Gwent and Powys ACF Winter Newsletter

GWENT AND POWYS ARMY CADET FORCE

NEWSLETTER Issue 01 | December 2018

Cadet Armistice 2018

It’s Christmas!

Mae’n Nadolig!

As December is drawing to a close, the time has come to look back over the last few months at Gwent and Powys ACF and take stock of all the exciting things the cadets have been up to. It’s been a pretty busy few months, and we’re now winding up to the excitement of Christmas!

It’s that time of year again! The hustle and bustle of markets and shopping, yuletide fun and excitement, and a season of joy. It’s time to untangle the lights, throw away the broken ornaments and see what presents are under the tree. A time to extend the dining room table, order up a feast, to share with family and friends and celebrate peace and hope. A time when the man in red comes to visit, leaving our precious dreams under the mighty Christmas tree.

As you share with your family in this special time, enjoy reading back through some of the exciting things that we got up to this year and peruse the photographs. In a world where life passes us by at a Facebook facebook.com/gwentandpowysacf

www.armycadets.com

frantic pace, it’s nice to just sit back, relax and chat about the memories, the challenges, the laughter, the fun, and all those incredible experiences that the cadets have shared together. And, if you’re new to it all, then this might just give you an insight into what 2019 holds in store!

So, from everyone here at Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force, we would like to wish you a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year!

Thank you all for your hard work and support, and we look forward to sharing the opportunities of 2019 with you!

Nadolig Llawen!

Merry Christmas!

Twitter @gwentpowysacf

#gwentpowysacf

Issue 01 | Winter 2018

GWENT AND POWYS ARMY CADET FORCE

IN THIS ISSUE 01 03 04 06 07 08 09 10 12 13 14 16

It’s Christmas The Cadet RSM Longmoor 2018 Blenheim Training Company Le Cateau Training Company Pilgrimage to the Somme Gwent and Powys Remembers The Band and Drums Adult Training Colonel Alan Peterson Stop Press Forecast of Events Blenheim Training Company, Summer Camp 2018

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the very first issue of The Gwent and Powys ACF Newsletter. These first few months as PRO have been a bit of a whirlwind with so much going on, so this newsletter is a bit of a trial to share some of that excitement with you all!

Our distribution list extends far and wide and this newsletter will be emailed to military units, police, schools, local councillors 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 growing quickly and we are chasing at the heels of other counties in the ratings now. So make sure you ‘like’ and ‘follow’ us, 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 April 2019, so to ensure you don’t miss out, get your stories to us by the end of March.

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.

2

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

The new Cadet RSM, Will Webb

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. And following the ‘aging out’ of the previous holder, the challenge was on to find someone new!

Back in October, G&P experienced that bittersweet moment that always strikes when a cadet turns 18. The sadness of saying goodbye is mixed with a celebration of all a cadet has achieved. For Jack Green, it was not just a case of wishing him well as he stepped out into adulthood, but the county was also set with the challenge of finding someone to fill the boots of a very hard act to follow!

After much debate and consideration, the promotion to the ‘top job’ of Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major was given to Will Webb from Brecon Detachment. It is certainly a huge honour and responsibility for any cadet to be promoted to this position, and a true reflection of everything they have achieved. Will has made an excellent start to his new role, bringing the thoughts and ideas of cadets to the table and ensuring these are heard.

He is certainly not afraid to make his views and thoughts clear, and his experiences mean he certainly knows what he is talking about!

Previous Cadet RSM, Jack Green 3

ANNUAL CAMP 2018 LONGMOOR, HAMPSHIRE This Summer, several hundred cadets from Gwent and Powys travelled to Longmoor Camp in Hampshire for an intensive week of training, star testing, field exercises, and, well, fun!

The tension was most definitely building across the county as the day drew near. It was like planning a military manoeuvre, moving the whole county to Hampshire, with trucks, four-by-fours, coaches, kit…

You wouldn't believe the amount that was involved! The training plans were written, the food was sorted, the bed plan was done and the welcome party were ready. All that was needed were the cadets!

