Shahid visits veterans
09 April 2008
Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Shahid Malik carried out his first official engagement as Patron of the Royal British Legion last week when he visited veterans in three Dewsbury care homes.
The MP was shown around the homes by the former welfare secretary of the Royal British Legion, Dennis Chaffer, and stayed to chat with residents about their experiences.
Mr Chaffer said "It's nice to see Shahid take the time to see for himself some of the good work that the British Legion performs in Dewsbury. I'm pleased to welcome him as the new Patron and know that this will bring a strong future for the organisation in the town in the future."
Mr Malik shared photographs and memories with Chief Petty Officer Reggie Grace who served in Egypt, at Lindhurst on Oxford Road; Wren, Bessy Mosley, at Moorlands Hall; and Roy Bottom from St Anne's on Temple Road.
Shahid said: "It was humbling to meet some of the veterans who like many other veterans have given so much to our country. These men and women and others who were killed in conflicts are a constant reminder that the freedoms we enjoy and sometimes take for granted were won at a high cost. As the Patron of the Royal British Legion I take great deal of pride in our tradition of visiting, valuing and remembering our veterans and I know we would welcome other volunteers who felt able to support us in our work."