On Friday, the Master signed the Armed Forces Covenant at the Honourable Artillery Company on behalf of our Company.
The Lady Mayoress, HAC Regimental Colonel, several Liverymen and a number of guests were in attendance at this special occasion.
The Honourable Artillery Company was founded in 1537 and is the oldest regiment in the British Army. Today it is the Army’s only Reserve Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Regiment. On Tuesday I was privileged to attend the celebration, in St Paul’s, of the 100th anniversary of the Company of Pikemen and Musketeers who are one of the HAC’s ceremonial sub-units along with the Light Cavalry. Their primary duty is to serve as the Lord Mayor’s ceremonial bodyguard.
So we were in a truly fitting location and in fine company as we committed to the Covenant.
The Master said:
‘When I was given the honour to be installed as Master of the WCSIM in October last year – as is the tradition – I made a statement to the Court about the priorities that I would pursue on behalf of our Company during my year.
In addition to the continuing the important work that we do to encourage and support young people to pursue studies and careers in science and technology, I stated the following:
‘I am very aware of the important relationship we have with our Armed Forces and will endeavour to continue to strengthen our ties with them’.
Of course, recent events have served to bring this into sharp focus for all of us – including now our policy makers – which I think reinforces the importance of the commitment that we are making by signing the Covenant.’
Regimental Colonel Howard Wilkinson responded with thanks and the attendees then enjoyed a splendid lunch as a celebration.