News

May 17th 2013

Representatives of the Armed Forces, supporting organisations, Forces charities and local businesses gathered at Retford Town Hall on the evening of 15 May, prior to the Council’s AGM, to sign the covenant.

The Chairman of the District Council, Councillor Ian Cambell, welcomed everyone and expressed his hope that the covenant would cement the excellent relationship between the Armed Forces and the people of Retford.

Lt Col Kaine Price, Officer Commanding the East Midlands Officer Training Corps, represented the Commander of 49 Brigade. Lieutenant Colonel Price highlighted the great strides that had been made in the developing relationship between the civilian population and the military; in particular he thanked Bassetlaw District Council for initiating the signing of the Covenant which marked a high point in a continued and valued relationship.

Lieutenant Colonel Price also highlighted that the continuing redundancy programme within the Armed Forces would make available to civilian employers a number of high quality men and women who could contribute significantly to both the civilian workplace and the civilian community.

Group Captain Nick Sharpe, representing the East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) said: “It was heartening to see so many people from the Bassetlaw region at the event to express their support for the Armed Forces; this was very much the start of a programme which would continue to see the relationship between the military and civilian population of the Bassetlaw area develop to the benefit of both parties.”