Redditch plans big welcome to Chelsea Pensioner - The Redditch Standard

Redditch plans big welcome to Chelsea Pensioner

Redditch Editorial 12th Nov, 2017   0

FOR the first time in living memory a Chelsea Pensioner, in his familiar scarlet uniform, will be among the guests at the Remembrance Day Service at St Stephen’s Church, Redditch today (Sunday, November 12) at 11am.

Simon de Buisseret, originally from Bridgnorth and now a Chelsea Pensioner, will be joined by members of the Redditch-based 37th Signals Regiment, who will march from the Town Hall.

They will be joined by the civic party and community leaders for the wreath-laying ceremony at the town centre war memorial.

This will be followed by the Remembrance Day Service at St Stephen’s Church.




Captain Martin Smith, from the 37th Signal Regiment, said he was delighted Mr de Buisseret, a veteran Army aircraft technician, will be attending.

“We at 37th Signals Regiment feel a real affinity with Chelsea Pensioners. We relish the opportunity to find out first hand more about our predecessors’ experiences and the challenges they faced,” he said.


Elaine Whitfield, a member of the congregation at St Stephen’s Church whose niece is the most senior female soldier in the British Army, played a key part in securing Simon’s visit.

“It is a privilege to play a small part in making our Remembrance Day commemorations special and an honour to have a Chelsea Pensioner lay a wreath,” she said.

Councillor Bill Hartnett, leader of Redditch Borough Council, added: “I am sure residents will come out in great numbers to welcome our honoured guest. It will, I am sure, be a great day.”

The Mayor of Redditch, Coun Jenny Wheeler, said: “I feel very proud to represent the town and look forward to welcoming the Chelsea Pensioner to our important commemoration.”

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Andrew Grant, will also be present at the ceremony to represent the Queen.

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