Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter
October 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
LORD-LIEUTENANT AWARDS
On Thursday 15th October we were at the Gateway in Aylesbury to host the Buckinghamshire Lord-Lieutenant Awards!
The Lord-Lieutenant, The Countess Howe, presented 8 Meritorious Service Awards and 4 Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets were appointed.
There was also the first best Tri-Service Cadet award for the county thanks to the generous sponsorship of Cadet Direct. In addition to these, there was the Best Reservist Award kindly sponsored and presented by Esri UK.
Thank you to A Company, 7 Rifles for their support and to the Bugler from The Waterloo Band and Bugles of the Rifles for the brilliant fanfare! We were also delighted to have a number of Cadets from Buckinghamshire Army Cadet Force, 1365 Aylesbury Squadron Air Cadets, Aylesbury Sea Cadets and Marlow Sea & Royal Marine Cadets form a Cadet Guard of Honour to greet the Lord-Lieutenant.
On Thursday 22nd October we were at a new venue for us, Ashford School, for His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Kent Awards.
The Lord-Lieutenant, The Lady Bella Colgrain, awarded 8 Meritorious Service Certificates and a Ulysses Trust Outstanding Service Award. The Best Reservist award was also kindly sponsored and presented by RIFT Group. Lady Colgrain also appointed her 10 new Lord-Lieutenant Cadets for the coming year.
The winner of the Best Tri-Service Cadet of Kent, sponsored by Cadet Direct, was the brilliant Cadet Warrant Officer Imogen Freelove from 354 (Dover) Squadron Air Training Corps, Kent Wing Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
Cadet WO Freelove’s excellence was again recognised as she was also awarded the The Pooley Tri-Service Sword of Honour, which is given to the best Cadet in the South East of England. This is the second year the sword has been awarded and has be very generously sponsored by Pooley Swords. Northern Trust also kindly sponsored the Best Tri-Service Cadet by providing a trophy and voucher.
Thank you to C Company, 3rd Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment for their support on the evening.
On Tuesday 27th October we returned to Lancing College, this time in the Great School for the Awards Ceremony, for His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants of Sussex Awards.
The Best Reservist Award was presented to Lance Corporal Nathan Penney, D Company, 4th Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment from East Sussex this year. This award was kindly sponsored by Sussex Chamber of Commerce and presented by their Chief Executive Officer, Ana Christie.
The Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, awarded 2 Meritorious Service Certificates and 3 Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets were appointed.
The Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman CStJ, awarded 10 Meritorious Service Certificates, a Cadet Forces Medal and 2 1st Clasps to the CFM, the SSAFA Irlam Trophy and 4 Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets were appointed.
The winner of the Best Tri-Service Cadet of Sussex, sponsored by Cadet Direct, was Cadet Warrant Officer Class 2 Henry Lawrence from Eastbourne College Combined Cadet Force and No. 10 Eastbourne Detachment, Sussex Army Cadet Force.
Thank you to C Company, 3rd Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment for their support on the evening.
On Thursday 29th October we hosted His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Awards at Lord Wandsworth College.
The Best Reservist Award was kindly sponsored by A1 Print Services and presented by their Managing Director, David MacAskill.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, awarded 9 Meritorious Service Certificates, 2 Ulysses Trust Outstanding Service Awards and 5 Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets were appointed.
The winner of the Best Tri-Service Cadet of Hampshire, kindly sponsored by Cadet Direct, was the brilliant Cadet Staff Sergeant Miriam Dima from 2 (Peronne Road) Platoon, Barossa Company, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force.
Special thanks to 679 Squadron 6 Regiment Army Air Corps for your support on the evening, as well as the brilliant Buglers from the Volunteer Cadet Corps.
- Gain insights into the British Army and its contribution to society.
- Ask questions and take part in meaningful discussions.
- Network with fellow guests over refreshments.
FREE to attend! Scan the QR code on the poster to register.
