http://armycadets.com/county/cleveland-acf/

Cleveland ACF, County HQ Cleveland ACF, Army Reserve Centre, Stockton Road, Middlesbrough (2026)

13/10/2026

🎖️ NATIONAL CADETS WEEK 2026: EXECUTIVE ROUND-UP & COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS 🇬🇧

As 2026 draws to a close, Cleveland Army Cadet Force extends our profound gratitude to the Army Cadets UK National Command for their overarching vision, dynamic leadership, and steadfast championship of youth development nationwide. In particular, we salute our Commandant, Colonel Davey Benson 🫡, whose strategic vision, relentless energy, and inspiring direction continue to guide Cleveland ACF with unswerving purpose and distinction. Through this exemplary leadership, our county has not only embraced this national campaign with pride and momentum but continues to reach extraordinary new standards of excellence across every detachment.

From national conference honours to charity skydives, local open days, and inspiring journeys from recruit to senior leadership, here is the executive summary of our campaign highlights:

🌟 NATIONAL RECOGNITION & COMMAND LEADERSHIP

🫡National Conference Award: Commandant Colonel Davey Benson represented the County at the National ACF Conference in Aldershot, accepting a national certificate of appreciation celebrating Cleveland ACF’s fundraising dedication, creativity, and community impact in the Cadet Challenge.
🫡Leading from 14,000 Feet: Deputy Commandant Lt Col Darren Hunter took to the skies for a 14,000ft tandem skydive, raising £640 split between the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK) and Butterwick Hospice Care in loving memory of Pam Wallace and Sarah Norman.

🎪 COMMUNITY IMPACT & OUTREACH

🏆Billingham Ri**es Community Open Day: Billingham Army Cadet Detachment opened its doors on Sunday 11 October for a full afternoon of free family entertainment, partnering with local firefighters, running live cadet demonstrations, launching the 8-station Cadet Passport Challenge, and raising crucial funds for ACCT UK.

🚀 INSPIRATIONAL "CADET TO CFAV" JOURNEYS
Our adult instructors proved once again why they are the backbone of our organisation, sharing powerful stories of personal growth and giving back:

🇬🇧Major Katie Carr: Tracing her path from walking through Burlam Road Detachment's doors in 2010 to leading the Corps of Drums, making history as County Drum Major on Remembrance Sunday in Middlesbrough, commanding B Company, and earning promotion to Major at Annual Camp 2026.
🇬🇧Capt Josh Heslop: From joining Norton Para Detachment in 2007 and reaching Cadet Sergeant Major to progressing as Detachment Commander, Company Commander, and now leading as our County Training Officer.
🇬🇧WO2 Danny Morris: From 2007 junior cadet to Cadet RSM, laying wreaths at the Menin Gate, and becoming the youngest SSI in the county, culminating in his promotion to Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of C Company.
🇬🇧WO1 Emma Purvis: Celebrating our trailblazer—the first female cadet to win the national Claire Shore Champion Cadet Trophy (2006), Cleveland’s first female Cadet RSM, our first female County RSM, and one of just five runners nationwide selected to represent ACCT UK at the Great North Run 2026.
🇬🇧Sgt Keira Day: Highlighting her rise through the ranks to Company Cadet CSM, serving as HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for County Durham, parading at the National Service of Remembrance in London and the historic Coronation of King Charles III, before returning as an adult Sergeant to inspire our youth.
🇬🇧Sgt Robert King: Honoring 50 years of continuous service spanning St John Ambulance in 1976, ATC aviation deployments to Cyprus, four decades of ACF instruction following Frimley Park in 1986, community first responding, and his current dedication at Guisborough Detachment.
🇬🇧Sgt Montana Widdowson: Sharing how joining at age 12 provided structure and confidence, propelling her into a global career in outdoor adventure leadership across Australia, Norway, and Finland, before returning to green uniform to instruct at the very detachment where she began.

