30 years on poppy duty for old soldier; Medal is a surprise says Ron.Byline: DAVE A file sharing program from Thursby Software Systems, Inc., Arlington, TX (www.thursby.com) that allows a Macintosh to share files with a PC. Designed specifically for and needing installation only on the Mac, DAVE works with Microsoft's native SMB/CIFS file sharing protocols and uses HIMELFIELD HE'S the man who has kept parts of Huddersfield in poppies for over 30 years while ra i s i n g t h o u s a n d s for ex-servicemen and service women. Now Ron West, 73, of Kirkheaton, has received a 30-years service medal A service medal is a military award generally of the lowest degree. A service medal is awarded to a member of the military who joins the military, or is already serving, during a designated time period. for the Royal British Legion. Ron, an ex-soldierwho has served in Germany, Norway, Singapore and Borneo, is responsible for supplying poppies to shops and pubs in Shelley. Poppy sales in the run up to Remembrance Day are one the Legion's biggest sources of cash to help ex-military personnel. London-born Ron served for 22 years in the Royal Corps of Signals The Royal Corps of Signals (sometimes referred to incorrectly as the Royal Signal Corps and often known simply as the Royal Signals or R SIGNALS) is one of the 'arms' (combat support corps) of the British Army. before spending 10 years on the reserves list. He became a long distance lorry driver lorry driver n → camionero/a lorry driver lorry n (Brit) → camionneur m, routier m lorry driver before retiring at the age of 62. Ron moved to Huddersfield with wife Sandra after leaving the forces. The couple have three children and four grandchildren. He joined Royal British Legion in 1978 and has since volunteered to distribute poppies around Huddersfield. "Somebody has to do the job,'' said Ron. "I was retired and I had a car so I could get round and do it. "I'm still fit enough to do it and I might as well continue. "I will carry on for as long as I can. "I was very surprised to receive my medal because I didn't know anything about it. I'm please but surprised because I didn't think I'd be lucky enough to get it.'' Ron was nominated by Raymond Berry, who co-ordinates poppy collections around Kirkburton and Shelley. Raymond added: "He's a very dedicated man and very popular. Over the years he's put in a lot of time and effort". CAPTION(S): POPPY SELLER: Ron West of Kirkheaton with his 30 year service medal from the Royal British Legion and, left, Ron in his Royal Corps of Signals uniform - he served for 22 years |
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