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East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) and SaBRE (Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers) invited representatives from North East Derbyshire District Council, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council to attend a dinner and evening of entertainment being provided by the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF).

By attending the event, each of the employers demonstrated their support for the men and women who serve in the Reserve Forces locally.

Reservists are individuals who give up their spare time to train and serve in the Royal Naval Reserve, Army Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, alongside the Regular Forces.

East Midlands Regional SaBRE Director, Colonel John Wilson said: “Each of the employers in attendance today have demonstrated their understanding for the level of specialist training each of our Reservists receive and how this is valuable to them as employers. Reservists can often have increased organisational skills, good time keeping, discipline and commitment all of which are very useful to employers of all types.”

Cllr Fareed Hussain, The Mayor of Derby City Council, said he was proud to represent the Council at the event. He said: “I’m pleased to support today’s activities as well as Reservists themselves. In my understanding Reservists are hardworking and committed individuals who are equipped with a multitude of practical and personal skills that are useful to employers such as ourselves.”

Councillor Martin Thacker MBE, from North East Derbyshire District Council, who represents Brampton and Walton Ward, also attended the event. He said: “Reservists volunteer to support the Regulars at home and overseas. In doing so Reservists are willing to put their own lives on the line for every person in this country. I believe we should demonstrate our support for them in return. Attendance at fundraising events such as Chatsworth’s Beating Retreat is just one of the ways I wanted to show my gratitude to Reservists.”

The ABF provides support for both serving and retired soldiers, from both the Reserve and Regular forces, and their families by providing financial assistance to those in times of need.

To find out more about the ABF, The Soldiers Charity, visit http://www.soldierscharity.org/