Lady Alison De Ramsey, newly appointed High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire was the principal guest at a cadet open evening in Ely on Tuesday 5^th May 2009.

 

Lady De Ramsey talks with Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Kay Storey

Local army cadets at the 55 strong detachment in the city’s Heaton Drive welcomed Lady De Ramsey to displays of cadet training including cooking outdoors, building shelters, foot drill and rifle drill. The cadets, aged 12 to 18, recently received a £200 grant from the High Sheriff’s fund to support their activities and this was boosted by a donation from the Mayor of Ely’s fund generously awarded by Mayor Sheila Friend-Smith who also attended the event with Mayor designate Councilor Richard Hobbs.

 

“It is so interesting to see the skills that the cadets learn” said Lady De Ramsey. “Their confidence and demeanor is a credit to them and I am pleased to be able to offer my support to their activities”.

 

-  And the event was also an opportunity to congratulate Ely’s most senior army cadet, Sergeant Major Jeremy Latham (18), who’s last day of duty coincided with the event. Jeremy has been with Cambridgeshire army cadet force for five years and has recently achieved the top accolade of ‘Master Cadet’ – a status granted to only a few cadets nationally who demonstrate the highest degree of proficiency.

 

“I have really enjoyed being a cadet”, said Jeremy. “So much so that I am returning shortly to be an adult instructor to offer others the same opportunities I have enjoyed”.

 

Sergeant Major Latham was presented with a framed photograph of his friends and colleagues in the local cadet company as a reminder of his cadet service.

 

Lady De Ramsey with Cadet Sergeant Major Jeremy Latham   “It is a real privilege to have the support of key people such as the High Sheriff and Mayor of Ely”, said detachment commander Staff Sergeant Kay Storey.  “Army cadets are an active part of the community in most towns and villages and the more help we get to raise our profile the more good work we can do with young people”.   Following light refreshments the evening ended with a raffle of prizes to parents and guests – at which Lady De Ramsey produced no fewer than three of the winning tickets, generously re-donating her wins each time. The proceeds of the event are to go towards further equipment for the cadets and £50 is to be donated to the charity ‘Help for Heroes’.       Principal guests (L-R) Lady Alison De Ramsey, Mayor Sheila Friend – Smith, S/Sgt Kay Storey, Mayor Designate Richard Hobbs