West Midland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association

Meet the Marines - Birmingham
2020-06-02 19:30 - 21:00 (Europe/London) | 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 visit their Facebook event page.

Royal British Legion Poppy Ride 2020
2020-05-31 | Battle Back Centre, Lilleshall
This year’s Poppy Ride for the Royal British Legion will start and finish at the Battle Back Centre in Lilleshall, Shropshire.
There are three distances you can choose to cycle; 35km, 70km or 136km.
The three distance options all wind through the picturesque countryside and provide an opportunity for first time riders and sportive enthusiasts to ride alongside veteran. It really is a ride not to be missed.
The Battle Back Centre is a specialist recovery facility that supports wounded, injured and sick service personnel to either return to active duty or make a smooth transition to life outside of the Armed Forces.
You can find out more about the event on their webpage here.

Introduction to the Armed Forces Covenant
2020-05-29 12:00 - 12:30 | Online Webinar
WM RFCA will be delivering an ‘Introduction to the Armed Forces Covenant’ online presentation on Friday 29th May at 12pm, in partnership with the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce. This is a great opportunity for people new to the Armed Forces Covenant to find out more. Guest speakers will include Major Naveed Muhammad MBE and Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar Chauhan MBE.
To register a place at this event, please visit the event webpage here.

Veterans: are you thinking of starting a business?
2020-05-20 12:30 - 14:30 | Zoom
NatWest and West Midland RFCA would like to invite veterans to virtually attend the Natwest accelerator hub and explore if your next career move might be that of running your own business.

This free webinar will include a talk from veteran John Loveday of Toppa App and Glider Yachts.
Toppa is a business learning app that enables aspiring business learners and employees to learn from proven entrepreneurs and leaders from around the world. Glider Yachts builds and manufactures bespoke yachts in Southampton and has recently been quoted as the 17th fastest growing company in the UK.
John served for 7 years in HM Forces and can give a valuable insight to how he transferred his experience and skills into running a business.
The team at the NatWest accelerator will run a session on – How to start a business, Business Model Canvas and Lean. This event will arm you with the skills to plan, start and run an efficient business and put you in the best possible position to start getting your business out to the market place.
You will get an insight into NatWest‘s free digital course called “Business Builder”.
Natwest’s Business Builder programme has been tailored to early stage start-up entrepreneurs. It’s an amazing journey that is fully funded for only entrepreneurs that want to grow. You don’t even have to be a NatWest customer!

To find out more and register your interest please visit the EventBrite link below:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/thinking-of-starting-a-business-tickets-99536303764

Meet the Marines - Birmingham
2020-05-05 19:30 - 21:00 | HMS Forward, Birmingham
The Royal Marines Reserve Birmingham detachment 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 visit their Facebook event page here.

**CANCELLED** - Stoke-on-Trent Military Tattoo 2020
2020-05-02 17:00 - 22:30 | King’s Hall, Kingsway, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 1JH, United Kingdom
**CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS for 2020**
The spectacular Stoke-on-Trent Military Tattoo is back for its annual show this year on Saturday 2nd May 2020.
Raising funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity, the performance is a great family friendly evening and ceremonial showcase for the British Army, featuring all its varied musical traditions, with the Regulars, Reserves and the Army Cadet Force all represented.
Subject to confirmation, the 2020 Tattoo will feature the Bands of The Mercian Regiment and Nottinghamshire Royal Engineers, Pipes & Drums of the Scots Guards Association (Manchester), Grenadier Corps of Drums of Staffordshire ACF and the Bligny Band & Bugles of Shropshire ACF.
The first half of the programme will be in concert format. After the interval there will be a Ceremony of Beating Retreat, Massed Bands Grand Finale, Sunset and Lone Piper, with Standards of local Regimental and Veterans’ Associations.
Before the performance, outside the King’s Hall, there will be vehicles and stands from local Regular and Reserve Army Units. This is an excellent opportunity for you to talk to the soldiers to discuss their activities, experiences and take a closer look at the equipment on display!
What time does the event start?
Doors and bars are open from 17:30, with access to the Army stands outside. The Tattoo performance will start at 18:30.
Where can I buy tickets from?
Tickets can be purchased from Music Mania in the Piccadilly Arcade, Hanley. Please call them on 01782 206000 or you can purchase tickets online from their website: https://musicmaniauk.com/
VIP packages are also available to purchase by phoning 01952 674369.
To find out more about ABF The Soldiers’ Charity visit their website here.

Meet the Marines - Birmingham
2020-04-07 19:30 - 21:00 | HMS Forward, Birmingham
The 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 visit their Facebook event page here.

Sporting Chance Birmingham
2020-03-17 11:30 - 13:30, 2020-03-10 11:30 - 13:30, 2020-03-03 11:30 - 13:30 | Aston Villa Football Club
Sporting Chance are holding weekly sports and social activities for ex-servicemen in Birmingham.
The sessions will take place at Aston Villa Football Club on Tuesdays from 11:30 – 13:30, offering a wide range of sporting activities including personalised gym training and group sports. Attendees of all fitness levels are welcome to attend these friendly sessions where you will have the opportunity to improve your health and well-being and meet new people.
The project is a partnership between Volunteering Matters and The Royal British Legion, with the fitness sessions delivered in partnership with the Aston Villa Foundation.
Please call on 07823 413261 or 0121 678 8821 if you would like further information.

** CANCELLED** Uniformed Services Awareness Day
2020-03-08 13:00 - 16:00 | HMS Forward, Birmingham
Edit: ** CANCELLATION NOTICE – 28/02/20 Please note due to unforeseen circumstances this event is now cancelled **

This Uniformed Services Awareness event has been designed to highlight the range of excellent and diverse career opportunities in your Uniformed Services. The event will bring together members of your Armed Forces – Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force and your local Emergency Services –Police, Fire and Ambulance.
The afternoon will provide interesting and life changing career information for your future and will include presentations, workshops and practical activities as well as the opportunity to speak with Service personnel and find out what life is like in the different Uniformed Services.
Don’t miss out – places are limited to this FREE event. So, take control of your future and register your place today.
Kick start your future and join them on Sunday 8th March!
Young people aged between 15 – 30 years are welcome to attend (please note: young people under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult).
More details about the event and how to register to attend can be found on the event link here.

Celebrate the Roaring West Midlands for International Women's Day
2020-03-04 09:30 - 16:00 | The Custard Factory, Birmingham
Join West Midlands Women’s Voice for a day of inspirational discussions, artistic performance and thought-provoking panel debates.

From the 1920’s to the 2020’s West Midlands Women’s Voice celebrate the women and men shaping our region. They invite you to join us for a day of inspirational discussions, artistic performance and thought-provoking panel debates.

Running from 09:30 to 16:00, the day will be split into 3 parts in order to appreciate the diversity and breadth of women’s experience, covering inspirational voices from the world of sport, arts, business and culture. We encourage attendees to join us for all or part of the day, with attendance to women and men free of charge all day.
From 13:45 – 14:30 there will be the opportunity to hear from the Youth Panel, which will be made up of members of the Armed Forces and the Combined Authority. Discussions will be around the issues facing future leaders of our region.

Meet the Marines - Birmingham
2020-03-03 19:30 - 21:00, 2020-02-04 19:30 - 21:00 | 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 visit their Facebook event page here.

Royal Naval Reserve Experience – HMS Forward, Birmingham
2020-02-04 19:00 - 21:00 | HMS Forward, Birmingham
Want to keep fit, make new friends and gain new skills in your spare time? Get a taste of life as a Royal Navy Reservist at a free Royal Naval Reserve Experience on 4th February 2020. 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 Royal Naval Reserve, you’ll get the chance to:
Get an extensive tour of the unit

Get an extensive tour of the unit
Handle the latest operational weapons
Discover more about the Royal Naval Reserve during a presentation led by the unit

There will be the opportunity to mingle with serving reservists and get your questions answered.
To find out more about the Royal Naval Reserve, visit: www.royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/royal-naval-reserves
To book your tickets for the event please apply via their Facebook event link here.

Palmer’s Cafe Armed Forces Outreach Event – Shropshire
2020-01-20 10:00 - 13:30 | Palmer’s Cafe
Shropshire Council are running a series of Outreach events for military personnel, veterans and their families.
The relaxed and friendly sessions are supported by local charities including the Royal British Legion, SSAFA, Combat Stress, Walking with the Wounded, Veterans UK and Blind Veterans UK, as well as a number of local organisations and businesses.
On the first and third Monday of each month these will be held at Palmer’s Cafe (the old Baptist Church), Claremont Street, Shrewsbury, SY1 1QG – from 10am to 1pm.
More details can be found on their website here.

Stafford Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
2020-01-18 09:00 - 11:30 | Stafford Rangers Sports & Social Club, ST16 3UF
The Stafford Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club meet every Saturday for breakfast. As a group of veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces, their ethos is mutual support and they aim to welcome personnel from all three services to join them for breakfast and light banter.
You can join them from 09:00 to 11:30 at:
Stafford Rangers Sports and Social Club
Astonfields Road
Astonfields Industrial Estate
Stafford
ST16 3UF
Please contact them via Tel: 01785 602430 or email – staffordafvbc@gmail.com or further details.

