THE EFFORTS of ten people, including two young cadets, from across Dyfed have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.
In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, five people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Miss Sara Edwards, in the ceremony at the Ivy Bush Royal, Carmarthen, on Thursday 7 March.
The five were Colin Sharp and Hilary Anderson both of Milford Haven Sea Cadet Corps;
Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Lucy Killick RNR of Llanelli Sea Cadet Corps; Staff Sergeant Instructor Colleen Chinnery and Staff Sergeant Instructor Kirsty Richards of Dyfed and Glamorgan Army Cadet Force.
Also during the evening three long service and volunteer service awards were presented to members of the Sea Cadet Corps.
The achievements of the Lord-Lieutenant’s two cadets were recognised and celebrated during the event attended by more than 80 people.
Petty Officer Cadet Annis Henton of Fishguard Sea Cadet Corps and Petty Officer Cadet Luke Coburn of Tenby Sea Cadet Corps outlined to the audience their time in cadets, including highlights of their role over the last 12 months.
The role, which continues until September, includes attendance with the Lord-Lieutenant at a number of official engagements such as Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.
The two 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.
The three long service and volunteer service awards presented to members of the Sea Cadet Corps were as follows:
Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Peter Killick RNR of Llanelli Sea Cadets who was awarded the 5th Clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal; Mrs Valerie Callaghan of Fishguard Sea Cadets received the Gold Volunteer Service Recognition Award and Mr Brian Murphy of Fishguard Sea Cadets was awarded the Bronze Volunteer Service Recognition Award.
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 1,850 volunteering adult Instructors and civilian assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.
The awards event was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.
Lieutenant (SCC) Aled Davies MNI RNR said, “I’m absolutely delighted for Colin Sharp & Hillary Anderson, our Unit Management Team Chairperson & Immediate past Parents & Supporters Association Chairperson.
“They have both achieved stirling work at Milford Haven and their specific effort has helped enhance and enrich the offering here at Milford Haven Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets. Colin has held the post of Chairperson since 2019 overseeing our wonderful Unit Management team, but a Trustee since 2017 always providing that much needed guidance and support.
“Hillary lead our delightful team of Parents & Supporters from 2018 to 2023, ensuring at all of our fundraising efforts, from Bingo evenings, supporting external events with Cakes & Teas/Coffees her team raised thousands of pounds for the Unit over the years which allowed us to purchase items, such as Laptops for the Cadets use and an AED situated in our foyer.
“Both Colin and Hillary’s outstanding voluntary work has been recognised by HM the King’s Representative and I’m incredibly pleased for them.”
