Yorkshire North & West Army Cadet Force

We have just reached the stunning total of 8000 followers on Facebook, which means we have added an amazing 2000 followers in just three months!

Thank you to everyone for supporting us - we really appreciate it!😁👏👏👏

RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber HQ North Army Cadets Army Cadets UK

COUNTY BIDS FAREWELL TO STAFF CADET KELLY

After his last duty in Bedale on 2nd October (as the outgoing Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for North Yorkshire), the County's longest-serving cadet, Staff Cadet Sergeant Major Will Kelly, has now 'hung up his cadet boots' after seven years of membership.

After joining B Company's Selby Detachment in September 2017, Will set out to make the most of his cadet experience. Even when face-to-face training was suspended during the Covid-19 crisis, he maintained this enthusiasm by gaining both his Bronze and Silver iDEA Awards as well as attending an online virtual STEM camp.
When face-to-face training resumed, his progress continued and he achieved numerous awards on the way to reaching the rank of Cadet Sergeant Major.

Now 19, Will describes joining the ACF as the best decision he ever made, and strongly recommends it to young people across the County.
“Being a cadet has changed my life tremendously. I have made friends for life and have unforgettable memories, such as parachuting in Netheravon, Wiltshire where I trained and solo jumped out of a plane from 3,500 feet! This was a brilliant experience that I never would have had the confidence to do without being in the cadets.
My confidence has grown massively, and I feel I have grown into an independent and responsible person. If you are looking for something to do and want some fun and adventure, I would definitely recommend joining your local ACF detachment!”
(https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/)

Using the IT skills he developed while in the ACF, Will will soon start working at York High School and hopes to join the Royal Signals Reserves, with the ambition of eventually becoming an officer in the Regular Army. We wish him well in his future endeavours!

- photos/quotes supplied by Will Kelly
- text by SSI McCallion, County Media Team

Army Cadets UK HQ North Army Cadets

GREEN MEETS BLUE IN WAKEFIELD!

Last Saturday (21st Sept 24), cadets and Adult Volunteers from D and B Companies had the wonderful opportunity to visit the West Yorkshire Police Training & Development Centre in Wakefield.

Cadets visited a round-robin of exciting stands, including Fi****ms, Road Policing, Drone Section, Dog Section and Mounted (Horse) Section.

Four cadets were invited to form the 'Arrest Team' when working with the Operational Support Group (OSG)...and B Company's OC, Major Massey joined in the fun by pretending to drive the 'Venga Bus'! 😉😁

- photos/info supplied by CSM Neil Garside & SI John Pletts
- text by SSI McCallion, County Media Team

RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber Army Cadets UK HQ North Army Cadets

We have just reached the amazing total of 7000 followers on Facebook, which means we have added an astonishing 1000 followers in just over a month!

Thank you to everyone for supporting us - we really appreciate it!

RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber HQ North Army Cadets Army Cadets UK

DAY 10 YNW ACF AC2024 SCOTLAND

SUNDAY SERVICE & TIME FOR REFLECTION

Padre George Perera, our County Padre, held a service on Sunday at the end of the first week of camp.

Over 70 cadets attended the service. Padre George invited along Lorna Robertson, a Scottish opera singer, to help with the singing of the hymns.

It gave the Cadets time to reflect on the first week of camp and gave them a boost to get through the second week of camp.

INSPIRE TO ACHIEVE

We have recently received this outstanding panoramic shot taken by our Deputy Commandant, Lieutenant Colonel David A Crawford, at the first Annual Camp 2024 parade in Scotland.

Rising to the challenge of such a well-attended camp, he has made every effort to ensure that everyone has been included, so you may (hopefully!) be able to spot your family's cadet amongst the hundreds included..!🧐😁🤞

- photo submitted by Lt Col Crawford/Major Bell

RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber Army Cadets UK HQ North Army Cadets

Good luck to all our Cadets who are due to get their GCSE results today.

ANNUAL CAMP SCOTLAND 2024 DAY ONE.

We have all arrived safely, settled in and ready to rock & roll.

More updates as we go along ... enjoy.

Major M Bell
CMEO YNW ACF

Good luck everyone ... fingers crossed for you all.

JOIN THE ACF AND SEE THE WORLD!

Our very own Cadet Sjt Mia Dodds of E Company Yorkshire (N&W) ACF, has spent the last few weeks on the adventure of a lifetime, on Exercise Oak Leaf in the wilds of Canada. The is an exchange programme with the Canadian Cadet Forces. After going through a tough selection programme Mia was chosen to be one of the Cadets representing the UK Army Cadet Forces.

The aim of the exercise was to be challenged beyond their normal comfort zone, to develop their Leadership skills, to have the maximum amount of fun possible, to meet new friends from both the UK and Canadian Cadet Forces. To enjoy the cultural change of being in Canada.

At the end of the exercise a Graduation parade was held for the Expedition Team Leader Course, where the recipients received their hard earned ETL qualification.

