J Taylor

Army Cadets head to the slopes

43 cadets and six instructors from Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force travelled to Spain over the February half-term for a week’s skiing in the Pyrenees as part of Exercise Venturer Snow Cub. Out of the group 30 cadets had never skied before, but by the end of their first day of tuition they were able to successfully make it down the nursery…

8 RIFLES embark on ski exercise

Ex Northern Frosted Sword 5 (Ex NFS5) took place in the French Alps in January. 8 Rifles delivered the Exercise which saw a total of 36 Riflemen and Officers travel to the Val Thorens ski resort and conduct alpine ski activities in the hugely popular 3 valleys area.  Les Trois Vallee’s boasts to provide the worlds largest ski area with a vast network…

Marston’s affirm support to Armed Forces with a cook off

Marston’s celebrated its partnership with the Armed Forces as CEO Justin Platt, Officer, sealed the company’s support to veterans, Armed Forces personnel, and their families by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Marston’s has been awarded the Silver Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and are working towards achieving the Gold Award, through driving engagement with the Armed Forces and offering employment opportunities….

Army Reserves run event week for local community

Employers from across Shropshire gained a special ‘behind the wire’ insight into their local Army Reserve Centre in Dawley Bank. Home to D (Shropshire) Squadron The Royal Yeomanry, forces-friendly employers were invited to spend the day at the centre as part of the squadron’s wider engagement week. The week aimed to bring the community and the military together to learn more about the…

Month of the Military Child

Month of the Military child is an opportunity to celebrate the lives of Service children and their families, and their perceived resilience and achievements. Originally launched in the US, month of the Military child is now growing momentum in the UK. It is led by the Education Policy Team (EPT), and has the backing of the Ministry of Defence, wider government and a…

Royal Naval Reserve take part in Ski Champs

14th January 2024 saw the start of this year’s Royal Navy Snowsports Festival – the Royal Navy’s annual sporting event for alpine and telemark skiing, as well as snowboarding. Representing HMS FORWARD in Birmingham, a small group from the Royal Navy Reserves Medical Branch signed up and Surgeon Lieutenant-Commander Vincent tells us how they got on. “We were a mixed bunch, ranging from…

Safe Places Shropshire pledges support to the Armed Forces

On 4th December 2023, Safe Places Shropshire became a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant.  The team was represented by Chair Ruby Hartshorn who signed the pledge together with Group Captain Andy Baron, Station Commander at RAF Shawbury. The Safe Places scheme is a nationwide initiative, established by Mencap, which is supported locally by West Mercia Police. Safe Places Shropshire was introduced in July…

West Midland RFCA Board member, Dr Catherine Baxter, receives MBE

One of the West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association’s (RFCA) Board Members and former Harper Adams University Secretary, Dr Catherine Baxter, will be made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for her services to higher education, as announced in the New Year’s Honours List. Dr Baxter’s honour marks a career working across a diverse range of educational institutions, including…

Mountains for Mental Health in aid of Mind North Staffs

Mind North Staffs have recently signed the Armed Forces Covenant and as a mental health charity they understand the struggles that Armed Forces personnel can have with their own mental health. One strong supporter of the charity is Mike Copeland, an Army Veteran, who had his own mental health struggles. Mike raised over £14,000 for the charity in 2023 and hopes to raise…