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Essex ACF
14 December 2025
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Opening of Joint Cadet Centre in Southend-on-Sea

Southend-on-Sea opened a new Joint Cadet Centre on 8 Dec 2025, uniting Army and RAF Air Cadets with modern facilities, celebrated by dignitaries and a plaque unveiling.

Southend-on-Sea proudly marked a historic milestone on Monday 8th December 2025 with the official opening of its new Joint Cadet Centre, located within the Southend Army Reserve Centre. This pioneering facility is one of the first in the United Kingdom to adopt a nationally recognized building footprint designed for shared use by both the Army Cadets and RAF Air Cadets, symbolizing a new era of collaboration and opportunity for young people across the region.

 

A Landmark Occasion

The opening ceremony provided a platform for cadets to showcase their new training environment and highlight the diverse opportunities available within their respective organizations. The centre’s modern, sustainable design reflects the evolving needs of today’s cadets, offering expanded classroom space, updated facilities, and a welcoming environment for future generations.

A highlight of the day was the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs. Jennifer Tolhurst, who inspected the cadets on parade before embarking on a tour of the new centre. She interacted warmly with cadets from both the Army Cadets and RAF Air Cadets, learning about their training and aspirations. The ceremony concluded with her unveiling a commemorative plaque, marking the official opening of the Joint Cadet Centre.

Distinguished Guests

The event was attended by an impressive line-up of dignitaries and senior representatives, underscoring the significance of the occasion:

  • Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs. Jennifer Tolhurst
    • Accompanied by Lord Lieutenant Cadets:
    • Leading Cadet Luke Hilbery, TS Implacable, Southend Sea Cadets
    • Cadet Flight Sergeant Saieesha Bailoor, 2243 (Basildon) Squadron, RAFAC
  • Councillor Nigel Folkard, Mayor of Southend, with Mayoress Mrs. Marion Folkard
  • Colonel Peter Mills ACF, Commandant Essex ACF
  • Colonel Clint Riley ACF, Honorary Colonel Essex ACF
  • Major Ian Coffin ACF, Essex ACF Cadet Executive Officer
  • Group Captain Dave Boreham RAFC, Regional Commandant – Central & East Region RAFAC
  • Wing Commander Ryan Jones RAFAC, Officer Commanding Essex Wing RAFAC
  • Matt Ponder, Essex Estates Manager, East Anglia RFCA
  • WO2 Kevin Allen, Southend 101 Royal Engineer Regiment, 217 Field Squadron EOD&S

Voices from the evening

Mayor of Southend, Councillor Nigel Folkard

“I’ve been very impressed with the whole thing—the energy, the enthusiasm of the young people, the ones that are in, the ones that are coming in. They are smartly dressed, well drilled, and very disciplined.
I think it’s just wonderful that the youngsters can come here and have this training and discipline as part of their growing up. It’s a wonderful facility that I’m really glad you can offer.”

Wing Commander Ryan Jones RAFAC

“It is the first time using a self-sustainable building which appeals to the young generation. I really like seeing both organisations working together.”

Colonel Pete Mills ACF

“The Essex Army Cadets and Essex RAFAC have always had a good working relationship. To be in the same building just enables us to build a better relationship and continue to work closer together, sharing resources, instructors, and opportunities.”

Staff Sergeant Craig MacDonald ACF – Southend Army Cadets Detachment Commander

“It is good because it’s a brand-new building with more classrooms and more space to expand into. The new facilities are up-to-date and modern, which is nice to see, and it’s more welcoming for newer cadets.”

Flight Lieutenant Joanne Busby RAFAC – Officer Commanding 1312 Southend Squadron Air Cadets

“It’s a lovely new building, much more sustainable, and it’s really good to be able to share facilities. It gives the best of both worlds.”

WO2 Kevin Allen

“It is really nice to see them use our building too.”