As they descended on the camp the level of excitement was evident. What would this camp entail? What activities would they do? Would they achieve a star?

Who would get promoted? And most importantly, did the NAAFI serve pizza?!

What was to follow was the most incredible week. No matter where you went, there were happy, smiling cadets, eager to participate and desperate to show off what they were doing. From the youngest and newest recruits (some who had been cadets for barely a few months) to those for whom Longmoor would be their final farewell, the atmosphere was one of engagement, excitement and never ending enthusiasm.

The beginning of the week was filled with on camp training, weapons handling tests, and developing all of

Pride on parade 4

those skills that would come into play later in the week.

For the Junior Cadets in the Blenheim Training Company, it was marching, weapon drills, map reading and fun and excitement on the assault course. There was lots of healthy competition and the opportunity to develop the skills they would need to achieve that all important next star! All the preparation built up to an overnight exercise out in the training area. This was the culmination of all their work; the chance to test out those skills and put them to the test, and finally pass 1* fieldcraft!

Setting off, their bergans were packed and bursting with all their kit. It promised to be an amazing night! They cooked their own food, prepared their harbour areas and defences, worked in teams—this was it! They settled down for a night watch, waiting for the ’enemy’ to attack.

After a long night sleeping out, still they were smiling.

The atmosphere was electric and the tension had risen.

As the cadets knew that the time was soon, and they were ready and prepared.

When the attack came, the cadets were primed and ready. They worked seamlessly together, supporting and encouraging as each harbour area was tested by the ‘enemy’. This exercise demonstrated everything they had worked for, and the pride in its completion was evident. Blenheim ruled!

For the Le Cateau Cadets, the beginning of the week was a preparation for a huge three day exercise which would entail them taking over the TIBUA village in the training area. A news broadcast delivered to the Forward Operating Base (FOB) informed one section that Dorset had invaded Hampshire, and that Gwent and

On the assault course...

The range at Longmoor

Out on exercise

Rock climbing

Expeditions

ANNUAL CAMP 2018 CYG, ADVENTURE TRAINING Powys Army Cadet Force had been called in to solve the problem. What followed was a joy to behold! Three sections, each rotating around different roles across the training area, co-ordinated amongst themselves like professionals. Effective communication, teamwork; it was all demonstrated clearly as they worked together.

The cadets took on different roles, from section leaders to communications, patrolling to sentry duties and the Quick Reaction Force. There were night ambushes and enemy attacks, all designed to test the skills of the senior cadets to the limit.

And of course, they succeeded in their mission, returning to camp victorious!

In the middle of the week, VIP guests, including some from ACFA Wales and the RFCA came to see what the cadets had been up to. They were extremely impressed by the effort and commitment of the cadets and Colonel Hammond even joined in on the assault course!

The end of the week was celebrated in the final parade, where the cadets came together with the adult instructors to share all that had been achieved, before the younger cadets headed home and the senior cadets travelled back to CYG for the second week and the Adventure Training package!

Well. This was not a week for the faint hearted—the challenge was on! From rock climbing to water sports, signals training to Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, there was plenty on offer to keep everyone on their toes. For the adults there was even the chance to update their own skills in a tailor made package just for them.

Photography caption and details

After a week on the training area and the intensity of a three day exercise, letting off seam through adventure training was just what was needed. Cadets were out and about across the county, with overnight expeditions exploring the countryside, climbing on the coast and getting to grips with new skills. There was even a visit from the Brecon Mountain Rescue Team with practical sessions in dealing with emergencies.

Summer Camp 2018 was most definitely an amazing experience, and something not to have been missed.

And if you did, we bet you’re regretting it now! Well, no need to worry, because next year is bound to be even better!

Make sure you’re there—remember, your adventure starts here!

A huge thank you to all those permanent staff, adult instructors and volunteers who worked so hard to make Summer Camp 2018 the amazing experience that it was!

