Surrey Army Cadet Force

Surrey's Young Achievers!

 

:: Contents

:: Home Page

:: What's New?

:: Commandant's Page

:: The ACF

:: The ACF

:: The PWRR

:: PWRR History

:: The ACF Syllabus

:: National ACF Web Site

:: The Cadet Kit Shop

:: Cadet150

:: Activities

:: General Activities

:: Sports and Courses

:: Adventure Training

:: Band & Corps of Drums

:: Duke of Edinburgh's Award

:: BTEC Award

:: Battlefield Tours

:: Orienteering

:: Lesson Plans

:: Surrey ACF Club

:: Features

:: Latest News

:: News Archive

:: Coopers' Cask Competition

:: The Maydwell Cadet

:: Exercise Southern Cross

:: Brunei 2008

:: Annual Camp

:: Spotlight

:: Medals

:: Awards

:: Detachment Reports

:: Extras

:: Downloads

:: Photo Gallery

:: Internet Links

:: Internet Tips

 

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South East Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

 

:: The Commandant's Page

Colonel Kieron Blackburn TD is the new Commandant of Surrey Army Cadet Force, having been appointed to the role in September 2009.

Colonel Blackburn joined the TA in 1980 and was commissioned into the Queens Regiment in 1984. In 1986 he started a two year Short Service Voluntary Commission (SSVC) with 2 QUEENS. On completion of his SSVC and over a period of 10 years he undertook a number of specialist assignments in the Territorial Army.

In 1997 he was appointed OC ‘A’ Coy 2 RGBW.  This was followed by tours as 2IC of Bristol UOTC and as one of the TA instructors at the Junior Officers Tactics Course (JOTAC). He was appointed to command Bristol UOTC in April 2007 and completed this appointment in September 2009 when he was appointed Commandant Surrey ACF.

Colonel Blackburn was appointed to the Board of the Ipswich Building Society in 2008 as Finance Director. He is a Chartered Accountant and Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. Previously, he spent 12 years with the Nationwide Building Society, recently as Finance Director of UCB HomeLoans Ltd,  a Nationwide subsidiary.

Colonel Blackburn is married to Ena and they have two sons, Gregory and Alistair.



   

:: Colonel Blackburn writes:

After 30 years in the TA, I was delighted to be appointed Commandant of Surrey ACF in September. Much of my last ten years service in the TA has been spent working with young people, either university students at Bristol University Officers Training Corps or young Army officers at the Junior Officers Tactical Awareness Course (JOTAC) based in Warminster. I find working with young people hugely rewarding, although I am finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with them on training runs!

As for so many people and organisations these are challenging times for Surrey ACF.  Our training budget has been cut to nil and getting training resources, particularly access to training camps, is becoming increasingly difficult. The staff have responded brilliantly and have continued to plan and run rewarding training. This clearly demonstrates commitment to the ACF and to our cadets. One of my early responsibilities however has been to make clear to my superiors and budget setters that such goodwill cannot be assumed or taken for granted indefinitely.

Despite these challenges the County has had an excellent year with a two week camp in Devon, an exchange visit to Australia and a  visit to 2 PWRR in Cyprus being highlights. I am looking forward to an equally busy and exciting 2010. We are already planning for a camp in August, a number of Adventure Training and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions and weekend training. While there are challenges to be faced I am confident the enthusiasm of the cadets and the professionalism of the staff will ensure another great year!

   
     
   
     
   

:: Cadet150

2010 is the 150th anniversary of the Army Cadets. There will be celebrations all over the country during the year. For more info follow the link 

[More]

[More about this here]

[More about this here]

:: Want to Join?

To find out more about joining Surrey ACF as a Cadet or Adult Instructor use the links below

Adult Instructor

Cadet

Detachment Locations

:: Latest News

Pirbright Detachment Raises Record Amount For The Soldiers' Charity

Eight Pirbright cadets and their Detachment Commander, SSI Kit Donal, spent Saturday 6 March 2010 raising funds for the Army Benevolent Fund (now called The Soldiers' Charity). After 6 hours work in the freezing cold the cadets raised a total of £1,170.70 - a record for Sainsbury at Brookwood. 

