Welcome to the West Midland RFCA Newsletter
February 2026
The West Midland RFCA Podcast
Something big is coming to WMRFCA HQ!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of ‘The West Midland RFCA Podcast’.
Think of it as your monthly behind the scenes insight into everything happening across our network. We’ll be sharing the latest news and sitting down for deep-dive chats with our Reservists, Cadets, Employers and anyone else who makes this amazing community what it is.
Our first episode, an International Women’s Day special, lands on Tuesday, March 2nd. Click here to Subscribe now so you never miss an episode. Or just search 'The West Midland RFCA Podcast' wherever you listen.
Step Back In Time
Opening of new Staffordshire Joint Cadets Centre
On Saturday 14th February 2026, the West Midland RFCA celebrated the official opening of the Joint Cadets Centre (JCC) in Staffordshire.
The new JCC is a modern, eco-conscious training environment built as a shared resource for Staffordshire’s Army and Air Cadets. With expanded classrooms, upgraded facilities and improved access to nearby military housing and barracks, the centre is designed to enhance training opportunities and strengthen connections with the wider Armed Forces community.
The project marks the culmination of three years of planning and development. The ceremonial ribbon cutting signified far more than the unveiling of a new building, rather celebrating the creation of a state-of-the-art training hub designed to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders for years to come.
And while the building itself is impressive, it was the cadets who truly brought the occasion to life. Throughout the day, cadets took on a central role in welcoming and hosting guests from across military and business communities. Acting as. ambassadors for their respective units, they confidently guided visitors on tours of the new facility, explaining how the classrooms, training areas and equipment will support their development.
'Partnering with Defence' Conference
On Wednesday 28th January, organisations from all over the West Midlands region gathered together at our 'Partnering with Defence' conference to hear the latest on current developments within the defence employer engagement space.
The event featured insightful talks from Commodore Tristram Kirkwood OBE RN, Naval Regional Commander for Wales, the West of England and Channel Islands, Steve Lees, Armed Forces Engagement Manager at JLR, and representatives from the Invictus Games who provided a moving presentation looking ahead to Birmingham 2027.
A big congratulations to the following businesses who were awarded their ERS revalidations at the event.
Gold ERS revalidations:
- Black Country Chamber of Commerce
- City of Wolverhampton College
- Finning UK Limited
- Herefordshire Council
- Level Peaks Associates Limited
- New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering
- Serve and Protect Credit Union
- Spectra Group (UK) Limited
- Telford & Wrekin Council
- The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust
- Warwickshire County Council
Silver ERS revalidations:
- SafeLane Global
- University of Birmingham
- Minerva Elite Performance Limited
- Solihull College & University Centre
- Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council
- Atheniem Limited
- YSS
- The Surveillance Group Limited
WMRFCA @ SDSC-UK
Our Defence Relationship Managers, Phil Sinclair and Catherine Suckling, represented WMRFCA at this month's Specialist Defence and Security Convention UK (SDSC-UK).
They spent the event engaging with priority sectors to advocate for the Armed Forces Covenant and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
Chatting with Defence
As part of our ‘Partnering with Defence’ conference last month we caught with several of our ERS champions. Here’s a quick talk with Michael Sykes OBE of Esco Maritime Solutions, sharing why ERS matters and his advice to employers wanting to engage meaningfully with Defence.
Phoenix Collegiate Raises Funds for Help For Heroes
On Wednesday 11th February, Phoenix Collegiate hosted an all-day fitness challenge, raising funds for Help for Heroes by cycling, running, and lifting weights.
The participants committed to covering as many miles as possible whilst also taking on weightlifting challenges. Despite demanding conditions, the Phoenix Collegiate students showed exceptional resilience, determination and teamwork, motivating one another to keep going and maximise their fundraising efforts.
By the end of the challenge, the collective achievement was simply gobsmacking. With the intrepid students travelling a total of 585.5 miles and lifting an incredible combined weight of more than 100,000 kilograms; the equivalent of lifting four World War 2 tanks!
Huge congrats to Cadet Corporal Nathaniel!
Cadet Corporal Nathaniel “Nat” Roberts of 24 (Market Drayton) Squadron recently completed a grueling 100km endurance challenge, raising an incredible £5,300.
Over three weeks in January, Nat conquered a 10km swim, a 30km run, and a 60km cycle while battling school exams, freezing snow, and dark winter evenings. Supported by 378 donors, the funds will provide vital equipment and life-changing leadership opportunities for his fellow cadets. Well done, Nat!
