CULLYBACKEY ARMY CADETS IMPRESS AT BI-ANNUAL INSPECTION

Cullybackey Detachment Army Cadet Force (ACF) held their biannual inspection where Captain Jimmy Parke from the 1st Battalion Irish Guards was the inspecting officer and on conclusion of the inspection will write a report about the detachment.

Cullybackey Detachment are proud to wear the cap star of the Irish Guards so they also invited parents, family and friends along to see what the cadets get up to at detachment evenings and at weekends away and to help us celebrate their achievements.

The inspecting officer and guests were treated to a drill display, field craft and Duke of Edinburgh displays which is all offered to any young person joining cadets. There was particular interest at the Duke of Edinburgh Expedition stand as adults were treated to freshly boiled “cuppa” as part of the cadets menu planning exercise.  

Lance Corporal Wilson, who is a member of the Irish Guards Pipe Band, entertained the guests along with Cadet Pipe Major Karen McAleese, who has just been appointed as the Senior Pipe Major of the National Pipe Band.

At the end of the evening Captain Jimmy Parke presented some promotions, certificates and prizes including 6 promotions, 2 British Canoe Union (BCU) paddle sport start certificates for kayaking, 4 Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards (for which Captain Parke had assessed one of the sections for Cullybackey) and a Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.

It was an enjoyable night for all and Captain Parke thanked the parents for their continued support and remarked on the hard work and achievements of the Cullybackey Detachment.

The detachment will now look forward to the 7 day Easter Camp in Magilligan for the more junior cadets and a 12 day Summer Camp in Longmoor, Hampshire for the older cadets.

Top photo shows (from left to right): Cadet Lance Corporal Joel Roxburgh, Cadet Ellen McCaw, Cadet Lance Corporal Andryi McClenaghan and Cadet Samuel Douglas, receiving certificates from Captain Parke.