Gwent and Powys ACF Summer 2019 Magazine

GWENT AND POWYS ARMY CADET FORCE SUMMER NEWSLETTER

THE WELSH DRAGONS Issue 02| June 2019

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Issue 02 | Summer 2019

GWENT AND POWYS ARMY CADET FORCE

IN THIS ISSUE 02 03 04 05 06 06 08 10 12 13 14 16

A Note from the Editor The Cadet RSM Easter Camp @ Penally First Aid Champions Army Cadet D-Day 75 County News Exercise Welsh Dragon The Band and Drums RCN Nurse Cadet Scheme Lord Lieutenants’ Awards Stop Press The Sports Page

Exercise Welsh Dragon, Cyprus, Easter 2019

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Welcome back to the second edition of the Gwent and Powys Newsletter, now entitled ‘The Welsh Dragons’! We are, after all, extremely proud of Wales and thought that we should be shouting it loudly from the hilltops!

and MPs around the county. If you know of someone who would like to receive a copy then please let me have their email address and we will ensure they are included on the distribution list.

A huge thank you to all those who have sent in contributions to the Facebook and Twitter feeds—our followers are continuing to grow steadily and we are not far behind our friends in the north now—let’s see if we can catch them up. So, make sure you ‘like’ and ‘follow’ us on Facebook and do a bit of sharing too! Let’s work together to make Gwent and Powys a force to be reckoned with in the public eye, not only in Wales, but across the UK and beyond!

If you are wondering why your event or activity was not included - it’s probably because we didn’t know about it, or possibly because we didn't have enough space!

The next newsletter will be published in Autumn 2019, so to ensure you don’t miss out, get your stories to us by the end of September.

It’s been a busy time for us too! The team attend as many events as possible, but if we can’t be there - just send a short write up and some photographs which can provide the basis of a story that others would be interested in.

You can contact us directly via the Gwent and Powys ACF Facebook page or Twitter feed, and don’t forget to check out our Twitter, Facebook and Instagram pages for more information and updates as the news is happening!

SMI Kerrie Green - Public Relations Officer

Our distribution list extends far and wide and this newsletter will be emailed to military units, police, schools, local councillors

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THE TOP JOB! It’s the pinnacle of a career in the ACF, the one job that everyone strives to achieve, and the one role that cadets look up to with awe. So let us present to you the new Cadet RSM, Joe Waters!

CdtRSM Waters joined the Army Cadet Force in February 2015, aged just 12 years old. His passion for the Army came from a family friend, who would write letters to him telling of his adventures. Who knew what it would lead to?

As would be expected of someone in his position, Joe has completed his 4 Star training, and, in addition, the Senior Cadet Instructor Course , Cadet Leadership Course and has his sights set on the Master Cadet Course later this year. The skills and qualities that Joe has developed whilst taking part in these courses are key to his progression and development, and the high esteem with which he is held amongst Adult Instructors, his peers, and the junior cadets in his detachment, his company and across the county.

The pride with which Joe presents himself is clearly apparent; his uniform is always immaculate and as such he sets a high standard for others to follow. He is a natural role model who exudes confidence and leadership, and this affords him great success when running the Basic Cadre at his detachment, along with his team of Junior Cadet NCO’s. He epitomises the values and standards of the ACF, his conduct is exemplary and the way he strives to achieve his own successes and ambitions is an inspiration to others.

Joe is extremely committed to the ACF; he attends every training weekend possible and takes advantage of those events that fall outside of the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) Syllabus to enhance and develop his own learning. This has helped to develop his love of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths).

Joe is always keen to put his knowledge to the test and take on responsibility, and is often to be found taking parades, assisting and organising cadets and ensuring that they are punctual and ready for their training.

The new Cadet RSM, Joe Waters Joes passion lies in fieldcraft, and he certainly excels in this area—both in his own skill and knowledge and in his teaching ability. His enthusiasm is engaging and his lessons are exciting and interesting for the younger cadets, igniting their interest. He has been a member of the Cambrian Patrol Team on two occasions; in 2017 and 2018. On both occasions, the team were awarded Gold and the Overall Winning Team. Joe has also participated in and achieved awards in Athletics, First Aid, Shooting and varying team sports during his years as a cadet.

