CADET LEADER RECEIVES MBE

Lt Colonel Harris Carruthers, from 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force, was awarded an MBE in recognition of 33 years as a youth leader.  He received his award from Prince William at Buckingham Palace, accompanied by his wife, Sandra and two children, Cathryn and Gillan.

Lt Col Carruthers has served as a youth leader in the Army Cadet Force for over 33 years, firstly as a detachment instructor in Coleraine Detachment, which he went on to command for many years. This was followed by positions such as the Area Training Officer and then the Officer Commanding (Londonderry Area) which was to become B Company on the restructuring of the ACF in the early 90’s. Lt Col Carruthers then moved to the Battalion Headquarters in the position of Battalion Training Officer followed by the position of Deputy Commandant.

In his final few years he took up the job as Outreach Officer and ran an excellent cross-community project, bringing together young people from different schools – some of whom had been close to being excluded from school. The project gave them the chance to enjoy being part of a team and helping them to integrate better with their peers, school and parents. 

Lt Col Carruthers travelled to London with his wife Sandra who had encouraged him to join the ACF as a volunteer when she saw an advert looking for youth leaders. He was also accompanied by his daughter Cathryn and son Gillan, both ex cadets in Coleraine Detachment who travelled from their homes in Canada to be with their father and mother on what was a truly wonderful day.

Lt Col Carruthers who has since retired from the ACF said “I have had a great 33 years in what must be the best youth organisation any adult or young person could be part off.  I wish them all the best in the years to come and no doubt I will miss it all and the many friends I have made along a wonderful journey”