Enjoying a Bugle Breakfast to support our Armed Forces
VISITORS to a County Durham heritage and registration venue have enjoyed a Bugle Breakfast.
The Story at Mount Oswald hosted the event as part of a continued collaboration between
Durham County 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, the council continued its 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 authority having a Gold Award for its offer.
It is 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.
Steve Evans, the council’s 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.”
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 www.thestorydurham.org
More information on the Armed Forces Forum can be found on the County Durham Partnership
website: www.countydurhampartnership.co.uk
The Rifles, which is a Reserve Infantry Battalion, offers a wide range of infantry roles and locations
in the British Army. Anyone interested in becoming a Reservist is encouraged to contact 8rifles-
or visit www.rfca-ne.org.uk/reserves/
