GOLD DUKE OF EDINBURGH HONOR FOR LOCAL CADET INSTRUCTOR

Mayor Congratulates Army Cadet Instructor on his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award

In recognition of Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award holder Nathan Ferris, the Mayor Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick congratulated the young Sergeant Instructor by hosting a visit to the Mayor’s Parlour.

Colour Sergeant Instructor Nathan Ferris successfully completed his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award as an Adult Instructor, through the Army Cadet Force, previously gaining his Bronze and Silver DofE Awards through the local Whiteabbey Detachment, D Company, exemplifies the spirit of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, which is designed for young people up to the age of 24.

Col Sam Donnell, Commandant of the 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force, praised Nathan’s achievement, stating, “It is brilliant to see Nathan completing his DofE journey as an adult instructor.” This sentiment reflects the impact and importance of role models in guiding the next generation of cadets.

Electrician, Nathan expressed his enthusiasm for the Army Cadet Force, stating, “The Army Cadet Force is a brilliant way to complete your awards, as all sections—Volunteering, Skills, and Expedition which can all be done through the organisation, and making lifelong friendships along the way!”

Earlier in the year, Nathan attended a prestigious Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, hosted by Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh. This event celebrated the achievements of award recipients and served as a testament to the positive impact of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Locally, Nathan was honoured during a visit to the Mayor’s Parlour, hosted by Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Councillor Kirkpatrick, who is also the current Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh Legacy Bursary Scheme Working Group, she expressed a keen interest in Nathan’s journey and the progress he has made since obtaining his award. The setting at the beautiful Mossley Mill added to the occasion’s significance.

Also accompanying Nathan at the event was the Battalion Duke of Edinburgh Officer for 1st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force. Nathan currently serves as the D Company DofE Officer, assisting young cadets on the same journey he once undertook.

Photo 2 L-R 1^st (NI) Battalion Duke of Edinburgh Officer, Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award Holder Sergeant Instructor Nathan Ferris, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Council, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, and Colonel Sam Donnell Commandant of 1^st (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force.