Whats been going on?

Instagram Takeovers

On Tuesday we welcomed a special guest to host our Instagram takeover. Gulf War RAF Veteran John Nichol joined us, answering questions and regaling the audience with stories, including how he and pilot John Peters were shot down, held captive and tortured in Iraq until their release at the end of the war.

John also shared some awesome props with us, including part of the plane he was flying in when he was shot down. He also showed us an ejector seat lever and described what someone goes through when they make the ultimate decision to eject from a plane; definitely not for the faint hearted!

Next week’s Instagram Takeover guest has been requested by so many of you. So, you asked, we listened. RSM Frimley Park, David Lightfoot will be taking over for the evening and will be joined by our Ambassador Jordan Wylie who will be firing off some of your questions to RSM, so “don” those thinking caps and think of some great ones to send in for him.

ACFA Hardship Fund

The ACFA (Army Cadet Force Association) have launched a hardship relief fund to provide immediate short-term assistance to ACF uniformed or non-uniformed volunteers (irrespective of rank) who are in a position of financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 lockdown. Find out more about the fund and how to apply here.

New Digi-magazine Launches This Week

As many of you will know we are launching our brand-new magazine in June. The magazine will replace “Volunteer” and “Connected” and will be aimed at both Cadets and CFAV’s in the Army Cadets and the CCF Army. In the meantime and to help you through lockdown, we will be bringing you three digital versions of the magazine. Each issue will be packed full of great information and features – we do hope you enjoy reading it. The first issue of Army Cadet is now available to view here.

Virtual ACF

There’s been some amazing virtual activities going on this week; too many to feature here, so thankyou all for #keepingtheflamealive. Here are just a few of the things you’ve been getting up to.

The Army Cadets DofE team made a great film called “Giving Covid the boot” you can view it here.

During their virtual band practice, Cadets from Derbyshire ACF Band were presented with their BTEC level 1 certificates from Director of Music Lt Pete Ward. Congratulations team!

Congratulations to PISI French and Cdt CSM King from D Company who were promoted during their weekly virtual catch-up. Also to Cdt Sgt Blakey who received a special OC OC Commendation for Leadership.

Royal Support at CTC Frimley Park

The staff at CTC Frimley Park have been selflessly supporting nearby Frimley Hospital with fresh fruit and meal packs during the Coronavirus lockdown and were recently given a Royal helping hand. Sophie Wessex worked alongside Army Cadet volunteers , NHS foundation and Army Medical services to provide the goods to Frimley Park hospital, located near the royal's Surrey home.

Read more on the Daily Mail website.