LETTERS – Day jobs make it hard to attend

I was disappointed to read the letter from Mr Grocock recently regarding councillors’ attendance at events connected to the military.
He seems to be making several assumptions:

1. Only a few councillors have a military background – I served in the MoD for 21 years.
2. That if you don’t have a military background you don’t respect what our armed forces do.
   As elected members we have a responsibility to all residents of our wards – regardless if they have or are serving in the forces.
   He is correct in one point. Times have changed and the majority of current councillors work hard to support all residents of South Holland and support and attend a lot of events. However, a vast majority also have day jobs and at times are unable to get to functions during working hours.
   I did attend the ceremony at SHDC offices to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of D Day – but I don’t recall any members of the Royal Naval Association being there.
   I wonder if Mr Grocock was in full time employment when he was district chairman?
   As for future “military” events – in Fleet we already have a beacon lighting ceremony planned for May 8, 2025 and a VE celebration party organised for May 10, 2025.
   We may not be there – but we will not forget.

Paul Barnes
District Councillor
Fleet