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March 17th 2022

South Kesteven District Council renews commitment to Armed Forces Covenant

Lt Col Buxton and Cllr Cooke with (from left) Bruce Spencer, Cllr Griffin, Cllr Mason and Cllr Ward

Lieutenant Colonel Buxton and Councillor Cooke with (from left) Bruce Spencer and Councillors Griffin, Mason and Ward.

South Kesteven District Council has renewed its commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant (AFC) in a re-signing ceremony, continuing its support for the Armed Forces Community.

South Kesteven District Council first signed the AFC in 2012, and hold a Silver Award in the Employer Recognition Scheme.

Just some of the ways the Council have demonstrated support for military personnel include the launching of its own Armed Forces Discount Card, instating a dedicated Armed Forces Officer, and approving over £200,000 in funding over the last four years for commemorating military heritage.

A large group of people, some in military uniform, stand in front of a picture of The Queen.

Lieutenant Colonel Buxton and Councillor Cooke were joined by representatives of the Army and the Council.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Kelham Cooke, took part in the Covenant signing ceremony with Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Buxton, Commanding Officer at the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks in Grantham.

Also present were Councillor Annie Mason, Chairman Councillor Breda-Rae Griffin, Mayor of Grantham and Armed Forces Champion Councillor Dean Ward, Chief Executive Karen Bradford and Bruce Spencer, Reserve Forces and Cadets Association Regional Employer Engagement Director, alongside representatives of the Army.

Councillor Cooke commented: “I am extremely proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant on behalf of South Kesteven District Council.  There are an estimated 8,000 military veterans living within South Kesteven and we take our responsibilities towards them extremely seriously.

“We also enjoy an extremely positive relationship with the Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, and we are fortunate to have an incredible military heritage across our district.

“We have renewed our commitment to recognise the sacrifices made by the Armed Forces and will be encouraging others to sign the Covenant.”

Find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant.

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