The first meeting of a group aimed at improving support for the armed forces in Test Valley has been held following the efforts of an Andover councillor. Cllr Nick Matthews chaired a meeting of a civilian and military forum for Test Valley, attended by commanders of the area’s garrisons, welfare officers, and representatives of bodies looking after housing, mental health and engagement. The body aims to ensure that steps to support serving personnel and veterans can be achieved, such as helping them seek treatment and transition into civilian life. Cllr Matthews, a veteran of 24 years, said: “I am genuinely excited and optimistic that real differences will be felt locally, and I am uplifted by the engagement of all those who have now stepped up and joined this new forum.”
WITH the approval of the Queen, Isle of Wight Lord Lieutenant Susie Sheldon has appointed a new Vice Lord-Lieutenant. Brigadier Maurice Sheen CBE QVRM TD DL will succeed Lieutenant Colonel Sir Guy Acland Bt. LVO DL when he retires on March 24 this year. Maurice was born, educated and grew up in Carisbrooke, and gained two degrees before joining the teaching profession. For 39 years he served full and part time in the British Army in the UK, Germany, the Gulf region and the Balkans. In particular, working closely with the officer corps of fledgling armies, he led British military teams that re-established the Iraqi Military Academy in 2005 and established the Afghan National Army Officers’ Academy in 2013.
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