Local MP Caroline Dinenage today donned her red dress for visits to Crofton Hammond Infant and Junior Schools to join in their celebrations of Red White and Blue Day.
Red, White and Blue Day is a national initiative which encourages schools to show their support for Service families across the country. Given the Gosport constituency's strong links to the Armed Forces, it is a particularly pertinent campaign. At Crofton Hammond Junior School, 25% of pupils have a parent in the Armed Forces, whilst at the Infant School this figure rises to 40% showing that the area's connection to the military stretches beyond bases and barracks.
Today, pupils at both schools will be involved in a broad range of activities, many of which will be led by Service parents. One father from the Royal Marines will be running fitness training sessions whilst another from the RAF will teach pupils how to build and fire rockets made from old cola bottles. The children will also learn about submarines during a session with staff from HMS Alliance and will be able to get up close to field guns from HMS Collingwood.
Speaking after her visit, Caroline said:
"I am extremely proud of our area's strong links to the Armed Forces which is why I was so pleased to see pupils at Crofton Hammond Infant and Junior Schools learning more about what our servicemen and women do for our country whilst raising money for Forces Charities.
During my visit I was delighted to meet with the head teachers, staff, parents and pupils who are so enthusiastic about marking this special day. The Infant School's very own handmade 'Field of Poppies' was a particular highlight and will certainly rival that at the Tower of London!"
Caroline is a keen supporter of the Armed Forces; she participated in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Scheme and stood as Co-Chair for the Royal Navy branch of the Parliamentary Group for the Armed Forces for four years.
Red, White and Blue Day is run jointly by ABF The Soldiers' Charity, The RAF Benevolent Fund and The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.
