COVENANT
Councillor Tim Barker, chairman of the Covenant partnership, said:
“It was a very useful event and everyone who attended was interested to hear about how the covenant is starting to improve things for forces personnel and their families in Shropshire.
“We have a strong military background here in Shropshire and it’s important we continue our work to build links between our Armed Forces and civilian communities.”
Community Covenant Grants In Shropshire we have a different approach to most other local authorities in that the Community Covenant Grant whilst being publicised, hasn’t been the main focus (after all, the funding won’t be long term where as we hope the partnership will be). Our main focus is, and will continue to be, our priority plan.
This isn’t to say we haven’t had some excellent projects receive grant funding.
On the contrary, we’ve had funding for six unique and inspiring projects including;
– Purchase of a new 4x4 RAF Shawbury First Response Vehicle
– A new community play park for civilians and 1 Royal Irish Regiment
– Maurice Chandler Sports Centre Improvements
– Shropshire Playbus – Shropshire Covenant promotional material
– Shrewsbury Bookfest Armed Forces Project
Further details can be found at: http://
shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-council/ shropshire-armed-forces-community- covenant/armed-forces-community- covenant-grant-scheme/.
The grant funding has been able to provide a range of activities and projects funding that may never have seen the light of day without it. We are very grateful and hope that these projects can be a stepping stone
to encourage more integration between forces personnel and civilian communities.
Reflection
The Covenant has been a huge learning curve, not just for me but for all our partners. Understanding how each organisation works and makes decisions is vitally important. Equally, having the time and capacity to speak with forces personnel who are currently serving as well as Veterans is at the very forefront of what I believe the Covenant to be about.
I am proud to be supporting our forces, and whilst we have achieved lots already, we’re aware there is plenty more to do! In closing, the Covenant Partnership Chair Tim Barker stated: ‘’Chairing the Partnership has been a powerful reminder of how important our Armed Forces are to our everyday life here in Shropshire. It's not only those who are currently serving as Regulars or Reservists, but also the very many who used to serve, who are integrated into our communities and contribute so much.’’
From left: Sergeant Colin Gordon, Jane Britton of the Royal British Legion, Councillor Peter Cherrington, Councillor Tim Barker, Squadron Leader Chris Skaife and Squadron Leader Kim Leach.
www.raf-ff.org.uk Envoy Autumn 2014 33
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