On Saturday 10th June, members from Derbyshire ACF congregated at Derby Freemasons Hall, Littleover, The Provincial Grand Lodge Headquarters of Derbyshire Freemasons, whereby they donated £500 to each detachment mounting to a huge £16,000 donated in total.
Over 75 cadets and adult volunteers attended from 15 detachments within B & C Company each receiving £500 for their detachments. A future event is being planned to present A & D company with their donations as this weekend they enjoyed their field weekend. The event also included our members from our very own Derbyshire Band, playing various ensembles, ensuring we were entertained throughout the presentation. Joining us at the presentation was the High Sheriff of Derbyshire, Theresa Peltier; Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Lieutenant Colonel David Dawber; Derbyshire ACF's CEO, Major Clive Sparling; Honorary Colonel, Leigh Timmis; and other members of Derbyshire Freemasons.
The Provincial Grandmaster, RW Bro Ian Copestake presented beautifully printed certificates to the cadets and adult volunteers from individual detachments, engaging with each person individually.
At the end of the presentation, CEO Major Clive Sparling thanked Derbyshire Freemasons for their generous donation and discussed how the money can be used within the detachments. He then handed over to Honorary Colonel Leigh Timmis who gave an insight into his background - including his world records in cycling and further inspired the cadets to step out of their comfort zones to achieve their full potential and discussed the opportunities within the ACF, cadets have to work with others to achieve.
Afterwards, the cadets were invited to lunch in the hall, with RW Bro Ian Copestake closing with a speech, highlighting the work they do for charities, fundraising and community organisations.
It was a great day, enjoyed by all cadets that attended, with a lot of the cadets having suggestions on how to help use the £500 donation to improve their detachments.
SSI Lydia Rollisson
County Media Officer
