On Wednesday 25^th October by kind permission of Major General J Swift OBE Colonel of the Regiment, HighGround held a reception at the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Museum to introduce the Chairman’s new Vision for the Charity and welcome our incoming CEO Jamie Crisp.

Guests included our current funders ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, Greenwich Hospital and RMA – The Royal Marines Charity. The Surgeon General and Commanding Officer Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre were both represented as well as private donors and corporate guests, and Gavin Lane, CLA Vice President and Dr Charles Trotman who was responsible for the CLA being the first rural business to sign the Armed Forces Covenant also joined us.

We were delighted to welcome Penny Mordaunt MP, Alex Payne from Landex representing land-based education, Sir Nick Pope Chairman of Cobseo, Colonel Jane Davis, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Greater London and representatives from the City Livery Companies including the Drapers, Blacksmiths, Farmers and Gunsmiths.

The Rt Hon Johnny Mercer Minister for Veterans Affairs sent us a video message of support which we played at the start of our new film made by Thread Studios which shared the Trustees’ Vision for HighGround’s second decade, and we express our thanks to everyone who contributed to its making.

Jamie Crisp said “It was a huge privilege as the incoming CEO to be part of HighGround’s reception at the Tower of London last night. 

The level of support and exposure received as HighGround transitions into the next 5 years with its clear vision and strategy was clearly evident.”

He mentioned his thanks to Lord Benyon who sadly was called away last minute due to parliamentary commitments. Penny Mordaunt’s attendance and Johnny Mercer whose opening video message of support showcased the level of support and commitment HighGround continues to attract.

Jamie went on to say, “HighGround’s continued dedication to support service leavers and veterans into valuable land-based roles is what attracted me to the Charity. That support to the rural economy is paramount, and the Charity will expand its delivery model going forwards.

Added to this is its flagship Horticultural Therapy delivery at DMRC Stanford Hall in the rehabilitation of serving personnel ensures HighGround’s unique profile.  

With this he continued comes the increased level of fundraising needed to ensure the Charity delivers on its mission and vision which makes the drive to engage wider land-based stakeholders and businesses even more important in the years to come.”

Col Jane Davis OBE QVRM TD DL Craft Warden The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths also said, “The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths supports the Rural Weeks both financially from our charity but also with working Blacksmiths who attend with mobile forges to allow attendees to actually ‘bash metal’ and achieve something to take away.

HighGround is unique in that they support both those still serving, as well as veterans and for those who are not sure of what jobs are in the rural space as well as for those with physical or psychological issues.”

You can view photos from the evening here.