West Midland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association

North Staffordshire Armed Forces and Veterans Celebration Day
2024-06-30
12:00 to 17:00 at Queens Park Avenue, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 4AU
A full military parade and drumhead service, family fun, military vehicles, musical entertainment, funfair, military charity stalls, plus more.

Armed Forces Day Events
2024-06-29
There may not be a national Armed Forces Day this year, but this doesn’t mean that there won’t still be a host of celebrations across the towns and cities in our region. We have pulled together a list of events taking place within our region, that we are aware of. If you know of any other events to add to our list please email us at wm-commsoffice@rfca.mod.uk

Birmingham Armed Forces Day Revival 2024 – 10:00 to 15:00 at Brindley Place, B1 2JB
A parade of serving military men and women, veteran associations, cadet and MPCT accompanied by local pipe bands. There will be various displays and entertainment, and in the surrounding areas numerous stalls.
Bromyard Armed Forces Day – 09:00 to 18:00 in the town centre
Military parade through the centre of town followed by a Church Service at St. Peter’s Church. Food and entertainment will be setup on the town green.
Coventry City’s Armed Forces Day Service and Parade – 10:30 to 12:00 starting at Holy Trinity Church, CV1 5EX
A service will be held in Holy Trinity Church at 10.30 followed by a short parade commencing at 11.30 with members of the Armed Forces community around Broadgate.
Longton Armed Forces Day Parade in the Park – 13:00 to 16:30 at Queen’s Park
A family friendly event starting with a parade through the park. There will be military vehicles and displays alongside stalls and entertainment.
National Memorial Arboretum’s Armed Forces Weekend – 10:00 to 17:00
Run over two days this year’s event is likely to be one of the largest and will include activities such as the daily act of remembrance, stories of tribute and daily activities for all the family.
Sandwell Armed Forces Day – 11:00 to 16:00 at Freeth Street, B69 3DE
The annual celebration of the Armed Forces.
Shrewsbury Armed Forces Family Fun Day – 11:00 to 15:00 at the Soldiers of Shropshire Museum, SY1 2AT
There will be a number of service charities and businesses demonstrating how they support the Armed Forces community. Free access to Shrewsbury Castle, children’s activities, refreshments, police, fire, Shrewsbury male voice choir, cadet band and lots more.
Telford Armed Forces Family Fun Day – 11:00 to 16:00 at TF2 8AQ
Free Family fun day full of activities for the children, face painters, arts and crafts and sports activities. Representatives from the local Cadets, military and veterans, and lots more.
Warwick Armed Forces Celebrations – 11:00 to 15:00 at St. Nicholas Park, CV34 4QY
This year’s celebration has the theme of ‘Our Allies’, recognising the contributions that our allies have made in past conflicts, and continue to make and strengthen.
There will be FREE food and FREE activities for families to experience together.
Wolverhampton Armed Forces Day – 12:00 to 16:30 at West Park, WV1 4PH
As well as focusing on family fun throughout the day, there will also be live music from 1940s trio The Bluebird Belles and other artists on the main stage, plus an Armed Forces Parade featuring serving personnel, cadets and veterans from the city’s Freedom Units – RAF Cosford, 210 Battery, the Mercian Regiment and HMS Forward, marching into the event arena at 13:00.
Wolverhampton Lawn Tennis & Squash Club – 11:00 – 18:00 at 53 Newbridge Crescent, WV6 0LH
This Summer Sports Showcase is in support of Armed Forces Day and will include the RAF Tennis Team training, WLTSC tennis championship finals, head rackets demonstration plus more.

