A fantastic evening at Pinewood Studios last week as the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) and a number of Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award holders attended Pinewood Studios for a special screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
It was a brilliant opportunity to experience one of the UK’s most iconic film locations and see first-hand the connection between the film industry, the creative sector and the Armed Forces community.
Even more importantly, the visit marked Pinewood Group signing the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating its commitment to supporting serving personnel, Reservists, Veterans, Service families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
The Armed Forces Covenant is about recognising the value that the Armed Forces community brings to organisations and ensuring they are not disadvantaged because of their service.
The Armed Forces Covenant was signed next to Pinewood Studio’s iconic Underwater Stage by Andrew M Smith OBE DL, Corporate Affairs Director for Pinewood Group; and Group Captain Rauri Henderson-Begg, Chief Modelling and Simulation Officer (Air) on behalf of Ministry of Defence. The Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire and President of SERFCA, The Countess Howe and our Chief Executive, Colonel (Retd) Patrick Crowley MBE DL were also in attendance to witness the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.
Andrew M Smith OBE, Corporate Affairs Director said; “Pinewood Group is proud to sign the Armed Forces Covenant. The signing builds on our history while looking firmly to the future. We value the leadership, teamwork, technical expertise and resilience that members of the Armed Forces community bring to society and employers, and we are committed to ensuring they are welcomed, supported and able to thrive.”
Group Captain Rauri Henderson-Begg said; “We are grateful to Pinewood Studios for becoming part of the Armed Forces Covenant family. The support of employers is vital to Defence objectives, including the recruitment and retention of Reservists, the employment of veterans and Service spouses and partners, and sustaining the Cadet movement. A public pledge of support is a statement to the Armed Forces community that they are valued by society, and encourages other organisations to do the same. I am confident it will be a mutually beneficial relationship that enables each organisation to support its people, and to get the very best out of them.”
A huge thank you to the team at Pinewood Group for their warm welcome, their support for the Armed Forces community and for taking this important step by signing the Covenant.
And, of course, there was something rather special about watching Rogue One at Pinewood — a place with such a rich history of bringing stories of epic scale to life.
May the Force be with you!
For further information on the Pinewood Group follow the link below:
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly.
The government is committed to supporting the armed forces community by working with a range of partners who have signed the covenant. The covenant is a national responsibility involving government, businesses, local authorities, charities and the public.
For more information, please visit Armed Forces Covenant