Army cadet leaders in volunteers appeal (From York Press)

Army cadet leaders in volunteers appeal

8:09am Wednesday 3rd October 2012 in News By Mike Laycock, Chief reporter

ARMY cadet leaders are appealing for more volunteers to ensure hundreds of youngsters can continue enjoying weekend camps, adventurous training and parade evenings.

They say that as new cadets continue to sign up across York and North Yorkshire, their adult instructors are struggling to keep up with demand.

Paul Barnard, Yorkshire and The Humber spokesman for The Reserve Forces’ & Cadets’ Association, said: “Acomb cadet detachment is one of seven in and around York, including Fulford, Lumley, Strensall, Selby, Malton and Pocklington, urgently requiring support.”

Fourteen-year-old cadet Alfie Brown from Acomb detachment, said: “This year was my first-ever camp and I loved it. I can see how important having adult volunteers are to us because we just can’t do without them. I know we need more, so I hope that anyone reading this will want to come and help us, and enjoy all the experiences that the Army cadets has to offer.”

Detachment Commander, Staff Sergeant Jon Waites, 30, said being an adult instructor was “enormously rewarding and a great privilege”.

He said: “Besides having the opportunity to play a leading role in the development of young people, it’s also a terrific way to take part in a range of exciting military-orientated pursuits – from training weekends and summer camp holidays to white-water rafting and rock climbing.

“We work hard to inspire our cadets to achieve all they can, but we need more adult volunteers to join us to help continue inspiring and teaching young people.”

Colonel Malcolm Render, Commandant for Yorkshire North and West Army Cadet Force, said people did not need any military experience to become an instructor and they could even gain qualifications that would help in the workplace.

• Anyone interested in finding out more about becoming an adult volunteer should phone 01904 490529, visit rfca-yorkshire.org.uk/rfca/vacancies, or inquire at their local detachment.

 

Congratulations to Army cadets

MP Nigel Adams with Cadet Bethany Fletcher and Corporal Joshua Elcock

FORMER Army Cadet Nigel Adams presented a pair of current recruits with a certificate to congratulate them for collecting for charity.

The cadets gave up their free time in June to raise £374.51 for SSAFA York and Selby Division, the charity which supports ex-service personnel.

The Selby and Ainsty MP attended the same drill hall as a cadet, and said: “It was a real thrill for me to visit the drill hall again after 30 years. I enjoyed my time as an Army cadet in Selby and am delighted that they are still going strong.

“Selby should be proud of these young men and women who’ve done a fantastic job in raising this money and Sgt Major Mick Topping and his team should also be very proud.”