It’s been a busy summer for our Chief Executive (CE), Colonel (Col) Leona Barr-Jones, as she went on the road to visit cadet units’ annual camps, training, and some of our local communities.
Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force showcase event
The CE’s visit programme kicked off on 14 July when Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) held their Showcase and Family Celebration event. RFCA Permanent Support Staff (PSS) work hard alongside the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) to deliver a great day with lots to see and do for families and other guests.
The showcase offered guests not already familiar with the cadet experience a good sense of the activities young people enjoy and benefit from. Col Leona was delighted to award three Praiseworthy Action Certificates on behalf of the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK) to an adult and two cadets who saved lives as a result of first aid and lifesaving skills learned in their unit.
Army Engagement Group
The Army Engagement Group were in Hertford on 17 July, talking to civic and community leaders, as well as a number of our supportive employers. The Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Robert Voss, was among the dignitaries and spoke to our cadets from Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire ACF as well as Reservists from 3 Company, 3 Royal Anglian and the newly formed 162 Hospital Squadron (Hitchin) of 254 (East of England) Multi-Role Medical Regiment.
Royal International Air Tattoo
Then on 20 July many of our RAF Air Cadets (RAFAC) worked hard to support the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire . Col Leona was delighted to attend with our Regional Employer Engagement Director, Kristina Carrington, meeting one of our latest Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award winners, Marshall Group of Cambridge, and a number of our supportive employers.
Norfolk Army Cadet Force’s annual camp
Our first annual camp visit was to Longmoor Camp in Hampshire. Col Leona attended Norfolk ACF’s annual camp visitors’ day on 24 July. It was a great day with a unit, including time with the junior Cadets out on their fieldcraft package and then with the senior cadets on their range package.
The young people told Col Leona they were enjoying having the use of Longmoor ranges and senior cadets had a great time showing that, “Targets will fall when hit.”
The Defence Intelligence Training Group reception
The Defence Intelligence Training Group (DITG) Annual Formal Reception on 31 July gave Col Leona the chance to see our Air Training Corps (ATC) based at Chicksands perform a drill display. It was also an opportunity to say a farewell to the outgoing Commander, Group Captain Rachel Dixon.
Suffolk Army Cadet Force’s annual camp
Next stop was the Army Training Regiment (ATR) Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, Lincolnshire, on 6 August to visit Suffolk ACF for their annual camp visitors’ day. Cadet activities included some section attacks on their fieldcraft and Col Leona was delighted to promote one of the senior cadets to Cadet Sergeant Major, a “promotion in the field”.
Catch up on part two of our CE’s summer update here.