By SI James Hutton, Bury Detachment, No 1 (Minden) Company
Bury Detachment recently hosted Christian Wakeford MP, who paid a visit to see the work of cadets and staff. He spent two hours talking with cadets, answering questions and observing several training lessons.
During lockdown, Bury Cadets like all others were unable to participate in face-to-face training. During that time the staff organised several events for cadets and staff to participate in. Local MPs and dignitaries got on board and gave encouragement to the cadets. Christian Wakeford, MP for Bury South wrote expressing support in these endeavours and wished to visit at a later date.
Christian and his office manager Jenny visited the Detachment on Friday 14th January and wanted to see how membership of the Army Cadet Force could give “added value” to Cadet’s employment and educational prospects. He was particularly impressed by the resilience shown by the cadets through lockdown and how well the recruitment of new cadets was progressing.
Through the course of the evening Christian saw lessons on First Aid, Drill, Navigation and Cadet Force Instructional Technique (CFIT). With a keen interest in education as well as being part of the Armed Forces Parliamentary Group the work of the Army Cadet Force is of special significance to him.
During the NAAFI break he spent time answering general questions from the cadets. These ranged from “Why did you go into politics?” to questions regarding the other issues politicians become involved with.
Detachment Commander, Mike Toner said, “It is important that politicians get to see the work that the Cadet Forces can do with young people.”
