Frimley Park celebrates 50 years

The Cadet Training Centre celebrates 50 years with a Royal Visit

Frimley Park's National Cadet Training Centre celebrated its fiftieth birthday on Friday (17^th Oct) with a Royal visit from His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Colonel in Chief of the Army Cadet Force.

On a colourful and sunny autumn day, the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey Mrs Sarah Goad welcomed the Duke to Frimley Park, home of the Cadet Movement, where he met cadets, adult instructors and the staff and Governors of the Training Centre.

Friday was the final day of one of the Centre's most prestigious leadership and instructional training events, a Master Cadet Course for forty of the top cadets from across the UK. HRH The Duke of Edinburgh reviewed the final parade and in an address spoke warmly of the Cadet movement, the young people involved and the vital work carried out by the adult volunteers who support them.

Each year since 2001 the Army Cadet Force Champion Cadet Competition has been held at Frimley Park to identify the very best ACF cadet of the year. This year's winner, Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Matthew Newton (18) from Warwickshire and West Midlands South Sector Army Cadet Force, was presented with the coveted winner's trophy by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.

His joy was shared not only by his proud parents who attended the parade but also by a reunion of all seven previous winners of this competition. They have gone on to a range of successful military and civilian careers; several are now adult instructors in what Matthew describes as "the very best youth organization that you would ever want to be a part of." Major Richard Gale, Commanding Officer of Matthew's Solihull Cadet detachment commented, " Matthew is an example of what our young people can achieve, and we are all very proud of him"

Before departing HRH The Duke of Edinburgh met cadets and adults where he was able to chat about the whole range of cadet activities from First Aid and Target Rifle Shooting to the Outreach programme, Cadet Vocational Qualifications and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

A reception lunch was held for all the visitors and staff to round off a very special and inspiring fiftieth birthday for Frimley's Cadet Training Centre.