New Chair and Funding for Cheshire Military Museum

Cheshire Military Museum based at Chester Castle in Cheshire has announced that Colonel the Rt Hon. Colonel Bob Stewart DSO has accepted an invitation to take the honoured role as Chair of the Friends of the Cheshire Military Museum.

Colonel the Rt Hon. Bob Stewart DSO, a former commander of UN forces in Bosnia, served in the Army for 28 years, including seven tours of Northern Ireland and as United Nations Commander of British Forces in Bosnia. He went on to take up the position of Chief of Policy at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, before officially retiring from the army in 1996.

Following his military service, he worked in PR and as an MP from 2010 to 2024, when he did not stand for re-election. In Parliament he served on the Defence Select Committee, the Northern Ireland Select Committee, the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, the Intelligence and Security Committee and the Joint Committee on National Security Strategy. His DSO (Distinguished Service Order) was awarded for service in Bosnia for leadership and gallantry. He is a best-selling author of ‘Leadership Under Pressure’ and ‘Broken Lives: Personal View of the Bosnian Conflict’ and is a lively TV personality, raconteur and campaigner for causes related to service life and defence policy.

Mike Huntriss, Vice Chair of Friends of Cheshire Military Museum said; “Colonel Bob’s reputation will help support and raise the profile of the Museum nationally and locally, helping to secure its future. We look forward to seeing him at our events.”

Colonel the Rt Hon. Bob Stewart DSO added; “The Cheshire Military Museum does great work reflecting how the County contributed to our armed forces for over 300 years. It also plays an important part in educating students and the public whilst providing a focal point for veterans and serving soldiers.”

The appointment follows Cheshire Museum’s award of a £2,000 grant from Army Museums Ogilby Trust (AMOT). AMOT was founded in 1954 to represent, support and promote the 140 Regimental and Corps museums of the British Army. The grant was made to modernise displays and enhance storytelling at Cheshire Military Museum.

Bob Stewart has accepted the post following the death in May 2024 of Brigadier John Thomson who was well known at Upton High School as a teacher for many years and as managing director of Spinney Day Nursery in Hoole Village, Chester.

Cheshire Military Museum is open from 11am to 4pm, Thursday to Sunday and is currently seeking volunteers who have a few hours a week spare to help there. More information at https://cheshiremilitarymuseum.org.uk