The ACF offers a wide range of opportunities, and Joe makes the most of them all. He has achieved his Bronze DofE Award, is working towards silver and plans to move onto Gold later this year. He has represented Gwent and Powys on several international exchanges and programmes, including the Bavaria Multi-Activity Course and Exercise Baltic Guard in Latvia. He has also participated in two Op Reflect projects to commemorate World War 1, where visits were made to France and Belgium, and more recently on the Army Cadet Force D-Day 75 Tour of Normandy. Joe always conducts himself with professionalism, and can be relied upon, without question, to represent the county and everything it stands for with integrity.

Joe is currently studying for his A-levels at Cross Keys College in Newport and is intending to apply to Bath University to study Business Administration. Whilst there, he intends to become a member of the UnderOfficer Training Corps, and attend Sandhurst prior to embarking on a career in the Army. In his spare time, he teaches karate at a local club where he holds a Black Belt Second Dan, enjoys working on physical fitness and works in the family business, gaining valuable knowledge and experience to support his aspirations.

Cadets like Joe epitomise everything that the ACF stands for.

Pride, integrity, confidence, humility, compassion: a leader who empowers and strives to support the development of others. Joe is, without doubt, a deserving recipient of this role, and we know that he will continue to be a strong leader and advocate for the cadets in Gwent and Powys. We are sure that the family friend who sparked his interest, along with his family, are incredibly proud of what he has achieved and 3 his plans for the future.

EASTER CAMP 2019 PENALLY, PEMBROKESHIRE Over the Easter Bank Holiday, Senior Cadets from the Le Cateau Training Company embarked on a trip down to Penally for a weekend of fun, excitement, drama and intensive training.

Oh, and a little bit of chocolate too!

One of the most excited and widely awaited times of the year for many cadets is most definitely camp. Two weeks away from home in the Summer months, friendship, fun, training—its an incredible experience.

Well, for those cadets who are part of the Le Cateau Senior Training Company, they had the bonus of an additional camp over the long Easter Bank Holiday.

Who could ask for anything more?!

In addition to this, there was also a Silver DofE practise expedition.

DofE is just one of the additional qualifications that the ACF supports and offers cadets the opportunity to participate in.

Those who attended had an amazing time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves in the unusually warm Spring sunshine at Penally, which is down near the Pembrokeshire coast. What better way is there to spend your Easter weekend than with your #ACFFamily?

Preparations are now underway for Summer Camp, which will be in Castlemartin. If you would like to find out more about whether you are eligible to attend, see your Detachment Commander for details. Don’t leave it too long though, booking closes soon!

A huge thank you to all those permanent staff, adult instructors and volunteers who worked so hard to make Easter Camp 2019 the amazing experience that it was!

The training plans for Easter Camp were specially devised to support development at the 3 Star Army Proficiency Certificate Level. The training and activities on offer included shooting, first aid, drill, physical challenges and command tasks. And, if that wasn’t enough to keep them busy, there was a JCIC and PreSCIC package, which included CFIT, team building, command tasks, STEM and shooting. These particular courses are aimed at training in planning, delivering and teaching skills and knowledge to the younger cadets, offering opportunities for the development of skills that will support the Senior Cadets in their preparation for the world of work.

Drill Practise DofE

Formed Up

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Pride on parade Route Planning

On the assault course...

On the Range

The range at Longmoor

The Junior Team

Out on exercise

Rock climbing

First Aid Expeditions in Action

FIRST AID WELSH CHAMPIONS! In March, cadets from across Wales Following a hard fought competition, we are to announce that the two teams from descended on the G&P headquarters pleased Gwent and Powys did incredibly well! A huge in Crickhowell for the Welsh Regional congratulations to the Cadet Team from First Aid Competition. With two teams Raglan Barracks who won the bronze medal, from G&P in the Junior and Young and to the Young Adult team who came away first place! This is a magnificent Adult sections, and numerous teams with achievement and we are incredibly proud of from across Wales, it was always you all! going to be a hard fought and close competition.

Cadets were challenged to deal with a range of scenarios using their knowledge, skill and teamwork, and demonstrate how to work in pressured and demanding situations. Everyone who took part did a fantastic job and this proves just how many amazing young First Aiders we have across Wales.

In Gwent and Powys, understanding and knowledge of First Aid and the ability to be able to deal with difficult situations is given high priority, and for those who have an interest there is a whole wealth of support and training available, led by a team of Adult Instructors with highly specialised knowledge.

