The HRFCA Engagement team attended Knockhill Racing Circuit’s Armed Forces Appreciation day with a number of supportive employers.
The Sunday event, held last weekend, was organised by Knockhill Racing Circuit, and co-hosted with HRFCA.
Knockhill continue to progress through the Employer Recognition Scheme and are aiming for Gold this year. Their event manager Stuart Gray was delighted to launch the 4th Annual Armed Forces Appreciation Day to recognise and pay tribute to all serving and veteran Armed Forces personnel and the families who support them. He said: “We thought that by creating an Armed Forces Appreciation Day four years ago, we would extend our reach beyond those who have served or are still serving to be inclusive to their families too by giving them the opportunity for a family day at the races”.
Drivers navigate round the slippery circuit.
The event, open to the public and free to serving personnel, reservists and veterans, coincided with Round One of the 2019 Scottish Motor Racing Club season.
HRFCA welcomed guests from EVI-Dunfermline, Scottish Water, Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, Blackadders LLP, Perth and Kinross Council, Dundee and Angus College, and Fife Chamber of Commerce.
Neil Beattie, of EVI UK, receives his Bronze Award from Major Donald Urquhart.
The day began with Neil Beattie, Managing Director of EVI, receiving the Bronze ERS award from Maj Donald Urquhart, second in command of 154 Regt RLC, and a reminder from Regional Employer Engagement Director (REED) Michelle McKearnon about the importance of employers’ continued support to the Armed Forces Community and the benefits of working together.
Comms Officer, Ellie, was taken back in time (not literally) when trying out the old Military vehicles.
With formalities completed, guests were given the morning to enjoy the first round of racing and the display of classic military vehicles stationed around the track.
After some light refreshments, the grid gates were opened and it was time for a fast lap. In the hands of professional drivers, everyone (including the HRFCA team) experienced first-hand just how rapidly these cars can go and the skill of the drivers. It was a white knuckle ride for some of us but enjoyed by our youngest guest and Sgt Major Seathwood.
Sgt Major Seathwood was well looked after by our youngest guest, Lewis.
Before the drivers started their engines for an afternoon of racing, everyone attending the event had the opportunity to walk the grid and have a closer look at some of the cars (and drivers) taking part in the first race of the afternoon. Our employers enjoyed a wonderful day and our thanks to Knockhill Racing Circuit for their continued support.
If you would like to get involved with some of our events then please contact REED Roy McLellan at [email protected] to learn more about becoming an Armed Forces friendly employer and signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
