West Midland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association

Stoke-on-Trent Military Tattoo
2019-05-11 17:30 - 23:30 (Europe/London) | King’s Hall, Kingsway, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1JH, United Kingdom

West Midland RFCA AGM
2019-05-08 10:00 - 14:30
West Midlands RFCA Annual General Meeting
By invitation only.

Meet the Marines
2019-05-07 19:30 - 22:00, 2019-04-02 19:30 - 22:00, 2019-01-08 19:30 - 22:00 | HMS Forward, Birmingham
Royal Marines Reserve Birmingham will be hosting a “Meet The Marines” day on the first Tuesday of every month.
So come along and see the excellent facilities on offer to you as a potential Royal Marines Reservist. It is also a great way to meet serving reservists and also those who are currently undergoing training.
If you are interested in joining the RMR this is a great opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have and to make your first step to achieving the coveted Green Beret.
For more information and to book click here.

West Midland RFCA's AGM
2019-03-27 08:00 - 17:00
Attendance at the event is by invitation only and all invitations went out in the post in early March.

Shrewsbury Town Football Club Military Match Day & Armed Forces Fan Park
2019-03-23 13:00 - 17:30 | Montgomery Waters Meadow
Shrewsbury Town Football Club are hosting a special military match day at their fixture against Portsmouth Football Club.
As part of their match day the club are offering free tickets to the match for Forces personnel and their families, including MOD staff.
The club will also be holding a Fan Park area outside the grounds at Montgomery Waters Meadow from 13:00 onwards. Here there will be lots of free activities for families such as a climbing wall, static helicopter display, military displays and a fantastic performance from a local cadet band. And more!
To get your free tickets for the military match day please contact your local HIVE. All tickets will need to be collected on the day from the Fan Park.

Birmingham (North) Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
2019-03-16 09:30 - 11:30 | Scott Arms, Newtown Road, Great Barr, B34 6BN, United Kingdom
Birmingham North Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club are holding their new breakfast club at the Scott Arms in Great Barr, Birmingham. The club will run every third Saturday of the month starting from 16th February 2019.
The club are a group of veterans & serving members of the Armed Forces. Similarly to other Veteran’s Breakfast Clubs, around the country & overseas, their ethos is mutual support. They meet for breakfast, exchange stories and some good old military banter.
The club also meet socially at Regimental/Association Dinners, nights out, BBQ’s, parties, family occasions, Summer Balls and Christmas parties. There’s also the chance to network among wider circles with the variety of trades they all now work in.
To find out more visit their website here.

Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce's Trade Local Business Expo
2019-03-15 10:00 - 15:00 | NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ
West Midland RFCA are delighted to have a stand at this year’s Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Trade Local Business Expo.
Our Employer Engagement team will be there throughout the day to explain how your businesses or organisation can work in partnership with Defence to support the Armed Forces community.
You can also find out more about the transferable skill sets that veterans, Reservists and cadets can bring to your workforce.
Did you know that Reservists and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers also gain trade skills and qualifications in their spare time? As well as vital skills in leadership, communication and teamwork. All qualities which are important in both the workplace and your personal life!
Where to find us:
We’ll be located at stand number 17 in Hall 3, NAEC Stoneleigh, Warwickshire, CV8 2LZ from 10:00 – 15:00. Make sure you pop by and say hello!
For more information about the event visit the Chamber’s website here.

Hereford Armed Forces Covenant Networking Breakfast
2019-03-12 08:00 - 09:30 | Suvla Barracks, Harold Street, Hereford, HR1 2QX, United Kingdom
Are you interested in hearing more about the Armed Forces Covenant?
West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association in Collaboration with the Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, and the 8th Battalion The Rifles invite you to attend the Herefordshire Bugle Breakfast, an Armed Forces Covenant Networking Event.
The Aim of this event is to highlight the benefits to businesses of employing Veterans, Reservists and other members of the Armed Forces Community to raise awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant in the region. We are keen to forge enduring links with businesses throughout the counties of both Herefordshire and Worcestershire for mutual benefit.

To book your free place visit the website detailed below to register.