👑 EXCELLENCE IN OUR RANKS

🇬🇧Cadet CSM Filip Zyla: Setting records from age 12 as our youngest 4-Star Blandford CIS Signaller, serving as HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for County Durham, and being selected as one of only 10 cadets nationwide for the prestigious Cadet Exchange to India.

💚 THE FUTURE STARTS HERE

National Cadets Week may be ending, but our mission to inspire, train, and champion the young people of Cleveland continues every single week.

Thank you to every cadet, parent, supporter, and Cadet Force Adult Volunteer who makes Cleveland ACF an exceptional family to belong to.

"Aut viam inveniam aut faciam" — I shall either find a way or make one.

👉 Ready to begin your own story? Enrol as a cadet (ages 12–18) or join our adult instructor team today: [armycadets.com/county/cleveland]

11/10/2026

🇬🇧 FROM BILLINGHAM TO ROYAL PARADES & ADULT INSTRUCTOR: MEET SGT KEIRA DAY! 🎖️

As we wrap up an unforgettable , we have one more inspiring Cadet to CFAV journey to celebrate!

Meet Sgt Keira Day—a standout role model whose cadet career saw her rise to the very top, represent Cleveland on the national and royal stage, and return to inspire our next generation!

🟢 A CADET CAREER OF EXCELLENCE

Keira joined the Army Cadets back in 2018. Over five whirlwind years, she threw herself into every challenge available:

👑 HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet: Recognised for her exceptional bearing and leadership at Billingham Ri**es Detachment, Keira was selected to serve alongside Mrs Sue Snowdon, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham!
🇬🇧 The National Stage: Proudly represented the County in London for the National Service of Remembrance in 2021.
👑 The King’s Coronation: Chosen to represent the Army Cadets at the historic Coronation of King Charles III in London—sharing unforgettable moments with fellow cadets from across the UK!
📡 Mastering the Syllabus: Completed her Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, qualified on the elite 4-Star CIS Signals Course at Blandford, achieved 4-Star Army Cadet, and proudly carried the pace stick as Company Cadet CSM!

⚔️ RETURNING AS A CFAV

Having achieved so much in the cadet ranks, Keira knew her journey with the Army Cadets was far from finished. In 2023, she made the inspiring decision to return as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV)!

Now serving as an adult Sergeant, she brings that vast wealth of knowledge, signals expertise, and drill standards straight back to the detachment floor—mentoring, guiding, and empowering our younger cadets to reach the same heights she did.

From a junior recruit to the halls of Westminster and royal parades, to standing proud in uniform as an adult instructor today, Sgt Keira Day embodies everything it means !

Please join us in giving Sgt Keira Day a massive round of applause for her outstanding service, leadership, and dedication to Cleveland ACF! 👏💚🇬🇧

👉 Start your journey with Cleveland ACF—enrol as a cadet (12–18) or volunteer with us: [armycadets.com/county/cleveland]

**es

11/10/2026

☀️ GOOD MORNING BILLINGHAM! TODAY IS THE DAY! 🎉🇬🇧

Looking for an incredible, fun-filled Sunday with the family? Gates open at 12:00 PM for the Billingham Ri**es Community Open Day, and we are ready to welcome the whole community!

Pack up the family, bring your friends, and come celebrate with us—admission is completely FREE!

📍 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

⏰ Time: 12:00 – 16:30 today!
📍 Location: Billingham Army Cadet Detachment, Beamish Road, Billingham, TS23 3DY
🎟️ Entry: FREE ENTRY for everyone!

🎪 WHAT’S WAITING FOR YOU TODAY?

