This year due to the lockdown and Covid-19 restrictions, many Army Cadet Force (ACF) face-to-face activities have been unable to take place as usual. However, during this time our cadet forces have been finding innovative ways to take training and activities to a safe online environment. Working in the background they have been looking for ways they can successfully continue to run as…
In March 2020, everything changed as the Covid-19 pandemic gripped the world, and as the implementation of lockdown measures began, requests for assistance were received daily. Thankfully, the Operations Team at 37th Signal Regiment, amongst others, had prepared for such requests. The Regiment was able to respond quickly, leading to the first team of five Reservists heading to London in late March. Ths…
Trentham-based Acacia Training receives recognition for providing exceptional support to the Armed Forces community and now holds a Bronze award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The company, which provides apprenticeships and work based training, earned the accolade by demonstrating through it’s culture, policies and procedures that it is ‘forces-friendly’ and is open to employing Reservists, Armed Forces veterans, cadet instructors and…
An innovative new heating system is bringing a positive environmental impact to the Defence volunteer estate in the West Midlands region. Our Association’s Estates team, whose role includes overseeing the upkeep of some 30 tri-service Reserve Centres and providing support and maintenance to 250 Cadet units on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, highlighted issues relating to the efficiencies and maintenance of the…
The Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (the Trust) has awarded more than £859,000 to 100 projects focused on bringing our Forces communities together during the Covid-19 pandemic. With various social restrictions still in place across the county, the Trust were keen to support engaging and enjoyable projects that sought to overcome the current challenges we are all facing and deliver activities that bring…
Cadet Executive Officer retires after 50 years of service The Cadet Executive Officer for Warwickshire and West Midlands South Sector Army Cadet Force (Warwickshire ACF) has retired after 50 years in uniform. Major Stephen Huyton has been the county’s Cadet Executive Officer for the past six and a half years, and now hangs up his boots to enjoy his retirement following a lengthy…
What is Victory over Japan (VJ) Day? VJ Day falls on the 15th August and marks the day that Japan surrendered to the Allies and World War II came to an end. This year in 2020 we are marking the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. Although the war in Europe had come to an end on Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) on…
Five supportive employers across the West Midlands region have been re-awarded their Gold and Silver Awards as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The Employer Recognition Scheme acknowledges employers who have provided exceptional support to the Armed Forces community. The Gold and Silver Awards are reviewed every five years, and requires each organisation to resubmit an application to be considered by a…
Since the 1st of July we are delighted to announce that the following organisations have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and are embracing a host of forces-friendly initiatives. We are so proud of the support businesses have been able to show during this particularly difficult time and thank each and every one of our Armed Forces Covenant signatories. Our ten new signees are:…
Twenty-two organisations from across the West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association’s (West Midland RFCA) region have been recognised by the Ministry of Defence for their support to the Armed Forces. West Midland RFCA would like to congratulate all of their region’s winners for achieving their Silver Awards as part of the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS). The organisations are spread across all…
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