91 year old Brian Goulding wanted to support his local detachment and celebrate its affiliation to The Royal British Legion (RBL). As he is a skilled wood worker, he decided to create two hand-made swagger sticks and present them to Yaxley Detachment.
91 year old veteran makes swagger sticks for Yaxley
The first stick is presented to Cdt CSgt Davis.
At a ceremony at Yaxley on 18th July, he presented one stick for the use of the most senior cadet and one for the Detachment Commander. Both sticks are beautifully made and inset with badges of the RBL and the Royal Anglian Regiment, to whom Yaxley Detachment is also affiliated. Both sticks were substantialy created by Mr Goulding and finished with the help of a friend. He presented the first stick to Cadet Colour Sgt Eiva Davis and also gave her a block of bees wax to polish it with. He presented the other, unexpectedly, to Detachment Commander SMI Andrew McKenzie. Both are certain to be treasured possessions of the Detachment into the far future. Cdt Colour Sgt Davis said; ‘Its unique to our Detachment and it makes me feel really proud’. SMI Mckenzie commented how nice it was to have visitors from the RBL, (including Yaxley Branch Chairman Tom Cochran) and when presented with the stick said; ‘I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s a really nice gesture!’ Mr Cochran praised the cadets for their turnout, and for their collecting for the Poppy Appeal.
SMI Mackenzie receives his stick.
Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force is proud of its relationship with The RBL, appreciating the vital work it does in supporting our veterans. The RBL also supports and shows an active interest in our cadets, recognising the work our members do in fundraising for it, and understanding that our cadets represent the future.
Detail of one of the sticks.
Mr Goulding served with the Royal Army Pay Corps between 1951 and 1973 and has been involved with the RBL for 30 years. He said: ‘I wanted to make sure the affiliation was sealed for a long time to come. The Army Cadet Force teaches young people to behave themselves and have respect for people who served. Cadets from this detachment have also been raising money for the Poppy Appeal for at least 40 years.’
RBL Branch Chairman Tom Cohran inspects Cadets.
Text and photos by 2Lt Doug Stuart
