Silver Award announcement for support to Armed Forces
We are very pleased to announce that thirty-six organisations in our region are confirmed as Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Silver Award winners for 2025. This brings the total of ERS Silver holders, in our region, to 174. This Ministry of Defence award recognises companies for their support to the Armed Forces community, including Reservists, Veterans, spouses, Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers and Cadets. To…
World Record burpee challenge attempt three – and four!
In our April newsletter, we introduced you to Corporal Mark Bailey, a Reservist with 116 Provost Company, 1 Royal Military Police, and a dedicated volunteer at The Ferrers School. Mark is on a mission to attempt to break four fitness world records and raise £10,000 for the Combined Cadet Force Association. Since our introduction Mark has completed his first two world record attempts….
Making a splash in Malta
Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) from Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force swapped their boots for flippers during an unforgettable trip to Malta over the May half-term. The group took part in Exercise Malta Splash, a week-long adventure that saw them earn their PADI Open Water Diver qualification – an internationally recognised scuba diving certification. Training was based…
Evesham Troop celebrate Korean War veteran’s 90th Birthday
Army Cadets from the Evesham Troop delivered a birthday surprise with a difference to a 90 year-old veteran of the Korean War. Ken Ricketts lives in the Evesham area and has been a dedicated participant in Remembrance parades at the Cenotaph in London for many years. Sadly, failing health means he has recently been struggling to play the active role he would like…
Fire Service and Cadet Volunteer speak from experience
Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) employ a number of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) and Reservists and are proud to be able to support them, commenting: “Armed Forces personnel make significant personal sacrifices to protect national security and uphold peace. Supporting them is a way to honour their commitment and bravery and reflects our commitment to the community.” HWFRS have…
Volunteering with the ACF: meet SSI Roberts
During Armed Forces Week we celebrate and recognise the vital contributions of the Armed Forces community to our society. We had the opportunity to speak to Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI) Matthew Roberts, a Detachment Commander with Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force (ACF), to learn more about the positive impact volunteering has had – both on the young people he…
Meet our team – Estate Manager South, Richard Cameron
As an organisation we are proud of our employees and like to be able to share their achievements. This month we are shining the spotlight on a member of our Estates team, Richard Cameron. Find out about his achievements, struggles and the path that led him to work for our Association. Can you tell us about your current role and achievements? “Currently, I…
Reservists reach the top of the world on Himalayan Expedition
Army Reservists from A and B Troops of 210 Battery – part of 103rd Regiment Royal Artillery (Lancashire Artillery Volunteers) and based in Wolverhampton – have returned from a challenging and inspiring high-altitude expedition to Nepal. The soldiers took part in Exercise NORTHERN NEPAL 25, culminating in the successful summit of Mera Peak (6,476m) – one of the highest trekking peaks in the…
Another successful training year for 225 Field Squadron
Soldiers of 225 Field Squadron (Fd Sqn) Royal Monmouthshire, Royal Engineers (Militia) (RMONREM) have undertaken a busy action-packed year of training which has seen soldiers develop Soldier First Syllabus, specific to role, and conceptual training covering a host of topics and disciplines. 225 Fd Sqn RMONREM recruit and deliver training weekly on Wednesdays across three locations from Stoke, Cannock and Oldbury and undertake…
“Being a volunteer with the ACF is a very addictive hobby”
For Volunteers Week we’re shining a spotlight on volunteers from across our region, sharing their inspiring contributions to our Cadet Forces. We interviewed SI Woodward, a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer at Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force, to hear his motivations for volunteering, and the fantastic benefits it brings to both volunteers and the young people who join. Why did…
