Canterbury Cadets on parade for the Lord Mayor

Cadet becomes "Mayor for the Day"

Canterbury Army Cadets were on parade for the Lord Mayor of Canterbury on Monday when Cllr Caroline Parry visited the unit at Leros TA Centre in Sturry Road.

After inspecting the cadets and chatting to the instructors about the role of the Army Cadet Force, the Lord Mayor was escorted around the Unit to see the training in progress. She was accompanied by Stephen Parry, the Lord Mayor's Escort, and Ryan Jackson, 13, who was experiencing the job of the Mayor by becoming "Mayor for the Day".

With over 40 cadets, led by Detachment Commander Staff Sgt Jason Kemp, there was a varied programme for Cllr Parry to enjoy. She sat in on a map reading lesson, safe weapon handling practice, and became a casualty in the first aid demonstration.

During the final parade of the evening the Lord Mayor said how delighted she was to be at the unit and congratulated the cadets on their enthusiasm. "With lots of young people getting a bad press, it is wonderful to see you doing something enjoyable that is so good for you," she said.

After presenting star grade certificates to a number of cadets she complimented the instructors on the job they were doing and said she hoped to be able to visit them again.

Any young person between the ages of 12 and 18 who is interested in joining the ACF and taking part in activities such as adventure training, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and gaining first aid qualifications should contact Major Brian Hilton at Kent ACF headquarters on 01622 750328 or e-mail brian.hilton@serfca.org.