Saltash Town Council Signs Armed Forces Covenant in Truro

Saltash Town Council has put its name to the Armed Forces Covenant, formally pledging its support for the military community at a ceremony in Truro.

Mayor Cllr Brian Stoyel and Deputy Mayor Cllr Brenda Samuels represented the council at the Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony on Monday 22 June, held at Cornwall Council’s Civic Office. They joined representatives from across Cornwall, senior Royal Navy personnel and Armed Forces veterans.

The ceremony was led by the Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall, Colonel Sir Edward Bolitho KCVO OBE, and featured a performance by the Military Wives Choir of Culdrose and St Mawgan.

What the council has signed up to

Brian Stoyel signed the Armed Forces Covenant pledge on the day alongside Lieutenant Colonel John Porter. The Covenant sets out two core principles the council now commits to upholding.

The first is that no member of the Armed Forces community should face disadvantage in the provision of public and commercial services compared to any other citizen. The second recognises that special treatment may be appropriate in some circumstances, particularly for those who have been injured or bereaved.

What it means locally

Saltash Town Council says it recognises the contribution made by serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families, and it has set out how the Covenant will shape its work.

The council will promote Armed Forces events and activities, support veterans and their families through fair and inclusive recruitment, encourage staff to take part in the Reserves and cadet organisations, and keep marking national occasions such as Armed Forces Day, Remembrance and the Poppy Appeal.

Closer to home, it will support Armed Forces charities, look after war memorials across the town, and work with organisations including the Royal British Legion and the Royal Naval Association.

Brian Stoyel is himself an Honorary Member of the Royal British Legion, a connection the council points to as part of its long-standing links with the Armed Forces community.

“It is a privilege to demonstrate Saltash Town Council’s support for our Armed Forces community through signing the Armed Forces Covenant. We recognise the dedication and service given by so many, and are committed to ensuring they, alongside their families, are treated with fairness, respect and understanding within our community.

I am also proud, as an Honorary Member of the Royal British Legion, to support the continued work that honours and assists those who have served.” – Mayor Cllr Brian Stoyel