Sponsored by SSAFA
https:// https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us
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30 May 24. Celebrate Armed Forces Day 2024 at the Historic Dockyard. Armed Forces Day 2024 is set to be one of the best yet, with the event making a much-anticipated return to the Historic Dockyard Chatham.
With its history of Royal Navy shipbuilding stretching back to the mid-16th Century, the dockyard embodies Medway’s longstanding connection to the armed services, and is the perfect place to celebrate their work and dedication.
Medway’s 15th Armed Forces Day comes to the historic venue on Saturday, June 29, from 11am to 5pm, bringing colourful parades, live bands, and fun have-a-go activities, along with military displays and vehicles.
Other unique attractions include HMS Ganet and the RNLI lifeboat exhibition, along with the fascinating Air Raid and Royal Dockyard tours.
Designed to bring the public together with serving personnel, veterans and their families, the day will also include moments of reflection with a commemoration service and the iconic Beating Retreat finale.
Cllr Harinder Mahil, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Arts, Culture and Leisure, said: “Armed Forces Day is always a brilliant chance for the community to come together and celebrate those who have served for their country and those who continue to do so. Returning to the Historic Dockyard will make it an extra special day, which will be one to remember for everyone who comes down. We have a long historic connection to the armed forces, and we all want to acknowledge the importance of those links for families throughout Medway. Most importantly it will be a great fun-packed day, with something for everyone and all ages to enjoy.”
For more information visit: Visitmedway.org/events/armed-forces-day-2024/
28 May 24. Teenage Cadets Prepare to March for Army Charity. A group of plucky Army cadets are preparing for the trek of a lifetime to raise funds for Army veterans and their families.
The cadets, from Norfolk, Buckinghamshire, and Somerset, will compete in the inaugural Babcock Cadet Challenge of the Cateran Yomp. They will join over 1,000 soldiers, veterans, and their families marching up to 54 miles in 24 hours across Highland Perthshire.
Supported this year by headline sponsors Babcock International Group, the annual event raises much-needed funds for the Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), the Army’s national charity. As well as funding their places, Babcock is also matching each cadet’s first £100 of fundraising.
This year’s event falls just two days after the 80th anniversary of D-Day and also coincides with the charity’s 80th anniversary.
Heading off at 6am on Saturday 8 June, returning to Blairgowrie in the early hours of Sunday 9 June, the cadet cohort includes a team of six from the Norfolk Army Cadet Force.
One of the ‘Norfolk Cadet Ramblers’ is 17 year old Cdt Sgt Lois Hill who commented, “I think it will be an amazing experience that raises money for an important cause. I enjoy challenging myself and thought this would be a great opportunity. I have enjoyed the training so far even though it has been difficult. It allows me to push myself and feel prepared for the event. ‘m looking forward to the amazing scenery and environment where the walk will take place, as well as being able to push myself to my limits, with the support of the rest of my team.”
Cdt Sgt Archie Lang (also 17) added, “I enjoy anything outdoors and it’s nice to do something for a rewarding cause. I enjoy running so it has been OK to manage the distance but I’m really looking forward to embarking on the more challenging terrain that lies ahead.”
Leading the team is Major Rob Hayden, Country Training Officer (Cadets), who commented, “The Cateran Yomp aligns perfectly with our mission and values. We are always looking for opportunities to push and motivate our senior cadets so participating in the Babcock Cadet Challenge is a fantastic opportunity for our cadets and former cadets who have come back as volunteers to motivate the next generation.
“When you join the cadets, you embrace the ethos of community spirit and contribute to society through physical and personal challenges, so hiking through the Perthshire countryside to help army veterans provides the ideal focus for our senior cadets. As they trek through the hills and paths of the Cateran Trail, walking alongside soldiers, veterans and their families, I have no doubt that the Yomp will provide our cadets with the experience of a lifetime, shaping lifelong memories and building their resilience, determination and sense of achievement.”
Harry Whiteley, Senior Events Manager (Challenges), Army Benevolent Fund, added, “We are delighted to be hosting the first ever Babcock Cadet Challenge, which allows us to welcome Army cadets to this amazing event for the first time, free of charge. We have no doubt that this year’s cohort will lay the foundations for hundreds of others to follow in their footsteps in the years ahead and ultimately position the Cateran Yomp as the leading cadet trekking event in the UK.”
James Innes, Head of Social Impact, Babcock International Group, said: “As headline sponsors of the Cateran Yomp we are proud to be supporting the Army Benevolent Fund. We are particularly excited that this year we are launching the inaugural Babcock Cadet Challenge where we are providing free entry to Cadets (including Army, Air, Sea, Police, Fire) along with £50 towards travel and matching the first £100 of funds raised. Good luck to everyone taking part.”
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SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, has been providing lifelong support to our Forces and their families since 1885. In 2020, our teams of volunteers and employees helped more than 79,000 people in need, the currently serving (both regulars and reserves), veterans from the Second World War and those who have served in more recent conflicts, as well as their families. SSAFA understands that behind every uniform is a person. And we are here for that person – any time they need us, in any way they need us, for as long as they need us.
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/about-us
https://www.ssafa.org.uk/support-us
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