Page 85 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

Handforth Dean shoppers Help the Heroes
If one pound says thank you, then generous shoppers at Handforth Dean Cheshire
said thank you to our brave service men and women over 5000 times. The idea
of Mercian Badged Army Cadet Force, Sergeant Jonathan Postma-Tonge (Formerly Stockport TA 22 Cheshire Mortar Platoon), based at Wilmslow Detachment, was to
do something a little different to raise much needed funds for the Help for Heroes charity.
The sight of a World War 2 Russian
Soldier (Tony Hayter) on an IMZ /URAL M72 Russian motorcycle combination with a mounted DP28 Light Machine Gun and
a PP SH41 Sub Machine Gun raised more than an eyebrow as did a 1971 Land rover kitted out in the colours of the 10 Field REME Airborne Regiment and manned by Mark Binns and Ian Nettle, but the
Pièce de résistance has to have been the arrival of 1945 troop carrier GMC 353 towing a 6lb anti-tank canon which Pete Cartner who was accompanied by nephew
Callum, had saved from the scrap yard: the exhibitors all being members of the Military Vehicle Trust.
Jonathan was ably assisted by colleagues and cadets from Wilmslow Detachment as well as regular supporters of the charity. The whole event was made possible by Tesco and the management team of Hartnell, Taylor and Cook. The total sum raised in just two days was £5056.51.
Czech and Slovak Memorial Service at Cholmondeley
D Company Cadets from Cheshire Army Cadet Force provided important logistical support at the annual commemoration service in the grounds of Cholmondeley Castle. The moving and dignified affair which commemorates the welcome received by the Czech and Slovak servicemen 70 years ago; many of whom joined the Royal Air Force was witnessed by dignitaries from the United Kingdom, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, including The Lord Lieutenant and High
Sherriff of Cheshire, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Czech Republic and
the Slovak Ambassador to the United Kingdom. There was a palpable sigh of relief as the Army Cadets arrived with tentage and the all important PA system supplied by Captain Webster (OC D Company). Army and Air Cadets provided a guard of honour to welcome the dignitaries as well as flanking the band of the Cheshire Constabulary.
After the ceremony Captain Webster
representing the Cheshire Army Cadet Force was presented with medals and certificates in the castle garden, along with the Air Training Corps and war veterans. All in all it was an auspicious occasion hindered only by language but the commonality of nations overcame. One surprising visitor was The Right Honourable, The 3rd Earl Kitchener of Khartoum and Broome with whom the author chatted, gaining an insight to his Great Uncle.
Earl Kitchener
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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