SMI Debbie Callaghan, County Media Officer
On the 4th July Sir Warren Smith KCVO KStJ JP Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, retired from his appointment after serving for 15 years as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.
Sir Warren has been a supporter of Greater Manchester ACF for many years and has fully supported the work done with the cadets. He has attended and supported many events and has awarded Lord Lieutenants Awards to staff and cadets for achievements for going over and above as a cadet and voluntary work.
During the recent No 3 (Somme) Company Camp Sir Warren visited the camp to meet and chat with cadets and staff.
After a presentation on the county by the Commandant, Col Catherine Harrison, Sir Warren was taken around the camp to see the cadets training. Time was spent chatting with cadets with some asking him questions on his role. He was very happy to chat with cadets where he encouraged them to achieve all they can with their lives, and not to let anything hold them back. He spoke about him growing up in Manchester and all he had achieved, much of this by not being afraid to take opportunities that came his way. A very motivational discussion.
Sir Warren enjoyed lunch sat with cadets before being presented with some gifts from our Commandant, Col Catherine Harrison, to thank him for his years of dedication to Greater Manchester ACF.
Thank you also to our Hon Colonel Sharman Birtles, MBE JP DL Vice Lord Lieutenant, and her husband Grahame who joined Sir Warren on the day, and also enjoyed chatting with cadets and staff.
What is the role of the Lord Lieutenant?
The Lord Lieutenant is the representative of the monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. The Lord Lieutenant is appointed by the monarch in her capacity as Duke of Lancaster.
The role of the Lord Lieutenant is to "first and foremost to uphold the dignity of the Crown" and to promote the work of voluntary service and benevolent organisations.
The Lord Lieutenant is aided in his office by over seventy deputy lieutenants.
Our Hon Col Sharman Birtles is the Vice Lord-Lieutenant and a Deputy Lieutenant. We are very lucky to have her with her wealth of knowledge and all that she brings to Greater Manchester ACF is invaluable. Thank you, ma’am.
For more pictures of the visit please click here
#GmanACFforceforgood #volunteering #goingfurther #InspireToAchieve
