Members of the Cadet organisations on the Isle of Man honoured by Her Majesty’s Lieutenant Governor
Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and cadets have been honoured by Her Majesty’s Lieutenant Governor for the Isle of Man, Sir Richard Gozney, during the annual Lieutenant Governor’s Awards.
The ceremony was held on the evening of Wednesday 17 May at Government House, Onchan, attended by recipients, their families and friends, and special guests.
During the ceremony Cadet Sergeant Thomas Hull from Isle of Man Army Cadets was appointed Lieutenant Governor’s Cadet, one of the highest honours a Cadet can achieve. The accolade means Thomas will hold the position of Lieutenant Governor’s Cadet from September this year, and will assist the Lieutenant Governor during formal duties including Royal visits to the area. Thomas, aged 16, is from Castletown and attends Castle Rushen High School. He said: “I feel the proudest I have ever been to receive this award as I have worked for at least a year, if not more, with becoming His Excellency’s cadet as a goal in mind.”
Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers were also presented with Her Majesty’s Lieutenant Governor’s Certificate of Meritorious Service, recognised as a laudatory honour throughout the Armed Forces.
Colonel Charles Wilson, aged 73 and from Douglas, received the award in recognition of both a longstanding military career and his outstanding contribution to the Cadet and Veteran communities on the Isle of Man. Charles said: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive this award as it focuses on the work of the Cadets and Reserve Forces on the island. Volunteers put in so much time and effort to help cadets onto a pathway in life. I admire them.”
Warrant Officer James Dale, aged 76 and from Douglas, is an Adult Instructor with 440 (1st Manx) Squadron Air Cadets. He was honoured for his ongoing commitment to Air Cadets on the island – it is believed he may be the oldest Warrant Officer in the Air Cadet Organisation! James said: “This award is quite amazing and something I hadn’t expected. I’m grateful to the Lieutenant Governor, and also to the Air Cadet organisation. I’ve had some amazing experiences as an Adult Instructor including flying in a Hercules and in a fast jet; how many people get to say that?”
Under Officer Robin Burchill from King William’s College Combined Cadet Force, aged 17 and from Bride, was recognised for his efforts in support of Remembrance on the island, including planning and running remembrance services at his school and in the local community to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. Robin said: “Cadets is fantastic experience. Being part of the Combined Cadet Force has made me feel like part of Britain’s military history. I’m honoured to receive such an accolade, and it was a pleasure to receive it from the Lieutenant Governor himself.”
Able Cadet Samantha Hassall joined Isle of Man Sea Cadets in 2011. Aged 16 and from Laxey, Samantha attends Ramsey Grammar School. She was honoured both for her sailing prowess, and for her support to the local community including raising money from Macmillan Cancer Research. Samantha said: “I joined the Sea Cadets because I liked the challenges and experiences. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel onboard training ships twice. It’s an honour to be selected as a recipient of this award, and I’m proud to represent my unit.”
Cadet Flight Sergeant Ciara Sowerby has been a cadet with 440 (1st Manx) Squadron Air Cadets since 2014. Aged 17 and from Douglas, Ciara attends Ballakermeen High School. She was recognised by the Lieutenant Governor for her support to fundraising, enabling cadets to travel to off-island activities, and to the RAF Association Battle of Britain Appeal. Ciara said: “Joining the Air Cadets is one of the best decisions I ever made. It’s a life defining experience, and I have met so many friends who I will remain in contact with for life. I am honoured to receive this award, and it is great to see my hard work over the past few years paying off.”
Colonel Mark Underhill, Chief Executive of the North West Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA) which runs the awards, said: ‘The Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards give us an opportunity to recognise the selfless commitment, dedication and achievements of the young people and adults who are members of the Cadet organisations. The Cadet movement offers unparalleled opportunities for young people in our region to learn, grow and excel. We must ensure that these opportunities continue to be accessible to young people from all backgrounds, and this is only possible with the support of the dedicated Adult Volunteers who deliver the quality experiences, adventure and community projects our cadets enjoy.”
