Skip to main content

CATCH Sponsor Armed Forces Day with Extraordinary Installation

1:31 pm, Friday, 27th June 2025 - 2 minutes ago

General

CATCH is extremely proud to be sponsoring and supporting Armed Forces Cleethorpes 2025, with the design and manufacture of a sign to support the event.

Reading #AFD and standing at over 6 feet tall, the sign is an incredible collaboration. Commissioned by the Armed Forces Major Events Team as a long-standing dream, it was the incredible work of Arron Kearney (Welding and Pipefitting Team Leader), Dan Ridley (Metal Fabrication Trainer) and Alan Bunce (Welding and Fabrication Trainer) as well as some of the First Year Apprentices who were able to use their exceptional engineering skills to design, manufacture and finish the piece from scratch.

The letters are truly a sight to behold, painted in Red, Light Blue and Dark Blue, indicative of the tri-service flag. The design also pays homage to CATCH, who’s logo is featured within the design and will be located between The Remembrance Gate and the top of the Pelican Waterfall. It is a privilege are thrilled to be supporting Armed Forces Day and Armed Forces Weekend, both now and in the future.

David Talbot, CATCH Chief Executive Officer said:

“As an Armed Forces Silver Employer and having operated within the Humber Region for over 2 decades, it truly is an absolute pleasure to have been invited to support the Armed Forces Day Event in Cleethorpes. I am truly blown away by what has been created by both our trainers and apprentices, and hope that the piece has the potential to become a centre piece of the event for years to come.”

Alex Baxter, Managing Director of the Armed Forces Major Events Team, said:

“I’d like to thank CATCH for doing this for us – it’s a great way for young people to learn about Armed Forces Day and what it means to be part of the armed forces community.

“The weekend is all about thanking members of the armed forces, past, present and future, and their families for their service to the country, and we can’t wait to see lots of people take photos in front of the letters and show their support too.”

Arron Kearney, Welding and Pipefitting Hub Team Leader, said:

“The creation of the Armed Forces Day logo was full team effort from HCF Catch, from concept to design then manufacture. I have family and friends that have serve in the armed forces so the was an honour to create this for Armed Forces Day.

Due to the uniqueness of the design, it was also a great learning curve for the apprentices as they had to live problem solve how the letter would stand alone and be made secure. This can be seen by the modifications made as the letter were being built.

I hope that people enjoy the setting and take many pictures with the letter to promote Armed Forces Day.”

Dan Ridley, Metal Fabrication Trainer said:

“It was a thoroughly enjoyable project from start to finish, and allowed us to showcase our hard work, dedication and passion for the Armed Forces, who continually protect us. The letters are a dedication and honour to those who are both veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces.”

We are once again thankful to the Armed Forces Major Events Team for providing us with this opportunity, as well as to each individual that has been involved in the organisation, design, manufacture and completion of the letters:

Arron Kearney – CATCH

Dan Ridley – CATCH

Alan Bunce – CATCH

Dexter Paton – Wood

Bartosz Portruski – PJD

Kyle Standley – PJD

Ellis Churches – PJD

Elliot Hooper – OLG

Fraser Conlan – Allied Protek

Jake Hargreaves – Bilfinger

Barney Sewell – Rainham Industrial Services

Lewis Dick – Haile Engineering

Harry Jackson – Phillips 66

Archie Bennett – INEOS

Euan Hoyle – Worley

Joel Broddle – CATCH

David Talbot – CATCH

Ellie Owens – CATCH

Next Article
Species Recording Day brings renewed interest in Ainslie Park
A species recording event at Ainslie Park in Grimsby was successful in attracting new volunteers and giving local people an insight into the developing wildlife in this thriving habitat. Organised...

Share this article