Celebrating First Place 5

ARMY CADET D-DAY 75 WE WILL REMEMBER THEM Monday 27 May 2019 saw the return of 42 Cadets & 5 Adult Instructors to Cwrt-y-Gollen, Headquarters of Gwent & Powys Army Cadet Force, from the beaches of Normandy where they had participated in the 75th anniversary of D-Day commemorations attended by Army Cadet units from all over the United Kingdom.

see the areas in which British, Canadian, American & French troops had fought to take control of strategic areas to enable the advance to continue. The Adult Instructors were extremely proud of the Cadets, stating that they represented their detachments and the County extremely well, demonstrating respect, integrity and being excellent ambassadors for Gwent and Powys.

There were many compliments from American, British and French citizens about the Cadets and how they wore their uniforms and conducted themselves.

Part of the battlefield study was a visit to Pegasus Bridge, a bridge that crossed the Caen Canal, captured by gliders from the British Army. Cadets stood on the original bridge and learned about Major John Howard, who held the bridge with his platoon until reinforcements arrived.

Before heading back to the campsite ready for the trip home, a drumhead ceremony took place on the cliffs of Arromanches with all present, and the county Cadet

The trip was organised by Col Nash, Commandant of Wiltshire Army Cadet Force, and just like the D-Day landings in Normandy, it took some planning to get everyone across into France and settled down at a small farm-holding near Omaha beach. After a long days travel, especially for some Cadets who had never crossed the channel before, everyone placed their kit into their tents and headed down to the field kitchen area where ‘boil in the bag’ ration packs and hot brews were had for all, followed by a well earned nights rest before the adventures ahead the next day.

During their trip, the Cadets participated in several battlefield study stands, including a visit to Omaha Beach where ‘pacing’ exercises took place, allowing Cadets to work out the distance between the mainland and where the shoreline started, walking in the footsteps of those who had been there in 1944 on D-Day. From the beaches, the next stop was the Normandy American Cemetery where Cadets stood in awe at the incredible sight of all the crosses and memorials to the American soldiers who had laid down their lives on the beaches and sudden realisation dawned that each was a real person with a story and a family. For many, this was a turning point. Then came Pointe Du Hoc, an amazing place where after watching ‘The Longest Day’ film on the way over to Normandy, Cadets could see the scale of the cliffs that had to be climbed.

Cadets that were on the trip said they were honoured to 6

RSM was chosen to hand over the parade to the lead Padre prior to a last post & salute to all those who laid down their lives to help others on the beaches on June 6 1944. This was an incredible honour, and something that will stay with him for the rest of his life.

We will remember them #ArmyCadetDDay75 Capt M Evans OC C Company Pictures by Capt M Evans & AUO J Saunders

OFFICER TRAINING As part of the process towards becoming an Officer, Adult Instructors take part in study weekends and courses designed to support the transition from NCO to Officer. 2Lt Gillian Watson recently took part in her Officer Training at Sandhurst, where she spent the weekend with ACF Officers from around the UK. During the weekend, the group were challenged in many ways to assess their ability to deal with and manage a variety of situations, whilst being observed continually. Through a variety of scenarios, group discussions and leadership tasks they were assessed on their interaction and abilities, with the biggest part being about getting them to take responsibility, and to step back and look at the bigger picture before jumping in.

Becoming an Officer is one way that Adult Instructors can progress in the ACF, and the courses and support that are offered are also extremely beneficial to those who are in, or considering, management positions in their civilian lives.

BLENHEIM ON EXERCISE With Navigation, Fieldcraft and DofE expeditions on the cards at a mixture of 1* and 2*, this was the cadets’ chance to complete their assessments and grasp that all important pass towards their next star level. The sun was shining, the sky was blue and moral was high as the youngsters spent Friday evening and Saturday morning preparing kit, out exploring the local countryside and getting ready for a night under the stars. Routes were planned and set, tents erected and bashers set up in readiness for the days activities and night time fun.

woods, waiting for the ‘enemy’ to attack! All was quiet as darkness fell, and despite the cold on such a beautifully clear night, they had a fantastic time and the adults were kept busy on Sunday morning sorting out all those passes!

As the groups came back into camp the following day, it was clear from the

The end of March saw well over 100 junior cadets converge on CYG Training Camp near Crickhowell for a weekend under the stars!

