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Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter, bringing you stories from across our region.
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Employers awarded for their sterling support to forces community
Congratulations to our twenty-six regional employers who were presented with their Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards. The awards ceremony was held at the iconic National Memorial Arboretum, and formally recognises the dedication of employers who support members of the Armed Forces community.
Find out more about this year's winners and watch video highlights from the ceremony.
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Radio interview for new County Chair
Our new County Chair for Shropshire, Major Samantha Brettell DL, spoke to Zoe Bennett on her Inspiring Minds show on Solihull Radio. Hear all about Samantha's Army career, the benefits of being a Reservist, being a Deputy Lieutenant - and how she is using her skills in a new business venture.
Listen to the episode
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Pedal to Paris
A member of our West Midland RFCA staff, a Cadet Administrative Assistant for Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force, Jim, took part in the Royal British Legion’s Pedal to Paris challenge at the end of August.
We spoke to Jim before his charity challenge
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Summer camp highlights
Summer camps were all systems go across the Cadet Forces in our region this year!
We were lucky to visit Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force on their summer camp in August, and spoke to some of their cadets to ask - what do you love about annual camp and being an Army Cadet? Watch the videos below and find out more.
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Community day for Rugby School CCF
Year 10 cadets from Rugby School Combined Cadet Force dedicated a day to enriching their local community.
The day involved manual tasks and projects, community engagement and environmental stewardship, and showcased their passion for service whilst making a substantial impact on their community and the environment. Well done all!
Read about their community day
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Spotlight on Shropshire ACF's stories
Two cadets and a Staff Instructor from Shropshire Army Cadet Force have been awarded Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK certificates for 'praiseworthy actions' following their first-aid skills - used in two different medical emergencies!
Additionally - a cadet from their county also took part in prestigious national rifle competition.
Read all three inspiring stories
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New standard for 605 Squadron
As part of the 85th Anniversary of RAF Cosford, No. 605 (County of Warwick) Squadron RAF Reserves received a new standard.
The Officer Commanding No.605 Squadron, Squadron Leader John Roylance said: “The presentation of our new Squadron Standard at Cosford’s 85 Parade was a huge honour and privilege for all associated with 605 Squadron, past and present.”
What is the significance of their new standard?
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Yukon hosts Exercise DRAGON FIREWEED
In August, 14 personnel from 37th Signal Regiment and two from 2 Signal Regiment embarked on a two-week adventure training exercise in the Kluane National Park in the Yukon territory, to cover a canoeing expedition and a Mountain Foundation Course.
Read all about the stunning scenery, trekking - and bears!
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Sea kayaking for Dudley Army Reservists
Reservists from B Squadron the Royal Yeomanry in Dudley were lucky enough to swap our local urban waterways for a day of sea kayaking and seal spotting on the historic Jurassic Coast.
Read B Squadron's kayaking expedition
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BUOTC tackle Scottish bike trails
Earlier this summer Officer Cadets and staff from Birmingham University Officer Training Corps (BUOTC) conducted Mountain Bike Trails Adventure Training in Scotland.
Testing their skills against the trails at Fort William, Glencoe and Kinlochleven, these challenging trails, often graded easier than they were, pushed them outside their comfort zone. The Scottish weather also helped to keep up the challenge!
Our Association was pleased to assist with a small grant towards their training.
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Wholesale Market backs Armed Forces
Birmingham Wholesale Market has joined over 1,000 Midlands based businesses in signing the Armed Forces Covenant.
The covenant was co-signed by Lt Col Charlie Whitting, the Commanding Officer of 4th Battalion The Mercian Regiment, on behalf of the Ministry of Defence, cementing the market partnering with Defence.
Learn more about the market's plans to support the forces community
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New Army Cadet detachment opens at Summit Learning Trust
A new Army Cadet detachment has opened its doors to students from Cockshut Hill School, Ninestiles, an Academy, and Lyndon School. The Summit Learning Trust Rifles Detachment unit will be based at Ninestiles, an Academy, in Acocks Green.
The detachment – part of Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force – will draw cadets from across the Summit Learning Trust secondary schools and sixth form college. Find out more about the launch of their new unit.
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Military Police support local policing in partnership programme
Serving members of the Royal Military Police have joined forces with the South Staffordshire local policing team in a new partnership initiative.
Corporals Katie Butlin and Michael Knapper have embedded with neighbourhood officers in the south of the county.
Learn more about Staffordshire Police's initiative
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Shropshire Council Armed Forces Covenant team wins national award for outreach work
Congratulations to Shropshire Council’s Armed Forces Covenant team who have won a national award for their health and wellbeing work with veterans and the Armed Forces community across the county.
Hear from their award-winning team.
Photograph: Copyright Shropshire Council
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West Midlands Military Veterans League
A new West Midlands Military Veterans Football League is hoping to launch ready for the 2024/2025 season.
If you, or a team, are interested in joining and would be happy to be contacted regarding the new league, please fill out the interest form below.
Please share with any networks and individuals interested in putting their football boots on!
Interest Form
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Save the date: West Midlands Veterans Fair. More information will be available in due course - please check our website page here for updates in the near future.
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Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards workshop.
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Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards workshop.
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Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards workshop.
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Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Awards workshop.
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With over 25 Reserve centres available to hire across our six counties we are open and available for new bookings.
You can view our properties at www.alternativevenueswm.co.uk
To contact the Alternative Venues Team please email wm-av@rfca.mod.uk
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