The Armed Forces Covenant
What is the Armed Forces Covenant?
To those who proudly protect our nation, who do so with honour, courage, and commitment, the Armed Forces Covenant is the nation’s commitment to you.
It is a pledge that together we acknowledge and understand that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, should be treated with fairness and respect in the community, economy and society they serve with their lives.
Signing the covenant means that you are supporting your employees as reservists and veterans.
To find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant, please visit Armed Forces Covenant Website
For information about local support for Armed Forces Veterans in Herefordshire, please visit Herefordshire Council Armed Forces Support
Leominster Town Council’s Commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant
Leominster Town Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant on 25th June 2018 when the town hosted Herefordshire’s Armed Forces Day.
The original signatories were:
- Lieutenant Colonel S Hitchman, on behalf of the MoD, 11 Signals and West Midlands Brigade
- Herefordshire Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Patrick Wrixon DL
- Mr Paul Russell, Leominster Town Clerk
- Mayor Councillor Jenny Bartlett
- Mr Frank Low, Leominster Branch, British Legion
Our Covenant aims:
- That no member of the armed forces community should be disadvantaged when accessing local services; and in some circumstances special treatment may be appropriate, especially for the injured and bereaved.
- Leominster Town Council will encourage and support the Armed Forces communities and veterans within its Parish, enabling where possible the Armed Forces community to help and support the wider community.
- Recognise and remember the sacrifices faced by the Armed Forces community. Restore and maintain the Memorial to the fallen Armed Forces of Leominster. Encourage the continuation of Armistice Day within the Armed Forces and wider local community.
- Leominster Town Council will continue to encourage the growth of support groups within its veteran Polish Community and any similar veteran group with their integration within the local community.
- Support the ongoing health and well-being of current and ex-service personnel. Co-ordinating axillary organisations if required.
- Encourage and support members of the Leominster Town Council staff to be actively involved as Adult Volunteers within the Armed Forces Cadet community.
Leominster Town Council is committed to promoting the Armed Forces Covenant within the community and the work of charities and organisations helping to support local veterans and serving members.
Leominster Town Council achieved the Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award in July 2021.
Leominster Town Council achieved the Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in July 2024.
If you would like to find out more about signing the Armed Forces Covenant, please contact Jackie Whittall, on j.whittall@leominstertowncouncil.gov.uk or 01568 611734.
Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
Phone number: 07436 721140
Email: afvbchereford@gmail.com
From the Cadet Forces to the Reserve Forces – Corporal William Riley
As part of Armed Forces week 2024, we are sharing the story of a local reservist.
I began my journey in the Cadet Forces in 2016 in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets with 151 (Leominster) Sqn, having heard stories of the activities and opportunities available from my mother about her time at 14F (Northolt) Sqn in the Late 80’s. Upon joining I signed up to as many activities and opportunities that I could, from First Aid to Live Firing on the various cadet weapon systems, to day walks and doing my Duke of Edinburgh Award, as well as various camps across the country. All of these activities developed my confidence, eventually helping me with promotion across the ranks of the RAFAC. After 7 years and 6 months service, I aged out upon turning 20.
Being an Air Cadet gave me a good dose of some of the roles and jobs available within the wider Royal Air Force. In August 2022, whilst working in my current role as a Management Team Member for Co-op I decided to apply for the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, commonly known as the RAF Reserves as I wanted something different to do in my spare time. Initially applying to 605 (County of Warwickshire) Sqn based at RAF Cosford as an Air and Space Operations Specialist, upon completing the Defence Aptitude Assessment I was offered an alternative role, the Royal Air Force Police.
The training involved has required a great commitment over a short period of time, with a massive amount of support from my employer, with 23 days total to complete my Phase 1 Reserve Training and 27 days total to complete my Phase 2 Training. These were both completed over a period of 8 months with thousands of miles travelled and several RAF Stations visited. Throughout training I have developed different skills and talents which have been valuable within my day job, really helping me excel in areas such as; time management, leadership, contingency planning as well as public speaking.
From working on a shop floor during the week, to policing an Air Show at the weekend, I encourage anyone who is considering a career within the Reserves to give it a go, it is incredibly rewarding!