The cadres were spread across different areas of the camp, which included some hidden away in the

laughter, excitement and buzz of conversation that they had had a fantastic experience. What better way to spend a glorious Spring weekend than out in the field with your friends?!

A huge thank you to the fantastic adult team that made this weekend possible!

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EXERCISE WELSH DRAGON THE CYPRUS TOUR Cyprus, I hear you ask? Lovely place for a holiday, but why are you taking cadets there? Well, let us explain…

Gwent and Powys are proud to work in partnership with the ACF in Cyprus and are in the process of strengthening links through administration and training support. As part of this, members of HQ staff visited earlier in the year to organise and plan a visit for Senior Cadets to train alongside cadets from Cyprus’s Episkopi Detachment. So, on April 20th, a team of cadets and Adult Instructors flew out to the island for what promised to be an extremely exciting project. In their first full day on the island, and whilst the UK was experiencing an Easter heatwave, the group, up in the rather chilly Troodos Mountains, took part in a series of challenges at the Platres Rope Park, 1050 metres above sea level— no wonder some of the adults were wearing their woolly hats!

During the visit, they spent time exploring all the opportunities that the island had to offer and making the most of a very unique trip. There was mountain biking and walking in the Troodos Mountains, and a visit to the local Commonwealth War Graves at the Troodos

Pride on parade 8

Military Cemetery. A very poignant part of the visit involved attending a briefing on the United Nations Peace Mission, delivered by a serving British Army Officer who is currently seconded to the United Nations Forces in Cyprus. There was also time to visit the working digs unit and try their have at go-karting!

The team met up with the Cyprus cadets at Tunnel Beach, taking part in games and activities, including volleyball and water sports, to bond the two groups.

There was a visit to Paphos (with the obligatory icecream of course) and the chance to have a look around.

They also travelled to Nicosea and toured the area by Segway, coupled with a walk into to north.

On the final day, there was a visit to the Cyprus Cadet Detachment with presentations and plans made. It was an incredibly productive and worthwhile visit for all involved, and a fantastic opportunity to make links with the cadets from Episkopi Detachment. Now the foundations of friendship are made, we look forward to more opportunities to work together in the future, and welcoming our new friends to Wales!

On the assault course...

The range at Longmoor

Out on exercise

Photography caption and details

Rock climbing

Expeditions

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Corps of Drums at Wellington Barracks

Welshpool 1940s Weekend

Ready for the Final Parade at Music Camp The Rorke’s Drift Concert Training from the Welsh Guards

Cdt Cpl Nagy at National Music Camp

Cdt Chaplin from Gurnos Detachment The Rorke’s Drift Concert

On Horse Guards Parade after watching the Major General’s Review 10

Monmouthshire Remembers

THE BAND AND DRUMS OF GWENT AND POWYS ACF Band and Drums, I hear you say? But this is the ACF! It’s been an extremely busy few months for the Band and Drums. With many cadets taking part in both music and green activities and working towards both sets of stars, it can be a bit of a juggling act to get everything in, but of course they wouldn’t have it any other way!

As well as regular training and preparing for assessments as part of the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) Syllabus in both Military Band and Corps od Drums, the Band and Drums also have a rather busy schedule of events promoting themselves, the county and the ACF as a whole. In February, for the 22nd time, they hosted the Rorke’s Drift Concert, whereby cadets and Adult Instructors from across the UK descend on the county to put on the largest Army Cadet Force Concert of its kind. They were very priviledged this year to be joined by their ‘parent band’, The Band of the Welsh Guards, who sent sixteen players to support with training and musical development over the course of the weekend and to play with them in the concert at Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon. With dignitaries from all over the UK attending, the pressure to put on the performance of their lives was on, and they certainly didn't disappoint!

As well as events including Mess Dinners to entertain the Officers in the county for the annual St David’s Day celebration, they also travelled to Wathgill in Richmond to take part in their own specialised Music Camp organised and run by Cadet Force Bands, the branch of the Army Cadet Force that is responsible for the music syllabus.

Over 500 cadets from across the UK

attended, training hard to develop their musical skills— playing, reading, concert band, marching band, music theory, and much more, all culminating in a spectacular final parade where guests were entertained by marching displays from each band in turn, including those who had picked up an instrument for the first time that week!

