Cadets hailed at awards ceremony

WARREN Smith with Harry Green

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CADETS from Oldham have been honoured by Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant at the annual Lord-Lieutenant's Awards for Greater Manchester.

Harry Green (81), Philip Tomkins (80), Stephen Taylor (18), Jessica Robertson (18) and Lara Buckley (17), were awarded Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant Certificate of Merit - a laudatory honour throughout the Armed Services - in recognition of their exceptional service with the Combined Cadet Force.

The presentations were made by Mr Warren Smith, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for Greater Manchester, during the ceremony held at Gorton Monastery.

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Colonel Mark Underhill, chief executive of the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association, said: "The Lord-Lieutenant's Award gives us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedication and professionalism of the adults and young people who contribute so much to the Cadet movement.

"Harry Green joined 1855 (Royton) Squadron Air Cadets in 1949 before enlisting for National Service with the RAF in 1953 and re-joined the Air Cadets in 1955 where he took over the duties of honorary treasurer - a role he still holds.

Harry said: "I am pleased and honoured to receive this award.

"I am very grateful for the recognition."

Colonel Mark Underhill praised Harry's dedication to the Cadets and his efforts in helping local young people.

He said: "Mr Green has demonstrated a long-standing dedication to the Air Cadets and local young people.

"Without the efforts of individuals like Mr Green, many young and disadvantaged people would have missed out on some of life's best experiences."

Philip Tomkins - a security officer with St John Ambulance in his civilian life - was called up for National Service and spent three years with the Parachute Regiment.

After nine years reserve service with 103 Air Defence Regiment TA he served 12 years as an instructor with Merseyside Army Cadet Force before joining the Combined Cadet Forces at Oldham Hulme and William Hulme Grammar Schools where he has been responsible for instructing cadets on subjects ranging from skill at arms and fieldcraft to drills and first aid.

Inspired by his father's 22 year service in the Army, Stephen Taylor joined the Cadets in 2011 where he took part in expeditions to Poland, Slovakia and Nepal and has trekked to Everest Base Camp.

Lara Buckley - who hopes to study chemical engineering at university - joined the Cadets because she wanted a taste of military life and has become a proactive member of the local community, assisting the Mayor of Oldham and the Polish Consul in Manchester in their duties and at community events in Oldham.

Lara said: "When I joined the Cadets little did I know that it would become such a huge part of my life.

"I've met new people and made new friends which I'll keep for life.

"I've had an education you can't get just through a normal day in school.

"I feel honoured and proud that my contribution to the Cadets has been recognised.

"I thank all those who have supported me throughout."

Jessica Robertson joined the contingent in 2011 when she was 13 after being encouraged by friends and said that trips to Nepal in 2014 and Poland in 2015 stood out as highlights.

She said: "I now recognise the impact of the guidance of Cadets and the skills the experience has given me.

"Even though the trips and excursions have been incredible, the main gift the Cadets has given me is friendship.

"I feel honoured at the fact that others believe that I deserve to receive such a prestigious award, and I couldn't think of a more perfect way to end my time in the CCF as I leave this July."

Corporal Mark Underhill added: "Cadet Warrant Officer First Class Taylor, Cadet Warrant Officer First Class Buckley and Cadet Sergeant Major Robertson are all exceptional young people, and a credit to their school, the Combined Cadet Force and their community.

"It is thanks to the dedication of committed volunteers like Mr Tomkins that young people in Greater Manchester are able to enjoy the experiences being a Cadet offers.

"The Cadet movement offers unparalleled opportunities for young people in our region to learn, grow and excel.

"We must ensure that these opportunities continue to be accessible to young people and this is only possible with the support of adult volunteers who deliver the experiences, adventure and projects for our Cadets."

More details at www.nwrfca.org.uk.