REGULAR readers of the Gazette will know I have been a big supporter of the Veterans' Badge, and I have campaigned hard in South Shields to ensure that those who are entitled to the badge receive one.
To date, I have sent out hundreds of badges to very worthy recipients here in the town.
Towards the end of last year, the Secretary of State for the Environment, Mr Hillary Benn MP, announced that the Government had decided to award a badge to com
memorate the efforts of all those women who served in the Women's Land Army and Timber Corps.
To date, there have been more than 29,000 applications for a badge. This is a tremendous response.
Most applications have come from, or on behalf of, women in the UK, but about 1,000 applications have been received from overseas – including Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the US.
The badge has been specially designed – it bears the Royal Crest and shows a gold wheatsheaf on a background, surrounded by a circlet of pine branches and pine cones to indicate the work of both the Land Army and the Timber Corps.
The badge will be in a small presentation box, and will have an accompanying certificate.
On July 23, the Prime Minister will be holding a special national ceremony at 10 Downing Street at which about 50 veterans will be presented with their badge.
Any readers who have already applied for the badge will be receiving theirs very soon, as they will be sent by post to be delivered on, or very close to, the day of the national ceremony.
If you served with the Women's Land Army or the Timber Corps and have not yet applied for your badge – please do so, it is waiting there for you.
Anyone wishing to apply for a badge should ring the Defrahelpline on 08459 33 55 77 or log onto the website here.