At a ceremony on Tuesday following the act of Remembrance service at 11am at St Andrews Church, Penrith Town Council officially signed the Armed Forces Covenant, marking its formal commitment to supporting members of the Armed Forces community, both past and present.
The Armed Forces Covenant represents a pledge by the Council to uphold the principles of fairness, respect, and support for those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, as well as their families. By signing, Penrith Town Council joins thousands of organisations across the UK in recognising the unique contribution that Service personnel, reservists, veterans, and military families make to both the community and the country.
Those who attended the signing ceremony event at the George Hotel included, HM Deputy Lord Lieutenant Col (Rtd) Chris Sanderson of The Office of the Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria and Markus Campbell-Savours MP attended alongside Penrith Town Mayor Val Bowen, Alaistair Richmond BSc IEng FCABE CBuildE AIFireE LCGI Commondant of Army Cadet Force Cumbria Army Cadet Force and Paul McKenn RN Engagement NE Royal Navy as the UK Ministry of Defence representatives, along with other guests.
At the signing ceremony, Val Bowen, Penrith Mayor said:
“Thank you all for attending. Since its inception in 2016, the Town Council has worked closely with the Royal British Legion to deliver Remembrance Day and has also organised specific Remembrance events such as marking Victory in Europe 80.
“When approached in 2017, the Town Council also assisted the Penrith Branch of the Armed Forces Breakfast Club and provided a flag which they could proudly display when meeting – something the then organiser felt would help advertise the club.
“We aim to be a caring and inclusive authority, and this is a simple but meaningful action that shows respect and support for the Armed Forces community. It promotes fairness and helps to build stronger community ties between civilians and the Armed Forces. We are proud to have made this public declaration of our support.”
Colonel Chris Sanderson, Deputy Lord Lieutenant added:
“It’s gratifying to see a Town Council formally adopt the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating its commitment to supporting serving personnel, veterans, and their families. Many residents in our towns have military connections, and this pledge ensures they are treated fairly and supported within the community.
“I hope Penrith’s example inspires other councils, schools, and local businesses to make their own commitments to the Armed Forces family.”
Kerryanne Wilde Defence Relationship Manager - on behalf of the Ministry of Defence-Defence Relationship Management said “The Town Council have worked extremely hard over the past 18 months to put the right processes and procedures in place to make their commitment fit for purpose and true to the working and delivery of the Council.”
“Their continued commitment came together with the Formal Signing and their continued commitment to supporting our Armed Forces Community, be that Serving, Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, Veterans, Spouses, Partners, Dependants and Cadets.”
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