David Rutley bangs the drum for soldier’s charity

Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, was on hand to give his full support for the work of the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Soldier’s Charity, at the display by the Pipes and Drums of the Manchester branch of the Scots Guards Association, at the Market Place in Macclesfield.

The spectacular display was put on by the East Cheshire branch of ABF, followed by a lunch at the nearby Town Hall Assembly Rooms. The weather added its support to the event, with bright sunshine attracting a large crowd. The stirring performance of display team offered the public an opportunity to remember and support the great service of the British armed forces. David has been a keen supporter of this event in recent years, and was delighted to accept the invitation from ABF once again.

ABF is a charity which offers lifetime support to both serving and retired soldiers when in need. Having been in operation for more than 70 years, it can provide financial assistance to all soldiers and their families. Even when a soldier leaves the Army they are still considered part of a wider family and eligible for ABF’s help. Half of the money is given direct to individuals, to help in areas such as debt relief, mobility assistance, education bursaries, carehome fees and respite breaks. The other half is given as grants to other charities.

As the nature of conflict has evolved in recent years, the organisation set up the Current Operations Fund, to support soldiers and their families who have been affected by the operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The number of individual cases needing support has increased in recent years, and ABF is working hard to raise the funds that are urgently needed to support former service personnel.

Speaking following the display, David said, “It has been an honour and pleasure to be able to attend such a fantastic event, and to support such an important cause. The performance was a stirring spectacle, but also a reminder that the armed forces give so much for us, and that we should be rightly proud of them. It is essential that we give them support when they need it most, which is why the work of ABF is so richly appreciated.”

Image: David Rutley MP (bottom row on right), with Cllr Liz Durham (bottom row left), Cllr Hilda Gaddum, Mayor of Cheshire East (bottom row centre), Colonel John Charlesworth, Chairman of East Cheshire ABF (top row left), and Pipe Major James Gray from the Manchester branch of the Scots Guards Association (top row right)