Leading from the Front
Sharing Experience and Helping Prepare Our Next LEADERS
The Shropshire Army Cadet Force Trust (SACFT) board of trustees and patron join together to positively influence the young Army Cadets of Shropshire by offering financial support.
The committee supports Shropshire’s 22 detachments, 500 Cadets and 110 adult volunteers by upholding the Charity Commission for England and Wales standards. Their duties ensure that SACFT carries out its responsibilities for the public’s benefit by complying with governing laws and best interests.
SACFT Patron – His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Mrs Anna Turner, JP
Our patron stands to promote the interests of the Trust in the broader community, advises on policy, appoints the Trust Chairman, and consults with the Trust board members.
Anna Turner is a true Salopian. Born and raised near Market Drayton, she now lives just outside Whitchurch. Anna has dedicated many years of voluntary service to the county, including serving as a magistrate for 27 years.
As Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna is keen to support the country’s military life, supporting and promoting opportunities for Army Cadets. Anna supports Lord-Lieutenant Cadets, individual roles created annually to recognise outstanding commitment and achievements in cadet training. Lord-Lieutenant Cadets accompany Anna on official engagements across the county.
Some of the patronages held by Anna include:
- West Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association Shropshire
- Staffordshire & Cheshire Blood Bikes
- SSAFA – The Armed Forces Charity - Shropshire Branch
- County Air Ambulance Trust
- Shrewsbury University Advisory Board
- Shropshire Playing Fields Association
- Community Resource Shropshire Youth Association
- Shrewsbury Food Hub
Chairman – Dr Graham Wynn, OBE
Our chairman handles the day-to-day management of the Trust’s business, including liaison with all supporting agencies and links with the county ACF, the ACFA and the RFCA, leads board meetings and makes public appearances on behalf of the Trust.
In the 1990s, Graham and his wife, Jenny, founded Telford-based TTC Group, the UK’s largest vehicle driver education and retraining organisation. Graham served on the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety and, in 2006, was awarded an OBE for services to Road Safety. Graham and Jenny retired from the TTC Group in 2017.
In 2011, Graham joined the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership board, serving Shropshire, Herefordshire, and Telford and Wrekin and was appointed chairman in 2013.
Graham was a founding member of Telford Business Partnership and former chair of the Telford Business Board and various growth companies in Telford.
In 2016, the University of Wolverhampton recognised Graham’s work with business and entrepreneurship regionally and nationally and awarded him the honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree.
More recently, Mr and Mrs Wynn created the Wynn Foundation, a charity in place to support community needs and create opportunities for groups and individuals across Shropshire to prosper. Graham co-owns and co-directs property management and investment company Wynn Developments, and Elmhurst Nursing Home in Prees, Shropshire.
In addition, Graham has served on the Midlands Connect Board, Midlands Engine Board and the board of the National LEP Network, representing six West Midlands LEPs. He stood down in 2019 after serving a six-year term as the head of the LEP.
Currently, Graham chairs the Telford Town Deal Board and the UKSF Board for Telford, responsible for securing government growth funds to progress major projects and secure the future development of Telford. Other interests include being an adviser for Midlands Air Ambulance, an Ambassador for the RAF Museums in London and the Midlands, and a fundraising board member for the RAF Museums and University of Wolverhampton. Graham is Chair of the Shropshire Society in London and a Trustee for Shropshire Community Foundation. Graham also has a keen interest in bespoke motorsport.
Secretary – Colonel Marius Coulon TD, MCGI
Colonel Marius Coulon is a local businessperson who runs three small franchise and manufacturing companies in Staffordshire. He is the Honorary Colonel of the Shropshire Army Cadet Force and the President of The Bligny Band and Bugles of the Shropshire Army Cadet Force. In addition, Marius is Treasurer for the Soldiers in Shropshire Museum based at Shrewsbury Castle and County President for the Royal British Legion, Shropshire.
Colonel Marius Coulon is an ex-regular Army and Army Reserves Officer who previously held the Shropshire Army Cadet Force commandant role.
Trustee – Major Charlie Miller
Major Charlie Miller is a Shropshire Army Cadet Force Trust member and brings much experience and enthusiasm to the committee board.
Now retired after completing a full 37-year regular Army career, followed by a further seven years as an Army reservist, Major Charlie Miller has been in the Shropshire ACF for the last ten years, serving as the County DofE officer and clay shooting officer. He is the officer in charge of the Army clay range at Donnington, Telford and brings skills as a sea kayak instructor to the Trust.
Major Charlie Miller has supported many Army and Cadet expeditions and training events.
