His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland, Dr Sarah Furness, has officially opened the new Army Cadet Force (ACF) Detachment building at Kendrew Barracks.
The £650,000 investment enabled the Cadets to relocate from nearby St George’s Barracks, which is scheduled for closure.
Their new home has a larger drill hall as well as modern teaching facilities.
It also brings the Cadets closer to the military community at Kendrew Barracks, with greater opportunity to engage with the growing number of units stationed there, such as the Royal Anglian Regiment and Military Working Dog Regiment.
Overseen by East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, the project is the latest in a string of major investments in the Cadet Forces’ estate across the region, providing modernised facilities and further capacity to support the Government’s ambition to grow the Cadets by 30% ahead of 2035.
Honouring the past, inspiring the future
The Kendrew Barracks Detachment building officially opened on 8th September. Joined by Cadets, Cadet Volunteers and community supporters, the Lord-Lieutenant unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion.
During her speech, the Lord-Lieutenant paid tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away exactly four years to the day, and the legacy of service, commitment and leadership that the Army Cadets present were continuing.
The Lord-Lieutenant added: “This building is much more than simply bricks and mortar. It’s a place where Cadets will learn new skills, face challenges, build lasting friendships and discover what they are capable of achieving.
“It will provide a safe and secure base from which generations of Cadets can develop the qualities that will serve them throughout the rest of their lives.
“With this new location, these first-class facilities, and the support of the station, I am confident that this Detachment will grow and flourish.”
Cadet Vipan, of Kendrew Barracks Detachment, said: “The change from St George’s to Kendrew is absolutely massive. There is air con, nice TVs for lessons and more outdoor space for fieldcraft.
“I think it is brilliant that they’ve invested so much money into young people’s lives and careers, moulding skills to help make young people’s lives a lot better. This new building will create a lot more memories and happiness.”
Cadet Turner added: “My favourite part of the brand new building is the new classrooms because they have more space.”
Major Janna Brackley, Area Commander for E Company, of Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland (LNR) ACF, said: “The Cadets love being at the Detachment; it’s a brilliant new building and they have amazing pride in it.
“We had a lot of support at St George’s, but Kendrew is much bigger. Coming onto a working military camp adds depth to the Cadet experience. They get to see Soldiers doing their day-to-day jobs, plus there is the kudos of being on an Army camp. The Cadets really feel part of the Army family; it’s really good.
“Now that we are officially open, we are going to be looking to increase our numbers. With the full support of the camp, we will be recruiting in the very near future.”
New chapter
The opening marks a new chapter for the Cadets and the latest stage in the Detachment’s long history.
The Detachment began at Uppingham Community College, then moved to another site in Uppingham in 1986, subsequently to Oakham, and finally to St George’s Barracks in 2011, where Cadets were granted access to the camp’s ranges and training areas.
With St George’s Barracks earmarked for closure as part of the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme, plans were put in place – in conjunction with the team at Kendrew Barracks and Cadet Volunteers from LNR ACF – to arrange for the Detachment’s relocation to Kendrew.
With the building now officially opened, the Detachment is looking to recruit new Cadets.
Plans are also in place to add a portable pop-up air rifle range to further enhance the site’s facilities.
Photos: official opening of Kendrew Army Cadet Centre
