Gazette readers help work wonders for Forces’ morale (From Ilkley Gazette)

Gazette readers help work wonders for Forces’ morale

7:00am Wednesday 20th October 2010 in Local news By Amanda Greaves

An Army officer deployed in Afghanistan is keeping up to date with issues of concern closer to home as he serves on his ‘most dangerous’ tour of duty to date.

Warrant Officer Class 2 Rob Chapman, originally from Ilkley, wants to thank readers of the Gazette for the support they show the Armed Forces.

Rob, 38, serves with The Rifles, the largest infantry regiment of the British Army. He is currently half-way through a six month operational tour in Afghanistan.

Despite the rugged terrain and dangers faced by so many of the soldiers serving in Afghanistan, he still manages to keep abreast of the latest news from Wharfedale, where he grew up.

He has been in the Army for the past 22 years, and throughout that time, his mother has been sending him copies of the Gazette, so he can catch up with what is going on at home.

He has previously been on operational tour in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He said: “This one out in Afghanistan is by far the most dangerous to date. Mind you, Iraq had its moments. I will hopefully be back home in time for Christmas, when my tour ends. Home for me at the moment is Chepstow, where I’m posted with 1 Rifles.”

Rob still has many friends and family members in the Ilkley area. His father, Dennis, a retired Ilkley postman, lives in Burley-in-Wharfedale, and his mother, Sandra, lives in Huby.

“She is the one responsible for ensuring that I’ve been getting the Gazette delivered where ever I’ve been posted over the last 22 years,” said Rob.

“It is always well received and works wonders for morale! Always great to keep up to date of what’s happening back home.”

Through the pages of the Gazette, he has read about the support shown by Wharfedale people for the Armed Forces.

“Without that support it would make the job even harder,” he said. “It means a lot for us out here, knowing we have the support of people back home.”

During his time in Ilkley, he attended Bolling Road First School, Ilkley Middle School, and Ilkley Grammar. A keen cricketer, he played for Ilkley Cricket Club for many years, from the under 11s and under 17s teams to the second and third teams. Rob says he will continue to do his bit for Queen and country, and keep his head down when necessary.

Wharfedale people will continue to do their own bit in support of servicemen when pipers play in the centre of Ilkley on Saturday, November 6, collecting for charity Help for Heroes.

The charity works to help wounded British servicemen and women. Wharfedale Pipers plan to play the bandstand on The Grove, from 10am until late afternoon. Any donations received will be given to the Help for Heroes charity.

Honorary Pipe Major, Ken Pickles, said: “Regardless of what any of us think about the rights and wrongs of war, these are our people – some mother’s sons and daughters, believing they are serving us by keeping terrorism at bay.”

Last month, Mr Pickles spent time with men from the Royal Regiment of Scotland, who were providing the Royal Guard at Balmoral.

He described them as an inspiration and a reminder that some British youth are prepared to risk their lives in serving something greater than themselves in providing protection for others in this dangerous world.