Remembering Warwickshire’s heroes

The day celebrates the covenant between the British people and the servicemen and women who protect and serve them and Warwickshire County Council hoisted its flag along with 3,000 others last week to show its support.

In Southam, the family of paratrooper Pte Jeff ‘JJ’ Doherty will be holding a day of events in aid of JJ’s Memorial Fund, the charity they set up in memory of their son, who was killed in Afghanistan in June 2008, two days after his 20th birthday.

Paratroopers will be taking part in the trust’s fourth annual stretcher race - requested by JJ in his will - as well as fundraising events and family activities, culminating in a Red Devils display and a parachute jump onto the town’s recreation ground at 8pm.

Warwick paratrooper Conrad Lewis will be remembered at Oxstock, a day of live music at the Durham Ox pub in Shrewley in aid of the Afghanistan Trust, which also supports soldiers who served with the Parachute Regiment and their families.

Organiser Lindsey Alder said: “It’s a charity very dear to local hearts after local paratrooper Conrad Lewis was killed in action in February 2010, so we wanted to do something to pay them back for all the help they’ve given the Lewis family and Conrad’s friends.”

Bands include Jane’s Not Happy, Kathleen Turner Overdrive, The Racketts and Mitchell Butler and the Oxettes, and singers Cameron and Amy Jones. There will also be a silent auction and businesses can host market stalls. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 for children. Under fives get in free. Call 07793742155.