Cdt Staff Sergeant Bowler-Legate of Waterbeach Detachment has had an impressive cadet career with us over the last five years, culminating in her appointment as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet on 8th June.
Our Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, Cdt SSgt Bowler-Legate
Being appointed Lord Lieutenant's Cadet.
The position of Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet is one of the most prestigious cadet positions available, and only the best are chosen for it. The appointment lasts for one year, and the duties involve accompanying the Lord Lieutenant and assisting her with her ceremonial duties. The role offers fantastic opportunities for visiting events and meeting new people, including members of the Royal Family.
Collecting cans for charity.
Cdt SSgt Bowler-Legate joined the ACF in 2017 at Burwell Detachment. She rose quickly through the ranks, transferred to Waterbeach Detachment and completed multiple qualifications. These included the Junior and Senior Cadet Instructors’ Cadre, CVQO Level 2 and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze and Silver. She competed in Athletics, and earlier this year had the impressive distinction of becoming a Master Cadet. In 2021 she collected thousands of aluminium cans for the charity Helipads for Hospitals. At Annual Camp 2022, she served in the important leadership role of Acting Cadet Company Sergeant Major for 3 Company, which she described as a ‘great experience.’
As Acting 3 Coy CSM, Annual Camp 2022.
In June she was appointed Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet at a ceremony at Waterbeach, and has since accompanied the Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM, on three official engagements. On the first, she was one of a group of cadets who accompanied The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge on their visit to Cambridgeshire County Day. On the second, she visited Peterborough Asylum and Refugee Community Association (PARCA) which had been given a Queen’s Voluntary Award. Earlier this month she met and accompanied the Princess Royal at Burghley Horse Trails, describing the Princess as a 'really lovely person'.
Accompanying the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge.
She said; ‘I’m really enjoying being a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet. I enjoy the time I spend with the Lord Lieutenant, and I always look forward to our conversations. The visits are once in a life-time opportunities, I meet people and go to places I would never otherwise meet or go to, and learn new things.’
With The Princess Royal.
She says that her cadet experiences have left her a different person. ‘Its really changed me. I used to be so quiet, but it pushed me out of my comfort zone and I’ve grown so much in myself, become much more confident and outgoing.’
Having achieved so much already, its clear that her new found confidence and skills will ensure a great future lies ahead of her.
Text by SI Doug Stuart. Photos by SI Doug Stuart and Lesley Moller-Legate.