🚒 Meet the Fire Service: Get up close with a real fire engine and chat with our local firefighting crew!
🛂 Cadet Passport Challenge (£2 to enter): Kids take on 8 action-packed activity stations—First Aid, Fieldcraft, Navigation, Radios, Drill, Command Tasks, and more! Collect every stamp to walk away with a Cadet Challenge Certificate & a sweet reward!
🧠 Community Quiz (£5 per team): Bring your sharpest squad for 5 fun rounds of trivia to win our headline prize—4 tickets to Ninja Warrior UK at Teesside Park!
🎟️ Grand Charity Raffle (£5 per strip): Brilliant prizes to be won, including a Sunday Carvery for Two at The Synthonia, vouchers for The Lion, meals from Rhinos Burger, Paintball passes, Cadet Direct vouchers, and much more!
🏰 Bouncy Castle & Live DJ/Disco: Non-stop entertainment and tunes all afternoon!
🍔 Food, Drinks & Cake Stall: Freshly grilled hot food, cold refreshments, and delicious home-baked cakes.
🎯 Have-a-Go Tasters: Test your aim with laser shooting and check out real cadet kit demonstrations.

Every penny raised from our activities and raffle goes directly to the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK), funding life-changing opportunities and adventures for young people.

Come meet our cadets and instructors, discover how your teenager can join the adventure, or just come enjoy a brilliant afternoon in the autumn sunshine.

The countdown is on—see you all at 12:00 PM on Beamish Road! 💚

**es

10/10/2026

🇬🇧 FIVE DECADES OF DEDICATION: CELEBRATING SGT ROBERT KING! 🎖️

As we mark , we are shining a very special spotlight on a lifetime spent in uniform and service to others!

Meet Sgt Robert King—currently serving with Guisborough Detachment, Cleveland ACF. While he admits to being "photo shy", Rob’s remarkable journey spans 50 years of continuous public service, youth leadership, and education!

🟢 WHERE IT STARTED: 1976 IN SHEFFIELD

Rob’s journey began five decades ago in Sheffield:

🚑 1976: Joined as an enthusiastic cadet with St John Ambulance (Sharrow Cadet Division, West Riding of Yorkshire), successfully qualifying in Fire Fighting on 10 March 1976!

✈️ 1978: Transitioned to the skies with the Air Training Corps (366 King Ecgbert Squadron), qualifying as a Leading Cadet in February 1978.

🌍 Aviation & Overseas Adventures: His early cadet career took him to RAF establishments across the UK—including group training alongside Canberra and Jet Provost aircraft at RAF Finningley and other airbases—and an unforgettable deployment to RAF Akrotiri and the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus (circa 1979–1980)!

⚔️ OVER 40 YEARS OF ADULT INSTRUCTION & DETACHMENT COMMAND

In 1982, Rob stepped forward to give back as an adult instructor with Yorkshire Army Cadet Force.
His commitment and formal instructor qualifications took him across regions:

🏛️ Frimley Park Qualification (1986): Exactly 40 years ago, he completed the ACF Adult Instructors Course No. 206 (8–13 June 1986) at the Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park!

🏙️ Middlesex & North West London Sector ACF: Rose through the ranks to Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI), taking on detachment command and leadership responsibilities—including at 206 Chiswick Detachment.

🌲 Cleveland ACF: After a break in service, Rob returned to green uniform and currently serves as a Sergeant supporting Guisborough Detachment.

🩺 EDUCATION, EMERGENCY CARE & COMMUNITY WELFARE

Beyond the parade square, Rob has spent his entire civilian life investing in others:

🎓 Qualified Teacher: With a professional background in the Biological Sciences, educating and inspiring young minds.

🚑 Emergency Healthcare & First Response: Extensive work in healthcare training and frontline community emergency education, serving alongside the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) as a Community First Responder.

🤝 Veterans & Community Support: Actively volunteering to support veterans’ welfare, community first aid, and regional voluntary initiatives.

From a 1970s St John Ambulance cadet to overseas ATC deployments...

From Frimley Park in 1986 to detachment command in London...

To mentoring our next generation right here in Guisborough and Cleveland...

Sgt Robert King is the embodiment of selflessness, mentorship, and lifelong service. He represents the very best of our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers.

