Last Wednesday there was a preview of the new special Exhibition at the Cheshire Military Museum which is now open to all. By all accounts everyone had a fantastic evening and we were really pleased to involve over 80 supporters and six Lord Mayors and Mayors.

The local Army Cadet Force were excellent VIP hosts and the food and refreshments were stunning, prepared by staff and students at Cheshire College South and West, and it was great to hear from Tony at Donald Insall Associates about the memorials to Animals in War in London and briefly Ascot.

Everyone had a tour of the museum culminating in the Purple Poppies special exhibition commemorating Animals at War and those lost during fighting in WWI and WWII in particular.

Our “live” performer was a very well behaved; Corporal Derby 33, a magnificent ram who is the Regimental Mascot of the Mercian Regiment. The photo below shows (LtoR) Cadets with Mayor of Halton Cllr Kevin Wainwright, Mayor and Consort of Congleton Mike and Cllr Kay Wesley, Lord Mayor of Chester Cllr Razia Daniels, Ram mascot Private Derby XXXIII with Ram Major, Corporal Philip Thornton and Ram Orderly, Private Kieron Bramley with Mayor of Tameside Cllr Betty Affleck, Cllr Kate Cernik Mayor of Northwich and cadets.