Page 24 - Cadet Review Spring 2024

HSY ACF
A Champion Weekend; County Champion Cadet Competition 2023
By Captain Neil Bizzell
Cadets gathered from across the county to put their skills to the test in the County Champion Cadet Competition in the latest challenge for Senior cadets. All were aiming to be named Champion Cadet 2023.
The weekend provided ample opportunities to demonstrate
the skills and knowledge in a wide range of Army Cadet Syllabus subjects. On Saturday the contestants took to the area for a rotation of stands testing Fieldcraft, Navigation, First Aid, Cadet Information Systems (CIS), and Science Technology Engineering Maths (STEM) skills.
In the evening they returned to camp and took part in physical challenges in the Keeping Active section of the syllabus.
After a well earned rest, the morning saw two further challenges with shooting on the Dismounted Close Combat Trainer (DCCT) and a written test.
The challenges complete, the cadets paused for lunch then gathered to hear the results and collect the coveted champion cadet awards. All the cadets performed well but, in a competition, there has to be a winner so special congratulations to the three who came out on top:
1. Cadet Sergeant Evie Brooks
2. Cadet Staff Sergeant Ashlynne Downie
3. Cadet Staff Sergeant Charley Foster-Tomlinson.
Cadet Sgt Brooks said: "I went into the competition expecting to have some fun and challenge my knowledge, I thought that if I could make it into the top ten then I would be really pleased because I felt the other cadets were much more experienced and knowledgeable than me. Achieving 1st place has left me completely stunned and taught me not to underestimate my abilities.
Everybody who competed gave each stand their all and the continual support and comradeship from other competitors despite the mixture of companies involved and the fact this was an individual competition was particularly encouraging. The stands were engaging and well thought out, inspiring friendly rivalry and challenging everyone’s knowledge. It was a fun and challenging experience which I recommend to everyone who is given the opportunity in the future and I’m excited to be travelling to Frimley for the national competition."
AFTERNOON TEA AT ENDCLIFFE HALL
By SSI Rebecca Montgomery
The Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Colin Ross, Lady Mayoress Susan Ross and the Master Cutler Dame Julie Kenny had a warm welcome when they reported for afternoon tea duty at Endcliffe Hall, Sheffield.
Tea, coffee and cakes were available during the low key affair held at the widely unknown Grade 2 Listed Building, formerly home to 212 Field Hospital HQ.
Some of the cadets provided the tour of the building and were able to answer questions on its history.
The cadets had the opportunity to find out more about Councillor Ross and his role as Lord Mayor of Sheffield, and the Master Cutler, who seemed comfortable chatting to the cadets.
“The Afternoon Teas that we have held over the past few years are excellent for our cadets to quiz invited VIPs about their roles in a very relaxed environment, where time is not an issue. Whilst the VIPs have worked very hard to get where they are in their professional lives, they are people at the end of the day with the same issues normal people have. This is an opportunity for the cadets to gain some confidence to ask things they want to know and helps develop their social skills. I cannot thank our VIPs more for attending, and families
who support these events”, said SSI Rebecca Montgomery, Detachment Commander, Endcliffe.
Priorities for the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress this year are to promote the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), St Lukes Hospice appeal to raise £7.5 million for a CuddleBed allowing family closer contact with their loved ones in their final moments, and to celebrate and recognise volunteering in the area.
The Royal British Legion and the Master Cutler made donations to the detachment towards a detachment flag and for opportunities the cadets can enjoy.
24 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2024