The West Midland RFCA Podcast

In this special episode of the West Midland RFCA Podcast, we're marking Black History Month with two fascinating conversations exploring achievement, opportunity, representation and the power of perseverance across our Armed Forces community.

First, we speak to Colonel Angela Notice, the newly appointed County Commandant of Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force. From joining as one of the first female cadets to rising through the ranks to lead the County, Angela reflects on her remarkable journey, the lessons she's learned and the importance of inspiring the next generation.

Then, we're joined by British Army Medical Analyst Melissa Forrester-Frame and Lance Corporal Keenan Oculi to explore the Army Apprenticeship Programme, their personal experiences and the opportunities it provides. We discuss the importance of support networks, the Army Multicultural Network (AMCN), the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards and why recognising and celebrating Black achievement remains so important.

Together, their stories highlight the value of opening doors, overcoming challenges and creating opportunities for future generations.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Introduction
• 01:37 – Interview with Colonel Angela Notice, County Commandant of Warwickshire and West Midlands (South Sector) Army Cadet Force
• 09:27 – Interview with Melissa Forrester-Frame and Lance Corporal Keenan Oculi
• 09:37 – Introductions: Melissa and Keenan's backgrounds
• 12:57 – What is the Army Apprenticeship Programme? How Melissa got involved
• 15:12 – Keenan's experience with the programme
• 17:12 – The importance of support networks when learning
• 19:27 – Melissa's support network
• 23:17 – Melissa explains the Army Multicultural Network (AMCN)
• 26:12 – Keenan discusses the Multicultural Apprenticeship Awards
• 28:12 – Melissa's experience
• 31:39 – What would winning mean to Keenan?
• 33:17 – Why continuing to celebrate Black History Month matters
• 39:19 – Advice for those facing career setbacks because of their background
• 44:06 – Final reflections and closing remarks

Links

• West Midland RFCA
• Cadets
• Cadet Force Adult Volunteers
• WMRFCA LinkedIn
• WMRFCA Instagram
• WMRFCA Facebook

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Hosted and produced by Tom Kwei

Music by Alex Cottrell

What stories lie behind the Drill Halls and Reserve Centres on our streets?

Tom Kwei is joined by Derrick Harwood, Greater London RFCA’s archivist and historian and a veteran of three decades in the Territorial Army, to explore the origins of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Associations.

From militias and yeomanry to the formation of the Territorial Force and mobilisation in 1914, this episode is a deep-dive into how local volunteers helped shape Britain’s military history and how that partnership between communities and the Armed Forces continues today.

Timestamps

• 2:28 - Derrick’s history with Greater London RFCA
• 4:04 - The importance of Drill halls
• 5:12 - The various roles of local defence 
• 6:39 - The impact of the South African War (1899 - 1902) 
• 11:30 - Haldane’s reforms 
• 14:25 - The Territorial Army during WWI
• 16:55 - Lord Kitchener’s doubts
• 21:20 - Post-WWII changes
• 25:15 - The modern RFCA
• 30:50 - Outro and close

Links:

• wmrfca.org
• Cadets 
• Cadet Force Adult Volunteers 
• WMRFCA LinkedIn
• WMRFCA Instagram
• WMRFCA Facebook

If you enjoy The West Midland RFCA Podcast, the best way to support the show is to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-west-midland-rfca-podcast/id1870819622 

Hosted & produced by Tom Kwei

Music by Alex Cottrell 

What is Annual Camp really like for the Cadets and adult volunteers who take part?

In this episode of The West Midland RFCA Podcast, Tom heads to Beckingham Training Camp to find out! Speaking directly to Cadets from across the region about the training, friendships, challenges and opportunities that make Annual Camp one of the highlights of the Cadet calendar.

Recorded on location during a sun-soaked day at Beckingham, we hear from Cadets at different stages of their journey, from those developing their skills and taking on greater responsibility to younger Cadets experiencing everything camp has to offer. We also hear from Graham, PRO for Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force, about the work of the adult volunteers who give their time to make experiences like this possible.

Timestamps

• 1:45 - What is Annual Camp?
• 4:50 - Company Sergeants, Stevie & Logan
• 13:23 - Lance Corporal Daniel Blundell & Sergeant East 
• 18:27 - Cadet Turner
• 24:35 - Cadet Tobin
• 27:57 - Graham Neal, Press Relations Officer for Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force
• 36:30 - Annual Camp reflections
• 38:25 - Outro and close 

Links:

• wmrfca.org
• Cadets 
• Cadet Force Adult Volunteers 
• WMRFCA LinkedIn
• WMRFCA Instagram
• WMRFCA Facebook

If you enjoy The West Midland RFCA Podcast, the best way to support the show is to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-west-midland-rfca-podcast/id1870819622 

Hosted & produced by Tom Kwei

Music by Alex Cottrell 

The Armed Forces Covenant is a national promise that those who serve, have served, and their families should be treated fairly.

