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SIGNING OF THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT

The Council recently resolved to adopt the Armed Forces Covenant and uphold the principles therein recognising the value serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to the community. The Mayor, Councillor Grenville Chappel, and Brigadier Fraser MBE, Regional Commander for Wales and Western England signed the Armed Forces Covenant at a meeting in the Mayor’s Parlour. The signing of the Covenant was also attended by the Mayoress, June Chappel, Mick Stevens (Chairman of the Falmouth Royal Naval Association, Tom French (Parachute Regimental Association), Mark Williams (Town Clerk), Steve Richards (Wessex Reserve Force and Cadet Association), Rachael Brannagan (Regional Employer Engagement Director, Wessex Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association), Lance Smale (County Chairman, Royal Air Forces Association and Lt Cdr Trevor Brookes (Royal Navy Liaison Officer).

Brigadier Fraser said “It was an absolute privilege to sign the Armed Forces Covenant with Falmouth Town Council alongside the Town Mayor today. In signing the Covenant, the Council has formally recognised the valued contribution serving regular and reserve personnel, veterans and their service families make to the community in Falmouth and the surrounding area. Falmouth port continues to play a pivotal role in supporting the Naval Service and the wider Armed Forces enjoy tremendous support from the people of Falmouth. I hope that the pledge signed by the Town Mayor today will encourage other organisations and businesses to sign the Armed Forces Covenant too.”
The Town Mayor said “I am very pleased that the Council agreed to this Covenant being signed, it is important that Falmouth, as a sea port, recognises all servicemen and their families and the service they have given to our town and country and support them in any way we can.”

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation, ensuring that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, are treated fairly. This involves working with businesses, local authorities, charities and the public. Businesses, from sole-trader to multinational, local authorities or charities, who wish to pledge their support can sign the Covenant and publicly declare their commitments. Regional Employer Engagement Director, Rachael Brannagan, who is responsible for the regional delivery of the Armed Forces Covenant in the South West, said; “It’s fantastic that over 400 organisations across the South West have pledged their support by adopting their own Armed Forces Covenants; it’s been a pleasure tailoring them to the individual businesses to make them relevant”. To find out more about how organisations could benefit from pledging their support to the Armed Forces community contact the Regional Employer Engagement Team, on 01823 250118 or wx-reed2@rfca.mod.uk. To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant and a list of all those who have signed, visit www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk

Following the signing of the Covenant presented to the Council Mick Stevens presented the Council with a silver dish that had been commissioned by the parents of J K A Parnell who was killed in action at the sinking of the HMS Hermione. This had been acquired at auction and in the possession of the Falmouth Royal Navy Association who requested that the Council display it in the Council Chambers.