Just a week later, they travelled north again, this time to Edinburgh to take part in the ACFA Scotland Beating Retreat at Edinburgh Castle. There are not many musicians who can boast to having marched out onto the esplanade in front of Edinburgh Castle, but our cadets certainly can! Despite the inclement weather in true #WelshWarrior style the show went on and what a fantastic performance it was!

They also had the opportunity last month to travel down to London at the invitation of Household Division Bands to watch the Major General’s Review of the Trooping the Colour, With VIP seats on the edge of the parade square and hospitality from The Band of the Welsh Guards at Wellington Barracks, it was an incredible day and one that certainly has inspired some of the band mambers to consider their future careers. This boost was obvious when they pulled off a fabulous marching display and concert at Abergavenny Steam Rally just a few days later!

Music is just one of the specialisms that the ACF offers in addition to, or as an alternative pathway to the traditional green route. If you play or are interested in learning to play an instrument, why not get in touch with us to find out more? We even have a Contemporary Band now! Who knows, we could be just what you are looking for!

Do you have what it takes to #daretobedifferent?

Beating Retreat at Edinburgh Castle 11

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEERING AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

FANCY A CAREER IN NURSING? May saw the inaugural weekend of the new Royal College of Nursing Scheme take place at Kimnel Camp in North Wales.

Cadets and Adult Instructors from the ages of 16-25 were eligible to sign up to the course which will give them both practical and theoretical knowledge as a firm base with which to jump start into a career in health, whether that be as a Health Care Assistant, Nurse, Doctor, Combat Medic— the possibilities are endless!

The course begins with a six month foundation phase, taken alongside traditional cadet activities, followed by a two-year diploma which will lead to the Royal College of Nursing Nurse Cadet Award. For those who have an interest in this area this is certainly not an opportunity to be missed! The first weekend was a great success, with those involved taking part in a series of theory and practical lessons around First Aid, Moving and Handling and Infection Control. They are really looking forward to their placements and observing real life on the wards.

If you think this might be something you could be interested in, get in touch for more information—the next cohort will be starting in October. Why not give it a try?

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Captain Danielle Thomas Certificate of Merit Since joining as an Adult Instructor in 2006, Captain Thomas has dedicated an enormous amount of time to the ACF. She displays exceptional qualities that motivate and inspire both cadets and adults to achieve. She was previously the Detachment Commander of Gurnos detachment, before acting as both Training Officer and Second in Command of Brecknockshire Company. Her skills and talents were quickly recognised and led to her being appointed Officer Commanding of Blenheim Company, the County wide company that is responsible for the training of junior cadets. She thrived in this position, demonstrating her outstanding leadership qualities and her ability to enthuse other Adult Volunteers. Under Danielle’s leadership, attendance has significantly increased to the point where they have to create a reserve list for weekends!Danielle is an extremely popular Officer who gets the best out of her fellow officers, Adult Instructors and Cadets alike. She is diligent, hard working, reliable and an inspiration to all, and will go above and beyond in any challenge or opportunity.

We would like to offer Captain Thomas our congratulations and hope that this award goes some way to demonstrate just how much she is valued, respected and appreciated.

LORD LIEUTENANTS’ AWARDS Certificate of Merit

fantastic resource. Recently, Jonathan attended the new KGVI Course at Frimley Park. He is currently preparing to Adult Under Officer Jonathan Saunders was originally a attend the Cadet Force Commissioning Board at Westbury, cadet in the Abergavenny Detachment before joining the and we wish him every success with this!

Royal Regiment of Wales. After leaving the Regular Army, he decided to give a little something back and Jonathan is an extremely joined the ACF in April 2012 as an Adult Volunteer. Last dedicated instructor and June, he married fellow ACF adult Sergeant Major strives to support the Instructor Emma Saunders, and they are bringing their cadets in challenging children up in the ways of the ACF!Jonathan has been themselves, pushing their the Detachment Commander at the thriving Abertillery boundaries and achieving detachment since 2013. He has taken the time to attend their goals. He is an a number of courses for his own development and to outstanding role model support the development of the cadets, including First and a very deserving Aid, Skill-at-Arms, Range Management and Signals. He recipient of this award. is also one of a small number of Adult Instructors who are qualified as a mobile climbing tower supervisor, Congratulations AUO supporting Gwent and Powys in making the most of their Saunders!

