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Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter, bringing you stories from across our region.
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'Going for Gold' event launches in the West Midlands
On 2nd March our Association's Employer Engagement team held its first-ever ‘Going for Gold’ event at DRPG’s studios in Worcestershire. Emphasising the importance of the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme, the event aimed to encourage and recognise over 90 corporate organisations from across our region, that support those who serve in the Armed Forces, veterans and their families.
Learn more about Going for Gold
View our event photo and video galleries.
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Redditch Regional Briefing
Over 60 guests joined us to hear updates on our Association's work, a regional update from the Army and insightful presentations from Darren Knight of Pertemps, Sergeant Hathaway from 54 Support Squadron and cadets from Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force and Bromsgrove School CCF.
Thank you to everyone who attended. Additional thanks to 37th Signal Regiment for hosting us and cooking a tasty curry!
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Birmingham Patron's Lunch
As a patron member of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce we hosted a lunchtime event in February for fellow patrons to find out more about our Association's work.
Held at HMS Forward in Birmingham, we welcomed two keynote speakers; our Chairman Major General John Crackett CB TD VR DL and Sharon McCormick, Clinical Director at The Listening Centre, who is also a former member of the Royal Air Force.
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37th Signal Regiment successfully reach Everest Base Camp
Fourteen members of 37th Signal Regiment set off on an expedition of a lifetime to the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
After pre-deployment training to focus on mountain fitness, first aid and navigation in Wales, the group flew into Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu, to start their adventure.
Read more about their expedition.
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Army Reserves complete skiing expedition
159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps conducted its annual skiing expedition in January to Flaine in France. This year’s expedition included four ability groups, covering beginners, intermediate and advanced skiing training levels and qualifications.
Find out more about their ski training.
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Reservist wins national competition
A photo taken by a Telford soldier whilst deployed in Mali has been revealed as the People’s Choice in a national photographic competition.
Titled ‘Light them up’ the photo was taken by Lance Corporal Jamie Nolan (30) who serves in B Squadron, The Royal Yeomanry. It triumphed over 20 photos to take the title in the documentary category of the British Photography Awards.
Jamie only picked up a camera a year ago when he volunteered to deploy to Mali on the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping mission known as Op NEWCOMBE.
Read more about Jamie's photography journey
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Army Cadet raises over £2500 in Sleep Out challenge
Cadet Jacob Moody from the Uttoxeter Detachment in Staffordshire camped outdoors every night in March to help raise funds for charity. Pitching a tent in his garden, he took part in the RBLI’s 'The Great Tommy Sleep Out 2023', in some challenging weather conditions.
His dedication has now been recognised with a special award from his detachment. Congratulations Jacob!
Read all about Jacob's challenge.
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Shropshire ACF Band and Bugles relaunch
Shropshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) has kick-started its music section after COVID-19, with the relaunch of the Shropshire ACF Band and Bugles.
Over 30 cadets attended their recent band open day, with over half of the attendees opting to join the section. With many of the cadets having no previous experience playing musical instruments, the uptake in numbers proved a success.
Shropshire ACF now have 16 cadets attending the annual music camp in Otterburn, and are looking forward to their first public engagement in May.
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Air Cadets on parade at Birmingham International Tattoo
Air Cadets and staff from across Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing joined together with other Wings to participate in the Birmingham International Tattoo.
All 19 squadron banners from the Wing were on parade, with a number of cadets also forming a marching contingent.
As well as participating in the show itself, cadets and staff also helped out at the Front of House, selling programmes to guests, and guiding VIPs to their seats. The Front of House Manager even commented on how enthusiastic the cadets and staff were, thanking them for their help and commitment.
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Seetec Pluss host Worcestershire Armed Forces Covenant event
Earlier this year we partnered with Seetec Pluss and Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce to hold an Armed Forces Covenant event for employers at Dancox House Army Reserve Centre.
Watch videos from the event - including interviews with our Regional Employer Engagement Director, a Reservist with 214 Battery Regiment Royal Artillery, supportive employers and more - via Chaos TV and Seetec Pluss' YouTube channel.
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Summit Learning Trust pledges support to forces community
Summit Learning Trust hosted a collective Armed Forces Covenant signing event at Solihull Sixth Form College.
A total of 10 Armed Forces Covenants were signed by Summit Learning Trust and all eight of their member academies, and South Birmingham SCITT (School-Centred Initial Teacher Training).
Read more about the Trust's support.
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Meet Your Army: Shrewsbury
The Army Engagement Group are holding their second ‘Meet Your Army’ event of the year at the Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury. The evening is open to anyone who would like to come and meet the Army and find out more about their roles. View the full details on our events calendar.
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WM RFCA Annual General Meeting
This year's AGM is being held in Birmingham and invitations have been emailed out. If you would like to attend and haven't received an invitation please email wm-commsoffice@rfca.mod.uk.
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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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