Northumbria Army Cadet Force

01/11/2026

01/11/2026

✂️ A new purpose for a familiar landmark — helping to save lives.
After months of planning, it was fantastic to finally cut the ribbon and officially open our community defibrillator station in a repurposed telephone box on Gosforth High Street.
A heartfelt thank you to Box and Build, Red Sky Foundation and Aero for helping to make this happen, bringing potentially life-saving equipment to the heart of our local community.
Northumbria Army Cadet Force is proud to support initiatives like this. Through teamwork, leadership and service to others, we remain committed to helping our young people make a positive difference.
Community is at the heart of everything we do — and we’re proud to play our part in supporting those in need. ❤️

01/11/2026

Another busy day on the patch, doing great things with amazing people! 🙌
Our Centre of Excellence once again hosted FAM, with 15 people expected and 13 new adult volunteers joining Team Northumbria. A very warm welcome to you all — I hope your journey is a rewarding and enjoyable one!
Six also attended BIT continuation training as they work towards their BIA in April. It’s great to see that progress and commitment to the next stage of the journey.
Next stop was Gateshead for the North’s Garden of Remembrance, where over 100 cadets and more than 80 veterans and dignitaries were on parade. It was a privilege to be part of such a moving occasion and to pay our respects to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Then it was on to Otterburn to visit the mighty Z Company. Cadet training, adult development, first aid and skill at arms, alongside a visit from our friends in the Sea Cadet Corps and Royal Marine Cadets for weapon-handling drills.
Of course, the weekend wouldn’t have been complete without a little Halloween fun! 🎃 It was lovely to see everyone enjoying themselves and sharing a few laughs together.
Thank you to everyone who helped make it all happen. A weekend full of welcome, progress, remembrance and community — proud to be part of Team Northumbria!

31/10/2026

Happy Halloween 🎃👻

17/10/2026

Thank you High Sheriff of Northumberland 😊🌟

It was lovely to catch up with some of the fantastic adult volunteers from Northumbria Army Cadet Force at last night’s Emergency Services Dinner at County Hall.

The Army Cadet Force gives young people opportunities to develop confidence, leadership, teamwork and resilience through activities including fieldcraft, navigation, first aid, adventure training and community service. The adult volunteers who give their time to support them play a vital role in helping young people build skills for life.

15/10/2026

Farewell, congratulations and a new chapter for Northumbria ACF!

Today we say thank you and farewell to our outgoing Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major, Poppy Darling, as she reaches the end of her Army Cadet Force journey and prepares for an exciting new adventure at university studying veterinary studies.

Becoming Cadet RSM is no small achievement. It represents years of commitment, hard work and dedication, and we are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved during her time with Northumbria ACF. She is without doubt, an exceptional young person and one who we will miss as she leaves us for new adventures.

From all of us across the County: thank you for everything you have given to the ACF, and very best wishes for university and all that follows.

As we say farewell, we're also delighted to welcome our new Cadet RSM, Alex Hetherington, who now takes up the mantle as Senior Cadet of Northumbria ACF.

As Cadet RSM, Alex will represent the very best of our cadets, acting as an ambassador for the County and for the values, standards and traditions that sit at the heart of the Army Cadet Force.

Congratulations, Alex! We wish you every success in the appointment and look forward to seeing you make it your own.

Two exceptional young people. Two exciting new chapters. Good luck to you both!

14/10/2026

Thank you to the Hexham Courant for their coverage of this event and our activity during

A royal message marked a special first for Prudhoe's cadets 👑

11/10/2026

📣 A Message From The Commandant 📣

As National Cadets Week draws to a close, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the many ways in which our cadets, adult volunteers, professional support staff, families, supporters and partners continue to demonstrate the value of the cadet movement across Northumbria and beyond.

Throughout the week, I have had the privilege of visiting locations, alongside a number of events representing Northumbria Army Cadet Force. Across the county, every detachment opened its doors to parents, supporters, friends and dignitaries, providing a clear, inspiring and enthusiastic demonstration of the commitment, confidence and community spirit that define our organisation.

I am extremely grateful for the continued support of the Lord-Lieutenant’s offices, civic and commercial partners, their encouragement, advocacy and commitment are invaluable, not only during this important week of celebration, but throughout the year.

To our cadets: you are at the heart of everything we do. Your passion, determination, energy and willingness to challenge yourselves continue to inspire us all. Whether you are on parade, in the field, learning new skills, competing, volunteering or supporting your friends, your achievements are a credit to yourselves, your families and the wider Army Cadet Force.

You should be immensely proud of all that you have accomplished, and of the positive example you set within your communities.

To our adult volunteers and professional support staff: thank you. Without your dedication, professionalism and service, we simply could not provide the opportunities, experiences and memories that shape the lives of our young people.

Much of your most demanding work takes place behind the scenes, yet its impact is profound. Please be assured that the difference you make is recognised, valued and deeply appreciated.

To our families, supporters and partners: thank you for standing alongside Northumbria Army Cadet Force and for the encouragement you provide freely and consistently. Your support enables our cadets and volunteers to thrive.

National Cadets Week provides an important opportunity to celebrate all that makes the Army Cadet Force, and the wider cadet community, such an integral and valued part of society. Through teamwork, confidence, leadership, friendship and service, our cadets continue to make a meaningful contribution to the communities in which they live.

I am immensely proud of everyone who contributes to Northumbria Army Cadet Force and of the commitment shown across our county every day.

Be proud. Be ambitious. Be the best version of yourself.

Happy National Cadets Week from all of us at Northumbria ACF!

Col Mike

10/10/2026

Well done to Team Ponteland. Great display and community presence today! 🎉