LOCAL CADETS SPARKLE AT DIAMOND CELEBRATIONS

Six cadets from Northern Ireland were amongst those from across the United Kingdom who gathered at Ballykinler Training Centre recently to take part in a special residential training event organised to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The programme, which included sessions on teamwork and leadership skills as well as managing a Duke of Edinburgh Award group, enabled students, not only to complete the Gold Award residential requirement, but to progress in leading Duke of Edinburgh Award groups in their local area. Some elements of the learning can count towards a certificate in Duke of Edinburgh Award leadership and also a vocational qualification from the Institute of Leadership and Management administered by CVQO, the UK-based education charity which offers a range of vocational qualifications. The week long course combined classroom sessions with practical learning through adventurous training and a recreational visit to the nearby Game of Thrones set.

Colonel Ashley Fulford, the Army Cadet Force Association’s Duke of Edinburgh Award Panel Chair, said: “We decided to hold this event to celebrate the 60th Anniversary following on from the success of a similar event held ten years ago in Northern Ireland to mark the 50th Anniversary of the award. This year’s diamond anniversary event was a great week with some really engaged cadets and young adults getting to grips with the Award, and having some fun at the same time. I’m grateful too for the staff who gave up their personal time to help run the course.”

The Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award residential was made possible by the support from HQ Regional Command Cadets Branch and the Northern Ireland ACF community.  

Pictured above are:  (Back row from left) Cadet Sergeant Mark Townsley, Cadet Sergeant Andrew Henry, Cadet Sergeant William Robinson; (front row from left) Cadet Company Sergeant Major Ben Henderson, Cadet Company Sergeant Major Emmalee Wray and Cadet Corporal Alex Fleming.