IMG 6235

Humberside & South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force Open the gates

Visitors Day 2023 - By Capt V Brooks

Humberside & South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force Open the gates

8 April 2023

  • Humberside And South Yorkshire ACF

On Thursday 6 April, Humberside & South Army Cadet Force welcomed community and business leaders from across the region to our annual Visitors Day.

As the cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAV) arrived at the Cadet Training Centre Driffield (CTC) the weather was threatening to spoil the occasion, but at the 11th hour the sun came out as the first guests started to arrive on camp.

IMG 6212

After a networking opportunity, the formal programme started with a welcoming address by Colonel Fred Owen, Commandant. Who not only welcomed guests to the CTC but spoke about the rewards of being in the Army Cadet Force for both our cadets and Adult Volunteers, who give a lot of their own time for free.

He gave an inspirational speech about what our young people give back to society and the amazing opportunities members of the County have had over the last training year. Before the activities started, the Honorary Colonel, Colonel Simon Banks-Cooper addressed the guests echoing what the Commandant had said, and highlighting the skills that our cadets and Adult Volunteers can bring to an organisation.

The next stage of the day was a chance for our guests to see, hear about and take part in some of the activities that are on offer to our cadets. They saw a variety of stands including; First Aid, Command Tasks, Laser Clay Shooting, and the Cadet Gun Run. In addition to this they had the opportunity to talk with cadets and CFAV and hear all about what they enjoyed and got out of being a member of the Army Cadet Force.

They heard all about the cadet experience including the Cadet Canada exchange program, static line parachuting and a number of other exciting expeditions.

Lunch part way through the stands gave our visitors another chance to network and talk more with our cadets and volunteers.

IMG 6277
IMG 6256
IMG 6291

Before Guests dispersed there was a closing address and thanks by the Commandant and words of support and thanks from Jim Dick OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant of East Riding of Yorkshire.

Captain Valerie Johnson, County Events Officer, who organised this years event said: “We did things a little different this year with a concentration on business leaders being the main focus, so they could see the awesomeness of our cadets and instructors in real-time. It was great to see so many business leaders on camp and taking an interest in what we do”.

She went on to say: “I just want to thank those who attended, for coming and to the cadets and instructors who helped on the day thank you, you really showcased what we do brilliantly.”