West Midlands Women's Voice - International Women's Day Events
2019-03-06 10:00 - 16:00 | The Custard Factory, Birmingham
West Midlands Women’s Voice are presenting their event ‘In Conversation with Dr Helen Pankhurst’ for International Women’s Day.
The event will host a number of speakers and panels which will allow the audience to explore sport, arts and culture through the voice and eyes of women.
Members of the uniform services (including the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force) will host a special panel from 10:00 – 10:35 to explore the challenging roles for women in the uniform services and delivering better outcomes.
To find out more or book your free ticket please visit the event website here.

Meet the Marines
2019-03-05 19:30 - 22:00, 2019-02-05 19:30 - 22:00

Naval Reserve Experience - Birmingham
2019-03-05 19:00 - 21:30 | HMS Forward, Birmingham
Want to keep fit, make new friends and travel the world in your spare time? Get a taste of life as a reservistat our free Royal Naval Reserve Experience on 5 March 2019. Spaces are limited, so make sure you register your interest in plenty of time.
As well as learning about the different branches and specialisms of the Naval Reserve, you’ll get the chance to:
– Handle the latest operational weapons
– A presentation on the Royal Naval Reserve including a tour of the facilities
– Hone your skills with some challenging leadership tasks
– Introduction to the communications branch
The unit bar will be open for a short period after the event. This will be a great opportunity to mingle with both Regular and Reserve members of the Royal Navy and get the inside story on Service life.
To find out more and register please click here.

Birmingham (North) Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
2019-02-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Scott Arms, Newtown Road, Great Barr, B34 6BN, United Kingdom
Birmingham North Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club are launching a new breakfast club at the Scott Arms in Great Barr, Birmingham. The club will run every third Saturday of the month starting from 16th February 2019.
The club are a group of veterans & serving members of the Armed Forces. Similarly to other Veteran’s Breakfast Clubs, around the country & overseas, their ethos is mutual support. They meet for breakfast, exchange stories and some good old military banter.
The club also meet socially at Regimental/Association Dinners, nights out, BBQ’s, parties, family occasions, Summer Balls and Christmas parties. There’s also the chance to network among wider circles with the variety of trades they all now work in.
To find out more visit their website here.

Royal Naval Reserve Experience - Birmingham
2019-02-05 19:00 - 21:30 | HMS Forward, Birmingham
Want to keep fit, make new friends and travel the world in your spare time? Get a taste of life as a reservistat our free Royal Naval Reserve Experience on 5 Febraury 2019. Spaces are limited, so make sure you register your interest in plenty of time.
As well as learning about the different branches and specialisms of the Naval Reserve, you’ll get the chance to:
– Handle the latest operational weapons
– Introduction to the communications branch
– Take part in leadership training exercises
– A presentation on the Royal Naval Reserve including a tour of the facilities
The unit bar will be open for a short period after the event. This will be a great opportunity to mingle with both Regular and Reserve members of the Royal Navy and get the inside story on Service life.
To find out more details and register please click here.

Birmingham Theatre Project - Bravo 22 Company
2019-02-02 12:00 - 2019-02-28 12:00
Bravo 22 Company are hosting a new theatre project in conjunction with the Birmingham Hippodrome and The Drive Project.
The project is open wounded injured or sick service personnel, veterans, Reservists and their families to take part from February – June.
Starting with informal ‘drop in sessions’ to meet the team you will then take part in a number of rehearsals. Following this you will then become part of four fantastic performances at the Birmingham Hippodrome.
If you would like to take part or find out more, please contact Sue at The Drive Project via: sue@thedriveproject.co.uk
An excellent opportunity so make sure you don’t miss out!

RAF at What Career Live, Birmingham
2019-02-01 09:30 - 16:30 | Birmingham NEC, North Avenue, Marston Green, B40 1NT
If you are heading to What Career Live, Birmingham, check out Op. VR: the RAF’s first fully-immersive VR experience. Feel the heart-leaping, adrenaline-pumping emotions of an operation, as you face impossible situations. See your future take flight!
They’ve got some of the UK’s most exciting companies looking for people just like you offering apprenticeships and jobs with ongoing training.

