Our school caterers work so hard all year round to bring delicious, nutritious food to all our children.



“Then, as workers in many jobs start to wind down for Christmas, they have their biggest challenge of the year – a slap-up and memorable festive lunch for all! We thank them for their skill and dedication.”



Cllr Karina Carter, Executive Member for Children and Young People, said: “It’s so important for children to receive healthy and nutritious school meals and the excitement of this special occasion in the school calendar is great to see.”

30/12/2024

Students craft creative outdoor play equipment for local primary school

18.12.24

Students from Trafford and Stockport College Group have brought imaginative outdoor play equipment to life for Barton Clough Primary School in Stretford.

Responding to a request from the school’s PTA, Laura Lindley, Lead Technician, led an innovative project with the help of students enrolled on the E3 Certificate in Vocational Studies (Multi Skills).

The team, under the guidance of Plumbing tutor Iain Henderson and Learning Facilitator Nathaniel Edmonds, transformed recycled plumbing parts and wooden pallets into unique creations for the school’s outdoor area.

The project, which ran on Fridays, saw eight students work together to design and craft water play equipment - and even a musical instrument!

Using recycled materials, the group not only honed their practical skills but also demonstrated the power of teamwork and sustainability.

When the finished pieces were delivered to the school, the PTA’s Katrina shared her delight: “The pallets are absolutely amazing. The kids give them a big thumbs up.”

The success of this project highlights the potential of vocational training to positively impact the community.

Laura Lindley expressed her pride in the students’ efforts: “This project showcases the creativity and dedication of our students while emphasizing the importance of reusing materials in inventive ways.”

A massive congratulations goes out to all involved. Their hard work has made a tangible difference, providing children with fun, engaging, and eco-friendly play opportunities.

Pictures shows: Students transforming recycled plumbing parts and wooden pallets into unique creations for Barton Clough Primary School in Stretford.

30/12/2024

Trafford Council urges more people to become Shared Lives Carers for adults with support needs

Trafford Council is calling on local people to think about becoming a self-employed Shared Lives Carer as an alternative to a more conventional job.



The work involves sharing your home and your life with one or more adults with disabilities or other vulnerabilities, and earn up to £679 per week, with generous tax allowances.



Previous care experience is not necessary – having “room in your home and space in your heart” is the important criteria – though applicants go through a rigorous approval process and receive full training at no cost.



The borough currently supports more than 20 adults in this way, in households managed by social enterprise PossAbilities, but the Council would like to appoint more. Shared Lives Carers can support people on a long-term basis or provide ad hoc respite or day support.



A carer can support up to three people in their own home at any one time and many have another job too, as most supported adults go out and about during daytime hours, for example to work or volunteering, or to a day centre.



There is no upper age limit and carers can look after their own loved ones simultaneously.



Dawn and Ian Wermeling, of Stretford, have been Shares Lives Carers for five years, supporting three adults. Ian said: “It’s a great work life balance. We have a lovely home and we’re able to share our lives and get paid for it.”



Helen and Richard Barraclough, of Urmston, are celebrating 23 years as Shared Lives Carers. They live in Urmston and care for three adults. Helen says: “It’s a fabulous lifestyle. We do everything from home, which is nice, and we have all sorts going on. It is a great way of living.”



Claire Morphet, family-based support manager at PossAbilities said: “Having worked in adult social care for 38 years, I’ve seen many forms of support. I believe Shared Lives is by far the greatest option as it’s truly person-centred, with people carefully matched to the right household.”



Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy and Independent Lives, said: “Becoming a Shared Lives Carer is a great opportunity for the right candidates. This work is rewarding and meaningful as well as offering freedom and flexibility.



“Shared Lives Carers really make a positive difference for people. The right placement can be life changing. We would love for more people to consider this lifestyle and find out more about it.”



To find out more about becoming a Shared Lives Carer email [email protected] or call 01706 626747.



