Page 6 - Cadet Review 2_24

Joint Service News
FREEDOM OF THE CITY OF KINGSTON UPON HULL AWARDED TO CADET FORCES
By Captain Vicki Brooks
Both Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF and 152 (City of Hull) Squadron RAFAC were granted the Freedom of the City of Kingston upon Hull at a special City Council meeting and ceremony held at the Guildhall during March. The awards were made by Councillor Kalvin Neal, the Lord Mayor and Admiral of the Humber, who is also a serving Reservist with 4 RYORKS.
The Freedom of the City is an ancient privilege, steeped in tradition and honour, granted to appreciate organisations as a mark of respect and recognition for their service and contribution to the community. Dating back centuries, this tradition symbolises
the close bond between the citizens of Hull and the two cadet forces, highlighting the mutual trust and admiration shared between them.
The Lord Mayor said: “With a military background of my own, I was so pleased to grant the Honorary Freedom award to Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force, and 152 (City of Hull) Squadron, Air Training Corps. It was a ceremony that I was very proud to hold at the Guildhall on 21 March, as both cadet forces provide an excellent service to the city.
The activities they participate in are fun, exciting, and rewarding, and they help to develop young people of all abilities and backgrounds, both physically and mentally. These groups allow young people to develop so many skills, such as teamwork and leadership, whilst also boosting things like their self-confidence.
The award is also a testament to the hard work of the adult instructors, who give their time and effort to train and educate our young people. The confidence and skills learnt as cadets is proven to improve their learning at school, home life and give them better opportunities during their working life.”
Following this they were both invited to participate in a parade through the city with other service holders of the freedom of the city, including 4 RYORKS, 150 Transport Regiment RLC, the Sea Cadet Corps and the South Atlantic Medal Association 1982 (SAMA82).
On Sunday 14th April 2024 members of all six freedom holders gathered at Hull Minster for the first parade of this kind where they were inspected by the Lord-Lieutenant of the East Riding of Yorkshire, Mr Jim Dick OBE and the Lord Mayor of Hull, Councillor Kalvin Neal, before setting off to march through the
These groups allow young people to develop so many skills, such as teamwork and leadership, whilst also boosting things like their self- confidence.
streets of Hull amidst cheering crowds.
The cadets and adult volunteers of all three
services demonstrated their dedication and pride in being part of the parade. Their uniform, bearing and discipline on parade was exemplary and many positive comments were made about their turn out.
The parade was not only a momentous occasion for all three cadet forces, and for HSY ACF there were representatives from all five companies around the county footprint and the participants from both the Sea and Air Cadets, although smaller in number, were no less distinctive. Spectators lined the streets, waving and enjoying the spectacle of the military parade passed by.
The salute was taken by the Lord-Lieutenant and the Lord Mayor, with the Honorary Colonel of 4 RYORKS, Colonel Jason Wright, also on the saluting dais to witness this historic event.
Adding to the festivities, HSY ACF Music captivated the public with their enchanting performances throughout the day. Set against the backdrop of
the military village on Queen Victoria Square, their melodies filled the air, entertaining all who gathered to watch them play. Concurrently, other members of HSY ACF, met with the public at the recruitment stand, giving them information and insight into life within the Army Cadet Force.
Colonel Fred Owen, HSY ACF Commandant, expressed profound gratitude for the honour bestowed upon the organisation, stating, "The Freedom of Hull Parade is a testament to the enduring bond between the HSY ACF and the city of Hull. We are deeply humbled and proud to
have received this recognition, and
we will continue to uphold the values
of duty, service, and excellence that define us as an organisation, and HSY ACF will remain steadfast in our commitment to serving the community and inspiring all our members to be great citizens”.
6 CADET REVIEW SUMMER 2024
Colonel Fred Owen, Councillor Kalvin Neal, Lord Mayor of Hull and Squadron Leader Danielle Cooper