“IT WAS MY FIRST SUMMER CAMP AND BOTH THE ACTIVITIES AND THE PEOPLE WERE HONESTLY BRILLIANT. THE BEST PART BY FAR WAS CLEARING THE VILLAGE. THE ADRENALIN RUSH JUST MAKES YOU FEEL FREE. IT WAS ACTUALLY AMAZING!” Cadet Corporal Julia Nagy

5

BLENHEIM JUNIOR TRAINING COMPANY Cadets working towards their 1 and 2* subjects are likely to have been offered the chance to attend the Blenheim Training Company weekends. These weekends allow cadets to build on the skills learnt at their detachment and complete the assessments needed to pass the subjects at different star levels.

The training package they put together offers something for everyone!

Attending a weekend gives the cadets the chance to develop independence and resilience before they even start their training! The Blenheim Adult Training Team work closely together to ensure that the cadets not only have a great time, but get the most out of their weekends by making progress through the APC Syllabus.

If you would like to find out more about attending these weekends, speak to your Detachment Commander.

Hide and Seek, Anyone?

On their training weekend in November, cadets had the opportunity to undertake fieldcraft assessments at both 1* and 2* levels.

Luckily, even though it was November, the weather was on their side and they were able to get out onto the training area.

With teamwork, strategy and co-ordination, they worked extremely hard to protect their areas and keep their harbour areas safe.

The 2* contingent were developing their skills in cam and concealment.

The lessons were most definitely a success as you can see from the photo on the right. Apparently, there are two cadets hidden in the undergrowth—they must have done an incredible job with concealing themselves as we definitely can’t work out where they are! Can you?

NAVIGATION

Photography caption and details

Photography caption and details

The syllabus for 2* Navigation includes cadets working together to plan and prepare their own routes, before navigating their way to their chosen point. The group taking part this weekend had the challenge to find their way to the top of Mynydd Pen-y-fal (Sugar Loaf).

Although the weather was challenging at times, the determination and resilience of the youngsters shone through and they made it to the top. The sense of pride and achievement was immense. It just proves, with a little teamwork, you can do anything!

6

TRAINING FOR LIFE

Photography caption and details

In addition to what would be considered the more ‘traditional’ cadet activities, such as shooting and fieldcraft, the Le Cateau Training Company work with organisations such as CVQO to offer a package of training designed to equip youngsters with qualifications and skills that will have a huge impact on their future education options, employability and prospects for life.

Nationally recognised qualifications, such as BTec and ILM are part of the package, but adult instructors are also now offering additional sessions on those skills that are often forgotten. Who taught you how to write a CV, or how to conduct yourself in an interview? Knowing how to do this can have a major impact on getting youngsters past the first hurdles in the hunt for a job. Cadets are shown how to write a CV that shows off everything they can do—they are given support, guidance and feedback until it is just right. Also, sessions on interview techniques give cadets the opportunity to learn how to talk about themselves and answer the types of questions that they may encounter, and even take part in mock interviews to develop their confidence.

We want our cadets to have every opportunity to be the best that they can be, to have access to the training and support that will give them the best step up to a bright future. Why not try it?

LE CATEAU SENIOR TRAINING COMPANY WEEKEND TRAINING Senior Cadets in Gwent and Powys are encouraged to attend the Le Cateau Training Weekends to further their training and development. It is clear to see from their enthusiasm and excitement that the cadets enjoy these, and take full advantage of the whole range of activities offered.

The skills the cadets learn and develop through carrying out ambushes, section attacks and TIBUA (Training in Build Up Areas) is clear to see. The youngsters, some only 14, lead these section attacks, confidently communicate specific instructions to their teams and push them forwards through clearly thought out movements.

They are always keen to talk about their experiences and share them proudly.

Learning to teach is a key part of cadet development, and part of being a senior is about being able to encourage and develop the skills of the younger cadets. They often teach (under supervision) in

detachment and on Blenheim weekends, developing their skills ready for the JCIC and SCIC courses, where their teaching skills are put to the test.

The impact that the activities and challenges have on these youngsters is clearly evident. These are our future leaders: calm and confident under pressure, resilient and forthright, the ability to respond to ever changing situations, leaders and team players.

If you would like to be part of this, ask your Detachment Commander to find out more!

