To all staff and cadets of Berkshire Army Cadet Force.
After another tricky year I am pleased to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you to all the Officers, Staff, Cadets and Parents for the fortitude and support to the County.
We have achieved our aims despite all the problems of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns. During a time when it would have been easy to sit back and watch from the side lines, I am glad to say as a County ACF we persevered. We ran training online, we reopened as soon as it was safe to do so, we followed guidance, planned, re-planed and planned again to ensure we could deliver the cadet experience completely. We ran a full programme Annual Camp, even managing to host Major General David Eastman, the General Officer Commanding Regional Command, the top regular soldier for the ACF and impressed him with our resolve and dedication to the youth of Berkshire.
As ever I am honoured to lead the County and never cease to be amazed at the strength and unity I see across the County. It was great to be able to get out and visit all of the detachments in spring and early summer and see all the effort bring our organisation back to life, with lots of new Instructors and Cadets joining us.
I believe the Royal County of Berkshire ACF to be amongst the top Nationally, for the experience and opportunities we deliver to youngsters across the County, which is down to the commitment of the Headquarters, Company and Detachment staff, for which on behalf of our Cadets you have my heartfelt thanks.
It only remains for me to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas with family and friends, with time to relax and enjoy the best of the festive season.
Seasons greetings, happy healthy and prosperous New Year to you all.
Here’s to a fantastic 2022.
Colonel Owen
