Agenda item

This report was presented at the request of the Committee Chairman.

It was the first in a series of reports that were linked to work undertaken by the Community Engagement Team. 

Going forward, the reports would be themed and based on activities outlined in the Action Plan of the Council’s Community Engagement and Development Strategy.

The report provided a retrospective update on community engagement for 2023/24, based on activities that promoted wellbeing, positive mental health and help to reduce social isolation. 

This work was underpinned by the commitment shown within our Corporate Plan under the key priority of “Connecting Communities”.

The report was provided for information and officers were present should members of the committee have any questions.

One Member highlighted the importance of events taking place. It was requested that a programme of events be provided for Members to inform their communities of events taking place.

The Community Engagement Manager clarified that all activities were outlined within the Council’s Action Plan, which had been considered by Committee.

ACTION: For the Community Engagement Action Plan to be sent to all Members

The Community Engagement Manager provided a verbal update on work undertaken in support of the Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant:

‘As Members will be aware, our engagement and advocacy work to support our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant is a very important and integral part of the work we do as a Community Engagement Team.  You might also be aware that, apart from anything else - this year marks the 80^th Anniversary of two significant offensives in WW2.  Those being, of course, D Day and Arnhem.

You will, as ever, get an annual review of activities related to our Armed Forces work later in the year but, with your agreement, I’d just like to mention a few significant things that have happened or are planned to happen this year.

D-Day Commemorations

Three well-attended, hosted, information walks (30 May, 5 June and 13 July). These  have taken place at RAF North Witham, now known as Twyford Wood near Colsterworth, location for a top-secret pre-D Day American Pathfinders mission, laying the markers behind the German lines to guide the incoming invasion. An associated talk was also held in the Guildhall Arts Centre on June 6.   All were delivered by Brian Riley, military heritage specialist.

A significant D-Day commemoration was also organised on 8 June at RAF Saltby, hugely significant for American forces on D-Day. There was a commemorative service, military re-enactors, talks, heritage vehicles and the Airborne Forces Riders.

It was attended by the Chairman of SKDC, Chief Executive and our Cabinet Member.  It was also attended by serving and retired American military, including the current commander of 314 Air Lift Wing (modern day equivalent of the US 9^th Troop Carrier Command who flew paratroopers from Saltby for D-Day), Col John Tucker and his Command Chief, Sgt Cameron Davis were with us. Two days earlier Col Tucker had flown the lead aircraft in the Cherbourg flypast. After that, they made the journey to the UK specially for the event at Saltby, with Col Tucker calling it the honour of his career.

Coming Up

15 –17 August

Digging Market Garden. This is an archaeological dig at Fulbeck Manor. SKDC is working in partnership with Oxford University and the University of Lincoln in conjunction with Wings to the Past. The dig is intended toillustrate the presence locally of Allied paratroopers pre-Arnhem – specifically British First Airborne on this site whose commander, Maj General Roy Urquart was billeted at this site during 1944.

6 – 8 September

There will be an event in Caythorpe, 216 Signals Parachute Squadron - Arnhem Reunion.

Saturday 7 September would be a village gala.

The Sunday has a High Street Parade and commemorative service in St Vincent’s Church (St Vincent’s Church is shrine to airborne forces and 216 Signals’ spiritual home, forged in 1944)
SKDC was contributing to heritage displays + re-enactors + D Day Darlings

11 - 12 October

156 Parachute Regiment Reunion at RAF Saltby.
Talks, Dinner 11 October and service 12 October.
156 Para regiment was decimated at Arnhem to the extent that it was disbanded andmerged with 1 Para on return (1 Para HQ at Grimsthorpe Castle) 
SKDC contributing talks / video of D-Day Commemoration 8 June, plus re-enactors

25 October

Arnhem80 – St Wulfram’s Church.

Evening of Commemoration for 80th anniversary. 
Band of the Welsh Guards, speakers and stories of Arnhem’s unique local backstories of British, American and Polish airborne forces’ collaboration and training in the build up to battle – and their departure from local airfields.’

One Member requested the events in a date order format.

ACTION: For the Community Engagement Manager to provide a programme of events in a date order format.

That the Committee:

1. Notes the content of the report and provides comment on the activity contained.