7

CADET ARMISTICE 2018 WE WILL REMEMBER THEM November is a time of remembrance for everyone.

However, this year, prior to the remembrance period and to mark the end of the centenary of the 1914-18 World War, Cadets and adult instructors from Gwent and Powys visited the Somme as part of a trip organised by the Army Cadet Force. Over 80 cadets from around the Gwent and Powys area joined in the World War 1 centenary commemorations, along with over 600 other young people from around the United Kingdom.

first understandings of how many soldiers were lost, was when they were split into groups and asked to stand next to a grave at the Sheffield Memorial Park, which made them think about the extensive loss of relatives and friends who stood next to each other when they went ‘over the top’. Other sites that were visited included the Munich Trench British Cemetery and the Newfoundland Memorial Park, Beaumont-Hamel, where Cadets were able to see the remains of the extent of trenches that had been left behind, and what the soldiers were exposed to during the bloody battles of the Somme.

This set the tone for the final parade at Thiepval, a memorial to the missing, where 72,000 names were inscribed over the walls of the monument. All the cadets took part in a service to remember those who sacrificed themselves for others, which was a humbling and sombre occasion.

All the cadets who took part were given a souvenir bag and guide, as well as taking away many memories of a once in a lifetime trip that they will never forget.

Captain M. Evans

The three day trip, starting on the 19th October, brought together Cadets from the Army Cadet Force and the Combined Cadet Force from all over the United Kingdom. It started with a battlefield tour led by volunteer guides including Colonel Ian Gumm, Deputy Col, Cadets Wales and former Deputy Commandant of the County, who was able to convey his extensive knowledge to the cadets and adults about the history of World War One and how it affected the country, as well as many millions of people back home in Britain.

Cadets from the County visited several memorial sites around the Somme vicinity during the day. One of the

Pride on parade 8

On the assault course...

The range at Longmoor

Out on exercise

Rock climbing

Expeditions

GWENT AND POWYS REMEMBERS On November 11th, at 11am, the nation stood silent in reflection to remember and honour those who gave their lives in the service of their country. This year marks 100 years since the signing of the Armistice that signified the end of World War 1, and across the country, services and events took place to commemorate this.

Cadets and Adult Instructors from Gwent and Powys gave their time during the weeks leading up to Remembrance to support the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, through poppy selling and attending concerts and memorials. On Armistice Day, which this year fell on Remembrance Sunday, hundreds of cadets marched proudly side by side with veterans, serving members of the Armed Forces and other uniformed organisations, and as evening fell they stood in reflection as fires were lit at beacon sites across the country.

Cadets and Adult Instructors from Gwent and Powys did our county proud! From the youngest, newest cadet, marching for the very first time in public, through to the most experienced seniors, the dedication and respect that they demonstrated whilst collecting and on parade was a true credit to them. Thousands were raised at the poppy selling sites they supported, which will enable the RBL to continue the fantastic work that they do.

We will remember them.

Photography caption and details

9

Corps of Drums at Wellington Barracks

Welshpool 1940s Weekend

Training from the Welsh Guards

Cdt Cpl Nagy at National Music Camp

Cdt Chaplin from Gurnos Detachment The Rorke’s Drift Concert

Monmouthshire Remembers 10

THE BAND AND DRUMS OF GWENT AND POWYS ACF Band and Drums, I hear you say? But this is the ACF! The Army Cadet Force offers more than just the traditional ‘green’ route, and Military Band or Corps of Drums are two of the paths that cadets can choose to follow as a specialism once they have passed their 1* green. This can be instead of the green route or as well as, and there are many cadets that choose to do both!

We are very lucky at G&P to be one of the few counties to boast a band and drums. Cadets from across the county travel to CYG for one weekend a month to take part in music lessons, theory lessons, band drill, drumming, conducting and all the other elements that make up the different syllabuses that are open to music cadets. They work through their own subjects to achieve stars just as the green cadets do, and those who do both get to wear both sets of stars!

