(Photo left to right: Lee Rowley MP, Sabrina Doherty, Ben Flook)
In a commendable display of community spirit and dedication to honouring fallen heroes, Ben Flook, a prospective MP for Chesterfield, and Lee Rowley, Levelling Up Minister and MP for North East Derbyshire, have successfully raised £2,000 to ensure the continuation of the long-standing Staveley Remembrance Parade.
The Staveley Remembrance Parade, a poignant event in the Derbyshire town’s history, faced an unprecedented financial challenge this year. Historically, financial constraints within Staveley Town Council jeopardised the continuity of the parade, prompting local leaders to step forward and ensure that the tradition endured.
Community Leaders’ Intervention
Prospective MP for Chesterfield, Ben Flook, and Levelling Up Minister and MP for North East Derbyshire, Lee Rowley, took on the responsibility of preserving the Staveley Remembrance Parade. Their proactive approach involved raising a substantial sum of £2,000, which has been described by local residents as a testament to their commitment to upholding the significance of the event.
Flook and Rowley presented a cheque for £2,000 to the Town Clerk of Staveley Town Council, Sabrina Doherty, ensuring that the Remembrance Parade could proceed without compromise. The generous donation reflects their dedication to ensuring that the sacrifice of those who gave, and continue to give, their lives for the country is honoured.
Overcoming Financial Challenges
Town Clerk, Sabrina Doherty expressed her gratitude for the invaluable contribution, stating, “I am extremely grateful to Ben Flook and Lee Rowley MP for raising £2,000 so the full Remembrance parade can go ahead. This will allow local residents in Staveley to give a fitting tribute for all those who gave, and give, their lives for our country.”
Historic financial challenges within Staveley Town Council had initially cast a shadow over the parade’s continuity. However, the timely intervention of Flook and Rowley, who personally arranged the donations, provided a path forward for the community to pay homage to its war heroes.
A Fitting Remembrance Parade for Staveley
Following the handover of the £2,000 cheque, Ben Flook emphasised, “It is only right that the full Staveley Remembrance Parade goes ahead. We were determined that financial difficulties would not get in the way of honoring our War dead. We will remember them.”
Lee Rowley MP added, “It’s so important that Staveley has a fitting Remembrance Parade and Service, and I am glad that we have been able to help in a small way.”
Staveley Town Councillor, Falklands War Veteran, and catalyst for community action, Cllr Paul Mann, praised the initiative, stating, “As a war veteran, I was determined to work with anyone who could save this year’s Remembrance Day parade. I am delighted that Ben Flook and Lee Rowley stepped up to raise the funds necessary to pay tribute to our fallen servicemen and women.”
Final Thought
In the face of financial adversity, the collaborative efforts of Ben Flook and Lee Rowley have not only preserved a longstanding tradition but have also highlighted the resilience and unity of the Staveley community.
This weekend has seen large demonstrations and dozens of arrests as far right and pro-Palestinian protests take place across London. While the national media focuses on the events in London, this story shows how communities across the country are coming together to pay their tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
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The upcoming Staveley Remembrance Parade on Sunday, November 12th, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of remembrance and community solidarity.