Every year, The High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire, Brigadier Tim Seal TD DL, (who is also Cambridgeshire ACF’s Honorary Colonel) chooses two cadets to assist him with his ceremonial duties. These cadets are chosen from a field of nominations, on the basis of their exceptional turnout, achievements and success in acting as role models to other cadets. Once appointed, they accompany the High Sheriff on his ceremonial duties and assist him by checking finer details and helping to make the event go smoothly, (for example establishing key timings, assessing where the High Sheriff needs to stand/sit, when to salute, where to meet and greet etc.) They will attend events and parades with him, including any Royal visits.
Robson Mangwiza, left, Dwight Bruno, Right.
Cadet Staff Sergeant Robson Mangwiza (17) joined Huntingdon Detachment in March 2017. During his time in the organisation he has achieved qualifications in First Aid, Expedition, Cadet in The Community and he is 4 Star complete. He has also been involved in a number of important events including his detachment’s re-badging parade at RAF Wyton, The Freedom of St Ives Parade, Remembrance Sunday and poppy selling.
He says ‘What I like best about cadets is that you’re able to talk to any of the adults if you’ve got any problems, and you’re able to interact with people that you’ve never met before. I like the way they help you boost your confidence, and take you out of your comfort zone and make you more confident to do things, and believe in yourself more.’ He went on to explain how the ACF had helped him develop greater discipline, as well as to make new friends. He is enthusiastic and excited about his new appointment, saying; ‘It’s an amazing honour to be a High Sheriff’s cadet, and I’m over the moon that I was chosen for this amazing opportunity. It’s just overwhelming, and my family were really pleased as well.’ Now coming up to his 18th birthday, Staff Sgt. Mangwiza intends to stay on as a Staff Cadet. Having completed a course in business, he plans to return to college to study Sporting and Leisure Industries, and is looking to join The Army Reserve.
Cadet Sergeant Dwight Bruno (16) joined Ely Detachment in June 2017. He is a student at Cambridge Regional College where he is studying Level 3 Uniformed Services. He has played a leading role in teaching cadets at his detachment, and in 2019 he was selected to be the ACF Standard Bearer at an RBL Riders event to remember a Cambridgeshire Regiment Serviceman, and later at Remembrance parade. He has completed multiple first aid qualifications, CVQO Diploma and Young Leaders Courses, and Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
Sgt Bruno most enjoys fieldcraft and teaching. The leading and teaching aspects of cadets are particularly important because, he says; ‘it gives me a chance to do something worthwhile that could potentially help someone else to develop as a better individual. The main way that cadets has helped me develop is that I have gained a multitude of skills that can be applied real time in the real world, and I have used those skills such as first aid, but also I have the confidence and discipline to deploy those skills effectively. I think it’s a massive honour to support the High Sheriff in his official duties, and also a great opportunity to develop as an individual.’ His Detachment Commander, 2nd Lieutenant Garner, describes Sgt Bruno as an active, dedicated and reliable cadet. ‘Cdt Sgt Bruno is an absolute asset to Ely Detachment, he is always keen to give a helping hand to all cadets, and over the time spent with the detachment he has proven himself to be a true leader. I’m sure he is going to do an amazing job working with the High Sheriff, and he has really made the whole detachment proud.’ When he leaves the cadets, he plans to join The Parachute Regiment.
The High Sheriff said; ‘It was a real pleasure to select SSgt Mangwiza and Sgt Bruno as the High Sheriff’s Cadets for this year. There was a strong field of high-quality nominations and they both stood out for their achievements and the selfless manner in which they have supported their detachments. They are both superb role models who show that the young people of this country, with the right support, can be great team players and citizens who are more than willing to support their communities and beyond. I look forward to working with them in the coming months.’
Text by PI Stuart, County P.R.O.
With thanks to Brigadier Seal TD DL, The High Sheriff’s cadets and 2Lt Garner.
