By Julie Morgan

Last updated at 11:36, Thursday, 26 July 2012

LOCAL members of the Military Support and Welfare Group staged a protest on Tuesday at Whitehaven’s cenotaph against Army cuts.

Protesting: Pictured at the cenotaph in Castle Park, Whitehaven, are (from left) Peter Tideswell, Marje Tideswell, Hazel Fidoe and Casey Herve from the Military Support and Welfare Group

The group was supporting national demonstrations held at 61 war memorials across the UK.

Hazel Fidoe, a group member, said: “We had around 60 people come along to see what we were doing. It was nice they were showing such interest.’’

Government ministers want to cut Army personnel from 102,000 to 82,000 following previous overspends on defence.

The group has also recently been supporting troops in Afghanistan by sending out boxes filled with goodies. Last month, members sent Diamond Jubilee-themed parcels and they have since posted out Olympic boxes filled with food, frisbees, skipping ropes, medals and cups. In total, the group has sent hundreds of boxes to troops.

At the end of summer, local soldiers from The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment will also be heading to Afghanistan. Anyone wishing to help with boxes or become a member of the Military Support and Welfare Group can contact Hazel on 07762 971406.

First published at 11:10, Thursday, 26 July 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk