West Midland Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association

Being a Stoic Pilgrim: Peak Performance through Leadership
2020-07-21 14:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Online Webinar
An Armed Forces Covenant sponsored mental well being webinar co-hosted by the Richard Maybery CE WM RFCA and Sara Williams CE of The Staffordshire Chamber.
As we all find ourselves in unprecedented and never before experienced circumstances that completely alters how we professionally and socially interact, what impact can we anticipate will emerge and how can we combat its effects? ‘Being a Stoic Pilgrim’ will explore how positive psychology can help develop personal leadership in challenging times.
Our guest speaker is a former soldier with a Special Forces background. Martin Murphy is an author, speaker, and advisor on the subjects of leadership, elite teams, peak performance and personal development. He has considerable experience of living in and dealing with the effects of a challenging environment and will introduce us to the ‘Stoic Pilgrim’, offering some insight how as business leaders you might best prepare yourselves and your teams to manage returning to ‘normal”.

Armed Forces Covenant Virtual Hub
2020-07-21 11:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Armed Forces Covenant Virtual Hub – a chance for members of the Armed Forces Community to get together online.

Citizens Advice Telford & The Wrekin are holding weekly virtual hubs for members of the Armed Forces community, serving, veterans or family members, all are welcome.

The hubs will take place every Tuesday at 11 am, on Zoom. They have speakers confirmed for the next few weeks, which are detailed below:
Tuesday 21st – Paradyme Consulting. Talk on Mental Health.
Tuesday 28th – RAF Museum Cosford.
Tuesday 11th August – Fire Service.
Tuesday 18th August – NHS.
Register for free here.

Armed Forces Day
2020-06-27
Armed Forces Day – Saturday 27th June
Armed Forces Week celebrations begin on Monday 22nd June when the Armed Forces Day flag is traditionally raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.
The National Event in 2020 was meant to be held in Scarborough, but unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic this has been cancelled.
Armed Forces Day on is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community, including serving troops to Service families, veterans, cadet force adult volunteers and cadets.
Find out more about Armed Forces Day and how you can get involved on our webpage.

Army Engagement Team live virtual broadcast event with Q&A
2020-06-25 14:30 - 15:30
Join the Army Engagement Team for their virtual broadcast which will provide you with greater awareness and understanding of the British Army. Normally held as a physical event, the team will be taking this event online for the first time in line with social distancing.
Their presentation includes information to highlight how the Army serves the UK, as well as current information on how the Army is supporting the Government’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic. With live questions, you can find out how the British Army is serving our nation. All are welcome to attend and find out more.
You can access and register for the live broadcast here at https://virtualbroadcast.yourarmy.co.uk

Joining the Reserves - a presentation by the Armed Forces (via Zoom)
2020-06-24 14:00 - 15:00
The West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadet Association would like to invite you to a free online zoom event to mark Armed Forces & Reserves Day 2020.
This webinar is aimed at those who are interested in finding out more about the Royal Navy Reserves, Army Reserves or Royal Air Force Reserves.
The Reserve Forces are a vital component of our Armed Forces and make an essential contribution to our security. Reservists contribute to society over and above most other citizens; balancing their military duties with their other work and family commitments.
The training, skills and experiences gained in the reserves can be used to improve performance in the workplace and can enhance skills in areas such as leadership, team work, communication and decision making often in challenging situations and environments.
This special event will feature presentations from the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force – this is a great opportunity to learn more and ask questions about whether Reserve service is for you.
This event will be held on Wednesday 24th June between 2pm – 3pm through Zoom. Please can you confirm your attendance by replying to Bobby Birdi at wm-reed@rfca.mod.uk. Once we receive your confirmation, we will send you a calendar invite with joining instructions. For more information, please contact the WM RFCA engagement team on 0121 274 2225.
You can find a great overview of the Reserve Forces on the below link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/armed-forces-reserves-a-quick-guide/armed-forces-reserves-a-quick-guide
Thank you for your interest in Reserve service and we hope to see you at the webinar!

Reserves Day
2020-06-24
Reserves Day – Wednesday 24th June 2020
Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces, balancing their civilian life with a military career to ensure that should their country require them, they would be ready to serve as part of the regular military.
The Reserve Forces make up approximately one sixth of our Armed Forces personnel and are key to protecting the nation’s security at home and overseas. However, the contribution they make to our Armed Forces often goes unrecognised. Reserves Day was created to highlight and recognise the valuable contribution Reservists make to our Armed Forces.
Find out more about the day and how you can take part our our webpage.

Reservists & COVID-19 - Black Country Chambers of Commerce Event
2020-06-23 14:00 - 15:00
The Chamber Military Network is running a free webinar with guest speakers to explore more about the Armed Forces, and how our local Reserves units have stepped up in response to COVID-19 and more.
This event is being hosted online on Zoom by Sarah Walker, Project Lead for the Chamber Military Network. It will feature a number of guest speakers including the Commanding Officer of 37th Signal Regiment, who will speak about their role in supporting Op Rescript as part of the COVID-19 response. Our Regional Employer Engagement Director will also discuss the roles of our Engagement team and how they can help support Reservists and the wider Armed Forces community.
For more details please visit the Black Country Chambers of Commerce event page.

An introduction to the Armed Forces Covenant - Asian Business Chambers of Commerce
2020-06-17 14:00 - 14:30
Join us in partnership with the Asian Business Chambers of Commerce for a special free webinar to explore the Armed Forces Covenant.
The Armed Forces Covenant represents a promise to those who serve, or who have served, that they shall be treated fairly and face no disadvantage as a result of their service to the nation. Over 5000 organisations have made this public declaration of support – this webinar is an opportunity to find out more about how you can get involved.
Reserves and veterans bring world class transferable training to a business, paid for by Defence. The Armed Forces community can contribute real value to an organisation, both as employees and as customers. This webinar will help you understand how your business can create a mutually beneficial partnership with Defence, and what the benefits are of signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
For more information and to details of how to attend, please visit their events page.

Partnering with Defence - Armed Forces Covenant Webinar
2020-06-16 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom webinar
You are invited to join our Association at a special online event to mark Reserves Day and Armed Forces Day, ahead of Armed Forces Week.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions we are unable to host our annual Armed Forces Covenant networking event in person. But this year we are partnering with the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, to hold this event online for the first time.
The event will be able to provide you with further awareness of how your business can benefit from working with Defence.
We have an excellent range of speakers lined up for you, including:

Neil Jackson, Director of DRM at the Ministry of Defence, will provide an overview of current objectives and the work being done to support the armed forces community in the workplace
Steve Lees, Armed Forces Programme Manager at Jaguar Land Rover, will give an overview of the how JLR supports its military personnel and what employing military personnel can bring to an organisation
Bryan Alexander, Employer Relations Manager at Career Transition Partnership (CTP), will provide an overview of the benefits of working with CTP– a high quality, no cost recruitment service for organisations seeking motivated people who are leaving the Armed Forces.

You can join us on Tuesday 16th June between 2pm – 3pm through Zoom. Please can you confirm your attendance by emailing Bobby Birdi at wm-reed@rfca.mod.uk. We will then send you a calendar invite with the Zoom meeting link.
If you have any questions about this event, or about your Armed Forces Covenant, do get in touch. Our Employer Engagement are keen to support you as required with any questions you have related to Defence People issues.
You can find out more about partnering with Defence on our employers webpage.

Meet the Marines - Birmingham
2020-06-02 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.

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 | Palmer’s Cafe
