Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter
May 2026
Our Vision
“To be an enduring and essential pillar in the delivery of support for the well-being of the Reserves and Cadets and, through our effectiveness and our position in the regions, to be the independent body that represents their interests and promotes understanding between the Armed Forces and civil society”
LATEST NEWS
⭐ARMED FORCES DAY NATIONAL EVENT⭐
Rushmoor Borough Council are honouring the history and current service of the Armed Forces. There is a unique opportunity for everyone to enjoy a weekend of spectacular events and celebrations, bringing the community and Armed Forces together.
The celebrations will include a parade featuring military bands from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army and Royal Air Force, leading marching detachments of military personnel, cadets and veterans.
Tickets are completely free – find out more and book yours here
RESERVES NEWS
Championing the Value of Reserve Service
HMS KING ALFRED
HMS King Alfred is the Royal Navy Reserve unit associated with Portsmouth.
Being in the heart of a naval city gives HMS King Alfred Reservists excellent opportunities to see the work of the Royal Navy first hand. The Reservists also get to use the tremendous facilities that can be found locally.
From taking part in Parkrun’s, supporting Commemorations, competing in Skiing competitions, to training in the Scottish Mountains, life as as Reservist with them is far from boring.
Find out more about the opportunities they offer on their Facebook page here.
RESERVIST SPOTLIGHT: A MOMENTOUS OCCASSION FOR AS2 HONEYMAN AND HER DAUGHTER
Serving in the Royal Air Force is a proud tradition for many families, but for Air Specialist Class 2 Honeyman and her daughter, Caitlyn Honey, that tradition has taken on a truly special meaning as they found themselves training side by side at the same point in their RAF journeys. 
Caitlyn graduated from Basic Training at RAF Halton on 19 November 2025, just two days after her 17th birthday. Being able to attend her graduation was a moment of immense pride, not only as a parent, but as a fellow member of the RAF who understands the commitment, discipline and resilience required to reach that milestone.
Just a few months later, the roles were reversed. On 22 March 2026, Caitlyn was able to attend my Phase 2 training from Basic Movements Training at RAF Brize Norton. Sharing that moment, with her supporting me as I had supported her, was incredibly special and something neither of us will ever forget.
AS2 Honeyman has told us more about their story here.
RESERVIST RESEARCH REQUEST:
Reservists – share your views and you could win a £100 voucher!
Forces Mutual, a leading UK provider of financial services for people in the Armed Forces, is looking to understand your views and experiences around insurance and financial protection.
Being a Reservist is a unique experience that means operating across two worlds. Balancing military and civilian life can create situations where insurance doesn’t always work as clearly or effectively as it should. Protection is not always designed for the realities of Reservist life.
To take part in the 10 minute survey and be in for a chance to win £100 – click here
FINALISTS REVEALED FOR 2026 BRITISH FORCES IN BUSINESS AWARDS
The world’s largest celebration of veteran talent returns for its ninth year, recognising the individuals and organisation shaping high-impact civilian careers after military service.
Among the 12 ‘Reservists of the year 2026’, is Colour Sergeant Milligan, shortlisted for his role as a Private for C Coy 3PWRR.
Best wishes for the finals!
Read more about the British Forces in Business Awards here
DO YOU WANT TO BE A RESERVIST?
VOLUNTEERS WEEK – MONDAY 1 – SUNDAY 7 JUNE 2026
Volunteers’ Week is an annual UK-wide campaign held from the first Monday in June to celebrate and recognise the contributions of volunteers.
Launched in 1984, this initiative has been running for over 40 years, providing organisations and communities a platform to thank current and past volunteers for their invaluable efforts.
The campaign highlights the diversity and unity of volunteer work across the UK. In its 40th year, the campaign underwent a rebrand, introducing a vibrant identity to inspire continued engagement.
Volunteers’ Week fosters connections between national organisations and grassroots groups, celebrating the spirit of volunteering that enriches communities each year.
Find out more about the week here
VICTORIA DAY returns on Saturday 6 June from 10am to 4pm, transforming Aldershot town centre into a world of folklore, fairy tales and family fun. We’re ready for a magical day filled with storybook surprises from around the world!
Across the town centre, a lively mix of activities awaits. Encounter a fire‑breathing dragon, marvel at a bubble wizard, watch mythical street performers, discover magical make‑and‑take crafts, enjoy gentle storytelling, build your own Lego monster and get creative with face painting.
The highlight of the day is the spectacular fairy‑tale carnival parade, brimming with dazzling costumes and story‑inspired characters. The parade celebrated Aldershot and the unique stories of people from near and far who shape this vibrant community. The procession leaves Princes Hall at 11am and makes its way to the High Street multi‑storey car park, led by Aldershot’s own Queen Victoria, Betty Bryce, guiding a lively parade of more than 1,000 local people.