NMITE Military to Business Showcase 2024
2024-06-20 10:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | NMITE Skylon Campus, Canary Drive, Hereford, Herefordshire, HR2 6JT, United Kingdom
NMITE is holding their annual prestigious Military to Business Showcase 2024, sponsored by West Midland RFCA.
Samantha Lewis, NMITE Director of People & Operations will be hosting this free event, which will be held on Thursday 20 June 2024, from 10am to 3pm, at our Skylon Campus in Hereford.
Over the last five years, NMITE has been working very closely with the military and veteran community in Hereford and further aﬁeld. Having developed lifelong learning programmes and providing support through our partners, we have been able to access new avenues of employment and skill enhancement.
The event aims to:

Signpost the support available to the veteran community, military leavers, spouses and children
Showcase successful veteran owned businesses
Provide information on pathways available within local businesses to the military and veteran community
Highlight employment opportunities available
Offer pathways to education and skills
Provide opportunities for networking

Free parking is available onsite and refreshments will be available for you to purchase throughout the day.
Tickets are available to book on Eventbrite.

Annual General Meeting
2024-06-13 10:30 - 15:00
This year’s Annual General Meeting will be held on 13th June 2024 in Worcestershire.
Following the AGM business we will host a keynote speaker followed by a panel discussion allowing guests to take part with questions to the panel. A local Reservist will then conclude the day following the two course lunch.
Invitations have been sent out. If you are haven’t received an invitation or are interested in finding out more please email wm-commsoffice@rfca.mod.uk

West Midland RFCA Regional Briefing
2024-02-29 16:00 - 19:15 | 202 (Midlands) Multi-Role Medical Regiment, Roger Nutbeem House, Dawberry Fields, Kings Heath, B14 6NY, United Kingdom
Join us for our Regional Briefing, hear updates on your local Reserves and Cadets, and enjoy a great curry cooked by RAF Reservists.
There will be presentations to include recent Association activity, a Gold Award employer, and you’ll hear from some of our Reserves and Cadets themselves.

Timings:
16:00 – Arrival and welcome drinks
16:30 – Presentations and questions
18:15 – Curry supper
19:15 – Event concludes

Please email wm-commsoffice@rfca.mod.uk if you would like attend, by 5th February 2024, along with any dietary requirements. Numbers are limited so places will be offered on a first come, first served basis.

Meet the Shropshire Yeomanry
2024-02-14 09:45 - 14:00 | D (Shropshire Yeomanry) Squadron, Army Reserve Centre, Cavan Drive, Dawley Bank, Telford, TF4 2BQ, United Kingdom
On 14th February 2024, there is an opportunity to meet members from the Shropshire Yeomanry at their Reserve Centre in Dawley Bank, Telford.
You will learn how members of the Armed Forces community can add value to your organisation and how becoming signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant can be of benefit to business. Before joining us in welcoming some new Armed Forces Covenant signatories to the military covenant family.
Lunch prepared, cooked and served by the units own chefs will be available, along with the opportunity to talk to their soldiers and see some of their training and equipment.
To register your attendance please follow this link – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9P7PSZY

West Midlands Veterans Fair
2023-11-01 10:00 - 14:00 | Millennium Point, B4 7XG
Save the date: Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, and Professor Simon Brake, Chairman West Midlands VAPC, are hosting a veterans fair at Millennium Point on 1st November.
More details TBC.

ABF The Soldiers Charity evening of Music with the Band of The Mercian Regiment
2023-06-03 19:00 - 23:00 | The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery, Bethesda Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 3DW, United Kingdom
The West Midlands branch of the ABF The Soldiers’ Charity are hosting an evening of music in Stoke-on-Trent on Saturday 3rd June.
The Band of The Mercian Regiment will be supported by The Corps of Drums from Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force, and the Pipers of the Scots Guard Association (Manchester).
The Concert will take place at The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Bethesda Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent ST1 3DW.
Doors open at 18:30 for a 19:00 start.
General admission tickets are £11.00 and can be purchased online or by calling 01782 206000.
VIP tickets are £26.50 and include a light buffet at 18:00 and reserved seating for the concert. VIP tickets can booked online.

Meet Your Army: Shrewsbury
2023-05-03 18:30 - 21:00 | Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury, SY3 8FT, United Kingdom
The Army Engagement Group are holding their second ‘Meet your Army’ event of the year.
Held at the Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury, the evening is open to anyone who would like to come and meet their Army and find out more about their roles.
It’s an ideal opportunity to chat to them about their career highlights and aspirations, and try out some of their training equipment. There will be plenty of time for asking questions, meeting people you’ve never have never had a chance to meet before and enjoy refreshments and a bite to eat.
Representatives from the West Midland RFCA Employer Engagement team will also be present to network, and share more about how their work with employers and the Armed Forces Covenant.
Book your place:
To register for the event please use the Army Engagement group’s booking form.
Alternatively please email: RC-AEG-Mailbox@mod.gov.uk
More details can be accessed via the QR on their flyer.