Please join us in giving Sgt Rob King the massive thank you and recognition he so richly deserves! 👏💚🇬🇧🫡

👉 Inspired to make a lasting difference? Join Cleveland ACF as an adult volunteer: [armycadets.com/county/cleveland]

10/10/2026

🇬🇧 FROM A 12-YEAR-OLD BASIC CADET TO LORD-LIEUTENANT’S CADET & GLOBAL AMBASSADOR: THE INCREDIBLE JOURNEY OF CDT CSM FILIP ZYLA! 🎖️

As part of , we celebrate the young people who seize every opportunity the Army Cadets has to offer and run with it! Meet Cadet Company Sergeant Major Filip Zyla, an exceptional young leader whose determination, skill, and discipline continue to set records across Cleveland ACF!

📡 COUNTY RECORD-BREAKER AT 12 YEARS OLD

Filip walked through the detachment doors in 2021 as an eager 12-year-old recruit. He didn't waste a single moment:

📻 Making County History: At just 12, he attended the national signals course in Blandford and qualified as a 4-Star Signaller on Communication & Information Systems (CIS)—becoming the first cadet in Cleveland ACF history to achieve this qualification at that age!

📋 Mastering the Syllabus: He relentlessly tackled elite training cadres, completing the Junior and Senior Cadet Instructors Cadres (JCIC & SCIC), the prestigious Cadet Drill Instructor Course, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

👑 CIVIC HONOUR & INTERNATIONAL AMBASSADOR

His standards on the parade square and dedication in the field quickly saw him rise to the senior rank of Cadet Company Sergeant Major (Cdt CSM), proudly carrying the pace stick.

🎖️ HM Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for County Durham: Recognised for his exceptional service, bearing, and leadership, Filip was formally appointed as the Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet, on duty to accompany the King's representative at official royal and civic events.

✈️ Cadet India Exchange 2026: Proving himself among the best in the nation, Filip has been selected as one of just 10 cadets from the entire United Kingdom to represent the UK on the prestigious Cadet Exchange trip to India!

🥋 PASSION BEYOND THE UNIFORM

When he isn't commanding the parade square or teaching younger cadets advanced radio skills, Filip channels that same energy into a diverse range of passions—training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), playing the drums, hiking the great outdoors, and gaming with friends.

From the wide-eyed 12-year-old holding his first basic certificate to an internationally selected ambassador representing Britain on the global stage, Cadet CSM Filip Zyla embodies everything it means !

Join us in giving Filip a massive round of applause for everything he has accomplished so far—the future is yours, CSM! 👏💚🇬🇧

👉 Begin your own extraordinary adventure with Cleveland ACF: [armycadets.com/county/cleveland]

10/10/2026

🇬🇧 NATIONAL CADETS WEEK THROWBACK: CELEBRATING CLEVELAND ACF’S RECORD-BREAKING SPIRIT ON THE UK STAGE! 🏆🎖

As we celebrate , we are shining a light back on one of our proudest moments from earlier this year!

At the National ACF Conference in Aldershot, our Commandant, Colonel Davey Benson, was formally honoured alongside senior leaders from Army Cadets UK and the Army Cadet Charitable Trust (ACCT UK)!

Standing before counties from across the United Kingdom, Col Benson accepted an official award celebrating Cleveland ACF’s fundraising excellence, dedication, and community impact in the Cadet Challenge.

That national recognition celebrated the "creativity, energy, and generosity" running through the veins of our County, and that spirit has been on full display right across 2026:

🪂 Leading from the Front at 14,000 Feet: Our Deputy Commandant, Lt Col Darren Hunter, took on a 14,000ft tandem skydive, raising £640 split between ACCT UK and Butterwick Hospice Care in memory of Pam Wallace and Sarah Norman.

🏃‍♀️ One of the Nation's Elite Five: WO1 Emma Purvis was selected as one of only five people across the UK to run the iconic Great North Run 2026 for ACCT UK, smashing through the half marathon and more than doubling her fundraising target!