On the Graduation parade there was an extra surprise for Sjt Dodds, it was her promotion to the rank of Cadet Colour Serjeant. Sjt Dodds was promoted to Cadet CSjt by the Canadian Commanding Officer Lt Colonel Henery, accompanied by his Regimental Sergeant Major, Chief Warrant Officer Schmidt.

The Inspecting Officer for the Graduation Parade was the Premier of Alberta Canada.

Major Andy Emery the OC of the Exercise Oak Leaf Team Canada, recommended Sjt Dodds for promotion to CSjt. Colonel Hugh Gell, Commandant of YNW ACF, was more than happy to endorse this well deserved promotion.

Major Emery acknowledged the professionalism of, and support of YNW ACF. He said Cadet Sjt Dodds came well prepared for Exercise Oak Leaf. He also had high praise for the RSM of YNW ACF RSMI Terry Yates, who was also out in Canada, stating that RSMI Yates and Cadet CSjt Dodds really showcased YNW ACF in the best way possible.

Enjoy some of the images of Colour Serjeant Mia Dodds enjoying the adventure of a lifetime in Canada.

JOIN THE ACF & SEE THE WORLD.

images courtesy of E Company
Copy/editing - Major M Bell CMEO

🥳A big 'Thank you' to all of our members, families, friends and supporters - our page has just passed the landmark number of 6000 followers!🥳

We really appreciate your continued support.

ENTERPRISING CADETS IN EXCITING BUSINESS WEEKEND

Congratulations to two Yorkshire (N&W) ACF cadets who successfully participated in the recent Enterprise Weekend at York Saint John's University (6th/7th July)!

Cadet Katelyn Angel (Acomb Detachment) and Cadet Kodi Wright (Knaresborough Detachment) completed the two-day course which taught them how to build, fund and grow a business. To pass, they had to create an effective plan and present it to business leaders and university lecturers.

Cadet Angel spoke afterwards about how much she enjoyed the weekend. She said the speakers were really engaging, that it was good to see business from someone else's perspective and that the weekend was very well pitched at the cadets' level. She wholeheartedly recommended other cadets to take part in future events:
" I learned so much that I wasn't expecting to learn, especially about marketing strategies, teamwork and pitching to a panel. I also made lots of new friends!"

Cadet Angel's team came first in the business plan competition and won the top prize of £30 vouchers each, whilst Cadet Wright's team recieved an honourable mention from the judges for their dedication. Well done to both of you!

To read more about the event, follow the link to the RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber's page: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/a9vHbN1R7yd7La8B/

- photos: AUO Gillson-Gant/RFCAYH
- text: AUO George Gillson-Gant/SSI Fiona McCallion, County Media Team

RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber Army Cadets UK 4th Light Brigade Combat Team & HQ North East

MINDEN BUGLES AND DRUMS MAKING THEIR MARK IN MASSIVE PARADE!

At the weekend, a group from Minden Bugles & Drums set off on the long journey from Yorkshire to Colchester in Essex.
Accompanied by E Company's SSI Colin Cranswick, they were on their way to the garrison town in preparation for a cadet musical spectacular in central London this week. The musicians were able to use the garrison's parade ground to practise with their counterparts from across the country, and to become accustomed to the space in which they would perform in London.

SSI Cranswick has sent photos of the excited cadets as they started on their journey, as well as pictures of the rehearsals. Yesterday, Army Cadets Music posted pictures of the only rehearsal the band would have on Horse Guards, followed by their first performance in full ceremonial uniforms last night.

A big thank you to Minden Bugles & Drums, SSI Cranswick and all of our CFAVs involved in enabling these cadets to take part in this event, and representing our County so wonderfully.

(For further coverage of the event, please visit Army Cadets Music at: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/FLzQaEMyXc89HnQP/ )

What an adventure for all of those involved, and what a unique opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime!

- photos: SSI Colin Cranswick and Army Cadet Music
- text: SSI Fiona McCallion, County Media Team

RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber Army Cadets UK Yorkshire North & West Army Cadet Force

It's only a month ago today that cadets and Adult Volunteers from E and B Companies gathered in the Museum Gardens in York to mark the official birthday of HM King Charles III. (It also feels like this was the only previously sunny day this summer!😎)

It was a wonderful event, with numerous military dignitaries, including a French Brigadier General and two York-based Canadian Army officers.

Our cadets love to participate in events such as these - unique experiences that they'll never forget!

- photos/text SSI Fiona McCallion, County Media Team

Well done to our very own Cadet RSM Phoebe Clark, whose great tips for how to have a great time at Annual Camp are published in the latest edition of the national Army Cadets magazine!😁👍🏻

Follow the link below to find out more (Pgs 19-21):

Army Cadet Magazine - Summer 2024 Read Army Cadet Magazine - Summer 2024 by Salt Media on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platform. Start here!