:: Latest News

Merrow Detachment Trump Walton To Win Poppy Appeal Comp

Merrow Detachment were the surprise winners of the 2009 Lord Lieutenant's Cadet Poppy Appeal Competition, trumping Walton Detachment by no small margin. Colour Sergeant Alan Adams and his indomitable cadets raised no less than £9,425.19 putting Walton's £8,195.76 firmly in the shade. 

[More about this here]

:: More News

Surrey Cadets Help Launch Cadet150

The Cadet150 Celebrations kicked off in style on 17 February 2010 when HM The Queen welcomed 26 specially-selected cadet ambassadors to an audience at Buckingham Palace. The 26 lucky cadets - including our own Cadet Under Officer Rachel Tresman - participated in a series of events marking the launch of Cadet150

[More about this here]

:: More News

Walton Detachment Steal Connaught Cup Again

Walton Detachment, commanded by the irrepressible SMI Charlie Cooper,  for the third year running was awarded the Connaught Cup for the most money raised by a Surrey Cadet Detachment in the Lord Lieutenant's Poppy Appeal Cadet Competition

[More about this here]

:: More News

Potential Officers Puzzle It Out

In February 2009, eight potential officers from Surrey ACF tried their hand at the initial step towards gaining a Cadet Force Commission in the Army Cadet Force. Obtaining a commission in the ACF is no mean achievement. Adult Instructors need to demonstrate that they have above average ability

[More about this here]

:: More News

Chobham Cadets Raise Cash For Army Benevolent Fund

On a brilliant and unseasonably warm February Day cadets from Chobham Detachment with their Commander SSI Matt Pedwell spent five hours at Brookwood Sainsbury Store raising money in a collection for the Army Benevolent Fund.

[More about this here]

:: More News

Surrey Cadets Meet HRH The Duke of Edinburgh

Farnham, Mytchett and Farncombe cadets were honoured to meet the Duke of Edinburgh during a recent visit to the Cadet Training Centre at Frimley Park near Camberley in Surrey.

[More about this here]

:: More News

Leatherhead Cadets Visit DRMC Headley Court

Seventeen cadets and staff from Leatherhead Detachment visited DMRC Headley Court on 24 November 2008 at the invitation of Squadron Leader Ian Slaughter.

The Cadets were given a brief overview of the history of Headley Court along with an explanation of the treatment provided to injured servicemen and women.

[More about this here]

:: More News

Walton Cadets Brave Cold Weather To Aid Soldiers & Their Families

With the festive season just starting the shoppers of Burgh Heath in Surrey showed that despite the recession they had lost none of their support of compassion for their soldiers, ex-soldiers and their families who have fallen on hard times. As they arrived at the ASDA superstore they were greeted by Walton cadets wearing the distinctive red tabards of the Army Benevolent Fund and holding the brilliant red collecting buckets. 

[More about this here]

:: More News

Surrey Orienteerers Sweep The Board - Again

Once again the Surrey ACF Orienteering Team have swept the board in the National Orienteering Championships held at Warcop in Cumbria. Surrey ACF won Senior Boys'/Junior Boys'/Senior Girls' & Junior Girls' team events. 

[More about this here]

:: More News

Surrey Cadets Remember The Fallen

On a cold and windy November morning Surrey Army Cadets across the county turned out to support their local British Legion Branches.

[More about this here]

:: More News

Reigate Cadets On Air With Mercury FM Radio

On Sunday 27 April 2008, cadets from Reigate Detachment assisted Mercury FM with a charity abseil off the Sofitel Hotel at the North Terminal of Gatwick Airport. 

[More about this here]

:: More News

Surrey Army Cadets Assist ABF Charity Fair At RMA Sandhurst 

The second Army Benevolent Fund Charity Fair held at the RMA Sandhurst on Sunday 15 June 2008 was an outstanding success and raised about £10,000 for the benefit of serving and former serving soldiers and their families.

