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.”