Flagman’s world of flags

Anonymous soldiers send gift of a new Cross of StGeorge

January 10th, 2009

 Here is a heartwarming story from the express and star

 After flying outside Sidney Gorman’s home for 15 years, his St George’s flag was beginning to look tatty.

So the 69-year-old patriot was gobsmacked when he was sent a new one by three Black Country soldiers.

A letter signed by Mick, Taggy and Steve explained how the sight of the red and white flag put a smile on their face each time they passed Sidney’s home in Bealeys Lane, Bloxwich.

The letter read: “Passing that flag to us means home. Not flying back into the country. Not travelling the motorway. That flag means it all.

“On Friday, coming home to Wednesfield off the M6, I asked my father to go out of his way, so as to pass the flag of St George.

“It was in something of a poor state, so some of the boys and I acquired a replacement as a thank-you.”

Sidney, a retired butcher, who has one son, said he was left close to tears by the gesture.

“I have been flying the flag for about 15 years from a pole outside my house.

“There was a campaign in the newspapers at the time asking people to be more patriotic and I decided I should get involved.

“The flags don’t last that long, three years at the most, so this one was due to be changed. I just hadn’t got around to it.

“I was really chuffed, when I received the package, especially with the letter.

“I have always had positive feedback to the flag from the local community.”

Sydney added: “That soldiers will take a detour to drive past the house is quite something.

“It brought a lump to my throat.”

Union Flag should be flown by schools says Essex MP

January 2nd, 2009

From the Braintree and Witham times

 

Essex County Council has been criticised by an MP for not encouraging schools to fly the Union Jack.

Bob Russell, member for Colchester, asked the authority to promote the practice after Government calls that the flag should be flown from public buildings.

But chief executive Joanna Killian said it was up to the individual school.

She added: “Schools regularly raise the issue of non-essential requests from national and local government, arguing that they impede them in the process of delivering the best possible education for pupils.

“The decision about whether or not to fly the Union Flag is one the council feels appropriate for schools to make on an individual basis.”

Mr Russell said he was disappointed by the response.

“How can flying the flag of your country possibly impede children’s education?” he said.

“I will now draw to the attention of both the Prime Minister and the secretary of state for children, schools and families the refusal of Essex County Council to encourage the county’s schools to fly the union flag.”

In the past, the Lib Dem MP has also complained that the National Curriculum makes no provision for children to be taught about the flags and patron saints of the countries of the United Kingdom.

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