VETERANS MASONIC REMEMBRANCE BREAKFAST 
Date: 1st November 2026
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Location: Slough Masonic Centre, Ragstone Road, Slough
SL1 2PX
This event is free to all non-Masonic serving members and veterans of the Armed Forces.
Non-Masonic Armed Forces Veterans – Free
Masonic Armed Forces Veteran/Others – £7.50
To book your place click here.
Please contact Dougie Leacy on 07561 106065 or at afc@buckspgl.org for further information or if you have any problems booking in.
ARMED FORCES VETERANS’ HUB AT NEWBURY FIRE STATION
Armed Forces veterans, serving personnel, reservists and their families are invited to attend an Armed Forces Veterans’ Hub at Newbury Fire Station on Friday, 6 November 2026.
Running from 10am to 1pm, the drop-in event at Hawthorn Road, Newbury, RG14 1LD, offers a relaxed and informal opportunity for current and former members of the Armed Forces to meet, socialise and connect with others who share similar experiences.
Representatives from a range of charities and organisations will also be on hand to provide advice, information and support on a variety of issues.
For further information, visit rbfrs.co.uk/armedforces or call 0118 938 4606.
CADET NEWS
Promoting the Cadet Experience
NATIONAL CADETS WEEK 2026
Introduction by: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Rod Gray MBE, Deputy Chief Executive (East) / Head of Cadets & Youth, South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association
The first ever National Cadets Week was held 5-11 October; what a fabulous celebration of our inspiring Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers. His Majesty King Charles III issued a special message paying tribute to the UKs Cadet Forces, Adult Volunteers, families and supporters. It was an honour and privilege to be part of the National Cadet Week Launch in Hastings on 5 October by the Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MBE MP, and the official opening of the new Joint Cadet Centre by the Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Mr Andrew Blackman CStJ. A fantastic new facility for the young people of Hastings and St Leonards which will deliver life changing skills and experiences from leadership and teamwork to communications, confidence and resilience. The Air Training Corps Cadets in Hastings have already trebled in numbers since the opening of the new JCC. Behind every young cadet is a dedicated group of adult volunteers who provide a safe environment and a unique skill that allows young people to thrive, grow in confidence and transition to adulthood with a brighter future.
The list of events in the South East during Cadet Week was endless and they included cadets and volunteers heading to Government as part of a special Whitehall visit, Cadets Forces granted the Freedom of the Borough of Reigate and Banstead, a special Naval event at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, visits by local MPs, Lord-Lieutenants, Mayors, Councillors and Armed Forces Champions to their local Cadet Forces and a fabulous cadet event organised by Radley College which included all MoD Sponsored Cadet Units and Police Cadets.
The growth of cadets by 30% by 2035 is a great initiative and with the release of the Cadet Growth Plan in the next few months it will be clear how this will be achieved. As I mentioned previously, the growth in cadets cannot be achieved without the growth in Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs); they are the critical backbone of the cadet organisations. During Cadet Week, Kent County Council announced that CFAVs within their workforce would be entitled to a further 10 days leave to support cadets, great news. We thank all employers for their support to the cadet organisations.
A piece of Portsmouth’s military and youth history has been permanently marked at the heart of the city, as the Volunteer Cadet Corps (VCC) unveiled a commemorative plaque at Portsmouth Guildhall.
The ceremony brought together cadets, adult volunteers, civic leaders and senior military representatives to celebrate the VCC’s 125 year history and its deep and enduring connection with Portsmouth.
For 125 years, the organisation has provided young people with opportunities to develop confidence, leadership, teamwork, discipline and a spirit of service through adventure, education and the traditions, standards and ethos of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
Lieutenant Commander Adam Hearn RN, Commander, Volunteer Cadet Corps, said:
“It is particularly fitting that, as we celebrate 125 years of the Volunteer Cadet Corps, we are able to mark our Portsmouth origins with a permanent plaque at the heart of the city.
