Reserves News

Croydon Council became the first London Borough to sign the Armed Forces Community Covenant at a ceremony held last night, 15 December 2011, at the Braithwaite Hall in Croydon. 

The Mayor of Croydon, Councillor Graham Bass, and Brigadier Matthew Lowe, Deputy Commander London District, joined other members of Croydon Council and senior officers of the Armed Services to sign this historic document.

Opening the ceremony the Mayor said, “Welcome to all of you who are here this evening for what is a very important event in Croydon.”

Leader of the Council, Mike Fisher, said “We are honoured and delighted and proud to say that Croydon is the first London Borough to sign the Covenant renewing our commitment to our Servicemen and women.” 

Brigadier Lowe, who was representing all members of the Armed Forces:  the Royal Navy, Army and RAF, said, “This is a wonderful initiative.  Croydon has always been a great supporter of the Armed Services with the local community supporting their Service personnel and their families both past and present.”  He added, “On behalf of all the sailors soldiers, and airmen, thank you for what you are doing.” 

Representing the Royal Navy on the night was Commodore Martin Atherton RN, Naval Commander for the South East of England.   Col Hugh Purcell, Chief Executive of Greater London Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association, represented members of the Reserves and Cadets in Greater London.        

The Armed Forces Covenant is a statement of mutual support between the civilian and local armed forces communities.  It aims to encourage respect and support for Service personnel and their families, as well as Reservists, veterans and cadet groups. On a practical front, it aims to help integrate the armed forces community into local life and can provide access to public services as well as concessions and discounted private services. 

Councillor Tony Pearson, military champion for teh borough, said, “One example of where we can help is with our housing policies; it is not about jumping the queue, it is about ensuring that any Serviceman or woman is not disadvantaged when they leave the Forces, it is about recognising them for the time spent serving their Country.”

Edgware Reservists from B (Queen’s Regiment) Company The London Regiment based in Deansbrook Road, packed a container with 8,000 shoe boxes bound for Mozambique, in what they hope will be a world record time.

The Territorial Army soldiers, on Thursday night last week, were helping charity “Operation Christmas Child” which has a warehouse in Elstree, to load shoe boxes full of gifts that have been donated by local supporters for distribution to vulnerable children around the world. 

The twelve reservists loaded the container in an incredibly fast-paced 33 minutes and 9 seconds beating a previous time of one hour set by workers from American Express.  The soldiers had previously assisted the charity on Saturday last week loading another container with the same quantity of boxes, a task that took them 1 hour and 10 minutes.

The Territorial Army soldiers, who come from all walks of life, hope the time they set last night can be registered as a world record.  Over the past 5 years soldiers from The London Regiment have been deployed in various locations throughout the world from Bosnia to Afghanistan. They see deprivation and poverty at first hand and how it affects the lives of people less fortunate than themselves. 

Captain Gary Anglin, who lead the team, said “It was a tough challenge.  In the end it was all down to what we soldiers do best - Teamwork!”  He continued, “The sweat poured and the muscles ached but every man stood his ground and after 33 minutes and 9 seconds, the record was smashed!  Our soldiers are constantly training to improve their fitness and this challenge was a great opportunity to put our fitness and stamina to the test.”

Captain Anglin went on to say  “Our reservists are men and women from all walks of life and they feel that to be given the opportunity of helping where help is needed for such a worthy cause is well worth the time and effort involved.” 

Balham Reservists from The London Regiment’s C Company (City of London Fusiliers) threw open the doors of their Balham TA Centre on Tuesday evening (29^th November) to the Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Jane Cooper, London Borough of Wandsworth Councillors and local employers to give an insight into life in the Territorial Army (TA) and in particular London’s premier infantry unit.

The visitors heard first-hand from the reservist soldiers about the different challenges and adventures that can be had in the TA as well as its important role in the British Army including military training, operational capacities, adventure training, ceremonial and social events and the role of the local TA infantry unit.  Guests also enjoyed a short performance by the Corps of Drums. 

Daran Golby, HR Manager, Recruitment & Workforce Development at South West London & St George’s Mental Health Trust found the presentations both insightful and a thought provoking reminder of the role of TA personnel in supporting the regular armed forces.  He said “I have walked past the Balham TA Centre on many occasions and never thought to question or enquire as to the activity within.  This visit provided an opportunity to meet members of the TA and learn about their roles and commitment.”  He continued “I was particularly impressed with the band display and most notably the brilliant drumming skills!”

The Mayor of Wandsworth, Councillor Jane Cooper, thoroughly enjoyed the evening and said “As always it was an honour to meet our young territorial servicemen and women, to learn about their training, their preparation for combat, the dangerous jobs that they do, and the support that they and their families receive on their return home.  It was also a delight to listen to the Corp of Drums and we were all very impressed by their professionalism”.  She continued “I am very proud that Wandsworth is a lead Borough in supporting the Armed Forces and that the London Regiment is still based here.”

Royal Marine Reservists, were presented with the Operational Service Medals for Afghanistan at this year’s Lord Mayor Show in the City of London on Saturday.

Royal Marine Reservists from London’s Royal Marine Reserve unit – RMR (City of London), based at Southfields, were publicly honoured for their recent operational service at the City of London’s most prestigious event, The Lord Mayor’s Show on Saturday 12 November 2011.

Members of London’s Royal Marine Reserves who were this years’ Guard of Honour at the Lord Mayor Show, paraded outside the Mansion House in front of crowds of bystanders and well-wishers, and were presented with their Operational Service Medals for recent tours to Afghanistan by the newly inaugurated Lord Mayor of London, Alderman David Wootton.

Each year, London’s Volunteer Reservists and Cadets play an integral role in the procession and this year was no exception.

In total, more than 6,500 people, 200 vehicles and floats representing military units, marching bands, school children, businesses, livery companies and community groups travelled from Mansion House to the Royal Courts of Justice and back to Mansion House via Victoria Embankment entertaining the crowds. The show formally concluded with a spectacular fireworks display on the River Thames between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridges.

The Lord Mayor’s Procession is the largest unrehearsed Show in the world. Ever since the first Procession in 1215, the Lord Mayor has received the support/protection from the Militia. Our Reserves, very proudly, are continuing that tradition now and for evermore.