PR Veterans and Bevin Boys Badges

After a huge response to her previous Veterans Lapel Badge campaign to encourage local people who have given service to the Armed Forces to apply for a Veterans Lapel Badge, Sandra Osborne is again encouraging anyone who has not yet applied to contact her parliamentary office on 01292 262906.

Sandra said:
‘Following the previous very successful event where over 200 veterans were presented with the Veterans Lapel Badge by Rt. Hon Des Browne MP and the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire & Arran, John Duncan, there are now quite a number of applications I have received since that time.  It is my intention to organise a second presentation and in advance of that I would be pleased to assist anyone who may have missed out until now.’

There has also been the announcement by the Prime Minister about the introduction of a new lapel Badge which formally recognises the contribution made by the Bevin Boys. The Bevin Boys scheme was introduced in 1943 by then Minister for labour and National Service, Ernest Bevin, in response to an increasing shortage of labour in the coal mining industry during and immediately after World War Two. The scheme ran between 1943 and 1948 and involved 48,000 men between the ages of 18 and 25 who worked in coal mines rather than serve in the armed forces. 

Sandra commented:
‘These men played a key role in keeping a vital industry going during World War Two.   It is important that we never forget the sacrifices that were made both at home and abroad during the war and this Badge is a fitting way to remember the Bevin Boys’ work’

The lapel Badge has been designed in consultation with the Bevin Boys’ Association.  The application process for the new lapel Badge will be introduced towards the end of the year with a view to awarding the first Badge in March 2008 to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the demobbing of the last Bevin Boy.

The Badge will be available to surviving Bevin Boys including both volunteers and those who were selected to work down the mines. 

Sandra added:
‘Although it will be the end of the year before the application process is introduced, if you would like to apply for a badge please contact my office on 01292 262906.’