For generations, Portsmouth has been an important part of the VCC story, and generations of young people from across the city have experienced the opportunities that cadet life provides.
This plaque is a lasting reminder of the contribution made by those cadets and volunteers who have gone before us and of the enduring relationship between the Volunteer Cadet Corps and Portsmouth.
To unveil it during Portsmouth100, in our 125th anniversary year and at the beginning of the inaugural National Cadets Week makes this a particularly special moment for everyone connected with the VCC.”
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE CADETS TAKE PART IN CHALLENGE COMPETITION AT RAF HALTON
Around 100 young people representing the cadet movement across Buckinghamshire gathered at RAF Halton in October to take part in an exciting challenge competition.
The event brought together cadets aged between 14 and 20, who tested their skills and abilities across a range of activities, including archery, football, micro-helicopter flying, leadership challenges, first aid and crime-busting exercises.
Competition was close throughout the day, but it was a team from the RGS High Wycombe Combined Cadet Force that ultimately emerged victorious, securing first place with an impressive total of 101 points.
The prizes were presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire, The Countess Howe, who congratulated all the young people on their participation and achievements.
She also paid tribute to the event organisers, Bucks Uniformed Youth, and thanked the Cadet Force Adult Volunteers for their hard work in supporting and managing the teams.
The competition provided an opportunity for young people from across the county to demonstrate their teamwork, leadership, determination and practical skills, while enjoying a day of friendly rivalry and camaraderie.
RAF AIR CADETS BRING BATTLEFIELD HISTORY TO LIFE IN BELGIUM
RAF Air Cadets from across the South East have returned from a major battlefield study tour to Belgium and Northern France, combining remembrance, military history, leadership and personal development. The four-day Belgium Battlefield and Music Tour, held from 2 to 5 October, brought together 170 cadets and 20 adult volunteers from units across the country, including a significant contingent from the South East.
Cadets from five South East squadrons took part, representing Crawley (19 Sqn), Worthing (45F Sqn), Eastbourne (54 Sqn), Hove (176 Sqn) and Brighton No.2 (226 Sqn). This trip gave young people from different communities the opportunity to learn, reflect and work alongside cadets they might otherwise never have met.
RESERVES NEWS
Championing the Value of Reserve Service
133 Recovery Company, 103 Battalion REME
Providing recovery of equipment to the Infantry, Cavalry and support Regiments across the Warfighting Division.
Available roles:
EXERCISE CAMBRIAN PATROL
A huge congratulations to the Southampton University Officers’ Training Corps Officer Cadets who successfully completed Exercise Cambrian Patrol, one of the British Army’s most demanding patrolling exercises!
Taking on challenging terrain and demanding conditions, the Officer Cadets were pushed to their limits through arduous tabbing between tasks, including challenges such as river crossings and other physically and mentally demanding activities.
Throughout the exercise, they demonstrated their physical endurance, navigation, fieldcraft and teamwork.
An outstanding display of resilience, determination and leadership throughout. A fantastic achievement and a great effort from everyone involved!
THE BAND OF THE PRINCESS OF WALES’S ROYAL REGIMENT ADDS TO ROYAL ENGINEERS CORPS GUEST NIGHT CELEBRATIONS
A small musical ensemble from The Band of The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment provided entertainment at the Royal Engineers Corps Guest Night, helping to set the tone for the evening ahead of a performance by Honorary Colonel Jools Holland.
The musicians delighted guests with a selection of music, adding to the atmosphere and celebrations of the special occasion.
The ensemble was delighted to be part of the event and to contribute to the evening’s celebrations through music.
TUESDAY NIGHT IS BAND NIGHT!Playing in a Military Band as part of the Army Reserve is something you can do alongside your own band – it’s not ‘Either – Or’ you can do both!
