To commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the Armed Forces Covenant, on 28 September, Chairman of Ceredigion County Council and Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Paul Hinge reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant by conducting an official signing ceremony at Aberystwyth Marina.
Organised by Ceredigion County Council and the Royal Navy, the ceremony took place on board HMS TRACKER. To ensure covid-19 health and safety measures were adhered to, only a small number of dignitaries attended the event, including Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards.
Councillor Paul Hinge said: “This is an unique opportunity for Ceredigion to sign the Armed Forces Covenant aboard a Royal Naval vessel. As a County with a deep maritime history it is fitting that this prestigious ceremony is conducted on a Royal Naval vessel whilst it’s berthed in the thriving marina at Aberystwyth. When we were offered the chance of conducting the ceremony on HMS TRACKER we were very pleased to accept subject to Covid regulations. As Armed Forces Champion and Chairman of the Council I’m very pleased that over the term of this council we’ve been able to hold many ceremonial events on ‘dry land’ but this one will be special as we don’t get to see the Royal Navy here that often, so I’m pleased to welcome the Captain and Crew of HMS TRACKER here to Ceredigion and to Aberystwyth to conduct the ceremony on the bridge of this ship.”
Following the short signing ceremony Councillor Paul Hinge and Lieutenant Thomas Reed RN, presented each other with commemorative plaques to mark the occasion.
The Captain, Lieutenant Thomas Reed RN said “It is a real pleasure to bring HMS TRACKER to Aberystwyth to support Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant, with Ceredigion County Council’s signing of the Armed Forces Covenant. It has been 7 years since the Aberystwyth Marina hosted a Royal Navy Warship and we hope to return more frequently should the Lord-Lieutenant or County require us.’’
HMS TRACKER is a P2000 Archer Class Fast Patrol Boat. She is based in HMNB Clyde and provides reassurance and protection to high value Naval units as well as contributing to safeguarding UK Sovereign waters, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year round.
Hayley Edwards, Ceredigion County Council’s Armed Forces Liaison Officer and also a serving Army Reserve Officer said: “It’s very poignant that the Royal Navy is here to honour Ceredigion County Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. We recognise the unique obligations of our Armed Forces Community; serving personnel, veterans and their dependents. Having the Royal Navy here today is really significant for our Armed Forces Community and marks the occasion appropriately. Thank you.”
Ceredigion County Council would like to thank The Marine Group for their assistance and support with the signing ceremony.
For more information on the Ceredigion Armed Forces: Community Covenant, visit: https://www.ceredigion.gov.uk/resident/armed-forces-community-covenant/
30/09/2021