On Thursday 9th May 2024 South Lanarkshire Council played host to the annual Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards ceremony, celebrating the work and dedication of three local Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs).
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Lanarkshire, Lady Susan Haughey CBE, said in an official statement: ‘It is my great pleasure to offer my congratulations to this year’s recipients of the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service. This award is an acknowledgement of the unwavering sense of duty and resilience that members of the Defence community display on a daily basis, going above and beyond in all that they do.
‘The contribution of Cadet Force Adult Volunteers is highly commendable, as evidenced by the outstanding individuals receiving awards this evening. Their selfless commitment in giving their time to support young people in their communities, helping them become skilled and mature adults is nothing short of inspirational.’
During the event, guests were warmly welcomed to the Council Headquarters by Provost Margaret Cooper, and certificates were presented on behalf of Lady Haughey by Vice Lord-Lieutenant Gavin Whitefield CBE DL.
In total, three CFAVs from Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion Army Cadet Force received Certificates of Meritorious Service.
‘I’m over the moon to receive this award, although of course that’s not why we volunteer,’ said Lieutenant Linda Green. ‘I started out many years ago as a Cadet and although there was quite a large gap between leaving and then coming back as a CFAV, it’s the best decision I’ve ever made. I was even able to change my career on the back of volunteering with the Army Cadets, so it’s been a wonderful and life-changing experience.’
‘For us, the greatest part of being a CFAV is seeing the kids progress,’ added Sergeant Instructor Michael McKeown. ‘My son was a Cadet and has now gone into the Royal Navy, and although it’s not a foregone conclusion that Cadets move into the Armed Forces, their time with us equips them with so many skills and qualities that will benefit them in just about any career path.’
As well as presenting certificates to the winning Reservists and CFAVs, the Lanarkshire ceremony also celebrated the appointment of two new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets. Cadet Colour Sergeant Ben Marshall of Glasgow & Lanarkshire Battalion and Petty Officer Cadet Aidan Dallas of East Kilbride Sea Cadets were appointed to assist the Lord-Lieutenant in her official engagements, and enjoy a unique opportunity to serve as ambassadors for the Cadet movement.
‘This appointment means the world to me,’ commented Petty Officer Cadet Dallas. ‘It’s an opportunity like no other and I’ve been lucky enough to meet so many incredible people as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, including HRH The Princess Royal, whom I’ve met twice now!’
In a special addition to the evening’s proceedings, four CFAVs from the Sea Cadet Corps received Cadet Forces Medals and accompanying clasps in recognition of their many years’ service. Presenting the accolades on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence was Colonel Stephanie Jackman MBE.
Lieutenant Commander Frank Boyd, who started out as a Cadet in 1981 and now holds the title of District Officer for Clyde North District Sea Cadets, was honoured to receive the fourth clasp for his Cadet Forces Medal from Colonel Jackman, celebrating over thirty years of volunteer service.
‘I don’t know where all that time has gone!’ remarked Lieutenant Commander Boyd. ‘The different roles I’ve held within the Sea Cadets have kept me busy over the years, and it’s great to see that the effort that I and all of the other volunteers put into working with young people in our community hasn’t gone unnoticed.
‘The fact that the presentation has taken place during such a prestigious Defence event just makes it feel even more special, so my fellow recipients and I feel very privileged to be here.’
Colonel Ted Shields, Chief Executive of Lowland RFCA, said of this year’s winners: ‘I congratulate and thank all our Reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, Cadets and Civilians whose dedication and service have been officially recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Lanarkshire.
‘It is often said that our Reservists and volunteers are “twice the citizen” – committed to serving our Nation and their communities on top of their everyday jobs and personal lives. It is a tall order, and those who have received Certificates of Meritorious Service have gone above and beyond in this respect. Their respective units and organisations have all benefited from their skills, determination and selflessness. They are a credit to the Defence community and the Nation. Thank you and well done.’