Page 87 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

Drill competition 2011
Probably the most sought after trophy after champion company is the drill trophy. The effort put in by all participants is extraordinary. Boots highly polished and uniforms pressed to within an inch of their lives and practice at every opportunity. The weather was kind to us this year and the rain held off. The inspection was carried out by Lt Col Chris Young and the drill movements were judged by the permanent staff latest member Lt Paul Brown. This year the winners were C Company.
Cadets stand guard for Jason
A Guard of Honour, mounted by cadets from Ashbourne and other Detachments of C Company Derbyshire Army Cadet Force, greeted mourners at the funeral of an Ashbourne teenager who died just days before his 19th birthday. Jason Morris,
a popular and well-known figure in the town, died on March 20, after a sudden bout of pneumonia. One of the first Down Syndrome teenagers in the country to join the Army Cadet Force, Jason’s comrades lined the path to the West door of St Oswald’s Church on Friday last week, in tribute to their friend.
The service, celebrating Jason’s life,
was conducted by the Rev Ben Brown of Ashbourne Elim Pentecostal Church, with an introductory prayer by the Rev Cannon Geraldine Pond and a tribute and reading from Ashbourne Methodist Church’s’ Rev Tim Morris. Mourners, who all wore bright colours, filled the church to capacity to hear tributes to Jason, before going on to the Miraj Hotel for Jason’s party.
Several tributes to Jason were paid including one by Sergeant Charlie Crump the Army Cadet Force Ashbourne Detachment. Jason’s mum, Chris Morris, gave a brief outline of Jason’s life, including a diagnosis of leukaemia aged five, and
a move to Derbyshire just as he began secondary school. She said: “As his mother, I cannot thank enough, all the people who have played vital roles in our family life and in Jason’s growth and development towards maturity. Most especially to Jason’s dad and elder brother, Ezra, who stimulated him as
a youngster and became role models in his young adult life.”
“Our aim was for him to reach his full potential. He did achieve a lot in his 19
years. He was such a joy to all who knew him.” A special tribute table was available for mourners to view or contribute tributes to Jason and donations were also collected for Down Syndrome Association, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School learning support department and Ashbourne Army Cadet Detachment. During the service itself, tributes were paid by many who knew him. The first speech was given
by his brother, Ezra, who said: “When
trying something new, he may have been apprehensive or even outright scared, but he wanted to try and he enjoyed doing so.” While the Rev Tim Morris added: “His wistful smile, his cheeky grin were just two of his great strengths. We have been blessed by all the things Jason brought us.” Mrs Morris added: “We’d really like to thank everyone in the town and further afield — even abroad — for their messages of condolence which have been a great support.”
Two further memorial services, one at Derwent College and one at Lee Abbey Camp, were be held for Jason.
Obituary –
Major Bernard Dean
Who served 24 years in the Army Cadet Force.
Bernard was a man who was dedicated to the most important aspect of the organisation, The Cadets. He served in most positions that the ACF can offer from Instructor to HQ Staff officer in his last year.
He joined the ACF on the 27th March 1986 and after completing his Initial Training Course was promoted to Sergeant Instructor 30th July 1986. His progression through the ranks was steady, gaining his commission via
the Under Officer route, until on 15th August 2005 he was appointed Major as Officer Commanding D Company. This was a post he held until bad health forced him to move to HQ on 1st May 2009.
Bernard was well liked by both cadets and adults and always had a story to tell. Sometimes more than once, especially in the mess at annual camp.
A crowning glory for Bernard happened in October 2009 when Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Mr William Tucker presented him with The Lord Lieutenants Certificate for Meritorious Service. The tear in his eye told how important it was to him.
Bernard will be missed by all of his colleagues but never forgotten.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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