At its heart are two key principles: that members of the Armed Forces community should face no disadvantage when accessing public or commercial services, and that special consideration should be given where appropriate, particularly to those who have been injured or bereaved.

In this special episode of The West Midland RFCA Podcast, we meet three employers from three very different industries, united by their commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community.

Traffix are a Solihull-based traffic management company supporting councils, construction projects and major events across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. Serve and Protect Credit Union are a financial cooperative offering tailored savings and loan services to people working in the Armed Forces, police, prisons, probation, fire and health services. ESCO Maritime Solutions are a defence technology and engineering company which specialises in advanced systems for the maritime sector.

Together, their stories demonstrate that signing the Armed Forces Covenant is more than a symbolic commitment. It is an opportunity for employers to introduce meaningful policies, recognise military skills and experience, and create workplaces in which members of the Armed Forces community can thrive.

Timestamps

• 00:30 – What is the Armed Forces Covenant and Employer Recognition Scheme?
• 05:05 – Derek Vinning, Operations Director @ Traffix
• 15:28 – Jon Sykes, Partnership Coordinator @ Serve and Protect Credit Union
• 29:45 – Mike Sykes, Programme Manager @ ESCO Maritime Solutions
• 42:42 – Final thoughts and closing remarks

Links:

• wmrfca.org
• Cadets 
• Cadet Force Adult Volunteers 
• WMRFCA LinkedIn
• WMRFCA Instagram
• WMRFCA Facebook
• Traffix
• Serve and Protect Credit Union
• ESCO Maritime Solutions 

If you enjoy The West Midland RFCA Podcast, the best way to support the show is to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-west-midland-rfca-podcast/id1870819622 

Hosted & produced by Tom Kwei

Music by Alex Cottrell 

Happy Armed Forces Day!

To mark this special occasion, we have spoken to four veterans from across the West Midlands, each sharing their personal story of service and what Armed Forces Day means to them.

Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the people who serve, have served, and the families, communities and organisations who support them.

Timestamps

0:45 – What is Armed Forces Day?

2:27 – Lieutenant Colonel John Tucker

13:07 – Major Darren Knight

23:18 – Lieutenant Colonel Gavin Hudson

31:17 – Stefan Northfield

41:44 – Outro

Links:

• wmrfca.org
• Cadets 
• Cadet Force Adult Volunteers 
• WMRFCA LinkedIn
• WMRFCA Instagram
• WMRFCA Facebook
• BUOTC
• Black Onyx Concepts

If you enjoy The West Midland RFCA Podcast, the best way to support the show is to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-west-midland-rfca-podcast/id1870819622 

Hosted & produced by Tom Kwei

Music by Alex Cottrell 

Our Volunteers Week special is a celebration of the incredible Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who give their time, energy and experience to support young people across the West Midlands.

In this episode, we hear four inspiring conversations with CFAVs from across the region: a Head of A-Level Chemistry supporting the Combined Cadet Force in his school; a Royal Air Force Air Cadets officer who gained so much from Cadets herself that she returned as a volunteer and became Officer Commanding; a serving member of the Armed Forces working on nuclear submarines who still gives up weekends to support the Sea Cadets; and a long-serving RAF Air Cadets volunteer with more than two decades of dedicated service.

Together, their stories show the extraordinary range, commitment and heart behind volunteering. From leadership and confidence-building to friendship, community and service, this episode shines a light on the people helping young people discover what they are capable of.

Timestamps  

0:07 - Introduction 

2:30  - What does a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer do? 

5:23 - Flight Lieutenant Saffron Ferrera, Officer Commanding, 888 Oldbury Squadron

14:42 - What is a Combined Cadet Force?

16:53 - Acting Lieutenant Connor Scott, Royal Navy Section Commander, The Phoenix Collegiate

28:36  - Lieutenant Commander Andy Rose, Executive Officer, TS Sutton Coldfield

34:33 - Diana Edwards, Wing Staff Officer, RAFAC Birmingham & Warwickshire Wing

44:00 - Reflections and close

Links:

• wmrfca.org
• Cadets 
• Cadet Force Adult Volunteers 
• WMRFCA LinkedIn
• WMRFCA Instagram
• WMRFCA Facebook

If you enjoy The West Midland RFCA Podcast, the best way to support the show is to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-west-midland-rfca-podcast/id1870819622 

Hosted & produced by Tom Kwei

Music by Alex Cottrell 

In this episode, we explore the world of the Cadet Forces and the role they play in helping young people build confidence, skills, friendships and a sense of service. 

