An army veteran in Nantwich has been awarded a badge of honour to mark his military service ahead of this weekend’s Remembrance Sunday.
Colin Skelly, a resident of Barony Lodge care home on Barony Road in Nantwich, received the commemorative badge from the Ministry of Defence.
It is in recognition of his service and sacrifices made during his time serving in the Army from May 1957 to May 1959.
Much of Colin’s service was spent in Yemen, where he and his fellow servicemen faced challenging conditions.
Despite the hardships, he speaks of his time in the military with pride and thoughtful reflection.
Barony Lodge hosts regular veterans’ breakfasts in the nearby village, where Colin and other residents gather with current and former members of the armed forces.
These events provide a space for shared stories and mutual understanding, something many veterans like Colin deeply value.
Outside of the army, Colin worked at Manchester City Council as a clerk and worked his way up to become a Legal Executor in the city treasurer’s department.
Colin’s daughter Ali Hughes recalled how his military habits stayed with him throughout his life.
She said: “It always made me smile when Dad rolled his clothes to pack them in a suitcase – just like he’d been taught in the Army!
“And he’s also very particular about polishing his shoes.”
And Barony Lodge activities coordinator Claire Johnson added: “That attention to detail hasn’t faded!
“Colin is always impeccably dressed!”
Colin’s special honour coincided with the not-for-profit care home becoming the 200th in the UK to receive Veteran Friendly Framework (VFF) status.
And when asked what he enjoys most about life at Barony Lodge, Colin simply added: “Sitting with the sun to my back, talking to my daughters.”
well deserved, thankyou for your service