Posted on 20th June, 2025

It was a special pleasure to have my photograph taken with the three previous Chairs of the Friends Trust at the Annual Friends Dinner that took place at the National Memorial Arbouretum in May this year.

It was interesting to be able to share our experiences of being the Chairperson of such a great charity and the real sense of reward we get when we see for ourselves the impact the charity has on the lives of our Cadets and Adult Volunteers. Nothing would be achieved, of course, without the financial support we get from our those who make generous contributions to our cause and we share a deep gratitude to each and every one of these individuals that together make up the Friends of Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force Trust.

Pictured, from left to right, are Mr Jonathan Dale, Mrs Jane Gerrard-Pierce, the very first Chairperson and Founder Mr Graham Stow and myself, Graham Morley.

It’s interesting but not surprising that we all share a deep passion for the work of the Friends Trust and it’s clear that even though we may step down from our role as Chairperson, our commitment continues unwaveringly. Standing with these great individuals I was reminded of a question asked of me some years ago – ‘why do you do it?” My answer, the sentiments of which I’m sure my predecessors would share was – “If you get such an amazing opportunity, why wouldn’t you?”