Autumn 2012

I am conscious that it has been a fair time since my last post, during which time we had the slightly odd experience of an August without an Annual Camp. Hopefully adults will have taken advantage of this opportunity to have a family holiday! The reality however is that we return to the normal cycle now, with planning already underway for Annual Camp 2013 to Okehampton in Devon.

My focus remains as before:

Firstly, the development of cadet opportunities, whether that be through BTEC, the D of E, shooting, first aid or the APC syllabus. I am particularly pleased with the developments and successes in shooting and would urge all those with ranges to make the fullest possible use of them. I am particularly grateful to Capt Roberts for his efforts in respect to shooting and raising the profile across the 4 sub units. There was also a successful D of E Gold expedition to the Peak District and a visit to Arnhem organised by the RE Sqn.

Secondly, the development of our CFAVs. We have extablished our Potential Officer Cadre, which now has 15 AUOs, the first of whom will attend Westbury at the end of October. Training in the Cadre will start in earnest on Sat 06 Oct at CHQ under the leadership of Maj Kevin Nisbet.

The Officers' Study period is still on track to take place over the weekend of 13/14 Oct with a visit to the Ypres area for a battlefield tour, which should be an enjoyable exercise and a potential starting point for cadet visits to the area.

Also in November we have the opportunity to recognise the contribution of three of our adults who will be presented with The Lord Lieutenant's Certificate of Meritorious Service. I am particularly pleased that at the same time the Lord Lieutenant will appoint two of our senior cadets (CSM Beckley and CSM Cobb) as Lord Lieutenant's Cadets (one for the East and one for the West of the County).

We will be dining out the Honorary Colonel, The Viscount De L'Isle at a special dinner at the beginning of November, details of which should have been passed down through the chain of command.

The Board for the next RSMI will take place shortly and it is encouraging that there have been a number of applications.

I will be attending the national sports officer conference at Frimley Park in January, after which time I will be looking out for an individual to take on the role of County Sports Officer - Watch Out - It could be YOU!

Finally, keep an eye out for the latest edition of "Footprint", which should be published over the next couple of weeks.