Page 7 - Cadet Review Spring 2025

EAST RIDING OF YORKSHIRE
The Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Jim Dick OBE, with the recipients
When her son joined the air cadets, little did Civilian
Instructor Fiona Preston know the organisation
would become such a big part of her life. Joining the
Civilian Welfare Committee in 2016, she very quickly
lit a spark that saw her donating more and more of
her valuable time to the interests and development
of the young people of Knaresborough.
On becoming an adult volunteer just a few months
later, her generosity and skills have made her an
essential part of squadron life. Without her, a huge
hole would be evident on the unit and its ability
to participate in the activities that it successfully
does. She continues to enjoy every aspect of her
volunteering with the cadets, and in particular,
seeing young people willingly develop and learn
from the staff and their peers alike.
To make history we saw the first serving husband
and wife recognised at the same event in Sheffield.
Lieutenant Commanders Fraser and Jennifer
Avill were delighted to be recipients of the
Lord-Lieutenant’s Award and more details on them
follows.
Lieutenant Commander Fraser Avill is a
consummate professional. Over the years he has
inspired the next generations of cadets, adult
volunteers and especially Drill Instructors and
his work on the implementation of the Cadet Drill
Without her,
a huge hole
would be
evident on
the unit and
its ability to
participate in
the activities
that it
successfully
does.
Instructor qualification and continued delivery of the
training is commendable. Following the pandemic,
he had an intrinsic role in the implementation of
adapting to the safety needs of all ranks.
In his 22 years as an adult volunteer, he has
tirelessly achieved results not only as a Commanding
Officer but also as a District Officer too. His ability
to mentor, together with his integrity and high
moral standards have been recognised by the
CADET REVIEW SPRING 2025 7