Just as in the Regular Army, the Band and Drums do lots of events to raise awareness in the public eye of the ACF. They get to travel all over the UK and abroad taking part in some very high profile parades and concerts, which can be very exciting! This year alone, they have hosted the annual Rorke’s Drift Concert, where 150 musicians from across the UK came to CYG to rehearse and put on a concert in Brecon, they travelled to Scotland to perform a Beating Retreat on the esplanade in front of Edinburgh Castle as part of the Massed Bands, Pipes and Drums of the Army Cadet Force and they took centre stage on Horse Guards Parade in London with Staffordshire ACF Corps of Drums as part of the Household Division Beating Retreat. They have led parades and taken part in

Brecon Remembrance Parade

concerts across the UK, France and Belgium, but one of the most memorable was playing amongst the poppies at the Monmouthshire Remembers event at Raglan Castle in November.

Twice a year, the cadets take part in National Music Camps, where they join over 400 musicians from cadet forces across the country in a week of music, and most definitely lots of fun! During this time, star subjects are assessed and awarded, training is intensive but it’s a great way to meet and play music with a wide range of people. There are also unusual twists like ‘The Tex Factor’, a version of the infamous talent show, whereby cadets show off their skills in competition—the only rule being that they can’t play the instrument they are playing at camp. This year clarinet player Cadet E Rulestone and flautist Cadet Lance Corporal K Braby brought the trophy back to Gwent and Powys with their rendition of George Ezra’s ‘Shotgun’ on guitar and vocals.

Gwent and Powys is home to one of the longest running bands in the ACF, and is very well known. Those who come along are provided with instruments, lessons, and of course the chance to go out on parade wearing ceremonial uniforms. The Band and Drums are badged ‘Welsh Guards’, and so spend time training with the Welsh Guards both in London and at CYG, and get to wear the infamous scarlet tunic and bearskin. There’s nothing more incredible than leading a massive parade wearing the ceremonial uniform of the Welsh Guards!

So remember, music is a path open to all. You don’t have to choose, it’s just a different way to experience what the ACF offers.

Do you have what it takes to #daretobedifferent?

Photo Courtesy of Peter Rhys Williams of PRW Photography

11

ADULT TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT VOLUNTEERING AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES “I An organisation like the Army Cadet Force relies heavily on the commitment of its Adult Volunteers, and Gwent and Powys are incredibly fortunate to have such an enthusiastic and dedicated bunch!

They join for many reasons, the main one being that they love it! It’s not just about the fun and friendship, the action and adventure, though these are certainly important. But event more than that is the impact that they can have on youngsters in the local community—inspiring them to achieve, supporting them in gaining new skills, new qualifications and developing the young leaders of the future.

Determined, resilient, focused problem solvers who can communicate effectively and with confidence. What more reward is there?

Those who choose to join G&P as Adult Volunteers are supported through a robust and effective training programme, with a dedicated team of Instructors who have a key responsibility for adult training. No matter how much or

how little experience, there are opportunities to learn new skills, gain new qualifications and develop leadership potential.

As Potential Instructors (PIs), volunteers undertake a number of training weekends over a period of around 6-8 months before completing their final week long AIC course.

During October and November, six PIs passed their final course to qualify as Sergeants!

Congratulations to Sgt Kerris Drew, Sgt Shannon Gethings, Sgt James Tompkins, Sgt Andrew Wells, Sgt Abigail Foskett and Sgt David Pope.

But of course, it doesn’t stop there!

Courses and opportunities are constantly available for continued professional development, and for those who are interested, there is the chance to go to Westbury, the Officer Commissioning Board.

If you fancy finding out a bit more about what the Army Cadet Force can offer you, why not get in touch?

We might be just what you are looking for! #youradventurestartshere!

TRAINING CADETS...

ENJOYED

ALL

ASPECTS

OF

TRAINING AND WAS GIVEN EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO BETTER MYSELF. EVERYTHING WAS TAUGHT TO US

BY CONFIDENT INSTRUCTORS WHO ENCOURAGED US TO DO OUR BEST. I

CAN’T

WAIT

TO

TEACH

THE

CADETS USING THE SKILLS I HAVE LEANRT FROM OTHER PI’S AND INSTRUCTORS.”

