Cadet Lance Corporal Natalie Spence of Berwick Detachment, Northumbria Army Cadet Force was recently presented with the inaugural Simon Lord Award in recognition of her commitment to her fellow cadets.

Natalie was nominated for the award by her Detachment Commander, 2Lt  Debra Jerdan.  Natalie was put forward for the award because of her commitment to help younger people to achieve their potential.  Due to ill-health Natalie can no longer take  part in many aspects of the ACF syllabus, but is determined to support others in their learning.  Despite her limitations, she is the first person to volunteer for Cadet in the Community events and balances this with 6th form study,  supporting family members and having a part-time
job.

Natalie's support of others is evident in that when she submitted a 'wish-list' if she were to win the award, she chose to buy sports equipment for her fellow Berwick cadets - even though she cannot take part in sports herself.   

The panel members who chose Natalie as their winner were joined by Sam Lord and Colonel David Middleton at a presentation evening at the TA Centre, Berwick.   During the evening the guests were given an insight into the learning of an Army Cadet with information stands on first aid, fieldcraft, Duke of Edinburgh Award, map and compass and skill at arms.

On a surprisingly warm Saturday, the cadets from around the region gathered for the annual athletics competition.  Once again the Cadets from W Company showed that despite what we lack in sheer numbers, we make up for in quality and were successful in a number of events

To complete a very busy weekend, and following on from the Athletics meeting on Saturday, Cadets from Alnwick and Rothbury detachments attended two days at Wallington Hall. The Cadets provided Marshalls to assist the Public, manned the County Recruiting Caravan with Major Ewart and assisted Major Spence and Captain Watson with the ever popular Climbing Wall. The Cadets received a huge number of compliments with reference to their Discipline, Turnout, Bearing and unfaltering efforts. 
 
Julie Tucker (Events and Promotion Manager, Wallington) commented.. "I  just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and all the ACF  instructors and cadets for your support over the past two days. Everyone did a great job, which I’m sure was an excellent advert for the AFC and all the opportunities it presents." 

Major Ewart
Officer Commanding
W Company

On Saturday 27th May Northumbria ACF joined together at Slatyford detachment to  hold their annual First Aid Competition.  Cadets and Young adults competed against each other to join the Northumbria First Aid Team for 2013. 

The cadets involved had to act quickly and promptly to deal with casualties. They worked hard as a team and as individuals. 

W Company achieved the best individual First Aider and with a joint team with Y Company we won the best Junior adult team.

Well done to everyone who took part

Well done to Cpl Lauren Howie from Rothbury on winning the best individual first
aider at Northumbria First Aid competition

Well done to Sgt  Phillips from Broomhill for winning the Junior Adults first Aid Competition with Sgt Simm

Cadet Sgt. Jordan Harnett from Amble Detachment with Mr Peter Loyd the New High Sheriff for Northumberland 2013. The photo was taken at the recent Investiture of the High Sheriff and the introduction of Sgt.Harnett as the High Sheriff cadet for 2013.
 
 Sgt,Harnett conducted himself superbly on the night and I received many compliments on both his turnout and conduct throughout the evening.  The evening was attended by approximately 150 guests invited, included amongst where 2 ex. Commandants of NACF and at least 5 retired Colonels with regular service.

Berwick Detachment recently attended the High Sheriff's Award evening at Northumbria Police HQ.  Cadets Inglis and Voase represented the detachment to receive an award in recognition of the charity and community work undertaken  by Berwick's cadets.
 
Last year the detachment raised over £3000 for a number of service charities including SSAFA, the Royal British Legion, ABF, Help for Heroes and Combat Stress as well as taking part in community events such as Minden Day, National Armed Forces Day,  Remembrance Day, the 70th Anniversary Memorial Service of the Surrender of Singapore, the Jubiliee Lamp service and the Olympic Torch
parade. 
 
Well done Berwick - you are a credit to the ACF

Details of the next Ski Expedition to Alp D’Huezn in France is attached with the snappy title "Frozen Marmot 2".  Captain
Watson has just returned from this year’s expedition to the resort and says, 

“..the location, resort facilities and instruction are superb. It is a fantastic (and safe) resort….. having attended a number of CCAT ski courses in Bavaria, I can say this far exceeds what they can offer and massively enhances the experience for all
involved.”
 
The overall costs are as follows:
 
Cadets 12- 18 ¾ - £779
Persons under 18 - £779
Adults/CFAV’s- £800
 
This is not restricted to ACF personnel if you have friends/family interested they also are able to attend. 
A £250 NONREFUNDABLE DEPOSIT IS HOWEVER NEEDED BY THE 25TH APRIL 2013.
 
The price includes:
 
Flights/Transfers from Newcastle International Airport to the Resort (chartered flight)
Hotel Accommodation (to include 3 hot meals per day)
All equipment Hire (ski’s, poles, boots and helmets)
Medical/travel Insurance cover
Resort Ski Pass (which also includes free access to the local swimming pool)
6 Days tuition and assessment in the French Ski School (Ecolle du Ski Francais) – this is for those under 18, there is a further adult supplement of £60 should the adult wish to attend the ski school 
Further/extra ski tuition by qualified ACF Instructors – Captain Watson is willing and able to teach those adults/CFAV’s who have never skied before
Evening activities delivered by the Hotel Staff (to include Bum Boarding and a Disco on at least 2 of the nights)
 
We as a County have been undertaking this Expedition now for over 6 years and this is a great opportunity and ultimately a fantastic experience for the CFAV’s/ Cadets to learn to or enhance their Skiing Ability.