Page 24 - Cadet Review 2_24

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WHERE CADETS HAS TAKEN ME
Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Enthusiast, Hannah W of Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate (QE), discusses all the adventures and opportunities being a cadet has provided her with.
Mona House
raises the
standard
By SI Cassie North
On Monday 29th January Mona House detachment hosted their Standard Dedication Service. This was to allow the Padre to bless the new Standard kindly donated by Hedon detachment. Sergeant Instructor Cassie North, Detachment Commander Hedon, presented the standard, with a banner party consisting of Cadet Corporal Seanna Thornton and Cadet Lance Corporal Tahlia Nice.
Padre Stephen Caddy talked to the cadets and visitors about the history of where a standard derives from and then blessed the standard. After the blessing the Standard was collected
by Corporal Harley Brown with a banner party consisting of Corporals Elliot Robinson Shaun Houlden, all of Mona House.
The unit hosted the Commandant, Colonel Fred Owen, Captain Hollie Troughton, Sergeant Major Instructor Anthony Tomlinson and SI Jenson Dixon at this event.
Colonel Owen proceeded to tell the cadets about the battle honour of the Yorkshire Regiment, the Ça Ira, the only battle honour to be a piece of music. Mona House Detachment Commander, Second Lieutenant 2Lt Sharon Barr said she was honoured that the detachment now has a standard and will be bringing in external services to train more cadets to carry the standard at the many parades Mona House attends.
Through the CCF programme at QE, I gained new experiences, improved my social skills and developed my ability to read an environment better through meeting so many people on trips and events. I spent nights in the forest tucked into a sleeping bag with my closet friends, cooking my ration packs and trading muesli for an all-day breakfast and I completed days on the ranges and learnt the importance of responsibilities. In 2022, I was part of QE’s outdoor Remembrance Service with the City of York’s Pipe Band.
Serving as Cadet Sergeant in the QE CCF Regiment provided me with fantastic opportunities above and beyond what most cadets get to experience. It led me to becoming the first CCF representative appointed to the role of Lord Lieutenant Cadet for North Yorkshire, which meant I could represent our school at events and support
the Lord Lieutenant in his duties. Through this role, I was selected
to attend events such as the King’s Coronation concert at Windsor Castle, which was a great opportunity to socialise with other Lord Lieutenant Cadets. At an outing to York Minster, I met Their Majesty’s King Charles and Camilla, Queen Consort.
Being in the CCF allowed me to enrol on a CVQO Diploma in Teamwork & Personal Development. I was then nominated by QE staff for the CVQO Westminster Award 2022 where I reached the third round and travelled to Somerset for the national selection event where I was recognised among approximately 40 cadets from across the UK.
Being a Cadet Volunteer encouraged me to make contributions to the school, local community and beyond. I worked with Physionet, who provide equipment for disabled people overseas and volunteered at a local nursing home, both arranged through school initiatives. I then spent my summer holidays restoring O’Hara’s Battery in Gibraltar, which was very rewarding.
QE are a CEA-accredited day and boarding school with a long-standing relationship with the forces community that offers discounts alongside CEA. The school has approximately 350
forces students onsite and also offers a 15% discount
to non-CEA and ex-forces families. To find out more, visit our website www.qe.org or email admissions@qe.org
New CSM for C Coy
By Captain Neil Bizzell
Congratulations to SI Emily Steers on her well-deserved promotion to Sergeant Major Instructor (SMI) and appointment as Company Sergeant Major (CSM) of C Company. Her rare double promotion is testament to her efforts and abilities.
SMI Steers faced stiff competition during the selection process, but her exceptional energy, enthusiasm, and leadership qualities set her apart. In her new role as Company Sergeant Major, she will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective and contribute to the positive changes we are fostering within our County.
Colonel Fred Owen, Commandant, said:” Her dedication and passion for our County will bring a confidence in our change in culture, and I am confident that she will excel in her new role”.
We congratulate SMI Emily Steers on this well-deserved promotion.
24 CADET REVIEW SUMMER 2024