This week we have said goodbye to one of the cornerstones of the Professional Support Staff at Clwyd and Gwynedd ACF as Quartermaster Matt Campbell-Henry moves on to a new chapter in his life with North Wales Police.
Matt has steered the QM department for some 9 years following 24 years of regular army service. His service with the Mercian Regiment included various roles and operational tours including Afghanistan where he awards included The Bronze Star Medal which is awarded to individuals serving in any capacity with the Armed Forces of the United States in a combat theater.
Matt says “A highlight of his career was being appointed an instructor at The Infantry Battle School in Brecon”. Matt added “I only became aware of the post at our Kinmel Park HQ by chance and jumped at the opportunity to have a position near to home.” Matt marched out of the army on the Friday and marched into the ACF on the Monday.
Asked what were the highlights and challenges of being QM he said “developing a modern positive G4 process and being an effective service provider for the adult instructors across the organisation, whilst managing the many challenges and balancing the wishes and reality of customer expectations. A key challenge was harmonizing the needs and aspirations of the RFCA (technically his employer), 160th (Welsh) Brigade, Regional Command (British Army), and the adult instructors. As for achievements, Matt includes developing an effective system fit for the future and after many background battles the increased provision of scorpion air rifles and the investment in sustaining the aging facilities in Kinmel pending the long-awaited new developments.
Asked why he is making the change Matt said “It is nothing whatsoever to do with the job, I just wanted a new challenge. It has always been something that has niggled at me and if I don’t do it now, I never will.” Matt added “I have really enjoyed my time with C&G and I have enjoyed working with all the adult volunteers and I wish them all the very best for the future.
As for the future, his 24-week initial police training starts on the 27th of March followed by two years of probationary service on response teams after which he hopes to specialise.
Col LT Williams, former Commandant and now Colonel Cadets Wales, said “I always thought highly of Matt who was prepared to give me an honest opinion of how he saw things and I think our loss will be NW Police gain”.
Commandant Col Martin L Craven said “I was saddened to hear that Matt Campbell-Henry was leaving, he will be deeply missed. From his first day nine years ago, he has always remained professional and prioritised providing excellent service. Matt's proactive approach towards addressing volunteers' needs, regardless of the size or complexity of the issue, earned him great respect across North Wales. Although we will miss him dearly, we wish him the best of luck in his new role as a Police Officer with North Wales Police.”
Everyone within Clwyd and Gwynedd ACF wishes Matt every success with his new career and hopes to hear of his exploits in due course.
