ACCT UK Excellence Awards: Celebrating 2023 Cadet Achievements
On Friday, 14th June 2024, the prestigious ACCT UK Excellence Awards took place at the historic Carpenters’ Hall, presented by National Army Cadet Ambassador Jordan Wylie MBE. The event celebrated cadets’ and adult volunteers’ remarkable contributions and achievements within the Army Cadet Force (ACF).
Special guest WO2 Johnson Beharry VC was also on hand to present the King’s Birthday Parade tickets to the lucky recipients. BAE Systems, Horiba-Mira, and Ammo & Co were the Corporate Supporters.
Honouring Dedication and Excellence
The ACCT UK Excellence Awards are designed to recognise and support the non-military programmes offered by the Army Cadet Force (ACF). While the ACF’s core activities of fieldcraft and shooting effectively develop life skills such as self-confidence, self-discipline, teamwork, and resilience, the non-military training activities are equally important. These activities broaden the training syllabus, providing cadets with nationally recognised qualifications and enhancing their overall experience.
ACCT UK plays a vital role in promoting and supporting these diverse activities and supports them through employing permanent staff to ensure the progression and organisation of these activities and charitable grants, ensuring they remain a key part of the cadet experience.
Award Categories and Notable Winners
The awards span various categories, each recognising exceptional efforts and accomplishments in different areas of the ACF’s non-military programmes.
Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award
This award provides young people with nationally recognised qualifications that employers highly value. The Army Cadet Force (ACF) has a historical connection to this award, as it was one of the four founding organisations that participated in its trial over sixty years ago under the guidance of the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Cadet Sergeant Major Danni Crehan, 1st Battalion The Highlanders ACF: Danni exemplified dedication to the DofE Award despite facing significant challenges in Shetland. Her perseverance and leadership led to her being selected as a UK DofE ambassador, contributing to shaping the future of the award.
Lieutenant Colonel Robert Lockhart, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Battalion ACF: Robert’s diligent planning and promotion of DofE activities significantly enhanced award completions across Scotland. His leadership and support for participants at various levels have been pivotal to the programme’s success.
First Aid
First Aid training equips cadets and adult volunteers with crucial life-saving skills. Many ACF members frequently use this training in real-life situations, often receiving national recognition from organisations like the Royal Humane Society for their spontaneous and heroic actions in public.
Captain Zada Sloan, City & County of Bristol ACF: Zada’s journey from Company First Aid Adviser to County First Aid Training Officer has been marked by significant achievements, including conducting numerous First Aid courses and obtaining key certifications. Her commitment to First Aid education is unparalleled.
Cadet Corporal Lilly-Jade Passmoor, Durham ACF: Lilly-Jade’s dedication to First Aid made her the first cadet from her company to compete in regional competitions since 2014. Her success in national and inter-services competitions has cemented her status as a two-time national champion.
Music
The ACF offers music training to its cadets. This training introduces them to the joy of music and fosters teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence. ACF bands and corps of drums contribute significantly to their communities’ cultural life, performing at various events and enhancing the local cultural tapestry.
Bands & Corps of Drums
Cadet Band Sergeant Major Mia Lambert, Royal County of Berkshire ACF: Mia’s leadership and musical talent have driven her county’s band to new heights. Her commitment to the Army Cadet and Music Syllabus and her role as a role model for younger cadets showcase her exceptional dedication.
Captain John Shaw, Essex ACF: John’s behind-the-scenes work in the National Army Cadet Music camp, particularly in instrument repair, has been invaluable. His support for cadets, especially those feeling homesick, highlights his empathetic and dedicated nature.
Pipes & Drums
Cadet Lance Corporal Daniel Philp, Lothian & Borders Battalion ACF: Daniel’s unwavering dedication to the Pipes & Drums and his leadership within his detachment have earned him recognition. His support during national music camps amid challenges showcases his commitment to the ACF community.
Pipe Major Lorna Angus, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Battalion ACF: Lorna’s transformative impact on her Battalion’s Pipes & Drums over 11 years is commendable. Her efforts have enabled cadets to maintain their musical progress and fostered a sense of camaraderie.
Sports
The ACF promotes physical well-being among young people by providing opportunities to engage in various sports. This initiative is crucial as many cadets need access to sports in their schools and communities. Participating in sports through the ACF helps instil lifelong healthy habits and provides immense joy and enthusiasm for the cadets.
Lance Corporal Josh-Moses Amasse, Greater London South East Sector ACF: Josh-Moses’s resilience and dedication to sports, despite pandemic challenges, have been remarkable. His volunteer work and commitment to gaining the Level 2 Community Sports Leader Award highlight his leadership and community spirit.
Lieutenant Poppy Gates, City & County of Bristol ACF: Poppy’s leadership has revitalised Bristol ACF’s sports presence. Her organisational skills and dedication have led to numerous successes, including National Champions and numerous medallists.
Community Service
Community service is a core output of the ACF, emphasising the development of good citizenship among young people. The Community Service Award, supported by Ammo & Co., aims to highlight and promote the community values instilled through ACF programmes.
Cadet Lance Corporal Holly Turnbull, Durham ACF: Holly’s compassionate nature and commitment to community service are exemplified by her support for a fellow student with anxiety and her fundraising efforts for various charities. Her dedication to helping others is truly inspiring.
Staff Sergeant Instructor Donna Hawley, Yorkshire (North & West) ACF: Donna’s tireless fundraising efforts over two decades have supported numerous charities and community initiatives. Her dedication to community service is unmatched, making her deserving of this award.
Fundraising
The inaugural fundraising awards, supported by Horiba-Mira, recognise the dedication of cadets and CFAVs who participated in the Cadet Challenge 2023 to raise funds for ACCT UK, their charity. This new category celebrates the collective effort and overwhelming response from individuals across the UK, highlighting their commitment to supporting a meaningful cause.
Cadet Challenge Winner: Cadet Eden de Burgh, Sword Company, Wiltshire ACF: Eden raised £658.00 by walking nearly 30 miles overnight, highlighting her dedication to ACCT UK and raising awareness of global educational challenges.
Cadet Challenge Winner: Second Lieutenant Will East, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders Battalion ACF: Will played a crucial role in developing ACCT UK’s first fundraising campaign, the Cadet Challenge. His proactive approach and commitment were instrumental in its success.
Group Winners
2nd (Northern Ireland) Battalion ACF: Their dedication to various fundraising challenges raised an impressive £4,028, strengthening community ties in Northern Ireland and setting a high standard for others.
Special Recognition: Wiltshire ACF: Sword Company raised an outstanding £4,476.60 through individual and group efforts, showcasing their commitment to ACCT UK’s mission.
The ACCT UK Excellence Awards highlighted the exceptional contributions of cadets and CFAVs, demonstrating the positive impact of the ACF on young people and their communities. The achievements celebrated at this event inspire future endeavours and showcase the value of dedication, leadership, and community service.
Nominations are now open for the 2024 Awards, which will be held in 2025. Applications must be submitted through the county commandant to ACCT UK for consideration or can be completed online.