The event was one of the most important gatherings on the calendar for cadet force musicians, with bands and Corps of Drums representing military cadet organisations from across the UK taking part. The aim was to teach youngsters - aged 13 to 18 - new skills and develop existing talents to the full with a special training package which had been created to appeal to all from the most junior to the most senior – which was not so easy as some cadets had only been playing instruments for one month!

 

For the senior cadets - and those completing the BTEC Qualification in Music – the main task was to organise a concert and perform it in front of their fellow cadets having first selected the music and the order of play. A full dress rehearsal took place during the evening of Tuesday 27^th October followed by the concert for real on Wednesday 28^th. The spectacle took place in a grand marquee situated in the grounds of the beautiful Shannon Court Residential Home at Hindhead and after the performance a full buffet gave residents the opportunity to mix with the cadets and ask questions about life in the ACF.

 

 

Corporal Duncan Elliott (16) talks to a resident at Shannon Court

 

The search to find a senior drum major to head the Cadet150 celebration parade in London in summer 2010 was hotly contested.  Nineteen skilled contestants competed against one another to achieve the cherished appointment – and no fewer than four cadets from Cambridgeshire made it to the final seven. The first round resulted in a three way tie with Cambridgeshire ACF taking impressive second and third places, but Cadet Lance Corporal Matthew McInally (16) from Orpington, Kent secured overall victory emerging as the proud winner.

 

The hard work put in by everyone came to fruition Thursday 29th October during the official visitor’s day. VIP’s, families and friends who had been invited to attend were treated to a concert in the main hall followed by a musical display from all the cadets on the main parade square in glorious autumn weather. During the presentations cadet Corporal Jamie Martin (16) from Cambridge received the award for best senior cadet, and cadet Corporal Amy Gray (17) from Peterborough won the award for most improved cadet.   On the final evening before heading home all the cadets that had taken part at Longmoor were treated to a night of rock music courtesy of a band made up of their adult instructors who played a mix of both old and new tunes. Dressed in Halloween costumes many cadets and instructors got into the full spirit

Lance Corporal Matthew McInally winner of the Drum Major Competition

 of the evening creating memories of Longmoor Concentration 2009 which will last for many years.   

 

Speaking after the event Captain Lynn Herriot (54) Commanding Officer of the Corps of Drums said “This is such an important camp for musically minded cadets. It enables them to meet other young people with the same interests and to progress musically. I am immensely proud of all of our cadets for the hard work and effort they have shown and what they have achieved”

 

Cadets who attended this year’s camp will now be selected to take part in the Cadet150 celebration parade taking place in London next summer to mark the 150^th anniversary of the cadet forces. For more information on the Corps of Drums call 01223 862949