St Helens Borough Council presented with MOD Gold Employer Award During VE Day 80 Celebrations

Article date: 8 May 2025

Organised in partnership by the St Helens Armed Forces Forum, the event featured musical performances by the Blackbrook-based Standards and Corps of Drums, students from Outwood Academy, and a vocalist from the Haydock Male Choir - with distinguished guests including the Deputy Lieutenant of Merseyside, David Steer, and representatives from The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment and Reserve Forces among those in attendance.

A highlight of the day was the attendance of 103-year-old St Helens resident Gerald Anders, a Second World War veteran who served in North Africa, Italy, France, and Germany.

The celebration also acknowledged the council's continued commitment to the Armed Forces community. Following its signing of the Armed Forces Covenant in November 2024, the council has now received the Gold Employer Award — the highest level of recognition under the MOD's Defence Employer Recognition Scheme which honours organisations that demonstrate exceptional support for reservists, veterans, and military families.

Councillor Lynn Clarke, Armed Forces Champion for St Helens Borough Council, expressed her pride in receiving the award:

"I am immensely proud to receive the Gold Employer Award on behalf of the council and what a fitting end to our VE Day celebrations. Everyone at the council has worked tirelessly to achieve this and I hope it shows to you all the council's commitment to supporting and advocating for the employment of reservists, veterans and military families.

"Today, we have honoured the courage and sacrifice of those who fought for our freedom, remembered the hardships endured by our community, and celebrated the triumph of peace over conflict.

"Let us carry forward the lessons of VE Day. Let us remember the importance of standing together in the face of adversity, of cherishing the freedoms we enjoy, and of working towards a world where peace and justice prevail."

Councillor Anthony Burns, Leader of St Helens Borough Council, added:

"On this day, we honour the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of those who fought for freedom and peace during World War II.

As we stand here, in the heart of St Helens, we are reminded of the profound impact that the war had on our community. Many of our ancestors served on the front lines, worked tirelessly on the home front, and endured the hardships of wartime. Their stories are woven into the fabric of our town, and their legacy lives on in the values we hold dear.

"As we reflect on the past, let us also look to the future. The lessons of VE Day remind us of the importance of standing together in the face of adversity, of cherishing the freedoms we enjoy, and of working towards a world where peace and justice prevail.

"Let us take this opportunity to express our gratitude to the veterans who are with us today, and to those who are no longer with us. Your bravery and sacrifice have given us the gift of freedom, and we are forever in your debt.

"To the younger generations, remember the stories of your grandparents and great-grandparents. Learn from their experiences and carry forward their legacy of resilience and hope. You are the torchbearers of the future, and it is your responsibility to ensure that the lessons of history are never forgotten."

VE Day 80 commemorations will continue into the weekend, with a number of exciting, family-friendly community events taking place across the borough, including street parties in Rainford and Parr on Saturday, as well as a Best of British VE Day 80th Anniversary Celebration taking place in Earlestown Town Centre on Saturday 10 May between 10:00am - 4:00pm, and a VE Day Picnic in the Park in Bankes Park, Billinge, on Sunday 11 May from 1:00pm-6:00pm.

For information on support available to past and present members of the Armed Forces community in St Helens Borough, visit: www.sthelens.gov.uk/armedforces

ENDS