Welcome to the WM RFCA Newsletter
April 2025
Regional Briefing
Our annual Regional Briefing took place on 26th March. We were pleased to be able to hold this event at Redditch Army Reserve Centre and would like to thank the unit for their support.
Technology and innovation was the theme of this year's event and within this we were able to welcome a team from 16 Signals, Oakland International, an RAF Air Cadet from Herefordshire and a team from the Defence School of Aeronautical Engineering at RAF Cosford who showcased some VR headsets.
The event was concluded with a traditional military curry supper, cooked by a military chef.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a successful event.
Building refurbishment improves cadet experience
Two Cadet centres, home to the Sutton Coldfield Detachment Army Cadets and 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, saw tired exteriors and interiors upgraded and modernised, and the internal and external structures of the building refurbished.
Overseen by our Estate Manager, Richard Cameron, with support from our Estate Officer, Lauren Robinson, our team worked with lead contactor Contech Construction Limited and supporting contractor, Ro-Clad Systems Ltd, to create enhanced facilities for Cadets and local communities to enjoy.
Work on the centres started in early January, and both projects were completed on budget and ahead of schedule.
Event celebrates International Women's Day
In March we hosted an inspiring International Women’s Day event at HMS Forward, celebrating the incredible contributions of women in our Armed Forces and business communities.
The day focussed on championing the achievements, skills and lived experiences of women, while opening up space for powerful conversations around gender equality and women’s issues.
Minister for Veterans and People visits West Midland RFCA
We were delighted to welcome the Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns MP, to our Association’s Headquarters in February.
His visit provided a valuable opportunity to showcase the important work we do in supporting the Reserve Forces and Cadets throughout our region. We highlighted our key areas of focus, including estate management, youth and Cadet engagement, and initiatives to strengthen employer engagement support.
We sincerely appreciate the time Al took from his busy schedule to meet our team. It was a great opportunity to explore our shared commitment to the Reserve Forces and Cadets and to demonstrate how the RFCAs enhance, support and enrich both the Reservist and Cadet experiences.
Forty years of Army Service
Darren Knight, one of our Defence Relationship Managers, reached a milestone of 40 years in the Army on 5th March.
Darren first joined the Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Corps of Transport at the age of 16, before moving across to the Regular Army at the age of 18.
Aged 40 and at the rank of Warrant Officer Class One Darren had to retire from the Regular Army, but he didn’t want his Army career to end there and so he joined the Army Reserve on commission at the rank of Captain to continue his career.
116 Provost Company update
116 Provost Company Royal Military Police, based in Cannock, have had an action packed six months. Highlights in their calendar include:
- Phase 2 training completions.
- A celebration of 50 years of 116 Provost Company.
- Two personnel deployed on attachment with 8 RIFLES.
- Sporting success.
University of Northampton Report
The updated report into the Impact and Value of School Based Cadet Forces in the UK is now available to read online, and is an update to the previous report published in 2021.
Between 2016 and 2020 the Institute for Social Innovation and Impact at the University of Northampton carried out research to identify the social impact and value of the Cadet Forces in the UK.
The current research seeks to build upon this evidence base, to identify and describe the impact and value of the CCF and other school-based Cadet Force units to stakeholders within schools (and outside). This project was given seven research objectives by the Ministry of Defence Youth and Cadet Team and the Combined Cadet Force Association.
Specialist training course is huge success for Cadet
Cadet Sergeant McKenzie, from Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force, was fortunate to be selected to attend the Cadet Signaller training course in Blandford. Cadet Sergeant McKenzie successfully completed the programme demonstrating an outstanding performance and was further recognised for his excellence by being awarded The Royal Signals Institute “For Excellence” Coin for Excellence.
Read more about Cadet Sergeant McKenzie's experience.
Bligny Band and Bugles talents shine through
Shropshire Army Cadet Force’s Bligny Band and Bugles are continuing to develop their music skills through regular training sessions.
Earlier this year, during a dedicated training day focused on musical proficiency, Brigade music instructors successfully assessed several Cadets who achieved their 1* and 2* music qualifications, with many now working towards the 3* music syllabus level.
Since then the Band and Bugles have also given a fantastic performance at a county Royal British Legion fundraising event, energising the room and getting guests clapping and cheering.
Well done to all involved!
World Record breaking attempt
Corporal Mark Bailey, a Reservist at 116 Provost Company in Cannock and an adult volunteer at Ferrers School Combined Cadet Force in Northamptonshire, is training for a record breaking challenge to raise money for the Combined Cadet Force Association Charity.
Mark is going to attempt a series of Guinness World Record burpee fitness challenges, with the first challenge taking place in May. Alongside East Midlands RFCA we will be keeping you up to date on Mark's challenges.
Good luck Mark!
A video interview with Mark (created by our colleagues at East Midlands RFCA) can be viewed below.
Going for Gold 2025
Our second Going for Gold event invited forces-friendly employers to explore how they can climb the ladder of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The event was once again held at DRP Group’s creative Studio 212 in Hartlebury and was a vibrant celebration of collaboration between businesses and the Armed Forces.
We delivered an action-packed day full of inspiring experiences, hands-on activities, and valuable insights. Highlights from the day included:
- Live sports demonstrations from Invictus Team UK, including wheelchair basketball and adaptive rowing
- Interactive stands run by local Reserve units
- A delicious Ghurka and Nepalese field kitchen lunch from 37th Signal Regiment
- Drop-in seminars and expert-led clinics
The event gave employers a fantastic opportunity to connect directly with local Armed Forces units and discover the wealth of transferable skills found within the Reserve Forces.
Cadets explore career pathways
Warwickshire and the West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force organised a Cadet Careers Fair alongside our Defence Relationship Manager, Cat Suckling. The event took place at Bramcote Cadet Training Centre and was designed to open doors to future opportunities.
A wide range of forces-friendly employers came together to highlight potential career paths, training options, and offer valuable CV advice.
Dates for your diary...
8th May - VE 80
This year marks 80 years since VE (Victory in Europe) Day. Nationally four days of celebrations from 5th - 8th May will mark the anniversary.
Find out how your organisation can get involved and about local events taking place.
12th June - Annual General Meeting
This invitation only event will cover the work we’ve completed in the last financial period and welcome two speakers.
19th June - NMITE Military to Business Showcase
We are once again supporting NMITE’s Military to Business Showcase. The event aims to highlight employment, support and education opportunities available to veterans and the wider Armed Forces community alongside showcasing veteran owned businesses.
The event runs from 10am – 3pm at NMITE’s Skylon Campus in Hereford. Free tickets can be reserved through Eventbrite.
With over 25 Reserve centres available to hire across our six counties we are open and available for new bookings.
You can view our properties at www.alternativevenueswm.co.uk
To contact the Alternative Venues Team please email wm-av@rfca.mod.uk
