Company HQ
Officer Commanding (OC)
Major M. Ewart
I assumed command of W Company on the 6th May 2010, having previously held the post of 2IC for 18 months. Prior to this I spent time as the Company Training Officer.
I began my ACF career in November 1995, initially as a Sergeant Instructor at Alnwick Detachment. After approximately two years I moved to the Officers Mess as an Adult Under Officer, before successfully attending the Territorial Commissions Board at Chilwell, Nottingham and being Commissioned in September 1998.
I had the privilege to first command Alnwick Detachment as Detachment Commander for some five years, followed by three years as Detachment Commander at Berwick Detachment, before taking up appointments at Company HQ.
As OC W Company I am responsible for all aspects of cadet and adult training, welfare, discipline and the management of the Company's resources. To this end I am assisted by my 2IC, Training Officer, CSM and CQMS.
I am privileged to command W Company and my mandate is to provide a safe environment in which every cadet can develop personally through a variety of mentally and physically challenging activities, whilst experiencing and learning new skills and developing their self-respect and self-confidence. In order to do this we concentrate on both stimulating and practical training and above all ensure that both Adults and Cadets have FUN!
We are continually reminded in today’s press and media of the problems in society linked directly to our younger generation. The Army Cadet Force stands out as a beacon to just what our young people can achieve with the appropriate guidance and encouragement. That it does so owes much to the dedicated group of adults who give freely of so much of their time to plan and prepare activities that offer the excitement and opportunities required to inspire our cadets to achieve. Without them the organisation would simply be unable to function.
I am proud to be a part of the success story that is W Company, and look forward with anticipation to further success in the future.
Second in Command (2IC)
Capt T. Jackson
I was appointed 2IC W Company in May 2010, having previously served as the County Adjutant, Training Officer W Company and Detachment Commander of Alnwick Detachment.
I first joined Northumbria ACF as a cadet in 1992 and apart from a few months of absence when I started university have been in W Company (previously A Company) ever since. I began my adult ACF service as an Under Officer in February 2001, before attending the Territorial Commissions Board and being Commissioned in June 2003.
My role as 2IC is to ensure the smooth and efficient administration of the Company, deputising for the OC as required. As the former Training Officer I maintain a keen interest in the highest standards of adult and cadet training within W Company.
Since November 2009 I have also been double-hatted as the County First Aid Training Officer, responsible for ensuring adults and cadets throughout Northumbria ACF achieve and maintain an appropriate level of first aid skill.
W Company is a special place, where every adult cares about what we do and every cadet is known and valued for their unique contribution. I feel very fortunate to be a part of it.
Training Officer (TO)
Lt K. Marchant
... More details coming soon.
Company Sergeant Major (CSM)
Hello everyone. Having just taken up my new post as Company Sergeant Major in mid July 2009, I am looking forward to the challenges ahead.
My new post requires me to oversee cadet and staff welfare, discipline and general well being. I visit detachments checking on the smooth administration and training being carried out by staff and the morale and welfare of cadets.
As a former cadet myself, I later joined the Regular Army and served with the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, where I worked in a number of roles and postings overseas. After serving with the colours I joined the Metropolitan Police in London. During my time in the Met I joined the ACF as an adult, working initially with Surrey ACF and later transferring to Northumbria ACF in 2003.
Some of our training is challenging as well as fun so cadets get a wide range of experences in adventure training, camping and military skills. We are not a recruiting agency for the Army, but do have a similar military structure and ethos.
What is rewarding for me as an adult instructor is to see a young person join the ACF and aspire to challenges they thought were never possible.
To help the cadets along the way my motto is "don't be one of the stragglers, be one of the crowd" and they normally are!
Company Quarter Master Sergeant (CQMS)
SMI L. Bannister
I have been a member of Northumbria ACF since June 2009, having previously served for more than 26 years in the Territorial Army, where I achieved the rank of WO1. I was appointed CQMS W Company in April 2010.
My role as CQMS is to provide logistical support to the Company during training. I make sure that all the transport, rations, clothing, equipment, weapons and ammunition get to where they're meant to be to allow us to train effectively.
In addition to my CQMS duties I act as the Company's Sport Officer, making sure our cadets participate in competitive sporting events at County, Regional and National level.
Where we are
Company HQ is located at:
TA Centre
Lisburn Terrace
ALNWICK
NE66 1XQ
We parade on a Wednesday evening, 1900 - 2100 hrs.
Our telephone number is 01665 606785 (during parade time only).
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