Read more about our Shared Lives Carers



Dawn and Ian Wermeling



Dawn and Ian Wermeling have been Shared Lives Carers in Trafford for five years now. The couple share their seven-bedroom home in Stretford with Pauline, 65, and Brenda, 59, who both have learning disabilities.



They also care for John, 59, for 48 nights of the year, when he is on respite from his father’s home. They also support other adults, when their usual carers are taking time out.



Dawn and Ian both worked with adults with learning disabilities, and as and foster carers for children before becoming Shared Lives Carers. They describe the lifestyle as the opposite of a nine to five job.



Ian explains: “Pauline and Brenda go to daycare so the hours of about 9am to 4pm are our own. We can have other jobs if we want – I also do some Personal Assistant work in the community. It’s a great work life balance. We have a lovely home and we’re able to share our lives and get paid for it.”



Pauline says: “I like it here. I like everything.” John adds: “I like doing anything we do, really.”



Dawn says: “We’re busy in the evening and at weekend, going places and doing things together. At home we watch films, play games and do puzzles and quizzes.



“We have nice dinners around the table in the evening and we have two sitting rooms, so that people can do different things. We all live together as a family. It’s a great concept, it really suits us all.”



Trips out in the family seven-seater ‘bus’, named Daisy by Pauline, include going to country parks, the theatre, cycling groups, local restaurants, shopping, discos and to see live music. Recently the family went to see an Abba tribute band.



Under the Shared Lives scheme, Dawn and Ian are entitled to 28 nights’ respite each year, as their annual holidays away from caring duties.



Helen and Richard Barraclough



Helen and Richard Barraclough are celebrating 23 years as shared lives carers. They live in Urmston with Richard, Michael and Kelroy, who have learning disabilities. Kelory was the first to join the household 23 years ago. Michael followed 18 years ago and Richard five years ago.

Helen says: “It’s a fabulous lifestyle, it’s not like going to a more ordinary job. We do everything from home, which is nice, and we have all sorts going on. It is a great way of living.”



Helen used to be a taxi driver in Salford, taking customers with learning disabilities around the city. Richard is a retired teacher who was in charge of teaching foundation lifeskills at North Trafford College. Through his work he met other people who cared for people in their own homes and the couple decided to give it a try.



Richard, Michael and Kelroy keep busy at day centres and clubs and Richard goes out and about independently on buses to see family and friends.



Helen and Richard are careful to provide as much choice as possible for each of the men they care for. Sometimes they do things separately and sometimes they all go out together for meals and trips out.



Past holidays together have included cruises. They are now planning a visit to the Normandy beaches after Richard first showed an interest in going to France, and a holiday in Jamaica to explore Kelroy’s heritage.



Richard says: “The real difference for our service users is the continuity of care we can give. It’s not like working with different people on a rota. Lockdown for us was a good time – we could take our time over things, drawing and baking and writing letters. We wouldn’t want to do any other kind of job.”[email protected] or call 01706 626747.

30/12/2024

TRAFFORD MV SLEIGHED AT BROUGHTON PARK

Trafford MV approached their last game prior to Christmas on the back of 2 good wins against Glossop and Didsbury Toc H - however a number of changes were forced on the team in the build up which proved costly - there was no gifts under the tree for TMV.

The opening 15 minutes were well contested by both teams in good dry conditions and it was eventually the home side making the first impression with a couple of missed tackles allowing Park to cross in the left corner. The missed conv gave a 5-0 lead. Trafford worked their way into the home half and some good handling allowed Jordan Rigg to score wide right, again a missed conversion kept the score at 5-5. Park responded immediately to touch down the the left corner again, with a missed conv the score was 10-5. Good driving play brought Trafford level again when Kieran Edgar was on the end of a series of forward drives to power over from close range again levelling scores at 10-10 with half time approaching. With seconds left in the first period of play Broughton Park won a scrum close to the MV line which lead to a crucial score which took the home side into the break ahead at 15-10.

