Lt General Mark Mans CBE presents Awards at Dorset's Annual Presentation Evening

Dorset ACF's annual presentation evening, held last Thursday 21^st Jan at the Dorchester TA Centre was a celebration of the success of the Cadets and Adult staff over the last year.  The awards presented, consisted of 26 BETC awards and also our first Adult Honours Degree through CVQO. Two Master Cadet Certificates, 4 Star Certificates, DOE, First Aid and awards for Outstanding Achievement

Two of the awards presented were the Phil Allen Cup and the Mark Hale Cup, in the memory of Rfn Phil Allen and Captain Mark Hale both of whom were former cadets of Dorset ACF unfortunately killed serving their country in Afghanistan last year.

The Phil Allen Cup was awarded to Best Recruit at the Dorchester Detachment which Phil Allen attended as a cadet and this award went to Cdt Rebakah Leese (13) and was presented by Mrs Karen Charman Allen.   The Mark Hale cup presented by Mrs Brenda Hale was presented to the Best Cadet in Dorset this year which was Cdt RSM Heidi Silcox.  Mark Hale was a former cadet at the Bournemouth Detachment.

Captain Wayne Elliott, GCGI, of Poole , was recognised for his community based learning achievements.  He was awarded the City and Guilds Graduateship in Youth Management and Training, comparable to an Honours Degree and achieved through his experiences as an Instructor with the Army cadet Force. Captain Wayne Elliott is one of 88 adult volunteers from the Ministry of Defence's sponsored Cadet Forces across the United Kingdom to graduate with CVQO internationally recognised awards from City & Guilds. Successful completion of these awards recognises at least five years of professional development and managerial experience.

Col Edwards Commandant of Dorset ACF said "Dorset ACF was extremely honoured that the Adjutant General took time out of his hectic schedule to present the awards last night and for his appreciation and recognition of what the Army Cadet Force achieves.  The evening highlighted the dedication and commitment of both adults and cadets in achieving success across a wide variety of activities.  The successes were due to hard work over a sustained period and I would like to pay tribute to my adults for the way that they have helped and encouraged our cadets to reach such a high standard.  It was lovely to see so many families and friends supporting the cadets. 

He continued "I felt particularly privileged that Brenda Hale and Karen Charman Allen were able to be with us to present Cups in memory of Capt Mark Hale and Rfn Phil Allen respectively and in the presence of the Rifles family of cadets, TA and Regimental Association members.

It was a memorable evening for all concerned and got 2010 and the 150^th Anniversary of the Cadet Movement of to a flying start in Dorset."

Lt Annette Geyser

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