Welcome to the West Midland RFCA Newsletter
June 2025
Meet a member of the Estates team
As an organisation we are proud of our employees and like to be able to share their achievements. This month we are shining the spotlight on our Estate Manager - South, Richard Cameron. Richard recently dedicated time outside of his full-time job to successfully complete the Professional Practitioner route and CIOB Professional Competency Review.
Given his recent achievement we spoke to him to find out more about the path that led him to work for our Association.
“One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role has been the opportunity to project manage a variety of projects including refurbishing Army Reserve Centres and Cadet huts, as well as adapting living spaces for injured soldiers.
“Working on these projects has given me a sense of personal pride and achievement. Knowing that my contributions have positively impacted the lives of service members, the Cadets development, and the surrounding community is incredibly rewarding."
Find out more about Richard and how he came to work at WM RFCA.
Works at Reserve Centre improves user experience
The layout of Bligny House Army Reserve Centre had the bar upstairs, which was only accessible by stairs. As a well-used venue for functions and the Light Infantry Rifles Association it was decided that moving the bar downstairs would make it more easily accessible for the users.
The works consisted of the relocation of bar area from the first floor to the ground floor, swapping with the music room of the Shropshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) Band of Bugles. The existing music room was converted into a new bar and communal area, with the old bar on the first floor converted into a music room for ACF Band of Bugles. The opportunity was also taken to refurbish the ground floor toilet and shower facilities.
The works were managed by James and Richard G. from our Estates team with the Contractor, Contech Construction and the Architect, Pegasus Group.
Board Member praises Cadets ahead of Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet investiture
Mike Frewer, a Board Member of our Association, and former Honorary Colonel of Staffordshire Army Cadet Force, spoke to Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce on the transferable skills of Cadets and highlighting them as an asset to any business.
This was in the run up to the Staffordshire Lord-Lieutenant's Cadets investiture event.
Read more about the privilege of being a Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet.
Another successful training year for 225 Field Squadron
Soldiers from 225 Field Squadron Royal Monmouthshire, Royal Engineers (Militia) have undertaken a busy action-packed year of training which has seen soldiers develop Soldier First Syllabus, specific to role, and conceptual training covering a host of topics and disciplines. Some of the highlights are:
- Exercise BOARS TRENCH including battle trench fortifications and military plant engineering training.
- Annual Continuous Training in Jersey.
- Battlefields Study of the Battles of Monte Cassino.
Local regiment awarded Freedom of the Borough
Telford & Wrekin Council have honoured D Squadron Royal Yeomanry with the Freedom of the Borough, or Freedom of Entry as it is known when presented to military units. The Freedom of Entry grants D Squadron the honour to march through the streets of Telford & Wrekin on ceremonial occasions with' swords drawn, bayonets fixed, drums beating, bands playing and colours flying.'
The full article is on the Telford & Wrekin Council's website.
Reservists reach the top of the world on Himalayan expedition
Army Reservists from A and B Troops of 210 Battery, 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery, based in Wolverhampton, have returned from a challenging and inspiring high-altitude expedition to Nepal.
The Wolverhampton-based troops joined a small, elite team of Army Reservists who spent over three weeks navigating Himalayan terrain, battling altitude and supporting scientific research efforts thousands of miles from home.
Reservists run Birmingham Half Marathon
Four member of 3 Troop 225 Field Squadron Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) wanted to keep with tradition and entered the Birmingham Half Marathon on 4th of May. The team consisted of Sappers Dom Piotrowski and Will Whiting, Lance Corporal Jon Phillips, and Second Lieutenant Greg Charles. The Squadron kindly supported the team by contributing towards part of the entrance fee for all attendees.
An unforgettable visit to HMS Queen Elizabeth
Cadets from Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets had the incredible opportunity to visit the Royal Navy’s HMS Queen Elizabeth aircraft carrier – an experience that will stay with them for a long time.
Organised by the Royal Navy Recruit and Attract team, the ship’s ratings and officers from HMS provided the Cadets with an in-depth tour to see the inner workings of the aircraft carrier.
From exploring the impressive spaces aboard to engaging discussions with serving personnel, the visit offered the Cadets an invaluable insight into Royal Navy life.
The professionalism, knowledge, and hospitality of the personnel made a lasting impact, inspiring and fuelling their ambitions for the future.
Making a splash in Malta
Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers from Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force had a memorable May half term in Malta.
The group completed training at the Deep Blue Dive Centre before heading into the open water. Malta's crystal-clear waters opened up a world of natural and historical sites for the group to explore and learn about.
