04/08 Heather and Kirsty aged 5 and 2 cut the first turf for the National Memorial that will bear their father's name

Heather and Kirsty aged 5 and 2 cut the first turf for the National Memorial that will bear their father's name


Today the family of Cpl Robin McLachlan cut the first turf in the construction of the Armed Forces Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire. Robin's name, along with 16,000 other members of the UK Armed Forces who have been killed on duty since the Second World War, will be commemorated by this new national memorial.

Unlike the World War Memorials in towns and villages across the nation there is no-where that records the names of those who have been killed on duty, or as a result of terrorist action, as a consequence of serving their country since 1948. The Armed Forces Memorial will put that right. The names of members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the Merchant Navy who have died in conflict zones while in direct support of the Armed Forces will also be included on the Monument.

Vice Admiral Sir John Dunt KCB, Chairman of the Armed Forces Memorial Trust, said;

"The Armed Forces Memorial will change the way the nation remembers those whose names will be included on its walls, providing an important reminder to us all that our Servicemen and women are killed in many different circumstances; while on exercise, during operations, on peacekeeping duties or as a result of training accidents as well as battle casualties.

Explaining the personal significance the memorial will have, Robin's widow Jill McLachlan, said;

"Death does not discriminate according to context or place. A death in a road traffic accident in Germany is no less painful for the family than a death in Iraq. Many Service personnel are killed carrying out their duty outside of conflict zones - surely their commitment deserves to be recognised?

"My husband proudly served in difficult conflicts in Bosnia and Northern Ireland. A memorial like this is about recognising the sacrifice made by Robin, his family and in particular his two amazing daughters - it doesn't matter to me that he wasn't on the 'front line'.

"The Memorial is about recognising and valuing Robin. It is a place that his children and family can talk about and visit with pride."

The Chairman of the National Memorial Arboretum Trustees, Colonel John Barkshire CBE TD JP DL said;

"We are delighted that the Arboretum has been chosen as the site for the Armed Forces Memorial which will become the major focus for commemoration in the centre of the United Kingdom. It will be a most significant part of the nation's heritage."

The Armed Forces Memorial Trust still needs to raise £4 million to complete the construction of this new national memorial, which is expected to be unveiled in October 2007. Vice Admiral Dunt said;

"Like the World War Memorials before it the Armed Forces Memorial will be funded by public subscription. Helping us to raise the remaining funds will ensure that those who have given us their lives are remembered today, tomorrow and forever."

The design of the Armed Forces Memorial has been created by architect Liam O'Connor and will be constructed in Portland stone. The memorial will be enhanced by the inclusion of sculptures by Ian Rank-Broadley.

You can make a donation to the Armed Forces Memorial Appeal online at http://www.forcesmemorial.org.uk or send a cheque to The Armed Forces Memorial Appeal, First Floor, Zone A, St George's Court, 2-12 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SH.

28/05 HSE WARNS OF WORKPLACE TRANSPORT DANGERS FOLLOWING PROSECUTION OF

HSE WARNS OF WORKPLACE TRANSPORT DANGERS FOLLOWING PROSECUTION OF
STAFFORD BASED MANUFACTURER

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning companies to ensure
that adequate precautions are being taken to prevent injuries from
workplace transport accidents following a prosecution involving a skip
delivery vehicle.

Hixon based manufacturer Sandmaster Ltd was today fined £20,000 and
costs of £4,500 at Stafford Magistrates' Court, after pleading guilty to a
breach of health and safety legislation. The case brought by the
(HSE), follows an investigation into the death of employee Mr Ivor William
Babb, who was fatally struck by a skip delivery vehicle.

Speaking after the case HSE investigating inspector Andrew Bowker said:

"This was a tragic accident which could have been avoided. Companies
have a duty to ensure that appropriate safety measures are implemented
to prevent injuries and pointless deaths such as this. It is vital that
site and depot managers carry out a risk assessment to identify
potential dangers to workers and put adequate solutions in place.

"HSE is warning site and depot managers of the risks posed to workers
from workplace transport - 10 people in the West Midlands region were
killed last year. It doesn't take a lot of organisation or money to put
measures in place which can make a difference to people's working
environment and even save lives."

The incident occurred when Mr Babb, a cleaner - at the company, was
struck by a skip delivery vehicle when he was taking rubbish into the yard
on 15 October 2004.

Sandmaster Ltd pleaded guilty to a breach of section 2(1) of the Health
and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 at Stafford Magistrates' Court.

20/05 LOCAL CAMPAIGN HELPS STAFFORDSHIRE ADJUST FOR DISABLED PEOPLE

LOCAL CAMPAIGN HELPS STAFFORDSHIRE ADJUST FOR DISABLED PEOPLE


A new campaign has been launched to help local businesses in
Staffordshire understand their responsibilities under the Disability
Discrimination Act (DDA).

The 'adjusting for better business' campaign aims to help more disabled
people access high street services and the employment opportunities of
their choice. The estimated spending power of disabled people in the
UK is around £80 billion.

Anne McGuire, Minister for Disabled People, has called on local
businesses to 'wise up' on accessibility and follow the example of other
successful businesses in the area.

"Many businesses in Staffordshire have already woken up to the economic
and ethical arguments in making themselves accessible to disabled
staff, customers, their families and friends. More businesses need to wise
up to this.

"This campaign gives clear and practical guidance on the range of
disabilities and how easy and low cost it can be to make simple adjustments
to meet people's different needs. For example, a chair beside the
checkout can be as much a relief for a tired shopper with children as it can
be for someone with a mobility condition, arthritis or MS."

Press and radio adverts are appearing in local media to remind
businesses to consider the needs of disabled people whether as potential or
existing employees or customers.

Since 5 December 2005, the DDA also covers people with MS, HIV and
cancer effectively from the point of diagnosis. Until now people with these
conditions have had no legal recourse against pre-symptomatic
discrimination which many face.