1046 (Fordhouses) Squadron RAF Air Cadets Open Day
2019-01-20 16:00 - 18:00
1046 (Fordhouses) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets are holding a Recruitment Open Day on 20th January in Wolverhampton.
If you are aged 12 (and in year 8) and over head along and find out more about joining this friendly organisation.
With the Air Cadets you can learn skills such as flying, take part in adventurous training camps, competitive sports, music and gain new qualifications. You’ll also make some great new friends along the way!
Make sure you email 1046@aircadets for more information and to book your place. Times TBC – please contact the squadron for more details.

Royal Marines Reserve Experience
2019-01-16 19:30 - 22:00 | HMS Forward, Birmingham
Experience Life as a Royal Marines Reservist by visiting our unit on Tue 16 Jan. The event is open to all aged between 14-32. Parents & Guardians welcome.
Activities include:
Handling the latest Operational Weapons.
A Royal Marines Physical Training Demonstration utilising specific techniques taught in Recruit Training.
Experience a ‘Recruit Under Training’ kit muster.
A presentation on the Royal Marines Reserves including a tour of the facilities.
To find out more or book your place click here.

Staffordshire Regiments Museum - A Wartime Christmas
2018-12-15 10:00 - 18:00
Come along and join the soldiers and civilians from WWI and WWII as they celebrate Christmas on the front lines and at home too. Will there be a truce in the trenches?
‘Peggy Skivvy’ will be on hand, demonstrating what life was like on the Home Front.
Beware… If the Luftwaffe decide to drop some unwanted Christmas presents, you may have to take cover in our public air raid shelter !

Royal Naval Reserve Experience
2018-12-04 19:00 - 21:30
Want to keep fit, make new friends and travel the world in your spare time? Get a taste of life as a reservist at our free Royal Naval Reserve Experience on 4 December 2018. Spaces are limited, so make sure you register your interest in plenty of time.
As well as learning about the different branches and specialisms of the Naval Reserve, you’ll get the chance to:
– Handle the latest operational weapons
– Hone your skills with some challenging leadership tasks
– Introduction to the communications branch
– Presentation on the Royal Naval reserve including tour of the facilities

Ex-Forces Employability Day
2018-11-22 09:30 - 12:30 | Suited For Succes, 55 Springhill, Hockley, Birmingham, B18 7BH
Are you a member of the Ex-Forces who is looking for employment?
Suited For Success are hosting an employability day for veterans to get support into work, including one-on-one interview coaching sessions with Managers from the National Grid, employment advice from Pertemps HM Forces Liaison Team and a free interview suit. The event will take place at their office in Hockley, Birmingham.
Appointments are available but booking is essential.
For more information or to register to attend, please contact:
info@suitedforsuccess.co.uk or call 0121 237 7770

'Journey's End' film screening
2018-11-09 18:30 - 22:00 | Old Market Hall Theatre Shrewsbury
This year marks the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War 1. To commemorate this the Shropshire ABF along with Old Market Hall Theatre Shrewsbury, and 11th Signal and West Midlands Brigade, will be showing the moving film “ Journeys End ” on Friday the 9th November.
The tickets will be £25 each and are available now from the Old Market Hall Shrewsbury Box office (01743 281281).
Guests are encouraged to join them at 18:30 for Prosecco and some WW1 Trench themed canapés.
There will be a presentation from Lieutenant Colonel Jones explaining the last 100 days of the War and giving accounts from troops who served in the Campaign before the film is screened at 20:00.
Military Guests are invited to wear mess kit and civilian guests can either wear smart dress or casual.

Birmingham Poppy Day
2018-11-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Birmingham, Birmingham
This year will be the 5th Annual Birmingham Poppy Day and will see Service personnel from all three services collecting on the streets in Birmingham city centre, New Street train station and the Queens Elizabeth Hospital. There will also be military bands entertaining the crowds within the city centre. Visit the link below to find out more about what is happening and how your business can get involved and support the event.