From our senior leadership taking the leap to our adult instructors putting in the grueling training miles, this is what Cleveland ACF is all about: leading by example, giving back, and breaking barriers.
As our Commandant highlighted when receiving the national award:

"Our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers are so much more than instructors—they are a vital part of our community. This national recognition belongs to every cadet, volunteer, and supporter whose hard work and generosity put Cleveland firmly on the map."

As we mark National Cadets Week across Country 🇬🇧 that momentum is unstoppable!

"Aut viam inveniam aut faciam" — I shall either find a way or make one.

👉 Be part of an award-winning county! Enrol as a cadet (ages 12–18) or join our adult volunteer team today: [armycadets.com/county/cleveland]

09/10/2026

WO1 Emma Purvis

09/10/2026

BREAKING BARRIERS, SETTING STANDARDS: THE TRAILBLAZING STORY OF WO1 EMMA PURVIS 🎖️

As part of , we celebrate the leaders who don't just follow the standard, they define it.

Meet WO1 Emma Purvis: a genuine pioneer whose journey from an after-school recruit to the highest warrant officer appointment in Cleveland ACF, has reshaped history for women across our county and country!

🌟 NATIONAL CHAMPION & TRAILBLAZING CADET, Emma joined the Army Cadets after school, bringing grit, self-discipline, and natural leadership. Her determination quickly earned her a place in the record books:

🏆 2006 Champion Cadet:
Emma made national history as the first female cadet ever to win the ACF Champion Cadet Competition, taking home the prestigious Claire Shore Trophy!

🎖️ First Female Cadet RSM:
Rising to the very pinnacle of the cadet ranks, she became Cleveland ACF’s second ever female Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major.

👑 FROM CADET RSM TO COUNTY RSM:
When her time as a cadet ended, Emma continued her service as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV), dedicating years to shaping and mentoring the next generation.

Her journey culminated in another milestone when she was appointed Regimental Sergeant Major (WO1 RSM)—becoming the first female CFAV to hold the appointment of County RSM in Cleveland ACF!

Her tenure as County RSM was defined by relentless professionalism, sharp drill standards, and an uncompromising drive to see every cadet and adult instructor reach their full potential. Earlier this year, after a truly transformational tenure, Emma formally handed over the pace stick to WO1 Stuart Neville, marking her legacy by presenting Commandant Colonel Benson with an inscribed gavel for the County Mess.

🏃‍♀️ LEADING BEYOND THE PARADE SQUARE: THE GREAT NORTH RUN:
True leaders never stop pushing boundaries. This past September, WO1 Purvis was selected as one of just five people nationwide to run the iconic Great North Run representing the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK (ACCT UK)!

Crushing 13km weekly training runs behind the scenes, she laced up her running shoes under the Red Arrows flypast, smashed through the 13.1 miles, and more than doubled her fundraising target to provide life-changing grants, expeditions, and kit for cadets facing financial barriers.

From a young cadet walking through detachment doors to national Champion Cadet. From Cadet RSM to County RSM. From pace stick to the Great North Run finish line. WO1 Emma Purvis embodies everything it means .

Please join us in celebrating WO1 Emma Purvis for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and service to Cleveland Army Cadet Force!

👏💚 👉 Begin your own journey with Cleveland ACF: [armycadets.com/county/cleveland]

09/10/2026

FROM A FRESH-FACED RECRUIT TO CADET RSM AND COMPANY SERGEANT MAJOR: MEET WO2 DANNY MORRIS! 🎖️

As part of , we’re sharing another true homegrown success story that embodies dedication, leadership, and service to our young people.

Meet WO2 Danny Morris—Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of C Company, Cleveland ACF!

🟢 THE CADET YEARS: STRIVING FOR THE TOP, Danny joined the Army Cadets back in September 2007 as an enthusiastic junior recruit in DPM camouflage. He set his sights high and tackled every challenge going:

🎯 2008 & 2010: Completed the Junior and Senior Cadet Instructors Cadres (JCIC & SCIC).