The opening 5 minutes of the second half were even more crucial as the home side ran in 2 quick tries, both converted to open a convincing gap 29-10. A penalty came soon after 32-10. From a scrum in the MV half the wing defence goes missing and Park attack down the wing touching down in the wide left corner, plus conversion 39-10. Both sides collect yellow cards as frustrations boil over leading to a scuffle. With 15 min to go Trafford winger Joe Owens picks up a loose ball and backs himself to race in under the posts from his own '22 line. Pat Eccles converts to make it 39-17. With darkness descending and the floodlights now on Trafford graced the home side a final converted try gifting them a 46-17 final score.

Player of the match for Trafford was Joe Walls who worked hard the whole game and carried the ball into the fray on many occasions. Kallum Doohan made his 1st XV debut. The result leaves Trafford 8th in the league a break now until Jan 4th 2025 when New Brighton come to MacPherson Park in Sale. New Brighton won by a single point 39-38 back in Sept so if Trafford MV can get a full strength team out they can approach the game with confidence.

The Club wishes all its supporters a very Merry Christmas and hopes to see many new supporters on the touchline and in the Clubhouse in 2025.
match report Wilf Dooley Trafford MV

10/11/2024

With 318 Sale Squadron - Air Training Corps – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

10/11/2024

A few photos from this morning service a good turnout hi is it

10/11/2024

Thanks to 318 sale squadron for these photos from Sale

REMEMBRANCE

Today, 318 came together with our ACF colleagues and local Scouting groups for Remembrance Parade.

We are incredibly proud of how our cadets represented the Squadron and the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, in front of wonderful turnout and support from the community of Sale.

The Squadron was also represented at the Altrincham civic service by FS McManus, in his role as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester's Cadet.

We will remember them.

Trafford Community News Life in Sale Trafford Council RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man Greater Manchester Wing - Air Training Corps North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets RAF Association

09/11/2024

Army veteran Richard, 93, is Remembrance ready after help from Trafford Council social worker



One-time army cook Richard Dodd will be paying his respects on Remembrance Sunday at the age of 93, wearing his official veteran’s badge for the first time.



He received the lapel badge from the Ministry of Defence just in time for the big day thanks to Trafford Council social work apprentice Laura Titterington, who wrote to the Government on his behalf.



Laura has been working with Richard for a few weeks, to help him to continue to live well at home in Sale, organising a daily carer and other support for him.



Now with the help of the Council’s Armed Forces team, she is trying to track down a service medal for Richard that by rights he should have received on discharge in the 1950s.



He says: “I liked the army, it was something different. I didn’t expect to get anything when I was discharged. We shook hands and I went off home. But I’ve since found out I was entitled to an award in recognition of my service.”



On working with Laura, he says: “She has a lovely personality, she is always smiling. She organises things for me and makes my day better. I will never forget her.”



Richard, who was brought up in Hulme, trained to be a commis chef at Manchester’s Midland Hotel as a teenager. He completed National Service at Aldershot before stints in Salisbury Plain and Nottingham as a Private with the Royal Army Pay Corps and the Royal Artillery.



He became popular as an army cook, serving hundreds of troops at a time – using his chef training to teach fellow kitchen staff superior skills such as how to fillet fish properly.



Richard, whose wife Joyce passed away in 1998, worked at High Voltage Switch Gear Ltd at Trafford Park for 35 years after he was a full-time soldier – though he also served five years in the Territorial Army part-time during the early part of his employment.



His nieces Samantha and Alison have also tried over the years to get Richard his medal. They will be accompanying Richard to the Remembrance Sunday service at St Peter’s Square in Manchester city centre, where he will wear his badge with pride.



Trafford Council is a holder of a gold-standard Armed Forces Covenant, which recognises strong support for the Armed Forces community in the borough.



Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Healthy and Independent Lives, said: “I’m delighted that Laura and the Council have been able to help Richard in this way. We work with hundreds of residents who need us, including our veterans, to improve lives every day.”