Walton cadets honoured by Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey
6:00am Friday 26th October 2012 in News By Laura Proto
Awards: Sergeant Major James Bamforth, 18, and Cadet Drum Major Alexander Odeneal, 16, both from Walton, with Dame Sarah Goad
Army cadets from Walton were honoured by the Queen’s representative for Surrey at a special ceremony at Clandon House last week.
Members of the reserve forces and cadet movements from all three services, navy, army and air, were presented with medals and certificates by Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Dame Sarah Goad, in honour of their dedication to the armed forces and cadets.
Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major James Bamforth, 18, from Walton, was presented his gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, while Cadet Drum Major Alexander Odeneal, 16, also from Walton, was named the Lord-Lieutenant’s army cadet of the year.
Alexander’s new role will be in assisting the Lord-Lieutenant with her ceremonial duties throughout the year, which include upholding the dignity of the Crown throughout Surrey while promoting a good atmosphere and a spirit of co-operation among voluntary services.
Hannah McCaully, detachment commander of Walton Army Cadets, said: “We are very proud. It’s why I did cadets because it’s nice to see the kids come out and gain things they couldn’t get outside the cadets.
“None of our cadets have ever got the Gold award before but a few are currently going for it. For the new recruits, it’s nice to see someone go on to achieve from where they are now.
“Alexander will shadow the Lord-Lieutenant. Anything she goes to, he will be invited to and be there. This could range from royal engagements to more local things she does.”
During the ceremony, the Lord-Lieutenant paid tribute to the award and medal winners’ hard work and commitment to the community and reserve forces, and thanked all the civilian employers for their understanding and support of staff serving in the volunteer reserves.
For the first time in 20 years, the Lord-Lieutenant also presented the recently reinstated British Empire Medal, which was reintroduced to the honours and awards board this June to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee.
