Civic guests from across the Lichfield district have been taken on a tour of Whittington Barracks.
Councillor Bernard Derrick, Chairman of Lichfield District Council, hosted the event which began with a welcome by Lt. Col Ian Harper in the Garrison Church, followed by a short history of the church by the verger, Michael Ackroyd.
The civic group were then taken on a special tour of Coltman House – the nerve centre of the Joint Medical Command – named after Staffordshire Regiment’s World War One Victoria Cross winner, William Coltman, who was born in Burton. They then visited the Army Development and Selection Centre, which is one of only three centres in the UK where potential recruits are assessed before enlisting in the army.
The afternoon culminated with a static display of military medical equipment and afternoon tea in the Officers’ Mess.
Cllr Derrick said: “The Joint Medical Command has already established an international reputation for medical excellence. It was a fascinating afternoon, which included an opportunity to find out more about the many changes that have taken place at Whittington Barracks.
“We were also made aware of future developments, which will create prospects for joint partnerships to benefit both the barracks and the local community.”
