Blue Light Event
Mayor of Westhoughton Councillor Sarita Chohan writes:
Today I attended the Armed Forces Veteran Breakfast Club Bolton at Heywood Park. This special event was organised by Chairman Simon Skirving.
The Mayor of Bolton Cllr Iqbal, his Mayoress, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Mr Michael Rawlinson, Deputy Armed Forces Champion Cllr Morgan, Deputy Mayor of Westhoughton Cllr Linda Maher, other Councillors, and Veterans came together to celebrate the Blue Light Services
I will share a poem spoken by John Nixon of Sheffield AFVBC
"Out on the field where the banners stand,
You feel the pride ripple across the land.
No doors today — just open sky,
And a gathering of heroes walking by.
From fire crews brave in smoke and flame,
To police who guard in duty’s name.
From paramedics racing life to save,
To mountain rescue, steadfast, brave.
And the coast guard too, watching every shore,
Keeping families safe for evermore.
Today we honour all they do,
And stand in gratitude, proud and true.
The field becomes a place of grace,
Where service gathers face to face.
Veterans, families, friends unite,
In Bolton’s warm and steady light.
And there is music in the air,
Because Kieran Arnold chose to share
His voice, his time, his heart today,
To lift the crowd in his own way. But none of this would stand so tall
Without the team who gave their all.
Simon the Guardsman, strong and steady,
With colleagues loyal, skilled, and ready.
They built this day from grit and pride,
Working quietly side by side.
From early plans to final call,
Their effort shaped it, heart and all.
And as we walk this open ground,
You feel the strength in every sound.
The laughter, stories, memories shared,
Reminding us how much we’ve cared.
For service never leaves our soul,
It shapes our steps, it keeps us whole.
And days like this make clear again
The bond between all service women and men.
So here I stand with humbled heart,
Grateful just to play my part.
For Bolton’s welcome, warm and true —
It’s an honour to stand today with you."
