Derbyshire Army Cadet Force (Mercian Regiment)

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Derbyshire Army Cadet Force (Mercian Regiment)

This is the official Facebook presence for Derbyshire ACF. Welcome to the new Facebook home of Derbyshire ACF.

Open to all Officers, Adult Instructors, Cadets and Friends. We invite you to share ACF related photographs, storys, and events on this page, a meeting place and information portal for colleagues and friends alike.

24/05/2026

Derbyshire ACF's Band supported the Florence Nightingale Celebrations at Derby Cathedral and Derby Silk Mill.

The band played for the dignitaries as they gathered for the commemoration service, meeting the Lord-Lieutenant and the Mercian Regiment's mascot ram, Private Derby ###IV, before attending the service. After the service they then led a small parade from the cathedral to the Silk Mill for a reception.

Congratulations to the 3 cadets for whom it was their first parade as musicians, and to the senior cadets who showed good leadership while supporting new cadets and explaining what was happening to ensure a good performance with as few nerves as possible. The band staff are very proud of them all.

Check out the Army Cadet Music opportunities available: https://armycadets.com/activities/cadet-syllabus/music/

The Band parades on Wednesday evenings in Derby, and the Corps of Drums meets every Tuesday evening in Chesterfield. Register your interest and we'll get in touch: https://armycadets.com/join-now/

Army Cadets UK
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association
The Mercian Regiment
Army Cadets Music

23/05/2026

𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗩𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁

Director of Music Captain Pete Ward received his Chief of the General Staff Commendation from Major General James Senior CBE at Regional Command Headquarters in Aldershot. The award recognises exceptional meritorious service and excellence in music, acknowledging extensive commitment above and beyond normal duties. 🫡

Second Lieutenant Lydia Rollisson was presented her new rank slide after recently attending the Cadet Force Commissioning Board and successfully meeting the standard that enabled her to join the Commissioned Officer ranks. 🫡

Sergeants Dawn Hagarty, Isla Bulloch, and Victor Henshall completed their basic instructor training during an assessment week in Thetford, Norfolk. From live-fire shooting on ranges to tactical fieldcraft exercises with blank ammunition, they returned with a new set of skills and experience to enable the delivery of the cadet experience in Derbyshire 👏

Company Sergeant Major Ella Munn picked up her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award in London. Colonel Ashley Fulford OBE, the National Colonel Cadets, presented her certificate. The Gold Award recipients then enjoyed a celebration in the gardens of Buckingham Palace and met with HRH Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh. 🥇

Truly inspiring achievements!

Want to know how to get involved in making a positive difference to young people and gain huge personal satisfaction from volunteering? Visit: https://armycadets.com/adult-volunteers/im-interested-in-becoming-a-volunteer/

Army Cadets UK
British Army
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association
The Mercian Regiment
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

https://www.dofe.org/do/gold-award-celebration/

16/05/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝘀!

Our fearsome team are in the rugged Cambrian Mountains and swamp lands of mid-Wales for the annual Cadet Cambrian Patrol – a prestigious and challenging two-day exercise designed to test their physical and mental endurance.

They'll navigate approximately 25 kilometres of unforgiving terrain, moving with only remote supervision from one stand to another. Along the route, they'll tackle various tasks in First Aid, Casualty Evacuation, section defence and attacks, orders/models, Communications and Information Systems, and Observation Posts. These scenarios will test their proficiency in navigation, fitness, first aid, fieldcraft, teamwork, and leadership.

Show your support in the comments below to give them a boost when they're resting this evening!

https://www.facebook.com/stories/102422475258186/UzpfSVNDOjIxMzIyMTQ0MjA5Njc4MTI

Army Cadets UK
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association
The Mercian Regiment

14/05/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗱𝗲𝘁𝘀 & 𝗖𝗙𝗔𝗩𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀

C Company detachments have enjoyed visits by the Derbyshire Lieutenancy and the Mayor of Erewash.

In Belper, HM Deputy Lord-Lieutenant Gillian Sewell DL, Rachael Grime DL and Peter McCrea OBE DL were impressed with the cadets demonstrating resourcefulness, mutual respect, and teamwork during a variety of training, including the history of the Mercian Regiment, navigation, and foot drill. The deputy lieutenants are now even more enthusiastic in supporting the close relationship between the lord-lieutenant and army cadets!

In Draycott, Mayor Harry Atkinson attended a parade night and took part in training including personal administration in the field and how to store & prepare army-issued rations. At the end of the evening, during the final parade, the mayor was delighted to award Cadet Rudkin with her Army Cadet Syllabus Basic badge, achieved by demonstration of knowledge and practical skills in a range of military-themed subjects.