If you:
– Live within 50 miles of Abingdon,
– Play Brass – Woodwind – Percussion
– Play to Grade 6 or higher
– Aged 18 to 62 and…
WANT TO GET PAID TO PLAY?
Come and meet Waterloo Band & Bugles at their band room on Saturday Nov 14, 10:30 – 15:30 and see for yourself.
DO YOU WANT TO BE A RESERVIST?
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT NEWS
Encouraging Employers to Support Defence
PINEWOOD GROUP SIGN THE ARMED FORCES COVENANT
A fantastic evening at Pinewood Studios earlier this month as the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) and a number of Gold Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) award holders attended Pinewood Studios for a special screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.
It was a brilliant opportunity to experience one of the UK’s most iconic film locations and see first-hand the connection between the film industry, the creative sector and the Armed Forces community.
Even more importantly, the visit marked Pinewood Group signing the Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating its commitment to supporting serving personnel, Reservists, Veterans, Service families and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.
The Armed Forces Covenant was signed next to Pinewood Studio’s iconic Underwater Stage by Andrew M Smith OBE DL, Corporate Affairs Director for Pinewood Group; and Group Captain Rauri Henderson-Begg, Chief Modelling and Simulation Officer (Air) on behalf of Ministry of Defence. The Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire and President of SERFCA, The Countess Howe and our Chief Executive, Colonel (Retd) Patrick Crowley MBE DL were also in attendance to witness the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant.
BERKSHIRE ARMY CADETS GAIN INSIGHT INTO APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES WITH THAMES VALLEY WATER
Sixteen cadets from the Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force have taken an important step towards their future careers after attending an apprenticeship introduction event hosted by Thames Valley Water at Brock Barracks on Wednesday 28th October 2026.
The event was organised as part of Thames Valley Water’s commitments to supporting young people in Berkshire under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.
The initiative was made possible through a collaboration between Berkshire Army Cadet Force, Louis Szreider, South-East Defence Relationship Manager, and Thames Valley Water. It was aimed at cadets who are due to leave school within the next 12 months.
During the session, the cadets were introduced to apprenticeship opportunities and given practical guidance on preparing documentation for future applications. They also had the chance to gain hands-on experience and learn more about how water systems operate.
With young people facing increasing challenges when entering the job market, opportunities such as this play an important role in helping them develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills needed to take their first steps into employment.
Earlier this month, Reading Borough Council signed the Armed Forces Covenant. The signing marks the renewal of Reading’s previous Armed Forces Community Covenant, which was first signed back in 2012.
Barracks in Reading and local Armed Forces charities through regular meetings of the Reading Armed Forces Partnership and events such as Armed Forces Day, Reserves Day, and Remembrance activities.INVESTING IN THE NEXT GENERATION: BRIDEWELL’S SUPPORT FOR CADETS
As part of Bridewell’s commitment to being a Gold Employer Recognition Scheme organisation, the company extends the 10 days of paid leave available to Reservists to Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers as well. This provides volunteers with the opportunity to give their time to supporting young people without having to sacrifice their annual leave.
For Bridewell employees who volunteer with the Cadet Forces, the opportunity is about more than simply giving something back. It is about helping young people develop skills, confidence and experiences that can support them throughout their lives. Supporting CFAV’s is therefore an investment not only in its employees and the communities in which they live, but also in the development of young people and the skills they will carry with them into adult life.
Click here to hear more from their employees who also volunteer with the Cadet Forces.
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:
FARNHAM ARMY RESERVE CENTRE
Located just on the eastern outskirts of Farnham, this large and impressive Army Reserve Centre is ideal for small to medium sized meetings and conferences as well as social events.
A notable feature is the tiered lecture room which seats 50 in comfort and is equipped with a modern audio visual system. There is also a classroom for 20, again equipped with the necessary presentation aides.
The large hall can take up to 120 seated and 150 standing – perfect for both business and social events.
There is also parking for up to 30 cars.
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.
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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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