NEW CEO STARTS COMPANY VISITS

The recently-appointed Cadet Executive Officer (CEO) for Yorkshire (N&W) ACF, Ian Main, has begun an extensive round of visits to detachments and Company headquarters across our County area.

Ian, a former major in the Regular Army, is keen to meet the CFAVs and cadets who do so much to make YNW the success story that it is. Yesterday evening, he started with a visit to B Company's HQ in York.
Escorted by Capt Mal Clark (B Company's Permanent Support Staff), he was greeted by Admin Officer Lt Mike Richardson and Training Officer SMI Karl Methven. He then moved on to visit the cadets and Adult Volunteers at Strensall Detachment.

Welcome to Yorkshire North and West!

Photo (left to right): SMI Karl Methven, Lt Mike Richardson, CEO Ian Main, PSS Capt Mal Clark
- picture/text SSI Fiona McCallion, County Media Team

AFD SCARBADOS 2024 END OF A GREAT DAY

SCARBADOS AFD 2024 CONT.

ARMED FORCES DAY 2024 SCARBOROUGH
Part one.

A Company Yorkshire North & West took part in the Armed Forces Day 2024 in Scarborough. A brilliant day was had by all concerned, with the Cadets and CFAV's doing YNW ACF proud.

D-DAY COMMEMORATIONS IN YORKSHIRE (N&W) ACF

The 6th of June saw the 80th anniversary of D-Day marked at training evenings at detachments across our County. Additionally, some of our detachments took part in public engagements to mark this important date.

Cadets and Adult Volunteers from A Company's Catterick Detachment visited The Terrace Care Home in Richmond on 6th June. They engaged with the residents and sang along to war songs, before lighting a commemorative lantern while a bugler played the Last Post.
In Knaresborough, cadets and CFAVs from Knaresborough and Harrogate Detachments participated in a D-Day memorial and parade at Knaresborough Castle.

As you can see from the pictures, our members represented their detachments, Companies and County wonderfully throughout the events. Well done!

- Text/pictures provided by SIs Fee and Craig
- Editing by SSI McCallion, County Media Team

RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber Army Cadets UK

GOOD NEWS NIGHT AT NORMANTON DETACHMENT!

Yesterday evening, the County Commandant, Colonel Hugh Gell, visited E Company's Normanton Detachment to make a very special presentation.

Normanton Detachment's Commander, SSI Donna Hawley, is well-known in our County for her charity fundraising exploits but now she has achieved national recognition!

After speaking to the assembled cadets, the Commandant presented SSI Hawley with an Army Cadet Charitable Trust (ACCT) certificate of recognition.
This had been awarded by the ACCT because of the effort she has put into raising money for them over the years, including enduring a head shave and cycling from London to Essex...
..but it doesn't stop there, as SSI Hawley is about to embark on yet another fundraising challenge in aid of the ACCT - this time cycling all the way from London to Paris! There is still time to sponsor her - just click on the link below for further details.

Congratulations to SSI Hawley - and good luck with your cycling challenge in August!

- photos: SMI Darren Mulley
- text: E Company Media Officer, NUV Sophie Hewitt
- editing: SSI Fiona McCallion, County Media Team, Yorkshire (N&W) ACF

RFCA Yorkshire and The Humber
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/JBGAYpcYNGYbmi49/

TODAY WE GIVE THANKS TO OUR BRAVE D DAY VETERANS AND WE REMEMBER THEIR COMRADES WHO ARE NO LONGER WITH US.

GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.

MERCHANT ADVENTURER'S TANKARD AWARD 2024

Cadet Sergeant Hamilton of D Company, Yorkshire N&W ACF, attended a medal parade and families day at Catterick Garrison on Saturday 18th May.

During the parade Sgt Hamilton received the Merchant Adventurer's Tankard Award for 2024.

The Award was recognition for his achievements during his service in the ACF. Including being a fantastic leader and role model for younger Cadets.

Sgt Hamilton's family and Lt Anna Sharrock from D Company also attended the parade. They were very proud to watch Sgt Hamilton have the honour of being presented with the Award in front of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment.

A number of Senior officers applauded Sgt Hamilton for his achievements, in particular the Colonel of the Royal Yorkshire Regiment, Major General ZR Stenning OBE. The General was very impressed with Sgt Hamilton's ACF career to date, he was full of praise for Sgt Hamilton's achievements.

Sgt Hamilton took the opportunity to talk to soldiers from the Regiment about their Army careers, seeking advice for the future.

Sgt Hamilton also took a look over the Regiments weapons and vehicle systems. Then he took time out to go round the Petting Zoo!

Sgt Hamilton's parents, Detachment, Company and County, are all very proud of Sgt Hamilton's achievement in being presented with this prestigious Merchant Adventurer's Tankard Award.

Original report/images - Lt Anna Sharrock D Company.

Edited by Major M Bell GCGI
CMEO, H&A officer
YNW ACF