News
October 22nd 2018
Cadet’s Royal encounter
Cadet Sergeant Jade Duce and Cadet Flight Sergeant Melissa Doody with HRH The Duke of Gloucester. Image courtesey of Eve Hopkinson www.evehopkinson.co.uk
The new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets for Derbyshire had a surprise encounter with a member of the Royal Family when they were presented with their official badges in Staveley near Chesterfield during a recent Royal Visit to Derbyshire.
The Cadets from both the Army Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps were at Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Railway Centre to support the Lord-Lieutenant it was their first event since their appointment. Both were taken by surprise when the Lord-Lieutenant asked HRH The Duke of Gloucester to present them with their badges in his place.
Cadet Sergeant Jade Duce, aged 16 from Eckington Detachment in Derbyshire Army Cadet Force was one of the lucky cadets to be appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant.
Cadet Sergeant Jade Duce and Cadet Flight Sergeant Melissa Doody with HRH The Duke of Gloucester. Image courtesey of Eve Hopkinson www.evehopkinson.co.uk
She explained: “When I was informed that The Duke of Gloucester was going to present me with my badge, I was honoured. I don’t believe that there are any former or serving Lord Lieutenant’s cadets that have been given the honour of a member of the Royal Family presenting them with their appointment.
“Meeting The Duke of Gloucester has definitely been a highlight in my cadet career but I have to say that the best moments for me so far has been seeing the cadets that I have taught progress and become more confident in themselves. Knowing that I have been able to help them grow in confidence and as people has been a massive honour for me and something I will take away with me for the rest of my life.”
The Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mr William Tucker, added: “Between venues on the Royal Visit I was travelling with HRH The Duke of Gloucester and explained to him that my two Cadets were attending their first engagement and it would be wonderful if he would agree to present them with their Badges. I am pleased to say that HRH readily and happily agreed and the presentation took place before HRH moved on to Bolsover Castle and to complete his visit. It was rather a special moment and, hopefully, will give the two Cadets something to remember for many years to come.”
Being a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet is one of the highest honours for any member of the Cadet Forces, they will spend the next year assisting the Lord-Lieutenant at civic engagements across the county.
Jade explained: “I was elated and overwhelmed when I was told I was going to be appointed the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Derbyshire Army Cadet Force as I never expected to be given such an opportunity. It is a position that I never thought would be possible for me to reach and I was very humbled for my Commanding Officer to even put me forward for such a role.”
“I was elated and overwhelmed when I was told I was going to be appointed the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for Derbyshire Army Cadet Force as I never expected to be given such an opportunity."