Looking Ahead

The Joint Cadet Centre in Southend-on-Sea represents more than just bricks and mortar—it is a symbol of unity, sustainability, and opportunity. By bringing the Army Cadets and RAF Air Cadets under one roof, the centre fosters collaboration, strengthens community ties, and ensures that young people across Essex have access to modern facilities that support their growth, discipline, and future aspirations.

 

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Plague with banner flags of Army and Air Cadets reflecting in the gold. Plague reads: Southend Joint Cadet Centre was officially opened by Mrs. Jennifer Tolhurst His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Essex 8th December 2025 Picture of new Joint Cadet Centre. Two ACF cadets stand on the door looking out into the night whilst flags from the ACF and RAFAC fly high. Lord Lieutenant unveiling her plaque Lord Lieutenant standing in front of her plague with the Lieutenant Colonel of Essex Army Cadets. Both in formal uniform. ACF and RAFAC banner flags 2 Warrant Officers from ACF and RAFAC laugh together whilst wearing formal uniform. Commandant and Deputy Commandant of Essex Army Cadets smiling whilst talking with other Army Cadet adults. RAFAC instructor looking off picture whilst wearing a blue uniform Lord Lieutenant of Essex in uniform talking to RAFAC and ACF Adults. All wearing formal uniform. Sea cadet in uniform stands in the background. Lord Lieutenant of Essex in uniform talking to RAFAC and ACF Adults. All wearing formal uniform. Man in the background smiling whilst wearing a suit. Lord Lieutenant of Essex in uniform talking to RAFAC and ACF Adults. All wearing formal uniform. An RAFAC instructor talks to a ACF instructor whilst holding a cup. Both in formal uniform. 2 ACF cadets stand in MTP uniform, hands clasped infront of them wearing medical gloves. To the side is another cadet dressed the same but with a first aid baby dummy in front of her on a table. Adult instructors from both ACF and RAFAC stand in a large hall talking whilst wearing uniform both formal and working dress. A member of the Reserve Forces stands in uniform with a chest full of medals. He listens into to a conversation intently. Lord Lieutenant of Essex inspects a parade of Army Cadets. RAFAC and ACF Adults stand talking in uniform. ACF Officer crouching in uniform watching a cadet apply a tourniquet A group of people in military uniforms and formal attire gathered at the opening of the Joint Cadet Centre in Southend Cadet on parade outside the Joint Cadet Centre in Southend during its opening ceremony. Lord Lieutenant inspecting Army and Air Cadets on parade at night Lord Lieutenant stands in uniform giving a speech. An Army Cadet Lieutenant Colonel to her left. Lord Lieutenant and Lieutenant Colonel of Essex Army Cadets stand in formal uniform. Low key picture of a Army Cadet Warrant Officer surrounded by the night. Lord Lieutenant stands in uniform giving a speech. An Army Cadet Lieutenant Colonel to her left. Lord Lieutenant stands in uniform giving a speech. Air cadet and Sea cadet stand side by side in formal uniform Air cadets walking with their instruments Lord Lieutenant standing next to her plaque with the Commandant of Essex ACF and the Wing Commander of Essex RAFAC Lord Lieutenant watches a cadet simulate talking to an aircraft with a radio. Photos of various dignitaries from the Army Cadets and Air Cadets standing with the Lord Lieutenant in front of her plague. Lord Lieutenant smiling in front of her plaque Two Army Cadet NCOs stand in MTP uniform. Two Air Cadets sitting demonstrating map and compass skills. Lord Lieutenant and RAFAC Lord Lieutenant Cadet Warrent Officer in formal uniform holding a chocolate cup cake whilst talking with dignitaries. 9 RAF Air Cadets pose for a photo with drums and trumpet in the middle. Lord Lieutenant watches an Air Cadet use a radio. RAFAC demonstrates the use of a flight simulator. Visiting dignitary in a suit has a go on the RAFAC flight simulator. Air Cadet holding banner flag whilst talking with a Sea Cadet Army Cadet in MTP uniform 5 Army Cadets sitting in uniform having a break with cups of tea.