Recorded across a parade night at Stafford's brand-new Joint Cadet Centre and Warwickshire's Lord-Lieutenant Cadet Investiture Ceremony, the podcast features nine voices from across the Cadet community, including Cadets, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and outgoing Lord-Lieutenant Cadets.

Together, they reflect on what Cadets means to them in the West Midlands, the opportunities it can create, and the vital role that volunteers play in making those experiences possible. 

Timestamps  

0:09 - Introduction 

1:12 - What actually are Cadets and how does it all work? 

5:02 - Sergeant Johnson & Corporal Frost, 395 (Stafford) Squadron 

11:44 - Cadet Lester & Sergeant Ionete, 395 (Stafford) Squadron

16:48 - Sergeant Daz Valiz, Unit Security Officer for 395 (Stafford) Squadron + Acting Pilot Officer, Rhiannon Taylor 

27:29 - What are Lord-Lieutenant Cadets? 

30:19 - Interviews with Warwickshire’s outgoing Lord Lieutenant Cadets

Links:

• wmrfca.org
• Cadets 
• Cadet Force Adult Volunteers 
• WMRFCA LinkedIn
• WMRFCA Instagram
• WMRFCA Facebook

If you enjoy The West Midland RFCA Podcast, the best way to support the show is to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-west-midland-rfca-podcast/id1870819622 

Hosted & produced by Tom Kwei

Music by Alex Cottrell 

In this episode, we explore the work of West Midland RFCA and the role our organisation plays in supporting Reserves, Cadets, employers and communities across the region.

Through interviews with our Head of Estates, Deputy Chief Executive, Head of Engagement and one of our Defence Relationship Managers, the episode looks at the three core pillars at the heart of RFCA work across the United Kingdom: estates, cadet support and employer/community engagement.

Whether you are familiar with the world of Defence or completely new to it, this episode offers an introduction to the people, partnerships and practical support that help make that work possible across the West Midlands.

Timestamps:

• 0:50 - Introduction: What does an RFCA actually do? 
• 2:45 - Head of Estates, James Bellamy, discusses WMRFCA's Estate Portfolio
• 12:01 - Deputy Chief Executive, Lesa Horton, chats Cadets
• 24:11 - Head of Engagement, Siamha Butt + Defence Relationship Manager, Phil Sinclair, reflect on what Engagement means @ WMRFCA
• 36:06 - Outro

Links:

• wmrfca.org
• Reserves 
• Cadets 
• Cadet Force Adult Volunteers 
• WMRFCA LinkedIn
• WMRFCA Instagram
• WMRFCA Facebook

If you enjoy The West Midland RFCA Podcast, the best way to support the show is to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-west-midland-rfca-podcast/id1870819622 

Hosted & produced by Tom Kwei

Music by Alex Cottrell 

Our first episode! And to launch the series we’re celebrating International Women’s Day by spotlighting five remarkable women from across the West Midlands.

Recorded throughout the region, these conversations with a Cadet, a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer (CFAV), two Reservists and a Veteran explore the many ways women contribute to the Armed Forces Community.

This episode is released to mark International Women's Day 2026: https://www.internationalwomensday.com/ #GiveToGain 

Timestamps:

• 0:50 - Introduction: What is an RFCA and why does it have a podcast?
• 3:01 - Elena, Flight Sergeant @ The Phoenix Collegiate, Combined Cadet Force (CCF)
• 6:30 - Hayley, Staff Sergeant @ 237 West Bromwich Supply Squadron 
• 9:03 - Rebecca, Reservist @ 237 West Bromwich Supply Squadron
• 20:21 - Bernadette, CFAV @ The Phoenix Collegiate, CCF 
• 24:06 - Stacy, Retired British Army Veteran
• 31:30 - Outro 

Links:

• wmrfca.org
• Reserves 
• Cadets 
• Cadet Force Adult Volunteers 
• WMRFCA LinkedIn
• WMRFCA Instagram
• WMRFCA Facebook

If you enjoy The West Midland RFCA Podcast, the best way to support the show is to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-west-midland-rfca-podcast/id1870819622 

Hosted & produced by Tom Kwei

Music by Alex Cottrell 

Welcome to the official podcast of the West Midland Reserve Forces' & Cadets' Association. Join RFCA Comms Officer, Tom Kwei, for a monthly deep-dive into our unique network, covering everything from the dedication of Cadets and Reservists to the vital support of Employers and Estates. Each episode is packed full of insightful conversations with the incredible people who drive our community forward.

https://www.wmrfca.org/