At the full Council meeting this evening, I am proposing a motion to help the Council honour the memory of those who served, and those who died, while in the British armed forces. I am delighted that the leaders of the other two political groups will be supporting this motion.

Although we are using next year’s anniversary of the start of World War One as the focus for the motion, we also wish to acknowledge those who are killed and injured in recent conflicts. By remembering all those who have served in these numerous conflicts, we will also help make sure that we do not forget those who live with the loss of a loved one, or injuries sustained on active service.

If Council approves this motion, the Office of Mayor will work with local businesses, town and parish councils, and the Royal British Legion to raise money and offer help to preserve or otherwise maintain memorials. The Council is also working with Stratton St Margaret Parish Council to provide land for a separate memorial there. I hope our local schools will build on their existing work to educate children about our history to understand how veterans of current conflicts need support. For example, there are many who suffer in silence with the psychological traumas of their experiences, as well as those who find it difficult to readjust to civilian life.

In September, Council signed the Military Covenant. This was another occasion where Councillors put their partisan differences aside and made a political gesture on behalf of the whole community. Since then, we have made a number of changes in our policies, such as our housing strategy so that we can make helping those who were in the armed forces a priority.

Over the next few days, I would encourage everyone to support an act of Remembrance. There is the 11km Run2Remember this Saturday at 11am in Lydiard Park.

If you are not running, please support those who are. Also at Lydiard Park, we have the Royal Wootton Bassett Field of Remembrance. You can find more information about these at www.lydiardpark.org.uk There will be the town’s Service of Remembrance on Sunday 10th November at 11am at the Cenotaph outside the old Town Hall. I know the town and parishes around Swindon will have their services, too.

On Monday 11th November, at the designated hour of 11am, I will be observing the Two Minutes’ silence, and I would encourage as many people as possible to do the same.

Last, but by no means least, I would urge you to join me in making a donation either to the Royal British Legion, or to one of the other charities that provides essential support for ex-servicemen and their families. - David Renard, Swindon Borough Council Leader