Bangor Grammar Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Celebrates 50th Anniversary

A very special day indeed for Bangor Grammar School, as over 200 Army and Royal Navy cadets took part in a parade and inspection by Royal Navy Commodore Donald Crosbie OBE, who is a former pupil and cadet from the school, along with several senior Army and Navy officers.  During the inspection each of the cadets were given a special commemorative medal to mark the occasion.  The day was a fantastic informative way in which to promote the incredible work and activities available within the cadets, as well as an opportunity for guests to take part in the various challenges set up within the school grounds. Guests at this momentous included; teachers from Bangor Grammar and Glenlola Collegiate schools, friends, along with current and former Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who all enjoyed a delicious lunch before the parade.

One of the special guests attending was Lt Col (Retired) Mr Barry Greenaway a former teacher, who was responsible for the movement from the original Army Cadet Force established in 1945, to a Combined Cadet Force in 1975.  Subsequently, a Royal Navy Section was introduced in 1977. Furthermore, in 1994 Bangor Grammar School formed a partnership with Glenola Collegiate in Bangor and the merger led to the first female CCF cadets in Northern Ireland.  Speaking at the event Mr Greenaway said, “Today means everything to me, it has brought back so many memories from the very beginning during the troubles in 1975, when I was told the CCF would not work!, right up until today and the knowledge that over 5000 cadets have been through and benefited from the CCF since its inception. This is a reflection of the superb work and commitment by everyone involved, especially the current Contingent Commander Lt Col Cath Watkins and Navy Section Commander Lt(RN) Stephen Robinson who together continue to do such an amazing job. This is indeed a very special occasion.”

After the parade and inspection, the cadets split into groups and each group escorted guests around the many activity stands on offer.  The Army section cadets hosted activity stands run by the Royal Irish,  Army Engagement Team, Queens University Officer Training Corps (QUOTC) and 38X Cadet Training Team which included paintballing, laser shotgun, and first aid to name but a few! The Royal Navy section cadets hosted activities run by HMS Hibernia and CFAVs including; field gun, archery, and firefighting as well as challenging leadership tasks.

Speaking at the event Lt Col Cath Watkins, Contingent Commander said” It is great to see the cadets on parade today, they look so impressive and smart.  We are very proud of our CCF Contingent and welcome this opportunity to showcase just some of the fantastic activities on offer. As well as the activities it also gave the cadets hosting a chance to interact with the Senior Military Officials and guests and tell them first hand of the many other benefits they have experienced as part of the CCF at the school.

For further information about the CCF at Bangor Grammar School, please contact [email protected]