A row of Cadets from the Bligny Band and Bugles are standing on an indoor mezzanine level, playing bugles and instruments. They are dressed in their smart dark green band uniforms, playing to guests gathered on a lower floor level.

Shropshire Army Cadet Force Trust was officially launched at a special evening event held at RAF Shawbury.  The Trust welcomed over 100 people from a variety of areas including local and civic dignitaries, businesses, the military and Shropshire Army Cadet Force, all with one aim in mind: to support Shropshire’s Army Cadets.

The primary function of the Trust is to raise funds to support the Cadets in Shropshire and to finance the equipment not supplied by the Ministry of Defence. The Trust is aiming to achieve this via donations and sponsorship, with interest from businesses and individuals welcome to be part of the Army Cadet journey.

During the event, attendees heard from various speakers about their involvement with Shropshire Army Cadet Force. Sergeant Austin from Madeley Detachment and Band & Bugles, and Cadet Downes from Copthorne Detachment and Band & Bugles, explained their first hand experiences of what the Army Cadet Force means to them.

The passions for supporting Shropshire’s Army Cadets were also shared by the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Mrs Anna Turner, Dr Graham Wynn OBE (Chair of SACFT Trustees), Colonel Marius Coulon TD, MCGI  Honorary Colonel & President of the Bligny Band and Bugles,  Colonel John Mytton, ACF Commandant, and Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Brettell DL QOY, and the rewards it can bring for all involved.

Trustees and representatives for Shropshire Army Cadet Force Trust are standing together in a group, smiling and posed for the camera. The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire is standing central with uniformed Army Cadet Force, Trustees and Army personnel around her. They are standing in front of a Trust banner in an indoor carpeted room.

The Chair of the organisation is Shropshire born and bred business man, Graham Wynn OBE.

Graham said “I am so pleased to be Chair for this organisation. Access to an establishment such as the Cadets can be a great start in life for young people. It can help them to develop transferable social and interpersonal skills, self-discipline and citizenship skills, that will benefit them in their future work life. These are skills that could give them the edge during recruitment processes. Cadets will participate in training such as first aid and health and safety and will experience working as part of a team. As a Trust our mission is to ensure that no Shropshire Army Cadet will be denied the full cadet experience due to socio-economic reasons”.

Patron for the Trust, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Mrs Anna Turner said: “I am pleased to have been asked to be Patron of this Trust. Being part of the Cadets can offer wonderful experiences and skills to young people and gives them a great start in life that could be continued in the military or in the workplace generally.”

Certificates were presented by Trustees to the newly signed up Corporate Patrons and Sponsors, with further details shared about how individuals and businesses can get involved to support the cadets.

For those interested in donating to or having a sponsorship package with the Shropshire Army Cadet Force Trust please visit their website or email honsec@sacft.co.uk

 

Published 08/11/24