Certificate

of

Merit

. Introduction to the Duke of Edinburgh Award course. This has allowed her to Emma Gudgeon is a Civillian Assistant support the company involvement in based at Raglan Barracks, and does this, where she she runs a monthly such an incredible job that the Adult drop-in for cadets to help with Instructors there aren’t quite sure how electronic DofE accounts. She has they would manage without her! She taken her First Aid at Work joined the ACF after hearing of her qualification, which enables her to husband’s exploits (he’s a Staff support by providing first aid cover on Sergeant Instructor) and deciding that different activities, and she also she would like to volunteer some of undertakes a pastoral and advisory her free time to an organisation that role with the cadets, discussing supports and develops young people. progress through the APC Syllabus.

Having no desire to become an Instructor or wear uniform, she Emma becoming part of the team at decided to become a CA and support Raglan Barracks has been a massive with the administrative tasks. boost to the detachments based there, and the support she gives to the Adult Emma was initially placed at Tredegar Instructors frees them up from the detachment, then moved to Raglan administrative tasks and allows them Barracks, where she now supports to spend more time teaching. both detachments that parade at that location. Emma also chose to expand We would like to say a huge thank you her cadet knowledge to support in to Emma for everything she does and other ways, including taking the

hope that the presentation of this award helps her to understand just how valued and appreciated she is!

If you have some free time and are interested in giving some support to your local detachment by becoming a Civilian Assistant, or would just like to find out more about how you can get involved, why not get in touch?

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STOP PRESS...

EX KENYAN CUB In October, the Army Cadet Force will be taking an ACF Football Team to Kenya to help start a football academy for the local communities, and also to work in a local school. During their visit, they will also be playing local games and embarking on a safari to assist with conservation.

Two cadets from Wales are lucky enough to have been selected to take part in this extremely exciting venture after demonstrating their prowess on the Wales ACF Football Selection weekends.

Cadet Corporal Sally Murton from Newtown Detachment will be joined by Cpl Pritchard from Clwyd and Gwynedd in representing Wales for the trip, which takes place over ten days.

Both cadets will be fundraising to in the lead up to the visit, and will be organising and taking part in events over the coming months. Cpl Murton will be starting her fundraising at Newtown Carnival on June 8th. If you are able to make a contribution, please get in touch with 2Lt Rachael Jones on 5070jone@armymail.mod.uk.

Look out for photos of their exploits in the Winter issue!

A Promotion Record The Army Cadet Force follows the traditional rank structure of the Army, and when cadets are eligible for promotion to higher ranks they can make an application and sit a ‘promotion board’.

This involves being able to talk about leadership skills, management and organisation and

how they demonstrate the values and standards of the ACF. Learning how to take responsibility is a key life skill and the training and support the cadets get, along with the practical application of this, will be of huge benefit as they grow into young adults and take their place in the world of work.

Being promoted is a huge accolade and something that the cadets strive to achieve, and 13 promotions in one evening is an incredible achievement for any Detachment! Well done Raglan Barracks and Rhiwiderin Detachments!

GIVING BACK! A huge congratulations to Cadet Cole Kershaw who has been raising money for his local hospital.

Cole, who attends Ebbw Vale Detachment, has raised £1250 for the Special Care Baby Unit at

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RUGBY NATIONALS

A huge well done to #teamwales for the fantastic show they put on a the ACF Rugby Nationals held at Altcar last weekend. It was a tough weekend all round with hard fought matches and everyone getting more than their fair share of bruises! The teams battled like true #welshwarriors and did us proud, but the competition was tough and the standard incredibly high.

Huge congratulations to the Girls Team on their 4th place! The effort, determination and sportsmanship from all three teams showed everyone what amazing cadets we have here in Wales!

Photography caption and details

Neville Hall Hospital in Abergavenny by taking on a series of challenges. These included a sponsored walk up Pen Y Fan, organising raffle squares with the Body Shop and a Stallion Auction!

This is an incredible achievement and we are certain that the SCBU are extremely grateful and will put his contribution to good use in looking after babies that need some extra special care.

Well done Cole!

BUILDING BRIDGES In May, cadets from Monmouth Detachment were lucky enough to be able to get an insight into the role of a Civil Engineer by taking part in the Institute of Civil Engineers’ Bridge Building Project.

The challenge was organised by AUO Stokes in conjunction with Major Manners of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers, who also works for Griffiths Engineering in Abergavenny. Along with Terry, one of his colleagues from Griffiths, he co-ordinates and runs the ICE Bridge Build Project.

