At a special open event held on Tuesday 15^th September at their new HQ – the Walter Gidney Pavilion in the town’s Fountain Lane – eleven cadets from nearby Burwell detachment came along to help new local youth leaders Sergeant Mick Hammond (48) and his assistant Neil Dominguez (25) with a presentation to seven youngsters who are looking to join.

 

The detachment was previously housed at Soham Village College until 2002, but was closed when attendance became difficult for local youngsters following the tragic murders nearby of 10 year old school girls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman. It has now re-located to the Walter Gidney pavilion with assistance from Soham Town Council and offers young people aged 12 to 18 fun, challenge and adventure in a safe learning environment.

 

“The Army Cadet Force is a national voluntary youth organisation sponsored by, but not part of the army”, said new local commander Sgt Mick Hammond. He has six years experience with both Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Forces. “We want young people to join us and sample a mix of military and community based activities which will benefit them throughout their lives”.

 

During the evening the potential recruits were treated to light refreshments and given information on the opportunities available to them by area cadet commander Major Tony Scales assisted by Cadet Sergeant Major Abigail Durrant from Burwell. Abigail (18) was on parade for the last time having served in the ACF for five years. She achieved national prowess as a champion first aider and also as marksman on the world famous Bisley rifle ranges and will shortly take up a place at Sheffield University.

New recruit Carlton Drage (12) takes up the challenge

One young man keen to follow her footsteps is Carlton Drage (12) from Soham.  “I don’t join clubs”, said Carlton, but I had to join this. It’s just too good to miss.” He is in year eight at Soham Village College and watched as another Burwell Cadet - Kayleigh Fuller (15) - received promotion to Lance Corporal. “I am looking forward to doing all I can to take part”, he said.

Burwell Cadet Kayleigh Fuller (15) gets her stripe

Nationally, the Army Cadet Force has 45,000 youth members and 8,500 volunteer adults in its 1,760 detachments. Army Cadets learn independence, responsibility and leadership through activities such as sport, adventurous training, music, first aid and military skills training; as well as taking part in community activities. Each year, the ACF takes over 20,000 young people to annual summer camps across the country and abroad.

 

Soham Army Cadets meet each Tuesday evening between 7.30 and 9.30pm at the Walter Gidney Pavilion in Fountain Lane Soham.  For more information simply go along and watch or call 01223 862949.