BLAZE OF GLORY FOR EMPLOYERS AT HILLSBOROUGH

Blazing guns and blazing Summer sunshine combined in resounding fashion recently to mark the 63rd anniversary of the Coronation of Her Majesty The Queen with a Royal Salute in the splendid surroundings of Hillsborough Castle.

Army Reserve officers and soldiers from 206 (Ulster) Battery, Royal Artillery based at Coleraine and Newtownards had the honour of firing the celebratory traditional 21 Gun Royal Salute, a tribute echoed at similar events in London, Cardiff and Edinburgh.  Today Gun Salutes mark special, usually Royal, occasions, but the ceremony originated when the firing of a cannon as a Salute indicated the friendly intent of an empty chamber and Gun Salutes were fired, both on land and at sea, as a sign of respect and welcome.

This month Defence Relationship Management which works through the Reserve Forces & Cadets Association in Northern Ireland to support the relationship between employers and Reservists invited guests from the worlds of business, medicine and education to enjoy the occasion.

Regional Employer Engagement Director, Athene Gordon, said, “The Royal Salute is a wonderful demonstration of the high standards of military skills which are a trademark of our Reserve Forces, but we were eager also to tell employers about the vast array of independently-accredited training currently available to Reservists.  In a great many cases such training is of direct relevance to civilian employers and its monetary value is well understood by them.  Employers are also quick to appreciate the value which a highly focused, self-motivated, physically fit Reservist can bring to the civilian workplace.

“The valuable support which many employers already give to Reservists is genuinely appreciated and we continue to work with employers to develop mutually beneficial partnerships. In addition to giving general advice on responsibilities and benefits, we can assist employers to develop Reservist HR policies and are happy to look at ways in which we can tailor opportunities for employers to meet their goals.”