[More about this here]

:: Latest News

Ryan Earns Young First Aider Of The Year Award

Of all the subjects taught by the ACF First Aid is one of the most important and beneficial. Therefore it is a huge achievement that seven Army Cadets from across Britain were nominated for the medal for outstanding First Aid action. Among these was Lance Corporal Ryan Lloyd of our own Surrey Army Cadets.

[More about this here]

:: Latest News

Major Shipton Graduates Through BTEC

Major David Shipton, OC A Company, Surrey ACF has earned a Graduateship in Youth Management and Training through his service and training with the Army Cadet Force.

[More about this here]

:: Latest News

Kiln Agility Training Society Show, Walton

Over the weekend of 31 May and 1 June 2008 Walton Detachment supported the Kiln Agility Training Society to run their annual dog show by assisting with the administration and organisation of the event. 

[More about this here]

:: Latest News

Walton Detachment ANZAC Parade

Thirty-five cadets from Walton Detachment participated in Walton's annual ANZAC parade and church service to commemorate the sacrifice of those Australian and New Zealand soldiers who lost their lives in the two World Wars. 

[More about this here]

:: More News

Sainsbury Customers Cough Up for ABF

On Saturday and Sunday 24/25 May 2008 Army Cadets and their leaders from Farnham, Deepcut and Mytchett Detachments gave up several hours of their personal time to help the Army Benevolent Fund to raise funds to help servicemen, ex-servicemen and their dependants who are in need.

[More about this here]

:: Latest News

4 DIV Military Skills Competition Cleaned Up By Surrey

The annual Military Skills Competition sponsored by 4 Division was won decisively this year by the Surrey ACF team. In an amazing performance they won all the trophies for which they were eligible - The March and Shoot Competition, the ACF Trophy and the 4 Div Military Skills Winners.

[More about this here]

:: Latest News

Leatherhead Detachment Help The Heroes

Six cadets from Leatherhead Detachment attended Walton-on-the-Hill's Annual Pageant on 17 May to help raise funds for Help for Heroes.

[More about this here]

:: More News

Surrey Cadets Support TA100 Army Benevolent Fund & BLESMA

In support of the TA and working for the benefit of soldiers in need were Surrey Army Cadets from Guildford, Merrow, Cranleigh and Haselmere Detachments led by 2Lt Adrian Paice. A total of £2,671.97 was raised by the cadets.

[More about this here]

:: Latest News

Reigate Cadets Support Marie Curie

On 29th March 2008 Reigate Detachment supported the Marie Curie Cancer Fund by raising £350 at Burgh Hill ASDA Supermarket.

[More about this here]  

:: More News

Target Rifle Course

During the period from Friday 14 to Wednesday 19 March 2008, Surrey cadets attended a Target Rifle Coaching Course held at the Surrey ACF Weekend Training Centre at Farncombe and on ranges at Bisley and Stoney Castle. 

[More about this here]  

:: More News

Food In The Field

During the period of Easter Sunday and Monday cadets from Deepcut Detachment assisted the Royal Logistics Corps Museum in their special event " Food in the Field"

[More about this here]  

:: More News

Potential Officers Under Pressure

Six Potential Officer candidates from Surrey, Sussex and Kent ACFs were put through the mill at Sussex ACF state of the art Weekend Training Centre at Crowborough. The candidates were put through their paces to determine whether they were made of the right stuff to go forward to an Army Officer Selection Board later in the year. 

[More about this here]  

:: More News

Chobham Detachment Help Army Benevolent Fund

On a freezing cold March Saturday cadets from Chobham Detachment under the Command of SSI Mat Pedwell spent four hours at Waitrose on Goldsworth Park raising donations for the Army Benevolent Fund.

