This weekend CTC Driffield hosted a visit by Imam Sheikh Mohammad Ismail DL. The visit was designed to aid understanding of the muslim community and to discuss the opening of a new detachment.
Imam Sheikh Mohammad Ismail is a prominent Imam and scholar. He is the Muslim chaplain in the multi-faith chaplaincy in The University of Sheffield and community advisor in safeguarding. He has been actively involved in multi-faith work nationally and locally for more than 30 years works tirelessly to promote community cohesion. He actively contributes to interfaith dialogue across Europe and in other countries and is taking part in Muslim Jewish Council Vienna, Coalition of Faith Based Organisations and EULAMA Council of Europe.
He was hosted by the Colonel Steve Emerson (Commandant Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF, Colonel Simon Banks-Cooper (Honorary Colonel) Lieutenant Colonel Jason Britchford (Deputy Commandant) Major Flanagan (OC D Company), Captain Erica McCabe (D Company Training Officer) and the Regimental Sergeant Major Instructor Rob Kirk.
After a presentation on the Army Cadet Force and our county he was given a tour of the training centre and shown some of the training that was taking place. He visited the Adult Induction, First Aid, Signals, and Detachment Commander Training.
After Lunch he delivered an informative session to Cadet Force Adult Volunteers on providing for the needs of Muslim Students. The session covered the key information about the Islamic faith and dispelled some common misconceptions. It described Muslim beliefs and obligations, information about support needs of students such as prayer and fasting during ramadan, and information about islamic dress.
A booklet of information was provided and at the end of the session he took questions from those in attendance.
Before he left there was also time to make a presentation. As a Deputy Lord Lieutenant for South Yorkshire he was a fitting individual to be able to present a commissioning scroll to Lt Neil Bizzell. The scroll marks the granting of a Cadet Forces Commission to Lt Bizzell who previously held a Reserve Forces Commission as a cadet forces officer. The Cadet Forces Commission recognises the unique nature of the Cadet Forces officer with a specific commission linked to the Cadet Forces.
The visit was enjoyed by all and the session on supporting muslim students was particularly appreciated by the adult volunteers who attended. It was a very successful effort in building understanding and in offering practical advice on support for Muslim cadets.