WM RFCA Regional Briefing
2023-02-15 16:00 - 19:00
We will be holding our next regional briefing in Worcestershire and invitations will be sent out to all our members and friends along with selected guests before Christmas.

Gold Employer Recognition Scheme workshop
2023-01-18 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-01-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Our Regional Employer Engagement Team are hosting a virtual workshop for any Armed Forces Covenant signatories who would like to progress from the Silver Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award to the Gold ERS Award this year.
Discussions will be around the requirements to achieve Gold, the submission of interest deadline and the application deadline.
If you are a Silver ERS holder and interested in joining the workshop please email wm-ee@rfca.mod.uk for more information and to book on.

Silver Employer Recognition Scheme workshop
2023-01-17 10:00 - 12:00, 2023-01-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Our Regional Employer Engagement Team are hosting a virtual workshop for any Armed Forces Covenant signatories who would like to progress from the Bronze Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Award to the Silver ERS Award this year.
Discussions will be around the requirements to achieve Silver, the submission of interest deadline and the application deadline.
If you are a Bronze ERS holder and interested in joining the workshop please email wm-ee@rfca.mod.uk for more information and to book on.

Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards Ceremony 2022
2022-11-02
The Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards Ceremony 2022 will celebrate all of our supportive employers who have been awarded with their Gold Award this year. The Gold level award is the highest level of recognition within the scheme, formally recognising the organisations who go the extra mile to support the wider forces community.
This is a closed event by invitation only.
You can find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme Awards process on our employer pages.

Greater Birmingham Business Expo 2022
2022-10-14 10:45 - 14:45 | Edgbaston Stadium, Edgbaston Road, Birmingham, B5 7QU, United Kingdom
The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce are aiming to welcome over 800 business contacts from across the Greater Birmingham region, to their 2022 Business Expo.
Our Employer Engagement team will have a stand at the Expo which is being held at Edgbaston Stadium. If you are planning to attend please pop along and say hello to them, and find out more about how your organisation can benefit from supporting the Armed Forces community in your workforce and local communities.
The team’s stand location will be TBC nearer the time.
More details about the Business Expo 2022 can be found here: https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/networking-events/events-calendar/listing/autumn-expo-2022/details
Learn more about the work of our Employer Engagement team.

Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards Ceremony 2022
2022-09-21
The Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards Ceremony 2022 will celebrate all of our supportive employers who have been awarded with this prestigious accolade this year.
This is a closed event by invitation only.
You can find out more about the Employer Recognition Scheme Awards process on our employer pages.

Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club Military Match Day
2022-09-03 11:15 - 17:30 | Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club, Billesley Common, Yardley Wood Road, Billesley, Birmingham, B13 0HN, United Kingdom
Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club are holding a Military Match Day at their stadium on Saturday 3rd September 2022. The event will launch with the opening of the Military Village at 11:15, where members of the Armed Forces will be on hand with family friendly activities.
Units in attendance will include Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team, 202 Field Hospital, A Company 5th Royal Regiment Fusiliers, 159 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps, 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Royal Navy, Military Preparation College for Training, Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force and Unmanned Air Veterans.
At 11:45 the Colts team will play their game and then 15:00 will be Birmingham Moseley against Sale. During the main match the Red Devils Display Team are planning to parachute into the stadium, and the club will sign the Armed Forces Covenant.
To thank Armed Forces personnel for their service to the United Kingdom, Birmingham Moseley Rugby Club is giving members of the forces and their families free admission to the game (maximum of two adults and three children) – all you need to do is present your military ID card at the signposted ticket office on the day of the game in exchange for match tickets.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit their matchday webpage.