Read more about about their incredible experience.
World Record breaking attempt
In our last edition, we introduced you to Corporal Mark Bailey, who is on a mission to attempt to break four burpee world records and raise £10,000 for the Combined Cadet Force Association.
Mark has now completed his first two world record attempts. Whilst we wait on the official confirmation from Guinness, things are looking very promising for one of the attempts as Mark achieved a phenomenal 55 burpees in one minute, beating the previous record of 50. We’re keeping everything crossed for him!
Marks now heads into challenge three and four, so find out more.
View the video of Mark's World Record attempt.
Cadets celebrate Korean War veteran's 90th birthday
Army Cadets from the Evesham Troop delivered a birthday surprise to 90 year-old veteran Ken. Unfortunately due to failing health Ken was unable to attend remembrance events as he usually would and so his son Andy contacted Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force asking if the County could do something to celebrate Ken's 90th birthday.
“The ACF always encourages Cadets to engage with their local communities, so when I saw Andy’s letter about his father I knew the Cadets would want to be involved,” SSI Fryer said.
Find out what special surprise the Cadets organised for Ken.
Steering towards success
In April our Defence Relationship Manager, Darren Knight, had the pleasure of attending GXO Logistics’ Driver and Operator of the Year event in Telford.
Over the day GXO’s skilled drivers and MHE operators navigated tight turns and tricky obstacles – and serious competition! Each course – whether it involved large HGVs or smaller pallet trucks - was designed to test the precision and manoeuvring skills of their staff, showcasing the talents used by operators and drivers in their daily roles.
Logistics Reservists from both 159 Regiment and 158 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps supported the event, strengthening the partnership between the Armed Forces and GXO, a proud forces-friendly employer.
Thank you to GXO Logistics for hosting and supporting our Armed Forces community.
Group Covenant signing at RAF Shawbury
We were delighted to support twelve signings at RAF Shawbury in May, where Station Commander, Wing Commander Paddy Durnin, and Commandant, Group Captain Mike Jordan, acted as the Senior MOD Representatives.
Thank you to the Shrewsbury Primary Care Network and their practices across Shrewsbury, and Prestfelde School Shrewsbury, for your pledging your commitment to the Armed Forces community.
The signatories also got a behind-the-scenes look at the fitness facilities and simulators used at RAF Shawbury, in training the next generation of Air and Space Operations professionals.
Employers take part in Exercise Executive Leader
Exercise Executive Leader is an annual leadership training event, which briefs and demonstrates, over a single day, how the Army does leadership in both theory and practice.
The event was organised and led by Birmingham University Officer Training Corps with help from our Employer Engagement team to find employers to participate.
The aim of the exercise was to:
Build strong and enduring engagement with employers.
- Showcase the Reserve and Reservists and what both can offer to any employer.
- Provide participants with additional tools and knowledge to take back to their day-to-day roles.
The day was well received by all those who attended.
VE Day Veteran honoured by Lord-Lieutenant
At RAF Shawbury the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, honoured VE Day veteran Colin Cole with a special presentation of commemorative VE Day coins.
The event, which celebrated Colin’s remarkable service and contributions, was attended by representatives from organisations signing the Armed Forces Covenant, as well as Station Commander Wing Commander Paddy Durnin, Group Captain Mike Jordan Commandant No.1 Flying Training School , and other distinguished guests.
Born on 12 June 1919, Colin Cole began his journey in the Royal Air Force in 1939, before the outbreak of war and the introduction of conscription. Serving as a wireless operator, or “sparks,” during the early months of his career in Lysander aircraft, Colin demonstrated unwavering dedication despite facing challenges, including a knee injury during training.
To continue reading more about Colin and his service read the full story on the Shropshire Council website.
Veterans to benefit from new VALOUR system
The Government recently announced their new VALOUR system, which will ensure easier access for Veterans to essential care and support.
A new network of VALOUR-recognised support centres will be established across the UK and Regional Field Officers will connect local, regional and national services.
County Commandant at Shropshire Army Cadet Force (ACF)
Applications are invited for the position of Commandant Shropshire ACF, based at County HQ in Copthorne, Shrewsbury. The post will become available in November 2025 (tbc), the successful applicant will be appointed in time to allow for a structured hand over from the incumbent.
The post is a voluntary appointment for an initial three-year tenure.
Candidates should ideally have held a commission in the Regular Forces, Reserves or MOD sponsored Cadet organisations. Exceptionally applicants with extensive senior leadership in other youth, community or voluntary sectors will be considered.
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
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