|
Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter, bringing you stories from across our region.
|
|
|
|
|
Gold standard employers honoured for supporting Armed Forces
Congratulations to the fourteen organisations from across our region who received their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Awards, recognising their exceptional level of support to the Armed Forces community.
The awards were presented at a ceremony held at Lilleshall House and Gardens in Shropshire – also home to one of the UK’s National Sports Centres and the Royal British Legion’s Battle Back Centre.
Find out more about this year's winners.
|
|
|
|
RFCA Conference emphasises defence stability and societal support
Our Chief Executive, Colonel Maybery, attended the RFCA Conference in November along with several of our Board members. He commented: "As usual there were a number of very senior speakers from across defence and the CRFCA including our President, General Lord Houghton. The vital role of the RFCA in connecting defence with society was emphasised. All the speakers from VCSS and the single Services highlighted the vital role of the Reserves and some of the work ongoing to deliver the capability we know we require from them. Geopolitical events were providing a greater focus and impetus for this work.
"There was an excellent series of presentations on Cadets including senior Cadets from each of the Cadet organisations themselves – these latter, as usual, impressive and uplifting. Overall an excellent and very informative conference where the work of the RFCAs, including the membership, and their utility, was reaffirmed."
Read more about the conference
*Photo credit MoD Crown Copyright
|
|
|
Mo completes New York Marathon
Our Estates Administrative Officer, Mo, completed her bucket list New York City Marathon on 5th November.
After running the London 2022 Marathon in 3 hours 34 mins, she automatically qualified for a 'Good for Age' place at the New York City Marathon. She said:
“I was so excited as this was my bucket list race so I was determined to enjoy it and take in everything about it. I have never seen such support along the way through six districts of New York and was lifted by the crowds.
"I breezed through the first 16 miles but from then on it was tough, but my grit, determination and support got me into Central Park to see the finish line in a time of 4hrs 20mins 23 secs.
“I’ll sum it up by saying: this was not my best time in a race by far but I had THE best time and will always remember it."
Read about Mo's training and the New York City Marathon
|
|
|
Macmillan Coffee Morning
On 2nd October we held our annual Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning. It was a great opportunity to get our current staff together, catch-up with some former employees, and enjoy a cake and a cuppa to raise funds for charity.
Thank you also to members of 225 Field Squadron Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia) who joined us to support our fundraising.
We are incredibly proud to support such a worthy cause, and through our cake sales and a raffle we raised £374.50.
A big thank you to our star bakers and staff for organising an amazing spread. We can confirm it all tasted as good as it looks!
|
|
|
Encouraging personal development with Go Woman! Alliance
The Go Woman! Alliance CIC in Birmingham invited us to have speakers at two of their sessions, where we introduced our Association’s Vice-Chair for Shropshire, Major Samantha Brettell DL, and Private Tayyabah Hussain, a Reservist with 237 Supply Squadron, 159 Regiment RLC.
The Go Woman! Alliance helps to empower individuals and families by supporting and developing each person’s skills, confidence and entrepreneurial spirit.
Both Samantha and Tayyabah shared their experiences with the group and chatted about their skills, learning, and opportunities available within the Armed Forces. It was a great insight into enhancing your personal development.
|
|
|
Hard facilities management for the Volunteer Estate to be delivered by the MoD Built Estate contracts
Following the conclusion of the Volunteer Estate Value for Money Study - launched in October 2022 to determine whether RFCAs Hard Facilities Management requirements could be more cost effectively met - it has been agreed that Hard Facilities Management services for the Volunteer Estate will in the future be delivered by the MoD Built Estate contracts. These contracts cover key maintenance work, repairs, servicing and Hard Facilities Management, across the Volunteer Estate to enable Reserves and Cadets to continue to work and train.
Read the full story.
|
|
|
|
West Midland RFCA supports Exercise Dragon Barbarian Nepal
Exercise Dragon Barbarian Nepal is one recent adventure training opportunity that our Association contributed funding towards.
