The Office of the Clerk of Tynwald has appointed Lieutenant-Commander Chris Bland Tynwald military liaison officer and retired WO2 Kerry Greaves deputy Tynwald military liaison officer.
As military liaison officer Lieutenant-Commander Bland, supported by Mr Greaves, will be responsible for planning, communicating and co-ordinating arrangements with members of the Armed Forces serving at the Tynwald Day ceremony at St John’s.
An officer of the Royal Navy submarine service since 1999 Lieutenant-Commander Bland, a father of two, is based in London and since 2004 has lived in the Isle of Man with his wife Frances, whom he met during an official visit to the Island while serving on HMS Vigilant, which enjoys a civic affiliation with the Borough of Douglas.
Of his new role he said: ‘It is an honour and a privilege to have been appointed Tynwald military liaison officer, a role I see as not only bridging my working life in the UK and home life in the Isle of Man but also one that will help to raise the profile of the Armed Forces in the Island. I look forward to working with Kerry and am proud that we have been given this opportunity to contribute to the traditions central to celebrating Tynwald Day.’
Mr Greaves, who served with The Rifles for 25 years, relocated with his wife two years ago to the Island where he is landlord of The Bridge Inn in Laxey. He said: ‘I am delighted to have been appointed Tynwald deputy military liaison officer and pleased to be able to apply the skills I acquired during my time with the Army to support serving personnel at St John’s in whatever way I can.’
Clerk of Tynwald Roger Phillips said: ‘Lieutenant-Commander Bland and Mr Greaves have experience and professionalism, which combined with their conversance with ceremony and tradition, will be invaluable in preserving and developing our national day.’
Photo - Newly appointed Tynwald military liaison officer Lieutenant-Commander Chris Bland and deputy Tynwald military liaison officer retired WO2 Kerry Greaves. Photo Marie Lambden, Third Clerk of Tynwald.
