Money is tight these days, and I must admit that the amount I give to charity has decreased due to the recession. But giving your support to charities doesn't have to be a big monetary donation and I'm really chuffed that I've managed to get my hands on two new charity wristbands this week...

The first is the WRAC Association charity band, this is my mum's regimental association and I'm really proud to support - even in this tiny way - this organisation.

The second is the operations commemoration wrist band for the Yorkshire Regiment. Yorkshire is my adopted home and I happen to think that Yorkshire folk are some of the nicest people on these islands, and I'm made up to be able to show my support for The Yorkshire Regiment.

As I said, these donations are really modest (just a few quid), but I think that's it's at least keeping the charity momentum going even in (relitively) frugal times. But I guess that even small donations add up if enough people fork out a pound or so here and there.

Apologies if you think I'm coming off all righteous, I actually don't think I do enough really. But aside from the money the wristbands visibly announce your support for the armed forces...And I'm sad to say that they have drawn some negative looks from some people (which, being Scottish and by nature cross-awkward pleases me).

One of my favourite left-field news blogs is Boing-Boing and while they don't really do military related stories (usually) this piece caught my eye regarding old military medals and emblems being reused as 'art'. A English 'artist' (how degraded that term is these days) called Jennie Sharman-Cox designed and makes items of jewelry made from old discarded regalia - nothing new there, but she has included medal ribbons in one of her pieces and this caused something of a stir...

The medal in question is the British War Medal 1939-45 and happens to be a medal that both my parents receivedas well as several of my other relatives.

Now there is a debate about how precious one should be about old medals, even service veterans are split about this issue, but in a time when we are trying to show how valued our service personnel are is it right that an artist use medals so casually in a piece?

As a creative person myself I would have perhaps less shocked by this if it had been a true art piece, and the use of the medals had been used to represent or symbolise some considered idea, but Jennie's pieces are just 'tat' with no thoughtful or thought provoking use of these ribbons other that they are 'prutty'.

I strongly disagree with such casual use of these meaningful symbols of service and sacrifice and am writing to Jennie and while I don't think for a moment my opinions will weight that heavily on her conscious I am suggesting that at the very least she consider making some sort of token donation to a veterans charity in consideration of her use of these medals.

If you feel likewise then here's her email address: jennieshox@hotmail.co.uk

Been AWOL for a few days while I enjoy the family festive activities but just wanted to post up a quick Merry Christmas to you all!

As part of this Season of Goodwill I have made a couple of donations to worthy charities in lue of crimbo cards - these include 'Help for Heroes' and 'Soldiers Off the Streets'.

At this time of year 'Soldiers Off the Streets' should hold a particular place in our hearts as homelessness and living on the streets is an issue that seems especially poignient during a season that celebrates the home comforts...

"The charity's objects (the Objects) are the relief of charitable need of homeless ex-service personnel, in particular but not exclusively by the provision of clothing, food and rehabilitation, including advice on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, alcoholism, drug abuse, housing and employment."

This photo and write up is the ©Copyright of Neil Jackson.Merry Christmas friends and here's hoping you have a very Happy New Year!

Steve

You may have noticed I haven't changed my 'Milgeek's charity' note up at the header this month. That's because I am keeping this going through to November. The good news is that the two Afghan camp dogs in question - RPG and Pedro - are now back in Blighty! Here's an update...

"RPG and Pedro are now back in quarantine in the UK and doing really well.  You can track their progress on their Facebook page and on the Nowzad Charity website. 

Please don't stop spreading the word about the two hounds as getting them home was just the first stage, we still have a long way to go over the next 5 1/2 months before they can come home with me.

 The money raised has paid for their flights, treatment and housing  in getting them back to the UK and now will pay for their 6 months of quarantine. After they come out of quarantine they will come home with me. " Captain Samatha Harvey

Smashing - but there is a long way to go yet, as 6 month of quarintine costs a lot!

Links:

> Nowzad dogs - Rescuing stray animals in Iraq & Afghanistan
> Sam Harvey's donation page for RPG & Pedro (quarantine costs for 6 months!)