Last Sunday saw the formal handover of first aid equipment to the Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force (ACF) at the county Training Centre in Besford, Worcestershire. This was a joint initiative between the Freemasons of Herefordshire and Worcestershire, who funded the equipment through a grant to the Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force Charitable Trust. The equipment will ensure all cadets have access to realistic, high-quality, and hands-on first aid training resources.  

The equipment consists of resuscitation dolls/CPR manikins and anti-choking training aid vests, that will improve the realism and quality of First Aid training. The manikins will be distributed to detachments across Herefordshire and Worcestershire ensuring every cadet has access to practical CPR training. The choking vests will be held centrally for use during collective training events and instructor courses. There are around seven hundred cadets across Herefordshire and Worcestershire supported by around one hundred and thirty adult volunteers, who can all take advantage of the new equipment.

First aid is a lifelong skill with real world relevance. Cadets can progress on to First Aid at Work qualifications. The importance of this training was demonstrated last year when a cadet received an award for providing life-saving assistance at a road traffic accident.

The handover event was attended by the Heads of Freemasonry in Herefordshire, Michael Holland, and Worcestershire, Stephen Wyer, accompanied by their Deputies. They were greeted by the Chair of Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Charitable Trust, Col (retd) D Head MC, and Lieutenant Colonel Gary Newbrook, the Deputy Commandant of the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Army Cadets.

Following a demonstration of the equipment by the cadets and adult volunteers, the formal presentation took place where Col Head spoke about the useful skills learned in the cadets that can be transferred to everyday lives and help the community at large.

Col Head said:

“Your generosity is deeply valued. Your support strengthens a local youth organisation rooted in service, discipline and community. Most importantly it helps young people access experiences that can shape their confidence, character and future opportunity.”

The Head of Freemasonry in Herefordshire commented:

“We are delighted, in conjunction with the Freemasons of Worcestershire, to provide training aids that will help the ACF Cadets gain knowledge and hands-on experience, which will enable them to build confidence and develop transferable skills that can be applied in future employment opportunities, everyday life and service within the community.”

The formal presentation of the equipment is the culmination of the aligned vision of Freemasonry, the ACF Trust, and the Army Cadet Force, and is one of the highlights of the celebration of Armed Forces Week in Herefordshire and Worcestershire.

Loyal Hay Chapter recently donated £500 to Hay on Wye Dial-A-Ride.  Established in December 1994, the charity helps overcome transport problems for their members, young or old, with disabilities of all kinds and also those who simply do not have access to a car or to public transport as long as they are living within a 9 mile radius of Hay-on-Wye.

Their aim is to help customers maintain an independent lifestyle, reducing loneliness and social/rural isolation and enabling residents to feel part of a thriving community. They are more than just a transport service, access to health and community services is a vital part of physical and mental health and wellbeing.

The picture shows E Comp David Gwynne presenting a cheque to the Chairman and Team of Hay Dial-A-Ride

Cadets from Inkerman Company, Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force, have returned from a five-day First World War battlefield study in France and Belgium.

 A total of twenty eight cadets and nine adult volunteers took part in Exercise Venturer Cambrai from 25 to 29 May, visiting key historic sites including Thiepval, Beaumont Hamel, Delville Wood, Mametz Wood, Lochnagar Crater, the Somme Museum and Vimy Ridge.

 Herefordshire Freemasons assisted with funding for the trip. This gave cadets the chance to learn more about the history of the First World War whilst also building confidence, teamwork and independence. For six cadets, it was their first time abroad.

 The visit was described as “educational, emotional, and genuinely life-changing” for many of the young people involved. The group also took part in a parade at Thiepval, which was a particularly special moment, where cadets wore matching t-shirts funded through support for the trip. Despite very hot weather, staff said the cadets showed resilience and looked after one another throughout the visit.

 On return from the visit parents commented:

 “He hasn’t stopped talking about everything he learned — he’s been telling us facts all week.”
“We need to go to France now so we can see it for ourselves.”
“He said it was the best experience of his life so far.”

 Captain Michelle King the tour organiser said:

 “Thank you for your support. It really has been appreciated and of great benefit to our cadets. I honestly don’t think I would have been able to carry out the tour without your generous funding. It helped create an unforgettable experience for our cadets — one that broadened horizons, strengthened character and deepened their understanding of service, sacrifice and community. We are sincerely grateful for your support.”

 You can see a video of the tour in Facebook here: