On Monday, The Princess Royal visited the NW RFCA based at the Altcar Training Camp in Hightown to officially open the new headquarters and seal a time capsule.
The new headquarters of the RFCA (Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association) for the North West of England and Isle of Man will help support and promote the Reserve Forces of all three Armed Services as well as support the three Cadet organisations in the region.
During her visit, the Princess was accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside, and the NW RFCA Chairman, Colonel Nick Williams. The Princess received a tour of the new facility and met with different staff members.
“We were delighted to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to the NW RFCA to formally open the headquarters. It was a fabulous opportunity for her to meet our dedicated staff, board members and representatives from our Service provider Aramark, the Military Guard Force and two cadets from Merseyside Army Cadet Force,” said Colonel Williams.
“We are grateful to Her Royal Highness for taking the time to visit us and to showcase our modern, low carbon and sustainable building, which provides an enduring base for the Association’s ongoing work in support of the Reserve Forces and Cadet organisations across the north west of England.”
The new headquarters has been in operation since late 2020 and is on target to be awarded the BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating. The international BREEAM standard is the highest award for best practices in sustainable design and the environmental performance of buildings.
The facility has helped to reduce the financial burden on the association and allows for more resources to be offered for the Reserve and Cadet estate in the area. The association has a voluntary membership of 130 people coming from a wide cross-section throughout the northern region.
