Saluting Wootton Bassett

13th October 2011

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Though we are a small charity, The British Forces Foundation has donated £5,000 to help Wootton Bassett mark its much deserved Royal status on Sunday. We are doing this in recognition of the enormous contribution Wootton Bassett has made to the morale of those serving on the frontline.   There is never any solace in seeing a fallen comrade returned, by showing great dignity to their coming home, this small town has made the whole country recognise both the gravity and the respect we have all felt on seeing the sad pictures of each funeral cortege. I am a great admirer at how the town instinctively responded and from the outset the town’s conduct has always been deeply personal, heartfelt and genuine. It is a pity to hear the Town has concerns about raising the necessary money for the day and  some of the country’s bigger and better funded armed forces charities have not been able to match even the amount the British Forces Foundation has felt moved to give. Ahead of such an important day, Wootton Bassett and its residents should not be burdened with the worry and responsibility of recovering the cost of recognising their Royal status. We can be nimble in meeting our charitable aims and do so without all the bureaucracy. Perhaps, even in today’s world, being small still has its advantages. And perhaps that too is what allowed Wootton Bassett to respond so magnificently. Across the length and breadth of our nation, everyone should be grateful for the town’s simple but deep felt response. We salute Wootten Bassett.