Page 15 - Cadet Review Summer 2023

OUTSTANDING CADETS
HAVE BEEN HONOURED
BY YORK’S MERCHANT ADVENTURERS
The Merchant Adventurers are one of the oldest guilds in the country and each year they present specially engraved tankards to top-performing cadets, reservists and regular service personnel in York and Yorkshire. Due to the coronavirus pandemic they haven’t held an in-person event since 2020 but this year they have once again been able to welcome recipients and guests to the stunning Merchant Adventurers Hall in York.
“We are delighted to welcome back the cadets, reservists and members of the armed services to the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall,” said Delma Tomlin, Governor, The Company of Merchant Adventurers of the City of York.
“The Tankards presentation is a long standing and important date in our company calendar and it’s an honour to recognise the exceptional work and dedication of our recipients.”
The Tankard Awards recognises all three services – the Royal Navy, the British Army and the Royal
Air Force together with the cadet forces across the region.
Will upholds exemplary standards and presents such a positive influence
that he has become a role model for others to aspire to in the cadets
Chief Executive of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Yorkshire and the Humber, which supports cadets and reservists in the region, Jason Wright, said: “This is always a fantastic event and a great way to celebrate and recognise the achieve- ments of our cadets and members of the region’s reserve forces. We are extremely grateful to the Merchant Adventurers for supporting the Armed Forces in this way and highlighting the vital contribu- tion they make to the region and the UK as a whole.”
This year honours went to:
Able Cadet Alex Exelby, aged 16, of Acomb York, is with York Sea Cadets and a pupil at York High School. His nominating Officer Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Jacqui Gorman RNR said: “Alex is the best dressed
in the unit and has one of the highest attendance scores. Liked and respected by his peers, he is a credit to the Sea Cadets”.
Cadet Sergeant Major Will Kelly, aged 17, of Selby, is with Selby detachment, B Company, Yorkshire (North and West) Army Cadet Force, and is a pupil of Selby High School. Will’s Officer Commanding, Major Christine Massey, said: “Will upholds exemplary standards and presents such a positive influence that he has become a role model for others to aspire to in the cadets.”
The 2022 Tankard Winner from the ACF, Cadet RSM Ashanti Mai Holden, also joined the 2023 winners, as her presentation
last year was postponed.
Will and Alex with Delma Tomlin after receiving their awards
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