In May 2007 the conference room at Newburgh House was packed for the first public meeting of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight ACF Association. The committee had initially formed in 2006 and started the work necessary to breathe life into this fantastic venture.

Colonel Gerry Canipel OBE (Retd) opened the meeting by outlining the reasons behind the formation of the Association, explaining that it was intended to support the current County ACF activities and the Cadets within the County, to work with town and local councils and assisting the ACF in raising their profile in the community.

In addition the Association would organise social events for its members. The full constitution of the Association can be found on the Membership page, but can be summed up as:-

"...to promote Army Cadet Force traditions. The Association will safeguard the name of the County ACF and the interest and welfare of those who have served or are members of it and will assist where necessary in discussing matters with outside agencies if requested by the Commandant."

The Association is open to all past and present members of Hampshire and Isle of Wight ACF, for more information about membership and joining see the Membership Page.

 

The Inaugural AGM in 2007

The photograph above shows the following, from left to right (ranks at time of retirement are shown):

Capt Les Curle, Lt Col Val Marjoram, Lt Col Steve Day, Col Gerry Canipel, Lt Col Joe Cloke, Lt Col Pete Currie, Maj Tony Trown and (currently serving) Col Rod Lambert. (Missing is the Honorary Treasurer Maj Ian Reid).