Greater Manchester ACF Welcomes Mayors and Dignitaries to Holcombe Moor

SMI Debbie Callaghan, County Media Officer

On 7 June 2025, Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force was proud to host the Lord Mayor of Manchester, mayors from across Greater Manchester and a range of dignitaries at Holcombe Moor Training Centre.

This annual event was organised by our Honorary Colonel Sharman Birtles MBE JP DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester. She warmly welcomed the guests on arrival and officially opened the day before handing over to our Commandant, Colonel Paul Smillie. He gave a short speech about the role and impact of the Army Cadet Force and then introduced a video presentation showcasing the activities and achievements of Greater Manchester ACF. Following the presentation, the Corps of Drums performed for the guests.

The guests, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Diane Hawkins, the High Sheriff Martin Ainscough and several local mayors and councillors, were then divided into groups by our Deputy Commandant, Major Jamie Storey. They were taken on guided tours of the camp by the Company Commanders or their representatives. During the tour, guests had the opportunity to see cadets taking part in a wide range of activities, including:

• Fieldcraft
• First Aid
• Air Rifle Shooting
• STEM
• Archery

After an excellent lunch, everyone gathered in the main hall for a formal presentation and awards ceremony, recognising outstanding cadets and dedicated adult volunteers.

Awards and Recognitions

Cdt CSM Aida Ionescu – Master Cadet Certificate
A rare and prestigious award, achieved after a challenging pass/fail course at the National ACF Centre, Frimley Park. Fewer than 1% of cadets across the UK reach this level.

WO2 Darrell Jones – Clasp to the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
This clasp marks a total of 25 years of military service, recognising Darrell’s continued commitment. He currently serves as Greater Manchester ACF’s Training Safety Advisor.

Greater Manchester ACF Shooting Team – Winners of the Brigade County of Lancaster Rifle Association Target Rifle Shoot
The team placed first out of 12 counties, securing a place at the national Bisley competition in July.
Team: SSgt McConville, Cpl Leonard, Cpl McGrath, Cpl Meadows, Cpl Young, LCpl Borovikov, LCpl Neate, Cdt Fielding (who stepped in unexpectedly and rose to the challenge).

Cambrian Patrol Team – Certificates of Completion
This demanding two-day, 25-mile patrol tested military skills, teamwork, and resilience.
Team: CSgt Ali, CSgt Thomas, Sgt Minhas, Sgt Williamson, Cpl Petersen, Cpl McKenna, Cpl Anderson, Cpl Tokarski, Cpl White.

Cdt SSgt Meisha Beuken – ACCT UK President’s Certificate for Community Service
Recognised for founding a community mental health initiative using art, Meisha presented her project to 250 NHS workers. Her work is now being developed in other schools.

LCpl Iakovos Savva – ACCT UK Praiseworthy Action and Royal Humane Society Certificate of Commendation
While on holiday in Cyprus, Iakovos rescued a woman who had collapsed in the sea, pulled her to safety, and administered CPR, an outstanding act of courage.

SSgt Susan Sergison – Two National Awards for Community Service
Susan received the ACCT UK President’s Award for Excellence and the British Citizen Award for her service to the cadet community. A cadet force adult volunteer for over 10 years and a former nurse and midwife, she played a vital role in managing medical care during a cadet exchange in Gibraltar, often taking on duties beyond her remit.
Honorary Colonel Sharman Birtles
“I first met Sue in 2017, and her passion for Greater Manchester ACF was clear from the outset. Her dedication to cadets is unmatched, always professional, positive, and compassionate. She goes the extra mile every time, and nothing is ever too much trouble.”

Guests in Attendance
Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Diane Hawkins & Stephen Hawkins
High Sheriff Martin Ainscough & John Simm
Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Carmine Grimshaw & Mayoress Elaine Grimshaw
Mayor of Bury Noel Bayley & Mayoress Gill Campbell
Mayor of Rochdale Cllr Janet Emsley & Mayor Consort Ken Emsley
Mayor of Oldham Cllr Eddie Moores & Mayoress Cath Moores
Mayor of Stockport Kerry Waters & Mayoress Wendy Nadin
Mayor of Tameside Shibley Ilam & Mayor Consort Mohammed Ilam
James Frith MP
Cllr Eamon O’Brien, Leader of Bury Council
Cllr Sandra Walmsley, Armed Forces Representative for Bury
Cllr Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Children & Young People
Cllr Charlotte Morris, Cabinet Member for Culture, the Economy & Skills
Insp Jim Jones, Greater Manchester Police Armed Forces Lead
Rebecca Tarran DL
Gill Burchall, Armed Forces Key Worker for Wigan & Mr Burchall
Lee Coleman, Head of Resilience and Planning, GMFRS
Wg Cdr Jo Stratton & Sqn Ldr Gavin Roberts, RAFAC Greater Manchester Wing

Greater Manchester ACF extends sincere thanks to all the dignitaries and civic guests who attended the event and took the time to learn more about our organisation.

For pictures from the day please visit our County Facebook Page here

A huge thanks to the cadets, adult volunteers and permanent staff whose hard work and preparation made the day a success.

Thank you also to Major Wayne Harrison, Capt Jordan Battye, Lt Michelle Maunder nd SI Jamie Towned for the additional pictures from their groups.

#GmanACFforceforgood #armycadetsuk #BeMore #goingfurther #mayoral visit. #toinspiretoachieve