Armed Forces Week

A sea cadets leader said he had a ‘fantastic day’ when he was invited to celebrate Armed Forces Week at the House of Commons.

Justin Madders, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, said he was pleased to welcome ‘local legend’ Toni Cioma to Parliament for the Labour Friends of the Forces reception to mark Armed Forces Week.

Toni Cioma – Lieutenant Commander Antoni W Cioma RNR MBE ­– served for 25 years as commanding officer of the TS Forward  Sea Cadets in Ellesmere Port, where he volunteered as a uniformed instructor. He is now president of the unit and also serves as president of the Royal Naval Reserve Officers’ Club.

Mr Cioma, of Colemere Court, Ellesmere Port, said his time at Westminster was ‘absolutely wonderful’. He met Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and was also introduced on the Commons terraces to MPs including Lisa Nandy, Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and Stephen Kinnock, the Shadow Immigration Minister.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been showing its support by flying Armed Forces Day flags throughout the week at Civic Way, in Ellesmere Port, at HQ and the town hall in Chester and at Wyvern House in Winsford.

Cllr Louise Gittins, leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 24, is a public celebration of the service and commitment of our Forces, their families and veterans. It’s an opportunity for us all to say ‘thank you’ for the vital role they play in keeping us all safe.

“Labour councillors and Armed Forces Champions have used the run-up to Armed Forces Day to show active public support for the role Forces personnel, veterans and their families play in our communities and worldwide, as part of building more long-term relations with Forces communities.”

Pictured - Toni Cioma at the Houses of Parliament with Justin Madders MP.