27 June 2026
Ashington Town Council’s Civic Head, Cllr Caroline Ball, joined civic and military dignitaries this week for the Armed Forces Day Thanksgiving Service, organised by the Ashington Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).
The service was attended by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Julie Cordon and Ian Lavery MP, who laid floral tributes alongside the Civic Head and President of RBL Ashington, Mr Al Vaziri. Ms Cordon was accompanied by her brother, Mr John McConville, Chair of the charity Brainbox. Both spoke with Cllr Ball about the charity’s work supporting children and young people affected by acquired brain injury, and their families, across Ashington and Northumberland. Veterans, members of the public, the Army Cadet Force and Ashington Sea Cadets stood proud throughout a fitting service led by Padre Major (Retired) Philip Gray, MBE, whose address reflected on the origins of the day. He noted that what is now Armed Forces Day began life in 2006 as Veterans’ Day, introduced at a time when British troops were heavily committed in Iraq and Afghanistan and investment in, and recognition of, the Armed Forces was widely felt to be low. The day was created, the Padre explained, to motivate troops serving at the time by showing them that the nation stood behind them — a message that resonates as strongly today as it did at its inception. The observance was renamed Armed Forces Day in 2009.
Insect populations in the UK have suffered drastic declines, with far-reaching consequences for both wildlife and human well-being. As pollinators of one-third of our food crops and a critical component of food webs, the continued loss of insects poses a grave threat to biodiversity, ecosystem health, and ultimately our ability to address climate change effectively.
Recent reports indicate that 41% of the Earth's remaining five million insect species are now threatened with extinction, with the UK experiencing losses of 50% or more since 1970. This alarming trend is exacerbated by habitat loss, pesticide use, and other environmental pressures, many of which are linked to climate change.
Ashington Town Council has a unique opportunity to take immediate action to support insect populations and promote biodiversity. This report proposes a comprehensive set of measures, including:
1. Making a public commitment to help insects and other wildlife thrive.
2. Signing up to The Wildlife Trust's 'Take Action for Insects' initiative.
3. Embedding considerations for insect recovery into all maintenance and environmental decisions.
4. Creating and restoring insect-friendly habitats on council-managed lands.
5. Investigating and reducing pesticide use on allotment sites and in grounds maintenance.
6. Promoting public awareness and engagement through citizen science initiatives and educational campaigns.
To view the full Emergency Action for Insects Motion click here
27 June 2026
Ashington Town Council’s Civic Head, Cllr Caroline Ball, joined civic and military dignitaries this week for the Armed Forces Day Thanksgiving Service, organised by the Ashington Branch of the Royal British Legion (RBL).
The service was attended by Deputy Lord Lieutenant Julie Cordon and Ian Lavery MP, who laid floral tributes alongside the Civic Head and President of RBL Ashington, Mr Al Vaziri. Ms Cordon was accompanied by her brother, Mr John McConville, Chair of the charity Brainbox. Both spoke with Cllr Ball about the charity’s work supporting children and young people affected by acquired brain injury, and their families, across Ashington and Northumberland. Veterans, members of the public, the Army Cadet Force and Ashington Sea Cadets stood proud throughout a fitting service led by Padre Major (Retired) Philip Gray, MBE, whose address reflected on the origins of the day. He noted that what is now Armed Forces Day began life in 2006 as Veterans’ Day, introduced at a time when British troops were heavily committed in Iraq and Afghanistan and investment in, and recognition of, the Armed Forces was widely felt to be low. The day was created, the Padre explained, to motivate troops serving at the time by showing them that the nation stood behind them — a message that resonates as strongly today as it did at its inception. The observance was renamed Armed Forces Day in 2009.
