ESS Defence, specialist provider of foodservice and facilities management to military establishments across the UK, is celebrating colleagues who have been awarded medals to recognise their contributions to the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
26 team members from the company’s Defence South West and Training Estate Support contracts were each presented with a Coronation Medal at special ceremonies.
Recipients included Stuart Palmer and Ursula Frost who led the South West teams, and Terry Hill who managed catering services on the Training Estate working with Landmarc Support Services. The medals were presented by representatives from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), Landmarc and the Army.
During the lead up to and throughout the Coronation, ESS Defence colleagues prepared and served over 110,000 meals to military personnel who had key roles in the event.
At HMS Excellent, HMS Collingwood and HMS Sultan, the ESS team supported 850 Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel completing their ceremonial training for three weeks prior to the event, providing hot meals, packed meals, snacks and drinks throughout the day and night. As well as managing the huge uplift in catering, ESS provided extended opening in retail outlets, increased cleaning, hotel services and waste management, and extensive uniform preparation in collaboration with its tailoring partner.
At Longmoor and Brunswick camps, ESS colleagues prepared and served over 60,000 meals to service personnel from nations including the UK, New Zealand, Malaysia, Malta, Ghana, Canada and Singapore, supporting those who were rehearsing for the event.
David Neat, Head of SW Region – DIO, commented:
“It was a real honour for me to present Coronation medals to our teams for all their hard work and determination in support of the Coronation. I feel proud that we could officially recognise and celebrate this great achievement together.”
Ursula Frost, General Manager – ESS, and recipient of a Coronation Medal, commented:
“Supporting the preparations for Operation Golden Orb was a memorable moment for our team as we delivered round-the-clock services for service personnel rehearsing for the event. I’m proud of what everyone achieved through close collaboration between the military, DIO and our supply chain partners. It’s great to see so many of the team recognised with a Coronation Medal.”
Terry Hill, Infrastructure and Assurance Manager – ESS, and recipient of a Coronation Medal, commented:
“We were honoured to cater for UK and Commonwealth troops preparing for the Coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the UK Training Estate. The operation was challenging and extremely rewarding as we played our part in this historic event. My team were fabulous throughout and it’s an honour to accept this medal on their behalf.”
Bob Gray, Managing Director – ESS Defence, Marine & Aerospace, added:
“Colleagues from across our business really went above and beyond to ensure military personnel who had key roles in the Coronation were well supported while the eyes of the world were on them. I spoke to so many of our people who were proud to play a part in British history and it’s brilliant to see their contributions being formally recognised.”
