I am delighted to know that so many of you are here this evening (14th) attending the inaugural meeting of this Association. I am sorry that I am not with you on this most important occasion, but I am squeezing in a few days of family holiday.

I took on the role of County Commandant after several years away from the organisation. During this time, I realised that I not only missed the joys and challenges of working with our cadets – I also missed the fun and social interaction that came from meeting with like-minded people. When I returned in 2005, it struck me that many of you must share the same feeling of dislocation, sometimes after many decades of working with our close-knit and committed family.

This is why I wanted to create an Association – so that we had an organisation that kept these links alive. I was also keen to create some form of local lobby and support group for our cadets and instructors as the world in which the ACF works is changing rapidly – and not all of the changes are for the better.

I was therefore very pleased that Col Gerry Canipel agreed to take the lead on forming up such an Association, ably supported by Steve Day, Tony Trown, Ian Reid, Val Marjoram, Joe Cloke and others. The fact that you are here this evening is a testament to their drive and determination and I thank them for their superb efforts.

I hope that the organisation will grow and develop to reflect the ideals that Gerry and I have discussed at length – a social focus for all who hold Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force dear. It is also an aspiration for the Association to run fun events that may, in turn, help to raise funds for some of our key training programmes. Examples where I am actively looking for financial assistance now include Nijmegen, Adventurous Training equipment and expeditions and the Cadet Bursary Scheme.

I wish you every success and I look forward to seeing you all again soon.

(original signed)

Brian Court