Derbyshire County Council hosted a signing event today (Thursday 7th March) at their County Hall headquarters in Matlock to sign a new Covenant. Chairman of the Council, Councillor George Wharmby, was joined by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire. Leaders and representatives from Derbyshire’s borough, district and city councils, local Mayors, charities and other dignitaries also attended. The military’s Regular and Reserve services were also represented, headed by Commander Glynn Johns RN, Chief of Staff, Naval Regional Command, Eastern England.Councillor Wharmby said:
“We owe those who protect our nation a great debt of gratitude and must ensure that they have the right support networks available to them when needed.
“Only by working together can we provide unified support for serving and former Armed Forces members and their families who live and work in Derbyshire.
“Re-signing the covenant is our way of showing our unwavering commitment to those who make sacrifices for our wellbeing.”
The new covenant seeks to strengthen the previous agreement – encouraging local organisations to help re-integrate ex-servicemen and women into civilian life, support military families with day-to-day life, as well as inspiring members of the Armed Forces to help support their local communities.
Derbyshire County Council signed the Covenant alongside:
- Amber Valley Borough Council
- the Army
- Bolsover District Council
- Chesterfield Borough Council
- Derby City Council
- Derbyshire Dales District Council
- Erewash Borough Council
- High Peak Borough Council
- NE Derbyshire District Council
- Peak District National Park Authority
- the Royal Air Force
- the Royal Navy
- South Derbyshire District Council
Also present at today’s event were a wide range of community organisations which support servicemen and women, including Help for Heroes, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) and the Royal British Legion.