Armed Forces Week
2022-07-25 - 2022-07-30
For one week every June we join in with the national celebration of our Armed Forces and bring you stories from our across our Armed Forces family. Some of these stories will be shared on our website, but the majority of the campaign is across social media so make sure you are following us to stay up to date with the latest news.

West Midland RFCA AGM
2022-06-09
We are holding our Annual General Meeting in Herefordshire this year. (Please note attendance is by invitation only).

210 (Staffordshire) Battery Open Day
2022-05-17 19:00 - 21:00 | Army Reserve Centre Fallings Park, Army Reserve Centre, Fallings Park, Wolverhampton, WV10 9QR, United Kingdom
On Tuesday 17th May 210 (Staffordshire) Battery are giving you an opportunity to see what they do, how they do it, and how they can make a difference to both you and the United Kingdom.
Event information:
• Stands demonstrating capability and equipment.
• Networking opportunity with other employers and Reservists.
• Armed Forces Covenant, employer and recruiting support.
• Buffet dinner and refreshments provided.
• Dress Casual clothing.
To be held at The Army Reserve Centre, Falling’s Park, WV10 9QR
Arrival 19:00
Departure 21:00
RSVP here

ABF The Soldiers' Charity present: The Band of the Mercian Regiment
2022-04-02 19:00 | Stoke Minster, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1JH
Join ABF The Soldiers’ Charity for an evening of music from The Band of the Mercian Regiment, at Stoke Minster.
Doors open at 7pm and the concert starts at 7:30pm.
You can purchase tickets from Music Mania in Hanley, or find out more via ABF The Soldiers’ Charity website.

Value of Reservists in the workplace
2022-03-03 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom webinar
Have you ever wondered what employing a Reservist entails? Or how employing members of the military community can benefit your workforce? Maybe you have questions about the effects that mobilisation of Reservists could bring to your business.
Join our Association for an online forum as we explore all of these key questions, and share first-hand insights from those who have experienced being a Reservist themselves, or employ members of the Armed Forces community in their organisations.
On the agenda we’ll be covering three main topics:

The value of Reservists to your company
The Armed Forces Reservist mobilisation process.
Feedback from the 2021 Employer Attitude Survey.

To guide us through these questions our key speakers will include:
Mr Richard Toy – Chief Executive at Auctus Management Group Limited
Mr Darren Knight – HM Forces Liaison Manager at Pertemps Network Group Limited
Mr Philip Sinclair – West Midland RFCA
The event is free to attend and open to any employers in the West Midlands, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire regions, who may like to learn more about any of the above topics – a great opportunity to ask your questions!
To register your interest and book your place, visit our Eventbrite event page:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/value-of-reservists-in-the-workplace-tickets-259338838447

Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards
2021-11-17
Today we recognise all our supportive employers who have been awarded their Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards in 2021.
This event is currently planned to be held in person and will be by invitation only.

Remembrance Day
2021-11-11

Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards
2021-11-03
Today we recognise all our supportive employers who have been awarded their Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards in 2021.
This event is currently planned to be held in person and will be by invitation only.

Armed Forces Covenant Business Breakfast
2021-10-25 07:45 - 10:15 | E Company 8 Rifles (Shrewsbury Army Reserve Centre), Copthorne Road, Shrewsbury, SY3 8LZ, United Kingdom
Join our Armed Forces Covenant Business Breakfast hosted in partnership with Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council.
We will introduce the Armed Forces Covenant and its support activity throughout the county, and you can also learn more about Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Awards which recognise the support that organisations provide to the wider Armed Forces community, both in your workplace and your local area.
Hear from two of this year’s organisations who were recognised with ERS Gold and Silver Awards; Landau Ltd and Brightstar Boxing Academy. Both inspirational organisations are also recipients of the Queen’s Awards, and will talk about their Armed Forces Covenant commitments and the benefits of ‘Partnering with Defence’.
For those interested in learning more about the Armed Forces Covenant and its activity around the county it’s an ideal opportunity to ask questions and meet other like-minded businesses, with breakfast and networking time included.
Hosted at E Company 8 Rifles’ Army Reserve Centre in Shrewsbury, it’s also an excellent chance for you to connect with your local Army Reserve unit.
If you would like to find out more about the event, please contact our Employer Engagement team on wm-ee@rfca.mod.uk
To book your free place at the event at the Armed Forces Covenant Business Breakfast, visit our Eventbrite page.

