Page 44 - Cadet Review Autumn 2024

Combined Cadet Force
various aspects of the role. As Captain Smith embarks on a new chapter with The Royal British Legion, his contributions to the Read School CCF are deeply appreciated. His legacy of support and guidance will continue to resonate as we move forward. We reached out to parents to gather as much assistance as possible. Fortunately, Sgt John Tehan, a parent who has served as a bandsman
as a young man, stepped forward. He began as
an Adult Volunteer and was appointed as a Staff Sergeant Instructor (SSI) in November 2023. Last year Corporal Lee Millard started at the school and his mum, Lieutenant Liz Field, has joined us as a volunteer. Her extensive military experience and her involvement with the ACF in Humberside and South Yorkshire, has brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm have been warmly welcomed, ensuring continuity and strength within the Army section.
The RAF section has flourished and expanded significantly. Leading this dynamic section is Annette Oliver, who volunteered for the role out of a deep personal connection to the RAF. Inspired by the positive impact the RAF had on her two adult sons during their time at Read School, Annette pursued her own journey within the RAF, eventually becoming Pilot Officer Annette Oliver. Annette has fostered strong partnerships, notably with Flight Lieutenant Neil McDonald from Goole ATC, with whom we
share resources. Neil has graciously stepped in to support us during Annette's absence due to illness, exemplifying the collaborative spirit between ATC and CCF.
Her boundless energy and enthusiasm have been warmly welcomed, ensuring continuity and strength within the Army section.
Our RAF section is also very proud to have a Service Instructor and huge thanks go to Sergeant Matthew Oldfield who supports our cadets with a wide range of activities. Together, we form a dynamic CCF team, demonstrated by our participation in events such as The Army Black Rat and Royal Air Squadron Trophy (RAST) Competitions together with summer camps in both RAF and Army sections that are fully subscribed. A CCF trip to Cyprus trip took place last Easter and a Normandy trip is planned for this coming Easter.
Community engagement has been a cornerstone of our CCF programme, imparting invaluable lessons of empathy, compassion, and civic responsibility to our cadets. Over the past two years our initiatives have exemplified our commitment to serving and giving back to the community:
• Maintaining the Burn RAF Memorial Garden • Visiting Mansion House Care Home
• Decorating Drax Church
• Collaboration with Snaith Air Museum
• Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) volunteering sections at all 3 levels
Finally, I am delighted to announce that one pupil has already achieved the ILM Level 3 Leadership and Management qualification, with others taking it next year.
We are looking for Cadet force adult volunteers to be part of an amazing CCF staff team. If you have a couple of hours free on a Thursday afternoon 1500 - 1645 and are willing to help make the CCF cadet experience fun and engaging please get in touch: Rothwell@readschool.co.uk
44 CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2024