NEWSROOM

Running from Monday 22 June to Friday 3 July, the programme of events has been organised around National Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June and the Council’s much-loved free Armed Forces Family Fun Day on Sunday 28 June.

The free sessions are open to all and combine gentle guided walks, expert talks and social opportunities, all rounded off with a celebratory afternoon tea.

Each walk begins at 12 noon and lasts approximately 40–45 minutes at a gentle pace on flat, wheelchair-accessible routes. Participants will meet other like-minded people for gentle conversation, perhaps learn something about the local area and have the opportunity for quiet reflection, before returning for a relaxed afternoon tea and the chance to connect with others.

The full programme of “Salute their Service” events include:

• Monday 22 June (12pm) – Wellington Methodist Church, with a short walk around Bowring Park followed by a talk from a local firefighter who served a full career in the Royal Marines and afternoon tea
• Wednesday 24 June (12pm) – Newport Navy Club, featuring a canal walk and talk by local veteran Mike Smith
• Thursday 25 June (12pm) – Christopher Turley Armed Forces Hub, Dawley, with a walk and talk led by historian Dave Shaw
• Sunday 28 June (11am–5pm) – Armed Forces Family Fun Day at Broadoaks Playing Field, Donnington, a free event with entertainment, activities and military displays for all ages
• Monday 29 June (12pm) – Turreff Hall, Donnington, including a reflective stop at Donnington War Memorial and presentation by Mike Smith
• Thursday 2 July (12pm) – The Anstice, Madeley, with a guided walk and talk from historian Alan Jones
• Friday 3 July (12pm) – The Wakes, Oakengates, featuring a walk around Hartshill Park and a talk by Mike Smith

In addition, the Council’s Armed Forces Outreach team will be in Telford Town Centre on Tuesday 23 June (9am–6pm), offering support, advice and information for serving personnel, veterans and their families, and highlighting the wide range of activities and services available locally.

To involve younger residents in recognising the Armed Forces community, local schools have been invited to take part in a themed competition. Primary school pupils are being asked to design a poster celebrating the armed forces, with the winning design to be transformed into a painting by a local artist and armed forces veteran to be displayed in the Christopher Turley Armed Forces Hub. Secondary school pupils are being encouraged to submit creative writing pieces inspired by the armed forces. Shortlisted entries will be collated and published in a book, and the winning entry will be written up, framed and displayed at the Hub too.

Councillor Paul Davis, Telford & Wrekin Council’s Cabinet Member for Strong Communities, Local Pride and Veterans, said:

“Armed Forces Day is a moment of national pride, and we are delighted to once again bring people together to honour and celebrate those who serve and have served.

“In addition to our much-loved Armed Forces Family Fun Day, these ‘Salute their Service’ events give our residents a chance to explore local military history and experiences, hear from knowledgeable speakers and spend time with others who share that connection.

“These walks are gentle, welcoming and open to all, and each one is rounded off with a wonderful afternoon tea, creating a relaxed space to reflect, connect and celebrate.

“Telford and Wrekin has a strong and proud connection to the armed forces, and as a Council we are deeply committed to supporting those with a military connection. Earlier this year, in January 2026, we reaffirmed our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, underlining our pledge to ensure that veterans, serving personnel and their families are treated fairly and have access to the support they need.

“We are proud to back this commitment up with meaningful recognition, including recently awarding the Freedom of the Borough to GSM ‘Vern’ Stokes OBE MVO DL, a local soldier with a distinguished career who has risen to one of the British Army’s most senior non-commissioned ranks and plays a leading role in major national ceremonial events such as Trooping the Colour and the recent Coronation of Their Royal Highnesses the King and Queen. This followed last year’s award of the same honour to our local regiment, Shropshire Yeomanry Squadron. Together, these reflect the high esteem in which we hold our Armed Forces community and our ongoing commitment to supporting them.”

Places on the walks are free but booking is encouraged. Residents can sign up online here or speak to the team at Armed Forces Community Café events to secure a place.

ENDS

 Note to Editors

National Armed Forces Week 2026 runs from 22 to 28 June and includes National Reserves Day on Wednesday 24 June and National Armed Forces Day on Saturday 27 June.