Stepway Veteran Community Day
2021-10-15 10:00 - 15:30 | Millennium Point, B4 7XG
Stepway are holding a free veteran community day at Millennium Point in Birmingham on 15th October.
Over 50 organisations will be attending to highlight the services, job opportunities and support that they can offer the veteran community.
An ideal event for any veterans in our local region who may be seeking advice, or are interested in finding out what resources could be available to access from the education, welfare, healthcare and legal sectors, and training and employment opportunities.
Our employer engagement team will also be there on the day, ready to help provide guidance and information to organisations who help to support the veteran and Armed Forces Community. They can also explain how your support lends itself well to the Armed Forces Covenant – and how you could be formally recognised by Defence for your help.
Find out more about the event on Stepway’s website: https://www.stepway.org/veteran-community-day/

Black Country Business Festival: How our Armed Forces Reservists can be good for business
2021-10-07 08:00 - 22:30 | Carters Green Army Reserve Centre, United Kingdom
Join us as part of the Black Country Business Festival to discover all you need to know about the Armed Forces Covenant, the role of the Armed Forces Reserves, and how their skills and qualifications can be transferred into your business.
With the Reserve Forces making up nearly one third of the UK’s Armed Forces, they receive the same world-class training as their Regular counterparts. Not only do they learn military skills, but they gain strong leadership, communication, teamwork, organisation and problem solving skills; all highly desirable skills to have in the civilian workplace.
Join us for a special networking event and hear from:

Captain Andy Johnstone from the Army Reserves – 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps
Reservist stories
West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association
Secure Pro (ERS Silver 2021 award winner)

You will better understand the process of employing Reservists and also learn about the Employer Recognition Scheme, which publicly recognises employers’ efforts to support Defence and the Armed Forces Community.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask questions!
When?
Thursday 7 October from 08:00am – 10:30am. In person event.
Where?
Army Reserve Centre (237 Supply Squadron – 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps), Normandy House, Carters Green, West Bromwich, B70 9LP
Book your tickets online at the Black Country Business Festival’s website: https://bcbf-2021.ticketleap.com/how-our-armed-forces-reservists-can-be-good-for-business/
Find out more about how employing Reservists in your workforce could be beneficial to your business.

The DRIVE Initiative
2021-09-17 10:00 - 2021-09-18 17:00 | BCU The Pavilion, Birmingham City University, Moor Lane, Birmingham, West Midlands, B6 7AA, United Kingdom
West Midland RFCA are pleased to be sponsoring The DRIVE Initiative. A unique event for schools and colleges designed to develop confidence, demonstrate practical use of STEM and to highlight the opportunities that are available across the military and Blue Light Services for a diverse range of talents and backgrounds.
Event dates and times
17th September 2021 from 10:00 to 16:00
18th September 2021 from 10:00 to 17:00
Host
Kul Mahay, former Police Superintendent and Cofounder of Tripotential CIC
Speakers
– Lord-Lieutenant John Crabtree OBEVice Lord-Lieutenant
– Professor Helen Higson OBE
– Gavin Williamson CBE MP, Secretary of State for Education
– Andy Street CBE, Metro Mayor for the West Midlands
– Samuel Reddy, Former British Army and Cofounder of Tripotential CIC
What you can expect
– Opportunity for young people between 15 and 25 years old to engage with members of the military and blue light services.
– Exercises to test and build leadership capability.
– Conference for educators and community influencers to understand the values and diverse opportunities within the uniformed services.
– Each young person who attends will receive a Lord-Lieutenant’s ‘Community Engagement’ certificate.
– Refreshments and meals will be provided.
Attendance is limited and there are only 20 places per day available per school/college, so to book your places visit this link – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wm-drive-initiative-supporting-wm-regions-8-gatsby-benchmark-tickets-162671445673
