Show our Armed Forces they are really welcome
WEST NORFOLK wants to enlist businesses and the whole community to back a ground-breaking Heroes Welcome campaign.
The target will be to offer members of the British Armed Forces discounts, special offers and a priceless show of support and thanks.
The area will be one of the first pioneers of the "military campaign" which began a year ago in Scarborough and is set to ultimately run in many other parts of the country.
And already the Lynn News has pledged its full support and will have a key role in its promotion and publicity.
This week Major John Senior, the civilian organiser of the Yorkshire seaside resort's initiative was in Lynn to talk to members of the Town Centre Partnership.
The former veteran of two tours of Afghanistan told the town hall meeting: "A little bit of quiet acknowledgement is all that is wanted.
"They are not after big discounts, just a psychological pat on the back."
But being recognised nationally as a supporter of Heroes Welcome will make West Norfolk, including Lynn, Hunstanton and Downham, an attraction for Army, Navy and RAF personnel and their families, which number around a million.
In addition there are approximately 4,500 people based at RAF Marham and even more at USAF Mildenhall and Lakenheath, should it be decided in the future to include American servicemen too.
Shops and businesses in West Norfolk will be encouraged to sign up for Heroes Welcome and display special window stickers to show that members of the Armed Forces are welcome and some special discounts could be available.
Already in Scarborough around 450 businesses are flying the flag, prompting thousands of emails of thanks from troops.
Heroes Welcome will be launched officially in West Norfolk on Wednesday, July 1, backed by West Norfolk Council. Alistair Cox, the council's town centre manager of Lynn, Hunstanton and Downham, has been working closely with Major Senior on the development of Heroes Welcome, which now has national status, recognised not only by the Ministry of Defence, but by Help For Heroes, Armed Forces Day and the Royal British Legion, among many others.
Widespread publicity and application coupons for businesses to sign up will be featured regularly in the Lynn News.
SHOWING GRATITUDE
Major Senior added: "It is showing gratitude to the armed forces, offering, where possible, a little bit of extra hospitality.
"It is your scheme, in your shops and businesses."
Lynn News editor Malcolm Powell: "This is a terrific initiative by the Town Centre Partnership and council and we are delighted to be invited to play our part.
"With RAF Marham on our doorstep, it's important we can hold out welcoming hands to any members of the Armed Forces and their families from all over the country too."
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Weather for King's Lynn
Sunday 27 May 2012
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