Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme - Gold Award
Two cadets from Cambridgeshire ACF were presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from the Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM at the Cadet Training Centre, Waterbeach.
RSM Sam Kidd from Linton Detachment, No 3 Company and CSM Richard Lynch from Cambourne Detachment, No 2 Company both collected their Gold DofE badges. Their certificates will be presented at either St James’s Palace or Buckingham later this year by a Member of the Royal Family.
Col Mark Knight MBE DL, Commandant welcomed the Lord Lieutenant and Guests before showing a short video explaining how the DofE Award Scheme works “hand in hand” with the ACF training syllabus.
There are five sections that need to be competed at the Gold level and the ACF provides many opportunities to complete cadet subjects that also qualify as DofE activities, both cadets used this to their advantage. Choosing to teach other cadets as their Volunteering section. Sam chose to use Fieldcraft and Richard Drill as their Skill, they both mastered new skills at the highest level. They completed their expedition through cadets attending two national ACF cadet Gold expeditions the qualifier being in Scotland. For their Residential only needed at Gold level they completed SCIC and Master Cadet Courses. They also completed their Physical section. Both cadets excelled whilst completing their awards showing a sustained commitment to their chosen activities over differing time frames from 6-18 months.
The Duke of Edinburgh award is available to all cadets who are 13 years of age and in year 9. Enrolment forms can be obtained from the Detachment Commander.
Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM said “ it’s a real pleasure for me to present Gold DofE Award badges to these two Army Cadets. They have gained something which will benefit them in life which is a real credit to them, well done”
The Lord-Lieutenant also presented a promotion to another high-achieving cadet, Olivia Pavitt, of Burwell Detachment, who was promoted to Company Sergeant Major.
Report by U/O Ros Whyall
Pictures by PI Doug Stuart, County Public Relations Officer