Two great visits showcasing the great work our adult volunteers are doing and the transformative impact of cadet life on young people!
https://acctuk.org/2025/05/report-impact-of-cadet-life/

Army Cadets UK
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association
Erewash Borough Council

https://www.derbyshirelieutenancy.co.uk/

11/05/2026

𝗗 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱

Cadets and adult volunteers took on the exciting challenge of living in the field for two days and nights, at the Ministry of Defence's Beckingham Training Area. From section attacks and camouflage & concealment to patrol exercises and harbour drills, cadets developed valuable military skills while building confidence, teamwork, and resilience in the field.

Jordan Wylie MBE, National Ambassador for the Army Cadets, dropped by, and one lucky cadet got to cover his face with camouflage cream!

Two cadet birthdays were celebrated with "Happy Birthday" sung by the whole Company and cupcakes to supplement the 24-hour food rations they'd been issued.

It was also the first camp for the new company sergeant major, CSM Ella Munn. She worked relentlessly to ensure every cadet had the equipment they required, sufficient rations and water, and that high standards of discipline were maintained amongst the ranks at all times. Her professionalism helped keep the camp running smoothly from start to finish, setting an excellent example for cadets and CFAVs alike.

Thanks to all the adult volunteers for giving up their weekend, and well done to all the cadets for their determination and excellent team spirit throughout the exercise.

https://armycadets.com/about-us/our-ambassadors/

Jordan Wylie MBE is looking for 10 cadets to join him on his exciting next project! Applications open in June. https://armycadets.com/xtreme-everest

Army Cadets UK
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association
Jordan Wylie MBE

07/05/2026

𝗕𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗛𝗠 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗼𝗿𝗱-𝗟𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗲𝗿𝗯𝘆𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗲

Andrew Cochrane DL spent an evening with the cadets and adult volunteers of Bakewell Detachment, A Company.

The busy parade night programme featured training in first aid, fieldcraft, navigation, and foot drill delivered by senior cadets and adult instructors.

During the break, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant enjoyed speaking with everyone in attendance to find out what they enjoy most about the Army Cadet Force and how they're developing transferable skills and personal qualities for success in life.

Thank you to the Derbyshire Lieutenancy for its ongoing support. https://www.derbyshirelieutenancy.co.uk/

Derbyshire ACF is forging new relationships in communities all over Derbyshire, with more civic leaders visiting detachments in the coming months. We are excited to introduce new audiences to our disciplined, agile, creative and friendly organisation!

Bakewell detachment are welcoming new cadets and adult volunteers. Visit this page to begin an exciting adventure with us: https://armycadets.com/join-now/

Army Cadets UK
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

05/05/2026

𝗠𝗮𝘆𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

What a difference three years can make! Once facing permanent closure after a prolonged period of inactivity, Matlock Detachment is now a powerful example of resilience, leadership, and community spirit.

In September 2025, the detachment reopened its doors to just a single new recruit. Today, it stands proud with over 20 active cadets — a remarkable transformation driven by the determination, commitment, and inspiring leadership of Cadet Staff Sergeant William Mlot and Cadet Corporal Alana Wood.

Through their energy, mentorship, and unwavering belief in what the detachment could become, they have not only rebuilt numbers but reignited a sense of purpose and pride at the heart of the unit. Their efforts have helped restore the detachment as a valued and thriving part of the Matlock community.

In recognition of their outstanding contribution, the Mayor of Matlock, Councillor Marilyn Franks, presented Civic Awards to both SSgt Mlot and Cpl Wood. This honour reflects not just their success in revitalising the detachment, but their selfless dedication, resilience, and commitment to others.

Their achievement is more than a recovery story — it is a celebration of leadership in action, and a testament to what can be accomplished through passion, perseverance, and service.

Army Cadets UK
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

29/04/2026

𝗖 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱

119 cadets enjoyed their spring training weekend at Chilwell Cadet Training Centre. Delivering such a camp is significant logistical feat, and the volume of qualifications achieved is a testament to the hard work of both the cadets and the CFAVs involved. That is a truly impressive turnout and a fantastic set of results for C Coy!

It is clear the training was highly productive:

⭐ 344 syllabus subject passes
⭐ 47 Basic-Star badges awarded
⭐ 2 One-Star badges awarded
⭐ 1 Four-Star badge awarded

A huge well done to all the cadets.

To secure 344 subject passes across the board shows that a massive amount of curriculum was covered. Special congratulations is deserved for the 47 cadets who completed Basic training, setting themselves up perfectly for Annual Camp in August.

Furthermore, seeing a 4-Star completion is fantastic - a significant milestone that requires real dedication and leadership.

A final note of appreciation goes to the CFAVs. Organizing and delivering high-quality instruction for over 100 cadets is no small task, and your efforts have clearly paid dividends in preparing the Company for the summer ahead.

Good luck with the final preparations for Annual Camp!

Army Cadets UK
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

Address

Army Reserve Centre, Sinfin Lane
Derby
DE249GL

Website

https://armycadets.com/volunteer-with-us/register-as-a-volunteer/

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