Support for the military.
The Richardson family’s support for the military goes back decades. Roy and Don Richardson completed National Service together in the RAF and so began an enduring association and huge commitment to the Armed Forces.
The family is proud to have constant, regular contact with all three Services providing financial, physical and moral support to areas where central MOD funding has been limited or non-existent.
Today, Carl Richardson is the Honorary Colonel of 4th Battalion, The Mercian Regiment, also known as 'The Heart of England's Infantry' because its soldiers were historically recruited from the five counties that formed the ancient Kingdom of Mercia. The role sees Carl working closely with both of the Regiment's Battalions, providing support to leadership and troops and fostering 'esprit de corps' within the Regiment. He has also represented the Regiment at events such as the opening of the 'Field of Remembrance' at Westminster Abbey, in honour of all those who have given their lives while serving in the Armed Forces. Previously, Carl also completed a term as an Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy Reserve.
Roy continues to act in an unofficial ambassadorial role for the Armed Forces in the West Midlands, and maintains a watchful eye for opportunities, grand or small, to support through the Richardson Brothers Foundation.
Over the years the family has sponsored a wide gamut of Royal Navy initiatives and events, particularly with ships affiliated to the West Midlands region such as HMS DARING (D32) with Birmingham and HMS DIAMOND (D34) with Coventry. This support includes the sponsorship of termly awards, as well as funding specialist event equipment and events including Commissionings, Dedications and ship launches. The family has an ongoing interest with the off shore patrol vessel HMS TAMAR (P233), the greenest ship in the Royal Navy currently deploying to the Pacific Rim.
The Richardson family has a special affiliation with HMS DARING (D32)
Additionally, the family create quality engagement through their national links with business, civic and political leaders and military communities, marking key events in the military calendar. These include staging inclusive business and military dinners to observe Trafalgar Day both in the UK and overseas.
Military charities are supported through the Richardson Brothers Foundation, with donations going to national appeals such as The Army Benevolent Fund and BLESMA, as well as numerous regional good causes including Regimental Museums and local Sea Cadet Units.
“The Richardson family offer support to all of the Armed Forces and particularly the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, going over and above the norm of what anybody would expect or ask, in terms of time and resources.”
Brigadier G W Fraser MBE ADC Royal Marines
Naval Regional Commander for Wales and Western England