Lieutenant Bates from 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps relays the team’s account of the trip, and explains why funding support is vital to the development of their Reservists.
|
|
|
|
Reservists take on PARAS' 10 Challenge
Five Reservists from 116 Provost Company, Royal Military Police tested their endurance by taking part in the PARAS’ 10 Challenge in the lead up to this year's Remembrance weekend.
They needed to complete a cross country 10 mile booted TAB (Tactical Advance to Battle - a forced march carrying a heavy backpack, in this case 35lbs). Based on the tough 10 mile march from The Parachute Regiment’s P Company test week, the TAB must be completed in under 1 hour 50 minutes to match the exact standards.
Read more about their fundraising challenge.
|
|
|
|
The Duke of Edinburgh visits Telford Army Reserve Centre
In November Prince Edward visited Dawley Bank Army Reserve Centre in Telford, meeting members of our local Reserve Forces and Cadets. Afterwards he met with agencies and groups which support veterans, gathered together by Telford & Wrekin Council, at the Town Hall where they also marked the building’s 150th birthday.
Read more on the Shropshire Lieutenancy website
*Photo credit Shropshire Star
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrations for Crowsmill Craft Centre
Shropshire-based Crowsmill Craft Centre celebrated their 10th anniversary - which also saw them formally presented with their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Bronze Award.
The centre provides help to a range of young people and service users, teaching classes in woodwork, gardening, metalwork, horticulture and arts and crafts to allow people to pick up new skills and meet like-minded people. Crowsmill has future plans to further develop their support to veterans and the Armed Forces community.
Read more about Crowsmill's celebrations.
|
|
|
Forces-friendly pledges increasing in Coventry and Warwickshire
Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council enhanced their existing pledges in October by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant, alongside neighbouring authority North Warwickshire Borough Council, and both Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust and South Warwickshire Foundation Trust.
Read more about their renewed support.
|
|
|
|
Kilimanjaro climb in aid of Mind North Staffs
Mind North Staffs are one of our newest Armed Forces Covenant signatories in the Staffordshire region, and as a mental health charity they understand the struggles Armed Forces personnel can have with their own mental health.
A veteran and strong supporter of the charity, Mike Copeland, will be climbing Kilimanjaro with a fridge on his back in March 2024, to raise funds for the charity.
Find out why Mike is taking on this challenge.
|
|
|
|
Royal Navy sponsors City of Birmingham Rockets
The Royal Navy and Royal Marines were previously announced as a primary sponsor of the City of Birmingham Rockets for the 2023/2024 season, and they recently demonstrated their support for the club by joining them at one of their matches in October.
Spectators were able to see Royal Marines demonstrations throughout the evening and speak to their service personnel, whilst enjoying a number of Marines displays and stands.
|
|
|
|
Shropshire signings and awards
At the end of November we welcomed two new Armed Forces Covenant signatories - Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Integrated Care System and Severn Hospice. At the same event we took the opportunity to present Career Pursuit CIC with their Employer Recognition Scheme Silver Award.
Thank you to all three organisations for their support!
Read more about the signings.
|
|
|
|
|
Cadet Administrative Assistant (Logistics Support) - Warwickshire Army Cadet Force
£28,000 (E1 grade) All hours worked contract.
A vacancy has arisen for the post of Cadet Administrative Assistant (Logistics Support) at Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force based at Tennal Grange, Harborne, Birmingham.
Cadet Administrative Assistant (Logistics Support) - Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force
£28,000 (E1 grade) All hours worked contract.
A vacancy has arisen for the post of Cadet Administrative Assistant (Logistics Support) at Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force based at Suvla Barracks, Hereford.
Call for Applications: Deputy County Commandant - Shropshire Army Cadet Force
Applications are invited for the position of Deputy Commandant Shropshire ACF, based at Copthorne Barracks, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. The post is a voluntary appointment for an initial three-year tenure.
Read the full vacancy descriptions
|
|
West Midland RFCA Regional Briefing
This event will be held in Birmingham and is by invitation only. If you are a Member or Friend and haven't received your invitation, or you are not part of our Association but would like to find out more, please email: wm-commsoffice@rfca.mod.uk
|
|
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
|
|
|
|
|
