Latest News

Successful start to 2024 for No. 605 Squadron

Across our region the Reserve Forces have been busy completing training, taking part in exercises and activities at their units and in the community.  Reservists from our only West Midlands based Royal Auxiliary Air Force Reserves at No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron have been no different. As well as helping to support a number of community events, International Women’s Day, West Midland…

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…

Veteran care home shares hub with Warwickshire residents

The Royal British Legion (RBL) is a national charity which supports members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans and their families.  Providing vital support to serving and ex-serving personnel, their dedication and work led them to receiving their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award in 2022. One of the ways they provide support for veterans and their families is…

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…

Hard facilities management services for the Volunteer Estate to be delivered by the MoD Built Estate contracts

Following the conclusion of the Volunteer Estate Value for Money Study, it has been agreed that Hard Facilities Management services for the Volunteer Estate will in the future be delivered by the MOD Built Estate contracts. These contracts cover key maintenance work, repairs, servicing and Hard Facilities Management, across the Volunteer Estate to enable Reserves and Cadets to continue to work and train….