Sergeant Abigail Foskett

Sgt Foskett receives her certificate from Padre Row

ISN’T

JUST

FOR

In October, the Adult Training Team put on a weekend of challenges designed to develop the PIs and also to enhance the skills of current instructors. The team work hard not only to develop and train those who are new to the role, but also to continually offer professional development opportunities to keep those who are already qualified at the top of their game, fully skilled and ready and able to give the cadets the best experience possible.

For the PIs, it was a weekend of drill, teaching techniques and hands on fieldcraft out in the training area, ensuring that they are able to deliver the fieldcraft element of the Army Proficiency Certificate correctly, safely and in the best possible way. As part of their course, they are also taught how to plan, prepare and teach lessons, and for some, there was the expectation to deliver a lesson they had prepared to a group of their peers and be assessed by the training team.

For others, there was the opportunity to update their safeguarding training, something that all adults have to do on a regular basis, and have refresher training on Skill At Arms.

It was an action packed weekend, but filled with things that are essential to the backbone of the Army Cadet Force. And actually, though it was hard work, everyone had a great time!

12

PI Davies getting some hands on experience with fieldcraft!

Here at Gwent and Powys we are incredibly fortunate to be championed by the Honorary Colonel Army Cadets Wales, Alan Peterson, who is a staunch supporter of everything that the Army Cadet Force seeks to offer. He believes in the benefits, skills and opportunities that are available to those who join the cadets and works hard to promote the ACF. This includes attending annual camps, hosting cadets at a range of different events, presenting awards at competitions and recognising the dedication of adult volunteers at the Armed Forces in Wales Awards. Here are just some of the events that Col. Peterson has been involved in over the last few months.

Photography caption and details

HONORARY COLONEL ARMY CADETS WALES WALES V TONGA In November, cadets from Gwent and Powys were given the incredible opportunity to go to the Principality Stadium in Cardiff to watch the Wales v Tonga rugby match. Around 300 cadets from across Wales were invited to the game, thanks to the generosity of Col Peterson, with lunch and a pre-game briefing all thrown in!

With over 61,000 in attendance, the atmosphere in the stadium was electric and the excitement and enthusiasm amongst the youngsters was evident as they cheered the Welsh team on to victory. And what a victory it was, with the final score 74 -24 to Wales, extending their unbeaten run to eight games! There were a lot of hoarse voices on the way home after all that excitement!

Cadet Force Commissioning Dinner

To honour the new Cadet Force Commission, a black tie dinner was held at Cardiff Castle in September. The event, which was sponsored by Col. Peterson, saw over 100 members of the community come together for an evening of celebration, music and

the chance to discuss their shared vision for the ACF. Guests were also treated to a tour of the iconic site and a visit to the Firing Line Museum.

The Cadet Force Commission recognises the incredible contribution made by Adult Volunteers as leaders of national uniformed youth organisations.

ACF Officers are selected by the Cadet Force Commissioning Board and undertake a series of

intensive training weekends and assessments in order to prepare them for their role.

During the evening, Cadet Force Officers were presented with their new commissioning scrolls.

The spectacular event was certainly a fitting way to celebrate the unique occasion, and those taking part had an incredible evening that will most definitely stay in their minds for a long 13 time!

STOP PRESS LORD DANNATT’S ROUND BRITIAIN CHALLENGE At the end of the summer, 48 injured soldiers along with 96 cadets from across the UK embarked on a voyage of remembrance, adventure and personal development as they took on the challenge to sail around Britain. In teams of 36, they worked together to sail the specially adapted tall ship ’Lord Nelson’ on a 10 day leg of the journey, collecting plaques at each changeover point. Three cadets from Gwent and Powys, Cadet CSM Taran Fitzgerald, and Cadet Sergeants Kloe Chaplin and Niamh Ovey were selected to be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity.

They were part of the final team, sailing from Cardiff to London where they took part in a celebration at The Tower of London. To find out more, check out their The first time they saw the ship! daily blog on our Facebook Photography caption Flying the andflag details for Wales! page!