🌲 2012: Selected for and passed the prestigious Cadet Leadership Land Command Course.

🌟 2013: Reached the pinnacle of the cadet ranks, appointed Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major (Cadet RSM)!

That same year, he represented Cleveland on international and national stages, meeting the Vice President of South Africa when laying a wreath at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, and proudly leading the Remembrance Parade inside Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium!

⚔️ BECOMING A CFAV & RECORD-BREAKING LEADERSHIP:
In 2014, rather than hanging up his boots, Danny transitioned straight into service as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV).

2016: Appointed Detachment Commander at Redcar College Detachment (C Company).

🎖️ 2017: Promoted to Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI) at just 21 years old, making him the youngest SSI in the county at the time!

📋 2019–2026: Served with distinction as C Company CQMS, keeping logistics and kit running smoothly across the area.

👑 June 2026: Promoted to Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) and appointed Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of C Company, warmly welcomed and congratulated by his Company Commander, Major Kevin Gibson !

Along the way, he has gained elite instructional qualifications, including ALM, SAAI, and both Short and Long Range qualification courses, leading fieldcraft exercises in full tactical camo.

🤝 SERVICE IN AND OUT OF UNIFORM:
Danny doesn't just mentor youth on parade nights. In his civilian life, he works as a Senior Support Worker in a residential children’s home, dedicating his professional career to protecting, supporting, and guiding young people facing difficult circumstances.

From a wide-eyed recruit holding an L98 cadet r***e to receiving Lord-Lieutenant/Civic commendations and now wearing the Crown as Company Sergeant Major, WO2 Danny Morris is proof of what the Cadet Force can build: confidence, discipline, and a lifetime of selflessness.

Please join us in giving a massive salute to WO2 Danny Morris! 👏💚

👉 Start your journey with Cleveland ACF: [armycadets.com/county/cleveland]

08/10/2026

🎖️ FROM NORTON PARA CADET TO COUNTY TRAINING OFFICER: MEET MAJOR JOSH HESLOP! 🚀

As part of , we’re highlighting the incredible journeys of our adult volunteers who make Cleveland Army Cadet Force what it is today.

Meet Major Josh Heslop—a familiar face to so many across the County, whose cadet journey started right here on Teesside almost two decades ago!

🟢 WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
Back in 2007, Josh joined the Cadets at Norton (Para) Detachment. Getting stuck into everything from weapons training to field exercises and community events (even brushing shoulders with the civic Mayor and a few wandering Stormtroopers!), he worked his way up through the ranks to earn the senior appointment of Cadet Sergeant Major.

⚔️ STEPPING UP TO LEAD
In 2014, he made the decision to return as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV). Commissioned as an Adult Under Officer (AUO) in 2016 by Lt Col Ramsey, Major Heslop continued his ascent:
🔹 Detachment & Area Training Officer
🔹 Company Staff Officer
🔹 Company Commander
🔹 County Training Officer

And now leading the training syllabus and delivering the cadet experience for detachments across Cleveland!

From standing on parade at Remembrance memorials to formal dinners, Edinburgh trips, and the unforgettable laughs at Annual Camps, his journey represents the very heartbeat of the ACF: camaraderie, service, and lifelong friendship.

Major Heslop says:
"If you’re thinking about joining the Cadets, I’d say give it a go! Looking back, some of my best memories came from the friendships I made and the experiences we shared together. It’s not just about learning new skills, discipline, and activities—it’s about meeting people, making lifelong friends, having a laugh, and creating memories that stay with you for a lifetime. You never know where the experience might take you, so take that first step and join the adventure—you won’t regret it!"

Please join us in celebrating Major Josh Heslop for his dedication to training tomorrow's leaders! 👏💚

👉 Start your adventure with Cleveland ACF: [armycadets.com/county/cleveland]

Cleveland ACF

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