For the full programme, please visit the webpage here – Victoria Day – Rushmoor Borough Council
CADET NEWS
Promoting the Cadet Experience
✨National Cadets Week ✨
Tens of thousands of young people across the UK will have the opportunity to discover the cadet forces as the government announces the first ever National Cadets Week, taking place from 5-11 October 2026.
The week will celebrate the UK’s cadet community – one of the country’s most effective youth organisations – and the multitude of young people and adult volunteers who make the cadets a success.
Read more about the announcement here
Surrey Army Cadet Force Team Triumphs at Cambrian Patrol 2026!
Over the weekend of 15–17 May, the Surrey ACF team travelled to Sennybridge, Wales to compete in the prestigious Cadet Cambrian Patrols, competing against
19 teams from across the United Kingdom representing both ACF Counties and CCF contingents.
Despite the demanding conditions and intense exercise, the team performed superbly throughout the competition. Through their hard work, determination, and professionalism the Cadets were rewarded with the coveted Gold Standard Patrol award, alongside the title of Best National Team for the third consecutive year.
Cadet Sergeant Jess Fowler’s time in the CCF
Hailing from Gordon’s School CCF (Army), Cadet Sergeant Jess Fowler has been in the school’s contingent for three years. The Combined Cadet Force recently sat down with her to find out more about her time in the CCF and see what she has planned next.
“I joined the CCF after being given the opportunity to attend a training week in Dartmoor, where I had the best time! I found pushing myself and stepping out of my comfort zone to be really rewarding and I loved seeing how much of a community the CCF was. It was something I wanted to be a part of…read more.
Pass Out Parades at HMS Sultan
HMS Sultan have held two fantastic Pass Out Parades this month. Cadets from HMS Sultan Royal Naval Volunteer Cadet Corps and the Bank of Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps Gosport successfully completed their recruit and proudly passed out.
Over recent months, the recruits have developed the skills, discipline and teamwork expected of a VCC Cadet, showing commitment and determination throughout their training journey.
Their Pass Out Parades were proud occasions, attended by family, friends and invited guests, all there to celebrate the achievements of the newest cadets joining the VCC family.
Congratulations to every cadet involved – a fantastic achievement and the beginning of an exciting journey ahead.
ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A CADET FORCE ADULT VOLUNTEER?
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT NEWS
Encouraging Employers to Support Defence
Is your organisation doing enough to support the Armed Forces community?
SOUTH EAST EMPLOYERS VISIT RAF BENSON
Earlier this month, our Employer Engagement Team and 606 (Chiltern) Sqn hosted a number of support South East Employers at RAF Benson for a Business Lunch event. Employers were welcomed by SERFCA’s Employer Engagement Team, then heard from a number of speakers including the Station Commander of RAF Benson, Wing Commander Alice Tierney and the OC 606Sqn, Squadron Leader John Burgess about the operations within RAF Benson and the input Reservists have had within the station.
Employers were then invited into Hangar A, where they got up close and personal with a Chinook support helicopter and spoke with the Reservists from 606Sqn about the exciting opportunities they are afforded. 
Two organisation, Xtract Limited and Zero Line Advanced Research (ZLAR) UK Ltd, also affirmed their support to the Armed Forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant, with Sqn Ldr John Burgess co-signing on behalf of Ministry of Defence. Guests were then treated to a lunch in the RAF Benson Officers Mess.
Photo credit UK MOD Crown Copyright 2026.
HAS YOUR ORGANISATION SIGNED THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT?
ESTATES
Providing the best place to work and train
ALTERNATIVE VENUES
Alternative Venues South East has a range of interesting buildings in an area stretching from Oxfordshire to Kent. They include 19th Century Houses and modern state-of-the-art training facilities, all of them large well-equipped Army Reserve Centres and Cadet detachments – ideal for business, sporting, training and social activities. Most of the venues are available seven days a week and all of the Army Reserve Centres have professional catering facilities and secure parking.
VENUE OF THE MONTH:
BRIGHTON ARMY RESERVE CENTRE
This site offers endless possibilities for training, meetings or even large functions. Located nearby Brighton train station and on the doorstep of local shops, this ARC is in a prime location for your business and clients.
Suitable hiring at the venue:
• Filming
• Training
• Corporate
• Meetings
• Examination Hall
• Secure Parking
Interested in hiring this venue? Get in touch today!
MANAGING THE VOLUNTEER ESTATE, RESERVE AND CADET BUILDINGS
JOB VACANCIES
Our staff are employed as Crown Servants, with flexible working arrangements offered. We also offer generous benefits and a supportive atmosphere. Follow us on Indeed to be alerted of new vacancies:
If you’re thinking of joining our team, find out more About Us and what we’ve been working on in our Latest News
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