Local councillors mark Armistice Day at special netball match

To kick off the weekend of Armistice Day events, Lib Dem councillors Jane Carr and Paul Trendall attended a special netball match to pay their respects and to remember the people who have died in wars around the world.

After a 1-minute silence at 11am, local netball team MK Netters and the British Army took to the courts at Oakgrove Leisure Centre to compete for the win.

The special match, organized by Cabinet Member for Sport, Councillor Jane Carr, marked Armistice Day and brought members of the Armed Forces, as well as their families, and residents across the city together.

The local councillors were joined by Mayor and Mayoress of Milton Keynes Councillor Mick Legg and Mandy Legg, as well as members of the local community to mark the occasion.

At the final whistle, MK Netters were declared the winners, shaking hands with their teammates and the British Army netball team.

Councillor Jane Carr, Cabinet Member for Sport, a keen supporter of netball and who is working hard to bring more sporting events to the city, said:

“Hosting local sporting events have massive benefits for the city’s economy and its residents, not only do they help bring communities together, but they also encourage people to get involved in a sport and play for a local team. I’m delighted that MK Netters and the British Army could put on a special match to mark Armistice Day, and I’d like to give thanks to everyone involved who made the match day a success.”

Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Paul Trendall, added:

“Armistice Day is an important event for residents across the city to honour all the veterans past and present who have served us, and who continue to serve our country. The special netball match was an opportunity for the local community to pay their respects whilst having a family-friendly day out.”

Every year, the City Council holds a special ceremony to mark the start of Armed Forces Week by raising a flag above the City Council’s Civic Offices to show its support for Armed Forces colleagues.

In 2017, the City Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant and is recognised with the Gold Award in the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme for its work to support members of the Armed Forces community back into the workplace.