SALFORD VETERANS ASSOCIATION HAS LAUNCHED A NEW CAMPAIGN USING SALFORD'S CROWDFUNDER TO HONOUR THE ARMED FORCES

The group, set up by veteran Glenn Croston, wants to contribute to Salford's new veterans memorial garden by raising funds for replacement benches.

The group is using Crowdfunder, set up by City Mayor Paul Dennett. It enables people, organisations and community groups to test local support for their initiative by raising money to win match funding of up to £10,000 from Mayor Dennett.

Projects must benefit Salford and support one of the council's Great Eight priorities to create a fairer, greener and healthier Salford.

Glenn, who served nine years in the army in the UK, Northern Ireland, Germany, Hong Kong, Canada and Ethiopia, said:

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"We are hoping to raise £5000 and, if we can, Crowdfunder will match that. Ideally we want the benches in place for Remembrance Day in November."

The benches will commemorate Salford's four Victoria Cross holders - Lance Serjeant Joseph Woodall, Sergeant Joseph Lister, Private William Norman and Private Henry George Crandon. The new garden, near Swinton Cenotaph, will also provide a space for people to remember and celebrate the lives of other former armed forces members.

Four new flagpoles have already been put in place and are displaying the armed services flags.

Councillors Margaret Morris and Barry Warner are armed forces champions at Salford City Council.

Councillor Morris said:

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"We are proud to work with the Salford Veterans Association to provide this memorial garden and community space. It will be an important space for our armed forces community and we'd like to thank them for all they do for us."

 

Councillor Warner added:

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"When the memorial garden is opened we will have a fitting ceremony. Our fallen heroes will never be forgotten."

Details of this campaign, other current campaigns and past successes can be found at Salford Crowdfunder https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/funds/salford;

The Veterans Memorial Garden fundraiser can be found at https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/salford-veterans-memorial-garden-1