Page 71 - MERCIAN Eagle 2020

Derbyshire ACF
Col CB Doyle, Commandant
The Army Cadet Force was ordered to close its doors on the evening of the 17th March. With the cadets then returning home until further notice, one could be forgiven for were going to be in for a quiet time. This proved not to be the case, little did we know what a challenging and strangely busy time we were about to enter.
Within the first week of shutdown a team of dedicated Derbyshire instructors were identifying software to deliver remote training packages. A larger team set about developing these packages for cadets to continue their training from the comforts of their homes.
After experiencing one of the steepest learning curves anyone could remember the hard work paid off as first remote training sessions were rolled out mid-April.
By June the Command teams across the county were fully engaged in serious planning for the return to face-to-face training. Through August the permanent support staff prepared our buildings and estate for our return, no small task after 5 months standing idle.
Finally, September dawned, the estate was ready and with all the building blocks in place ready for the return of instructors for upskilling and briefing ready to engage with the cadets once again.
Early October the first of the Cadets centres opened for business with the remainder of Derbyshire’s locations closely following. Indoors much had changed with the introduction of training hubs, one-way systems, sanitation stations and of course training bubbles. Cadet NCOs were first to return, receiving a full COVID-19 brief on their first evening.
By the time of the second lockdown, a large number of Derbyshire’s cadet had their boots back on the ground.
Derbyshire’s Commandant, Colonel Chris
Doyle, stated that the return of cadets following shutdown has been a highly successful operation. He heaped praise on his core instructors, Command teams and PSS staff many of whom have experienced quite onerous times during lockdown with increased demands from both employers and family. The rollout of Derbyshire ACF’s remote learning programme was a key factor
All DACF Instructors received COVID-19 briefing and safety updates prior to the cadets return
Newly appointed Honorary Colonel for Derbyshire Army Cadet Force (Mercian Regiment) and world endurance record holder Leigh Timmis
in the retention of young people’s interest in cadets and we certainly learnt many lessons that we will take forward into what we hope will be a more successful 2021.
In the midst of the lockdown, news reached Derbyshire ACF HQ that the replacement for our long serving and very good friend, Lord Lieutenant William Tucker was to be our own Honorary Colonel, Colonel Elizabeth Fothergill CBE. Colonel Liz had been in post for just two years during which she proved to be a very hard-working advocate
for the ACF. As a former High Sheriff of Derbyshire and the Chair of Pennine Healthcare, a leading Derbyshire manufacturer, she brought to the
post a wealth of civil and industrial connections. Derbyshire ACF would like to take this opportunity to wish Colonel Liz the best of luck in her new appointment.
As we say goodbye to Liz, we would like to welcome our new Honorary Colonel, Colonel Leigh Timmis. To the cycle freaks amongst us Colonel Leigh is likely to be well known, being a world record breaking, round the world cyclist, author and experienced motivational speaker.
This is Colonel Leigh’s first experience with Army Cadets and he is chomping at the bit to get involved during these COVID times. His skills and expertise in the Adventure Training field is a great fit for eager cadets.
Derbyshire ACF is proud to announce that
one of its cadets has been awarded ‘The British Citizenship Award Certificate’ in recognition of her actions, and the positive impact it had on society and her local community.
Cadet Sargent Jessica Rollisson, of D Company, was making her way to school when a pedestrian was involved in an accident with a motor vehicle. The accident resulted in life changing injuries to the 91-year-old casualty, suffered severe breaks and bleeding. Jessica quickly took complete control of the situation and delivered immediate first aid and kept the casualty comfortable until the ambulance arrived. Once the casualty was safely away to hospital Jessica went coolly on to school.
The award clearly demonstrates the importance of first aid and the difference a cool-headed army cadet can make when a crisis strikes.
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