A soldier based at 75 Engineer Regiment in Warrington and the caretaker of Stanney Lane Army Reserve Centre, Ellesmere Port, have been honoured by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant at the annual presentation of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards for Cheshire.
Warrant Officer Class Two Adrian Gildert from Burnley and Mr Carl Arthur from Ellesmere Port were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit, recognised as a laudatory honour throughout the MOD. The presentation was made by Mr David Briggs MBE, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, during the awards ceremony held at Chester Town Hall.
WO2 Adrian Gildert receives his certificate from Mr David Briggs, Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire
Adrian joined the Royal Corps of Transport in 1983 and has served in Germany, Bosnia, Kosovo, the Gulf and South America. He left the Regular Army in 2008 after a distinguished 25-year career. Shortly thereafter he joined Army Reserve unit 75 Engineer Regiment based in Warrington, where he currently serves as Motor Transport Warrant Officer. Adrian is an exceptional Warrant Officer who routinely works outside his normal working hours. In addition, on a Monday evening he assists mentally handicapped people as an adult helper to MENCAP at the Burconel Centre in his hometown of Burnley. Every Tuesday evening he stays at work to assist Army Reservists on their weekly drill night. Every Thursday evening and fortnightly on a Sunday he supports Barnardos as an adult befriender, taking underprivileged and troubled 5 to 16 year-olds on activities. Selfless, loyal, warm-hearted and utterly trustworthy, he is the epitome of a true gentleman and an outstanding role model.
Reflecting on his award, Adrian said: “I am overwhelmed to be recognised, I had no idea the work I do has such a positive impact in the community.”
Adrian was accompanied during the ceremony by his wife Pam and personnel from 75 Engineer Regiment.
Mr Carl Arthur receives his certificate from Mr David Briggs, Lord-Lieutenant for Cheshire
Carl has been the caretaker at Stanney Lane Army Reserve Centre since September 1997, and has given a first class and dedicated service throughout this period. He has proved more than willing to assist with additional duties outside his normal working patterns without complaint, and his extensive knowledge of the unit has proved invaluable in assisting new members of the permanent staff get to grips with their duties. Carl takes great pride in providing a first class service with a ‘can do’ attitude and willingness to support the unit in any way.
Carl said: “I’m shocked – this was totally unexpected and I feel very honoured. I enjoy my job and feel part of a good team, where everybody contributes”.
Carl was accompanied during the ceremony by his family and personnel from Army Reserve unit B Squadron 208 (Liverpool) Field Hopsital, which is based at Stanney Lane.
Colonel Mark Underhill, Chief Executive of the North West of England and the Isle of Man Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (NW RFCA) which runs the awards, said: “The Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards give us an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the dedication and professionalism of the adults and young people who contribute so much to our Reserve Forces and Cadet Forces. The tireless commitment and dedication shown by WO2 Gildert and Mr Arthur to supporting the Army Reserve and the contribution they make to their wider communities are worthy of public recognition and the award of Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit.”
For more information about the Army Reserve, your local unit and how you can get involved visit the NW RFCA website at www.nwrfca.org.uk
