About Us
The work undertaken by the Trust makes a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. With over 700 cadets, 160 volunteers, and 20 detachments, Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force stands as a beacon of personal development and growth.
Your support helps ensure that no one is left behind. Whether you're an individual or a business, becoming a support of the Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Trust is a powerful way to help young people reach their full potential.
We provide financial support to Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force to help them achieve their aims. We also promote interest in the Army Cadet Force among citizens and businesses across both counties. Our fundraising efforts contribute to a wide range of impactful projects.
The Charitable Trust is managed by a dedicated group of Trustees who offer their time and expertise on a voluntary basis. The Trust is committed to supporting cadet development through challenge and adventure.
We have awarded financial grants to enable cadets to participate in sailing and mountain expeditions, as well as commemorative visits to France. Adventure training packages have included mountain biking, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, and hiking. We have also funded the purchase of a climbing tower and laser tag equipment to enhance regular training.
Following a successful grant application, the Trust contributed to the refurbishment of drums and ancillary equipment, enabling the Bugle Platoon to perform at public engagements and develop as confident musicians. In addition, the Trust has provided various welfare grants to support cadets in need.
Our Story
Our history stems from the Worcestershire League of Friends, the Herefordshire League of Friends and the Hereford & Worcestershire Army Cadet Force Trust which came together forming the current trust in 2014.
We are proud to be supported by our Patrons the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire Mrs Beatrice Grant and the Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire Mr Edward Harley CBE
The Lord-Lieutenants represent His Majesty The King in the County of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. As His Majesty’s representative, the Lord-Lieutenant’s first and foremost duty is to uphold the dignity of the Crown.
Dickie Head
Chair
Colonel (Retired)
As Chair of the Herefordshire & Worcestershire ACF Charitable Foundation Trust—and as a former (if brief!) cadet, a Forces veteran, and someone who has worked in the NHS—I know firsthand how much the ACF gives back. It equips young people with confidence, discipline, and practical life skills, and it develops our adult instructors too, strengthening leadership and resilience across the board.
The ACF is a vital part of our community: it brings people together, creates opportunity, and nurtures the values that make our counties stronger. That’s why I believe this Trust is an organisation worth supporting—because every pound invested helps transform potential into purpose, for cadets and adults alike.
Philip Evason
Deputy Chair
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired)
I know the Army Cadet Force well and have seen first hand the invaluable support it offers to young people. The Herefordshire and Worcestershire Army Cadet Force delivers confidence, resilience and self awareness to the Cadets. I am delighted to be working as a Trustee to support our youth in the County.
Judith Harrison
Secretary
As the wife of an Army Cadet Force Adult volunteer, I have seen first-hand, the positive impact that being a Cadet can have on the lives of young people.
I became a Trustee so that I could help to raise money for the Army Cadet Force in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, so that they could continue to provide invaluable experiences for those young people in the Army Cadet Force.
Michael Hoskins
Treasurer
I’m a big advocate that we are all here to help each other, thus this is why it’s my pleasure to act as treasurer.
Mark Fowles
Trustee
Becoming a trustee for the Hereford & Worcestershire Charitable Trust was a personal decision driven by my own experience of the Army Cadet Force. I believe in a collective effort and becoming a trustee allows me to contribute my skills and time to a cause that I care deeply about, and as a trustee I can give back and support and play a pivotal role.
Before becoming a trustee I had for many years supported the Hereford & Worcestershire Charitable Trust and attended events which enabled me to witness firsthand that supporting young adults who had joined the Army Cadet Force provides them with a chance to express themselves and build their self-confidence, and I believe in turn they become better individuals and become equipped with a diverse set of life skills.
I joined the Army Cadet Force when I was 13 years old and I am living proof of the benefits of the ACF as it gave me great confidence and organisational skills that have helped me maintain a long career in the service industry.
Philip Chandler MBE
Trustee
Philip Chandler is a retired health and safety consultant. Phil has had the opportunity to work overseas in most of Europe and parts of Africa. Phil was in the Royal Corp of Signals for 24 years and served in the Army Cadets as an Adult Instructor for another 26 years after he retired from his army career as a reservist.
Phil is passionate about supporting others less fortunate than he has been and getting them the help they need. Be that help to be carried off the mountain as a mountain rescuer, due to injury or supporting our cadets in Hereford and Worcester to get the right help or support in terms of equipment of funding
Andy Milton
Trustee
I joined the Army Cadets in Worcester aged 13 which I enjoyed so much it encouraged me to join the regular army at the age of 16. I started as a Junior Leader in the Royal Armoured Corps for 15 months training and then continued to my adult regiment The Queen’s Own Hussars which have now amalgamated as The Queen’s Royal Hussars. I served a full career finishing as a Warrant Officer Two and then managed to join the Reserve Army on a full time contract for another 20 years. I owe my 44 years of success and enjoyable service to the foundations and core skills I gained with the Army Cadet Force. I became a Trustee over 10 years ago as I wanted to give something back in gratitude for what the Army Cadet Force provided for me.
It gives me great pleasure raising funds and visiting the Cadets. I feel privileged to be a Trustee and proud of all what the Hereford and Worcester Army Cadet Force offers to the youth of today.
Ken Tallis
Trustee
Having joined the Evesham Troop as a cadet at the age of 12, I went on to join the Junior leaders Regt RMP , and regular service, then back to the ACF as an Adult instructor to the Rank Of Sergeant Major Instructor, then commissioning where I became the County Training Officer .
Having been the chairman of the Worcestershire Cadet League for some 14 years and then the initial chairman and founder member of the Trust for some 12 years I cannot emphasise enough how these young people that we financially support grow both in kindred spirit and life skills . Certainly an organisation that I would recommend for any young person to belong to.
Kieran Hand
Trustee
I joined the Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force Trust to support an organisation that plays a vital role in giving young people confidence, skills, and opportunities that stay with them for life. Having seen the impact the Cadet Force has across our communities, I wanted to contribute to the governance and stewardship that enables this work to thrive.
It’s a privilege to play a part in an organisation that invests so deeply in young people, and I’m proud to support the continued growth and visibility of the Trust’s work.
