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Made possible through a £2,950 contribution from Telford & Wrekin Council, the initiative funded five free plaques and ten reduced-price plaques, enabling more veterans and their families to secure a lasting place of remembrance on the Trail.

The call for nominations attracted an overwhelming response, with applications submitted by families, friends and members of the community, each sharing inspiring stories of dedication, sacrifice and service. Selecting just five recipients proved incredibly difficult, but the following veterans have now been chosen to receive the free plaques:

Major Stuart Kirkbride, who served for almost 40 years in the British Army after joining at the age of 17. A member of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, he completed operational tours in Northern Ireland, Borneo, Iraq, Bosnia and Kosovo before retiring as a Major in 2002. Remembered by his family as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he sadly passed away on 16 January 2026.

Sergeant Anthony “Tony” Matthews, who served for 25 years with the Royal Air Force, beginning his career as a Boy Entrant at the age of 15. As a Flight Systems Engineer, he served across the UK, Singapore and Malaysia, and was posthumously awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal in recognition of his service during the Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation.

Mrs Nichola Gristock, who dedicated more than 26 years to the Royal Air Force, serving across the UK, with NATO and on operational deployments overseas. Recognised for her leadership, professionalism and commitment to supporting others, she received a Certificate of Meritorious Service, acknowledged in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.

Garry “Gaz” Ault served for 22 years in the Royal Air Force, completing operational deployments on Operation Banner, Operation Telic and Operation Herrick. He also took part in Operation Highbrow, helping to evacuate British nationals from Lebanon in 2007. His service reflects a career of dedication, professionalism and commitment to duty.

Daniel Sheffield, who served for eight years with the Royal Logistic Corps, including a tour of Afghanistan. His nomination came from his daughter Ruby, who described him simply as “my hero” and has herself raised more than £10,000 for the Royal British Legion in support of the veteran community.

Ruby Sheffield, who nominated her father Daniel Sheffield for a plaque, said:

“I’m so proud that my dad has been chosen to receive a plaque on Telford’s Veteran Trail. He has always been my hero, and it means so much to our family that his service will be recognised in a lasting way. Knowing that future generations will be able to see his plaque and remember what he did makes this really special for us.”

Erica Hanson-McKenzie, Chair of Telford’s Veteran Trail, said:

"Every nomination we received told a remarkable story, and selecting just five recipients was incredibly difficult. Each veteran has served our country with dedication, and we are honoured to recognise them on Telford's Veteran Trail. We are extremely grateful to Telford & Wrekin Council for making these funded plaques possible and helping ensure that the service and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community continue to be remembered for generations to come."

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

“Telford & Wrekin Council is proud to support Telford’s Veteran Trail with this funding, providing five free plaques and ten reduced-price ones to help more local veterans and their families secure a lasting tribute to their service.

“Every plaque tells the story of someone who has served our country with dedication and commitment, and it is important that those stories are not forgotten. Honouring, remembering and supporting our Armed Forces community is a key priority for the Council, which is why we invest in initiatives such as the Christopher Turley Armed Forces Hub, outreach work across the borough, our annual Armed Forces Family Fun Day and our ongoing commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant.

“The Trail provides a lasting way for future generations to remember and honour members of our Armed Forces community, and we are delighted to help ensure that more veterans can be recognised in this special and meaningful way.”

Although the five free plaques have now been allocated, veterans and their families can still apply for one of the ten reduced price plaques, available for £150 compared to the standard price of £295 thanks to the Council’s funding.

Applicants should email info@telfordsveterantrail.co.uk with a short paragraph about why their nominee should be selected, along with a photograph and the veteran’s service details. All applications will then be considered by Veteran Trail committee.

The plaques will be installed over the coming weeks, and the recipients of both the free and reduced-price plaques will be invited to a special unveiling celebration later this year.

About Telford’s Veteran Trail

Telford’s Veteran Trail, next to the War Memorial in Telford Town Park, commemorates and celebrates local service men and women and provides a lasting tribute for veterans, serving forces, their families and their loved ones through a series of personalised plaques.

Officially opened by Her Majesty The Queen Consort on 14 March 2023, the Trail operates as a charity, raising awareness of veterans’ contributions and promoting welfare initiatives linked to the Armed Forces community. It also plays a role in fundraising for local veteran’s charities. For more information, visit www.telfordsveterantrail.co.uk