Young people honoured by Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd
Three teenagers from Gwynedd have been appointed as Lord-Lieutenant Cadets for 2023 at an awards ceremony in North Wales.
Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd Awards: Copyright: RFCA for Wales.
Cadet Sergeant Joshua Bracegirdle and Cadet Lance Corporal Elinor McGregor both of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force along with Cadet Sergeant Luke Rees of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets were presented with the badge of their appointment, which will last for one year.
They were appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant for Gwynedd, Edmund Seymour Bailey Esq CStJ FRAgS at a ceremony at Caernarfon Army Reserve Centre, Caernarfon on Thursday 4 May 2023.
Around 80 people attended the event to mark the new appointments and celebrate high achievers from the reserve and cadet communities.
The three were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.
They will follow in the footsteps of Cadet Flight Sergeant Ysanne Duncan of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets who was awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate and Badge for being the 2022 representative.
The role of Lord-Lieutenant cadet includes attendance with the Lord-Lieutenant, who acts as the King’s representative, at a number of official engagements, including Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.
Cadet Sergeant Joshua Bracegirdle, of Caernarfon, whose father is an adult instructor, attends all training weekends and many county events. His favourite activity is shooting and he won best shot at 25 metres at summer camp.
Cadet Lance Corporal Elinor McGregor, comes from a military family, with her great grandfather having flown Lancaster bombers during the war. The 17-year-old, whose favourite activity in cadets is first aid, aspires to become a doctor in the Royal Navy.
Cadet Sergeant Luke Rees, from Anglesey, gained his Silver Gliding wings after flying solo in September 2022. As well as his passion for flying, Luke enjoys teaching fellow cadets. He hopes to pursue a career in aviation and become a commercial airline pilot.
Five adult volunteers – Colour Sergeant Rhys Owen of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh; Staff Sergeant Instructor Kelly Murray-Jones of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force; Lieutenant Barry Chant, Petty Officer Eleanor Maguire and Petty Officer Mark Walton all of Holyhead Sea Cadet Corps - were also recognised for their outstanding service and devotion to duty and awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit.
Rhys, from Anglesey, is described as a ‘model’ Army Reserve soldier, having devoted a huge amount of his free time over nearly three decades to the Army Reserve – mentoring and training countless soldiers who have passed through D company.
Kelly, from Anglesey, started as a non-uniformed volunteer before converting into a uniformed role and becoming a highly valued adult volunteer. She is currently running three detachments.
Barry, from Anglesey, has been part of the Sea Cadet family for 20 years and maintained and revived Holyhead Sea Cadets after taking over command.
Eleanor, who is the Junior’s divisional officer, is described as determined, reliable, knowledgeable and professional – someone who can adapt to changing situations and who has a great sense of humour. She joined Sea Cadets at the age of 10, and became an adult volunteer to pass on her knowledge to cadets who followed her.
Mark, who joined Holyhead Sea Cadets, after moving to Anglesey seven years ago, previously served in the Royal Navy where he was Chief Petty Officer in the Submarine Service, working as an electrical specialist on submarines. Since joining Sea Cadets, Mark has learnt mechanical engineering, which he teaches and is always willing to help out with whatever is needed.
There are nearly 5,000 cadets in Wales who gain skills and qualifications through working with local communities, charities and taking part in a variety of practical activities. The cadet syllabus is delivered by 1,500 volunteering adult instructors and civilian assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.
The awards ceremony was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.