AUO Stokes would like to offer a massive thank you to both Major Manners and his colleagues, Terry in particular, for putting the event together. The evening was a huge success, and the cadets had an incredible time and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge, which not only tested their engineering skills but also required teamwork, determination and resilience - skills which we all know are key for youngsters to develop.

The Great Gwent Poppy Run

It’s great to see Army Units, local firms and ACF Detachments working closely together to provide such incredible opportunities for youngsters, for this can only further strengthen their skills and widen their knowledge of what options may be out there for them in the future. Who knows, maybe we have a budding civil engineer or two in Monmouth, just waiting to be given the chance to show what they are made of!

CVQO—OPPORTUNITIES FOR LIFE As well as following the Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) Syllabus, Gwent and Powys offer lots of opportunities to gain nationally recognised qualifications through CVQO that cadets can use to support them when they are applying for college, university and jobs.

designed to recognise the work undertaken by young people and adult volunteers within youth organisations.

These include courses such as BTEC

CVQO are an education charity who offer a broad range of vocational qualifications

and, more recently, the ILM courses. In January, the biggest group so far embarked on a weekend of training towards gaining the qualification, with 100% success.

The courses are all free or heavily subsidised, and are most definitely worth looking into! To find out more about what is on offer, have a chat with your Detachment Commander.

It’s time to think about your future!

How social is your ACF network?

Don’t forget - you can find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up to the minute information on what we are planning, and real time updates as it happens. You can follow us on Twitter @gwentpowysacf and on Instagram at #gwentpowysacf For official photos and news from around the County look on Facebook for the Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force official page, and The Band and Drums of Gwent and Powys ACF. Simply click LIKE to receive regular updates via your newsfeed.

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THE SPORTS PAGE! WELSH CLIMBING CHAMPIONS! Welsh Champions!

The buzz of excitement filled the air as twelve teams descended on Boulders UK in Cardiff to compete in the Welsh Indoor Climbing Championships last January. The competition sees youngsters challenged on a range of graded

climbs in events such as Speed Climbing and Bouldering, and the G&P Team were certainly up for it!

They had spent the previous few months training hard under the leadership of 2Lt Jo Sumner, dedicating their weekends to perfecting their technique and skill in readiness for the competition.

Well, all the practice certainly paid off, as the Gwent and Powys Team were crowned Welsh Indoor Climbing Champions! Awards included: Overall Winners, Best Army Cadet Force Team, Speed Climbing Champions, Best Senior Boy , Runner Up to Best Senior Boy,

Summer Sports Champions!

A team of cadets from across G&P travelled to Brecon today to take part in the Welsh Summer Sports Championships. Despite being a small contingent, they demonstrated the fact that they are true #welshwarriors and fought hard against the other counties.

The attitude and determination shown was magnificent, and their effort certainly paid off as they came away victorious, winning both the Junior Girls’ and Senior Girls’ Cups, and the Overall Champion County! What an achievement!

A huge congratulations to all those who took part; the sportsmanship and effort from all counties was nothing less than we would expect from cadets from Wales! And of course, a special congratulations to the team from Gwent and Powys - we are incredibly proud of you all!

The Final Word…

The Band and Drums of Gwent and Powys ACF were privileged to be guests at the recent 'Trooping the Colour', which is the Sovereign's Birthday parade. The discipline and the marching of the soldiers would have made any drill sergeant proud. As I write this, tomorrow Liverpool F.C. play in the Champions League Final, and at this point I have no idea who will win ( but I know who I want to win!!). So why am I mentioning these two events? Because they are the very pinnacle of what can be achieved when those involved aim for the very highest standards in their chosen profession.

Well, annual camp is just around the corner; like the Guards and Liverpool FC, we too can achieve the very highest levels in our military skills, adventure training and in acting upon the values and standards of the Army Cadet Force. Like the Guards and Liverpool FC, we have to work hard, work with determination and be willing to work as a team with others to achieve those high standards. See you at camp!!

Padre Row

Runner Up to Best Junior Boy, Bouldering Champion and Runner Up to Bouldering Champion.

It was a fantastic effort from the whole team who worked together to bring the overall trophy back to Gwent and Powys.

Congratulations to the team - we are incredibly proud of you all!

Flying the flag for Wales!