LED by a Community Policeman on a bicycle, Nantwich people marched through town on Friday, July 11, 2008, to protest at a proposed downgrading to the First Responders' service.

   Next came a drummer, keeping the beat for the chant "We want First Responders", walking almost Pied Piper-like with a group of youngsters which included Jamie and Jess Broadhurst, the children of Steve Broadhurst, the Nantwich man who collapsed in his milk float. Also in the march was Steve's widow, Rachael.

   Two-and-a-half-year-old Hannah Davenport, who has needed the services of a First Responder 12 times, was also there to say "Thank you". She carried a card which added: "Thanks Gavin" (Gavin Palin, a First Responder). 

   Newly-elected Crewe and Nantwich MP, Edward Timpson, was among the marchers.  Town Councillors were well represented with the new Chairman, Cllr Keith Cafferty, and Cllr Bill McGinnis - who, as last year's Chairman, led the council's part in the protest - at the forefront.

   Arriving at Mill Island, the marchers assembled around a higher piece of land to hear speeches from Cllr Cafferty, Edward Timpson, Cllr McGinnis and Gavin Palin. See this page for the speeches.