On Saturday 14th February 2026, the West Midland RFCA celebrated the official opening of the joint cadets centre in Staffordshire.
Located near Beacon Barracks, the new JCC is a modern, eco-conscious training environment built as a shared resource for Staffordshire’s Army and Air Cadets. With expanded classrooms, upgraded facilities and improved access to nearby military housing and barracks, the centre is designed to enhance training opportunities and strengthen connections with the wider Armed Forces community.
The project marks the culmination of three years of planning and development. The ceremonial ribbon cutting signified far more than the unveiling of a new building; it celebrated the creation of a state-of-the-art training hub designed to inspire and equip the next generation of leaders for years to come.
While the building itself is impressive, it was the cadets who truly brought the occasion to life. Throughout the day, cadets took on a central role in welcoming and hosting guests from across military and business communities. Acting as ambassadors for their respective units, they confidently guided visitors on tours of the new facility, explaining how the classrooms, training areas and equipment will support their development. Their knowledge, pride and professionalism left a lasting impression to everyone who attend.
Guests were treated to a dynamic performance from the Army Cadets’ Corps of Drums, delivered with precision and discipline, while the Royal Air Force Air Cadets provided an engaging flight simulator experience that drew enthusiastic participation. Behind the scenes, cadets ensured smooth transitions between demonstrations, assisted with guest coordination and maintained a welcoming atmosphere throughout the event.
The ceremony welcomed a range of distinguished attendees, including Professor Elizabeth Barnes CBE, representing His Majesty The King; Timothy Gillow; and senior military leaders such as Grant Kearns, Mark Brayford and Chris Edwards.
The opening of the Stafford Joint Cadet Centre represents a significant investment in the county’s young people. On the day of its inauguration, those young people proved exactly why that investment matters. Through their leadership, teamwork and confidence, they demonstrated that the future of the cadet movement in Staffordshire is not only secure, but exceptionally bright.
