News-Enjoying a Bugle Breakfast to support our Armed Forces

The Story at Mount Oswald hosted the event as part of a continued collaboration between the council, 8^th Battalion The Rifles, and the North East Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.

Unique to The Rifles, a decedent of the Durham Light Infantry (DLI), The Bugle Breakfast offered guests the chance to learn more about the traditions of the regiment, enjoy a bugle display and hear the many calls that have been used for generations to pass messages on and off the battlefield.

During the event, we continued our pledge to the Employer Recognition Scheme and encouraged other organisations in attendance to join.

The scheme acknowledges employers providing exceptional support to the Armed Forces community, with the council holding a Gold Award for our offer.

We are also a member of the Armed Forces Forum, which includes representatives of the armed forces and organisations supporting ex-service personnel, as well as elected councillors and partner organisations, who work together to honour their pledge to the Armed Forces Covenant. This ensures that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, as well as their families, are treated fairly.

Recognising service personnel

Steve Evans, our head of corporate affairs and chair of the Armed Forces Forum in County Durham, said: "The Bugle Breakfast is a wonderful celebration of the Rifles and their traditions and a great way for organisations to find out more about ways to recognise service personnel.

"We hope the event demonstrates our commitment to supporting all those who serve or have served in the forces. We are determined to work together with our partners to make sure personnel, veterans and their families aren't disadvantaged when it comes to accessing public services."

Keeping stories alive

A gateway to the history of County Durham and its people, The Story is home to five collections of historic records, documents and objects, including the DLI Collection and Archive.

The DLI was established in 1758 and is the forerunner of the Light Infantry, formed in 1968, and then The Rifles, which succeeded in 2007. Many of the historic traditions of the DLI live on through The Rifles, including battle honours and regimental music.

The Story cares for the collection and keeps DLI stories alive through exhibitions and learning programmes. It is open every day and entry is free. To find out more, including information about upcoming events and activities, visit The Rifles.