Shops in Caerphilly County Borough are to become the first in Wales to embrace a national scheme to recognise the contribution made by the Armed Forces.
The national ‘Heroes Welcome’ scheme, which was originally set up by John Senior in his home town Scarborough in 2008, aims to provide a simple way to allow communities and organisations to express their acknowledgement and gratitude to Armed Forces communities in a direct and positive manner.
Caerphilly County Borough Council’s Town Centre Management team have written to more than 700 businesses to encourage them to show their support for members of the Armed Forces by displaying a special ‘Heroes Welcome’ sticker in their shop windows.
While not a requirement of the scheme, some retailers may also wish to offer a small discount to members of the Armed Forces.
Cllr Ken James, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “The ‘Heroes Welcome’ scheme is a simple yet effective way of showing support and gratitude to our Armed Forces communities and for all that they do and have done for their country. I am confident that a large number of our businesses right across the county borough will be keen to support this excellent scheme.”
The scheme’s founder Mr Senior added: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Caerphilly County Borough on board the Heroes Welcome partnership, and thank them for their support to all those serving in the Armed Forces. Caerphilly will be our first Welsh member, and we now hope that others will follow their example.”
Huw Edwards, of Tidals Store in Blackwood, and chair of the Blackwood Retail Partnership, said: “The Heroes Welcome scheme is a small but significant way in which we as traders can say thank you to service men, women and their families for the dedication and sacrifice that they are willing to make. On behalf of Blackwood Retail Partnership, we look forward to welcoming service personnel to Blackwood High Street.”
For more information on the national Heroes Welcome scheme, please visit www.heroeswelcome.co.uk
Why are these people 'heroes'? I will not ship at a business that supports people who kill for a living
Dear Tax Payer
The Armed Forces have never seen themselves as heroes and of course you may spend your money in whatever ship (shop) you wish. But perhaps as you do, it's worth remembering that as you and your loved ones wander free and safe in the sunshine, write what you wish , when you wish, there was, is and will be a cost to pay to maintain and preserve the freedom you enjoy…. Just a thought! Lest we forget! Yours
John Senior Heroes Welcome UK
PS our thanks do go to the people of Caerphilly County Borough for their support!