Adult Courses Congratulations to AUO Jonathan Saunders, SSI Trevor Phillips and SSI Chris Thompson, who passed their KGVI Courses at Frimley Park, the Cadet Training Centre, this year.

SSI Thompson led the way as the first instructor from G&P to attend! There are lots of opportunities for adult development in the Army Cadet Force!

CADET CUBS!

The 1st Wyesham Cub Scout pack got a taste of cadet life when they were welcomed into the Monmouth Detachment. It was definitely an exciting evening for both parties, as the cadets were given the chance to show off and demonstrate to the youngsters the sort of activities they would experience should they choose to join when they age out of cubs.

Youth organisations working together is very important—all are very unique and offer different experiences, but opportunities such as these give the youngsters of today the knowledge to choose the path that is right for them. We are looking forward to more collaboration in the future” Photography caption and details

GIVING BACK!

Photography caption and details 14

Welshpool and Newtown Detachments took part in a charity bike ride to raise money for the Welsh Air Ambulance. They cycled over 16km around Lake Vyrnwy and Rhiwargor waterfalls, raising well over £1000 for the charity. Who knows, their day spent cycling in the stunning Welsh countryside might just have saved someone’s life!

MUD AND MAYHEM

In the lead up to Remembrance, cadets from Gwent and Powys braved the mud, water and smoke of Bassaleg as they took part in the Great Gwent Poppy Run to raise money for the British Legion.

Almost 200 people braved the 10km off road course, which saw them battling through smoke, crawling through mud and being faced with the challenge of a whole range of obstacles! Whilst the mood was definitely one of determination, fun and getting covered in mud, there was also the overarching reason behind the event, and the thought of the 100 year anniversary of World War One. In fact, many of the cadets who faced the challenge had recently taken part in the ACF 100 pilgrimage to the Somme (see Page 8).

The Great Gwent Poppy Run

All funds raised went directly to the Royal British Legion to support them in continuing their vital work. Congratulations to all those who took part!

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.

CVQO are an education charity who offer a broad range of vocational qualifications designed to recognise the work undertaken by young people and adult volunteers within youth organisations.

These

include courses such as BTEC and, more recently, the ILM courses. Earlier this year, the first ILM Level 2 Course in

Leadership and Team Skills was offered to cadets and its popularity is really taking off!

Several have taken place since then, and in January the biggest group so far will embark on a weekend of training towards gaining the qualification.

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.

Simply click LIKE to receive regular update via your newsfeed.

15

THE SPORTS PAGE! CADSAAM 2018 Congratulations to the Gwent and Powys Shooting Team who took part in the CADSAAM 2018 Competition at Sennybridge Camp in October.

CADSAAM, (CADet Skill At Arms Meeting), tests shooting skills, including falling plates, urban contact, defence, section matches and individual. The four teams did incredibly well with some fantastic shooting and gave the opposing counties a real run for their money! We are incredibly proud of them all and their commitment, effort and the professional manner with which they conducted themselves at all times.

However, special

precision from all the cadets involved, and we would like to offer our congratulations to the team from Dyfed and Glamorgan who just pipped us for the overall title. Bring on next year...

congratulations must go to Cdt Sgt Lily Murton, who made it to the finals of the Champion Shot Competition, and to Team B, who won the section match.

It was a fantastic weekend of teamwork, camaraderie, skill and

Flying the flag for Wales!

Welsh Climbing Competition!

Training and selection is well under way for the Welsh Cadet Climbing Competition which takes place in January.

December saw cadets from across the county taking advantage of the facilities at Boulders in Cardiff, where they were attempting to impress with their skill, precision and speed on a variety of walls.

We wish them well with their challenge and are in no doubt that they will do us proud in their endeavours, and look forward to the results of the competition in the New Year.

The Final Word…

“To us a child is born: To us a son is given: And he shall be called the Prince of Peace.”

So, at this season of the year, we wish you the joy of this festive occasion. May God’s blessing be upon you and also for whom you love, during this wonderful time, and in the coming year.

Padre Row

Photography caption and details