Merseyside High Sheriff Visits Birkdale Park Nursing Home and rides in a rickshaw to Commemorate D Day Landings with Forces Veterans

4th June 2019
The High Sheriff on a rickshaw with Resident Ken Farr 84 peddled by veteran Major Jonathan Cunningham MBE (Registered Manager)

Birkdale Park Nursing Home in Southport welcomed the recently installed Merseyside High Sheriff David Steer QC DL to attend a veterans’ parade at Birkdale Park. Welcomed by former Major Jonathan Cunningham MBE who served in the Green Howard infantry for 16 years, Birkdale Parks’ 10 veterans were inspected by their special guest. The visit was designed to coinside with the D Day 75 Commemorations of the lagest ambitious landings in history. During the visit The High Sheriff met with veterans who had served in the Navy, Army, Airforce and Merchant Navy.  Jonathan said we are delighted to welcome the High Sherriff to Birkdale Park. We are immensely proud of our veterans and the sacrifice that they and their comrades those years ago. At Birkdale Park we commemorate all forces veterans, we hold a weekly parade, salute the Union Jack and sing the old war songs – we all love it!’

The High Sheriff David Steer remarked ‘What an honour to attend these commemorations with these fine veterans. I had heard about Birkdale Park and the special efforts that they go to with their veterans, so it is an honour to meet with them and their proud families today. I especially enjoyed the rickshaw ride down Lord Street with veteran Ken Farr who served in the Merchant Navy for 4 years’. Jonathan the Registered manager said. ‘I commend to all care homes to take the time to get to know their residents as there will be many more veterans hidden in their beds. We owe it to them to identify, honour and celebrate their sacrifices and duty to allow us to live in freedom’.