Retired Veterans Council President honoured by City of Preston

11 November 2020

The recently retired President of Preston and District Veterans Council has been entered into Preston's Book of Recognition and Friendship and awarded a Certificate of Recognition to mark his work supporting the city's military veterans.

Colonel Bernard Stam, who recently retired from his role as President after 15 years, has been given the honour in recognition of his work with military veterans as well as a range of civic and community roles in the city.

Mayor of Preston, Councillor David Borrow, said:

"On behalf of the City of Preston I am delighted to bestow this honour on Colonel Bernard Stam for his outstanding public service to the City of Preston and its veteran and military communities.

"It is fitting that this rare and prestigious award be announced on Armistice Day as we come together and remember the sacrifice of millions so that we may live in peace and freedom.

"I was warmed to hear of his continued diligence and selflessness especially in accounts of him sitting in the rain and talking with homeless veterans while waiting for an ambulance and working around the clock to ensure they had access to welfare services.

"I have had the pleasure of knowing Colonel Stam for many years and he embodies everything that makes Preston proud including honouring the fallen by leading parades at services of Remembrance for over 40 years. It is a privilege to bestow this honour onto him."

Born in Liverpool, Colonel Stam was commissioned into 'The Loyal Regiment North Lancashire' (now the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment) in 1961 following officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

Before retiring from the army in 1996 Colonel Stam held a number of roles including Deputy Commander of the 42^nd North West Brigade of the 4^th Battalion of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment based in Preston.

After leaving the army Colonel Stam settled in Preston becoming Regional Director of the Army Benevolent Fund for the North West before retiring from full-time employment in 2003.

On receiving the award, Colonel Stam said:

"I am honoured and pleased to accept this commendation from the City of Preston. The City and its people hold a special place in my heart and it is most gratifying to be recognised for my military role in supporting both the City Council and all veterans in Preston and the local area.

"I look forward to being able to formally receive this honour when things have returned to some semblance of normality and it is safe to do so."

More information

A place, group or individual may be formally recognised and entered into the city of Preston's Book of Friendship and Recognition if:

• They have made a significant contribution to Preston or a particular community within Preston.
• A person has an outstanding international achievement in their chosen field i.e. sports/arts etc.
• A place has a special interest in/to the people of Preston or a specific community within Preston.

 Colonel Stam has also held the following roles:

• Regional Director of the Army Benevolent Fund for the North West 1997 -2003
• Chairman of the Friends of the QLR Museum (now DLR Infantry Museum) 2005 - 2012
• Joint Organiser of the Roll of Honour in the Harris Library
• A leading member of the Preston Remembers Group
• A Magistrate on the Preston bench from 1992-2007