Northfield Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast
2020-01-11 09:30 - 11:30, 2019-12-14 09:30 - 11:30 | The Black Horse, Northfield Birmingham
A new Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club has started in Northfield in Birmingham.
The club is open to serving personnel, both Regular and Reserve, and veterans across the three services – pop along and join them!
The breakfast club will run on the second Saturday of each month. Please contact Captain Alan O’Brien on 07817425519 or email obrienA946@gmail.com for further details.

Meet the Marines
2020-01-07 19:30 - 21:00 | HMS Forward, Birmingham
Looking for that extra challenge in your life? Want to put your fitness to the test?
The Royal Marines Reserve Birmingham are holding their next “Meet The Marines” event at their detachment in Birmingham on 7th January. As a Royal Marines Reservist you’ll have the opportunity to complete the rigorous Commando Course – the same assessment undertaken by everyone who wears the coveted green beret.
Tuesday, 7 January 2020 from 19:30-21:00.
The events will also take place on the first Tuesday of every month. 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 call them on 0151 707 3346 or Text “MARINE” to 82228.

Palmer's Cafe Armed Forces Outreach Event - Shropshire
2019-12-16 10:00 - 13:00, 2019-12-02 10:00 - 13:00, 2019-11-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Palmer’s Cafe

Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner & Awards
2019-12-07 18:00 - 23:30
Members of our Association and Armed Forces representatives are delighted to be present at the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner & Awards event for a further year. An excellent opportunity to celebrate the remarkable achievements of businesses across Greater Birmingham.
Find out more about the Awards event via their website here.

Birmingham International Tattoo 2019
2019-11-23 18:00 - 2019-11-24 18:00 | Arena Birmingham
Birmingham International Tattoo, with over 1,200 performers, is returning to Arena Birmingham bringing together marching bands, exciting displays and culminating in the spectacular Grand Finale featuring all the performers in a spectacle of pomp and pageantry.
Led by the world-famous Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, international marching bands from France, Poland and the Netherlands will join our own British bands in a three-hour spectacle for all the family.
Joining for the first time from the USA, will be the Kilgore College Rangerettes from Texas, who are the world’s best-known collegiate drill team. Also sharing the arena with the musicians during the three-hour family event will be a range of spectacular displays including Royal Air Force Cosford Queen’s Colour, the RNRMC Field Gun Competition, the United Kingdom Disco Display Team, guest vocal soloists and the Parade of Massed Standards.
More details can be found here.

Diwali Networking Event
2019-11-20 18:00 - 21:30
Members of our Association will be in attendance at the Asian Business Chambers of Commerce’s Diwali networking event to meet with new contacts, develop existing connections and celebrate the Festival of Lights.
To find out more about the event and how to attend please visit their website here.

Autumn Briefing
2019-11-20
West Midland RFCA will be holding it’s second Autumn Briefing at the Army Reserve Centre in Worcester. This will be an evening event, with times to be confirmed.
We will be showcasing the local Reserve and Cadet units within our region.
Attendance must be confirmed in advance, so if you are interested in attending please contact the Head of Communications, Jacqui Taylor, on wm-comms@rfca.mod.uk or 0121 274 2229.

Employer Engagement Event with 214 Battery Royal Artillery
2019-11-18 08:00 - 22:30
Members of our Employer Engagement team will be hosting a joint event with 214 Battery, part of 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, at their Army Reserve Centre in Worcester to inform businesses, organisations and community leaders about the benefits of supporting the Armed Forces community.
An excellent chance to find out more about the Armed Forces Covenant and Employer Recognition Scheme, network with other employers and meet your local Army Reserve unit!
To find out more about the event or how to attend, please contact our Employer Engagement team on 0121 274 2227 or 0121 274 2228.
Timings TBC.

Remembrance Sunday
2019-11-10 11:00 - 12:30
At 11am the nation will commemorate the contribution of British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women involved in the two World Wars and later conflicts, as well as those from other countries who have served and sacrificed their lives.

Remembrance Sunday Services
2019-11-10 10:00 - 15:00 | Various
There will be a number of Remembrance Services taking place across the region to mark Remembrance Sunday. Services will be taking place in:

Birmingham
Coventry
Dudley
Shirley
Solihull
Stourbridge
Walsall
Wolverhampton

You can find out more information about these events via each council’s website.
