The efforts of ten people, including two young cadets, from across Dyfed have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.

In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, five were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Miss Sara Edwards, in the ceremony at the Ivy Bush Royal, Carmarthen recently.

The five were Colin Sharp and Hilary Anderson both of Milford Haven Sea Cadet Corps; Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Lucy Killick RNR of Llanelli Sea Cadet Corps; Staff Sergeant Instructor Colleen Chinnery and Staff Sergeant Instructor Kirsty Richards of Dyfed and Glamorgan Army Cadet Force.

Also during the evening three long service and volunteer service awards were presented to members of the Sea Cadet Corps.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed awards 2
Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed Miss Sara Edwards, Petty Officer Cadet Annis Henton of Fishguard Sea Cadet Corps and Petty Officer Cadet Luke Coburn of Tenby Sea Cadet Corps. (Pic supplied)

Petty Officer Cadet Annis Henton of Fishguard Sea Cadet Corps and Petty Officer Cadet Luke Coburn of Tenby Sea Cadet Corps outlined to the audience their time in cadets, including highlights of their role over the last 12 months.

The role, which continues until September, includes attendance with the Lord-Lieutenant at a number of official engagements such as Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.

The two were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

The three long service and volunteer service awards were presented to members of the Sea Cadet Corps: Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Peter Killick RNR of Llanelli Sea Cadets who was awarded the 5th Clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal; Mrs Valerie Callaghan of Fishguard Sea Cadets received the Gold Volunteer Service Recognition Award and Mr Brian Murphy of Fishguard Sea Cadets was awarded the Bronze Volunteer Service Recognition Award.

Certificate of Merit recipients
Staff Sergeant Instructor Kirsty Richards; Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Lucy Killick RNR; Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed Miss Sara Edwards; Staff Sergeant Instructor Colleen Chinnery; Colin Sharp and Hilary Anderson. (Pic supplied)

There are nearly 5,000 cadets in Wales who gain skills and qualifications through working with local communities, charities and taking part in a variety of practical activities.

The cadet syllabus is delivered by 1,850 volunteering adult Instructors and civilian assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.

The event was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.