Page 23 - CAMPAIGN Spring 2021

Telephone Friendship Groups by Jan Williams, Age UK.
The BNTVA are offering a new Telephone Group Friendship service operated by Age UK. This provides free regular, group friendship telephone calls which enable up to six like-minded people to talk together for an hour once a week. The calls offer an easy way to connect with people who have a similar background, to make new telephone friendships, and to share stories and experiences of their time in the armed forces.
We know from the evidence and experience we have gained - linking up with the regular telephone group
Advisory Military Sub-Committee
On 22 March 2021, the BNTVA received the following response from Dr Charles Winstanley, Chair of the Advisory Military Sub-Committee.
The letter gives the impression that the fresh evidence the BNTVA provided on 11 December has met the criteria of risk, yet more work is to be done on proving rigour. The Trustees will meet to decide the next course of action in gaining recognition for Britain’s nuclear test veterans.
If you do contact your MP, we would ask that you remain polite, and ask your MP to support the 'BNTVA Medal application'.
If you have any questions, please contact
at chairman@bntva.com, by message or on 0208 144 3080.
Admitting loneliness and isolation is often quite difficult in later life, when several key factors present, such as poor health and lack of mobility, as well as being widowed or losing close former colleagues. This service creates a link to others and provides something to look forward to each week for an hour of good conversation, support and reminiscing.
To find out more, or to join this service, please contact 0208 144 3080, info@bntva.com or write to BNTVA, The Smithy, Defynnog, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8SB.
CAMPAIGN SPRING 2021 21
friendship calls makes such a difference to participants, being able to exchange stories about lives and experiences is very important. It increases a bond formerly known and creates heightened wellbeing in individuals who participate in this regular service.
We are looking for more people to participate; it is our aim to develop these group telephone calls we operate in the future. We know there are many areas across the UK that have people who are lonely and isolated with a lack of friendship - reaching them is often the difficult part.
Dear Ms McDade
THE ADVISORY MILITARY SUB-COMMITTEE
c/o Honours and Appointments Secretariat
Room G/39, 1 Horse Guards Road, London SW1A 2HQ E-mail: honours@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Ceri McDade
Chair, British Nuclear Test Veterans Association, The Smithy,
Defynnog,
Powys
LD3 8SB
chairman@bntva.com
Thank you for your letter dated 11 December 2020 regarding the recommendation the Advisory Military-Sub Committee made in respect of medallic recognition for Service personnel who participated in the British Nuclear Test Programme during the period 1952- 1991.
I am aware that the Committee’s recommendation has come as very disappointing to many and has generated comment from across the nuclear test veteran community. As I set out in my letter dated 9 December 2020, the Committee gave careful consideration to all the available evidence, which informed the overwhelming view that service in an austere environment did not amount to the rigour deserving of a medal.
With regard to the information you enclosed with your letter, the Committee has discussed this and has agreed that it would be appropriate to formally consider it. The purpose of this will be to establish if it is fundamental to the recommendation on medallic recognition that was made to the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals Committee. However, I should clarify that agreeing to consider the information should not be interpreted as meaning the Sub-Committee has decided to review its original recommendation.
22 March 2021