[More about this here]  

:: More News

Lord Lieutenant's Cadet Poppy Appeal Competition

For the second year running Walton Detachment snatch the Duke of Connaught's Cup for the Detachment that raised the most money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal with a monster £6,660.92. 

[More about this here]  

:: More News

Walton Detachment Raises Funds for ABF

Walton Detachment targeted the ASDA Supermarket at Burghill, near Epson and raised over £1,400

[More about this here]  

:: More News

Surrey Orienteerers Run A Good Race

The Surrey ACF Orienteering Team, has once again demonstrated its metal in the National Cadet Orienteering Championships by winning the Senior and Junior Boys team events and gaining first place gold medals in the Senior and Junior Boys and the Senior and Junior Girls events. 

[More about this here]

[& here]  

:: More News

Remembrance Day Parades in Surrey

Throughout Surrey and despite the damp and rainy day, Detachments of Army Cadets have joined with the British Legion, other cadet organisations and their local communities in remembering those servicemen and women who gave their lives during the two World Wars and other conflicts since. 

[More about this here]  

:: More News

Tri-Service Cooperation On The Cards

On Wednesday 7th November 2007, a tri-service conference involving senior staff from the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps was held at Surrey ACF weekend training centre. The meeting arranged by ACF Commandant, Colonel Andrew Blowers, and presided over by Brigadier Graeme Bartlett (Chairman of the Surrey Cadet Committee)

[More about this here]  

:: More News

Octavia Hill Honoured

On Sunday the 12th August Cadets from Mytchett, Farnham and Pirbright Detachments along with the Corps of Drums Detachment took part in the unveiling of a blue plaque to commemorate the formation of the first army cadet detachment by Miss Octavia Hill, the renowned Victorian social reformer.  

[More about this here]

:: More News

Defiant Cadets Jump Out Of Aeroplane

Ten Surrey ACF cadets with three instructors took part in Exercise Defiant Cadet 2 in July this year to learn how to parachute at the Joint Services Parachute Centre at Bad Lippspringe in Germany – JSPC(L).  

[More about this here]

:: More News

Nijmegen Team in Successful 100 Mile Stroll

Five cadets and two instructors from Surrey ACF participated in the gruelling annual Nijmegen Four Day marches in Holland. 

[More about this here]

:: More News

Surrey ACF Cadet Appointed The Master's Apprentice

Cadet Drum Major Robert Sobey of the Corps of Drums Detachment has been appointed as The Master's Apprentice for the academic year 2007/08. The Worshipful Company of Coopers has been associated with Strode's College at Egham since its founding in 1704 by Henry Strode.  Each year a student of Strode's College is chosen by interview from the best students at the college to be the Master's Apprentice.

[More about this here]

:: More News

ABF Summer Charity Bazaar

On a blisteringly hot June day, Surrey Army Cadets were out in force at Sandhurst - aided by colleagues from Berkshire ACF - in support of the Army Benevolent Fund's first Summer Charity Fair at the Royal Military Academy.

[More about this here]

:: More News

Queen's Royal Surreys

On Sunday 17th June 2007, cadets from Guildford and Merrow Detachments participated in the Annual Service of the Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment at Guildford Cathedral. Under the command of Under Officer Graham Croucher and SSI Alan Rutter the cadets lined the cathedral steps and assisted as ushers at the church.

[More about this here]

:: More News

Queen's Royal Surrey Regt -  Sponsorship

At the annual reception of the Queen's Royal Surrey Regimental Association at Clandon Park on Monday 21st May 2007, the Chairman, Colonel Tony Ward MBE, presented Surrey ACF with cheques to the value of £2,400 as donations from the QRS Regimental Trust and Territorial Associations.

[More about this here]

:: Surrey ACF Music

For information about how you can learn to play a musical instrument see:

  www.sacfmusic.co.uk

Our Band and Corps of Drums is one of the best in the country. Why don't you come along and give it a try?

:: Not From Surrey?

The Army Cadet Force has Detachments located all around the UK. Check out the National ACF Website to find your nearest Detachment!  [more]