Staffordshire Regiment Museum Coffee Morning
2018-11-02 10:00 - 12:00 | The Staffordshire Regiment Museum
11th Signal and West Midlands Brigade would like to invite you to join them at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum for a special coffee morning, to raise funds for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
You will get the chance to view the spectacular ‘Deborah II’, as featured on Channel 4’s documentary ‘Guy Martin’s WWI Tank’. Please join them from 10am – midday for refreshments and an exclusive look around this unique exhibit.
Stephen MacHaye from the Norfolk Tank Museum will be on hand to answer any questions you may have on the tank and its use, whilst museum guides will then happily guide you down the trenches to look at what life was like for the British Tommies on the front line.
Please RSVP to the Museum Curator Danielle Crozier on curator@staffordshireregimentmuseum.com

War and Peace: A concert in aid of the Royal British Legion
2018-10-28 20:00 - 22:00 | Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick
St James’s Singers are presenting music and readings to commemorate the end of World War One on Sunday October 28th in the Collegiate Church of St Mary, Warwick starting at 8.00pm.
The concert is aiming to raise funds to support the Royal British Legion and the invaluable work they do. The choir will perform a varied programme of music, supported by Fine Arts Brass, complemented by readings from actor Kim Durham which will reflect on the serious and sombre side of war as well as celebrating the comradeship, heroism and humour which saw the troops through their ordeals.
The concert both opens and closes with a focus on peace. In between will be some words from the war poets, who so powerfully captured the horrors of war, accounts from soldiers and extracts from the Wipers Times. There will be music to suit all tastes, including a jazzy ‘1918 Suite’ from the Fine Arts Brass, an opportunity to join the choir with a medley of classic war songs, together with pieces by Bach and Purcell, John Ireland’s anthem ‘Greater love hath no man’ and the fanfare Sunset.
Tickets are available now from the St James’s Singers box office on 07502 939498 at £17.50 and £12.50 with advance booking recommended to secure your seat. Children’s tickets are all £5.
Tickets will be available on the door, but those will be unreserved seats.
Doors open at 7.20pm. The concert will finish by 10.00pm.

Staffordshire Networking Breakfast
2018-10-15 08:00 - 10:00 | Commerce House, Stoke-on-Trent, ST1 5BE
Join Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce and West Midland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for an insightful networking breakfast event in October.
The event will host presentations from members of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force to highlight the benefits and unique talents you can bring to your workplace by hiring veterans, Reservists and other members of the Armed Forces community. You’ll have a fantastic opportunity to network with guests, enjoy breakfast and hear employers speak from experience.
To register your interest please visit the Chamber’s website here.

Shropshire Regimental Museum Talks | How the Allies won WW1
2018-10-12 19:00 - 22:00 | Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury
Professor Gary Sheffield will be introducing his lecture “How the Allies won the First World War in 1918” at an inspiring talk held at the Copthorne Barracks Army Reserve Centre.
There will be drinks from 19:00 with the lecture starting at 19:30. You can find out more about the event and how to book tickets here.

Unspoken
2018-10-08 19:45 - 2018-10-09 22:30 | Birmingham Hippodrome
“Unspoken”, a production based on the real-life stories of the Bravo 22 Company, will be performed at Birmingham Hippodrome on the 8th and 9th October.
The play, performed by ex-Service personnel, brings to light the lives interrupted and changed forever by war, in a heart-wrenching and hilarious story of love, loss, loneliness and hope.
Alongside the performances, Bravo 22 Company is also running a theatre workshop on 9th October for up to 30 local participants from the wounded, injured and sick (WIS) and veteran communities, including family members. The workshop provides an opportunity for participants to meet and talk with Unspoken cast members, chat with the Production Team about how using their own story can help benefit their recovery and wellbeing, watch some cast members perform short monologues from the play, and take part in some games and exercises straight from the professional rehearsal room, to help with confidence and to have a bit of fun.
Bravo 22 Company is recruiting now for the workshop, so if you are a wounded, injured or sick Service man or woman, a veteran or family member living in Birmingham or the West Midlands, and would like to get involved in the Birmingham Bravo 22 Company Theatre Project in 2019 – then come along to a FREE taster workshop and receive 1 free ticket to the Unspoken Performance at 7:45pm that evening!
More details about the production can be found on the Hippodrome’s website here.
For more information or to confirm attendance with the workshop, please email info@thedriveproject.co.uk
