New Banner and Union Flag Dedicated at Summer Camp

New Banner and Union Flag Dedicated at Summer Camp

A proud new chapter in the history of Clwyd & Gwynedd Army Cadet Force was marked at the end of summer camp with the formal dedication of a new County Banner and Union Flag – alongside the dedication of the Jim Hewitt Memorial Drums for the County Corps of Drums.

The special ceremony brought together cadets and adult volunteers for a memorable and highly symbolic occasion, celebrating the County’s traditions, its future and the people whose dedication has helped shape the organisation over many years.

The formal dedication was conducted by the Senior Chaplain, The Reverend (Major) Elfryn Jones, with a specially prepared drum altar providing the focal point for the service. Draped across the altar were the new Clwyd & Gwynedd ACF Banner and Union Flag, ready to be formally dedicated and blessed.

The ceremony also saw the dedication of the Jim Hewitt Memorial Drums, presented for the County’s Corps of Drums in memory of the late Major Jim Hewitt, a former Cadet Executive Officer in North Wales who made a significant contribution to the Army Cadet Force.

Following the dedication and blessing, the new Banner and Union Flag were formally presented to a cadet banner party under the command of Cadet RSM Grey Bygrave.

With the ceremony complete, the banner party stepped forward to parade the newly dedicated colours past the assembled cadets, accompanied by a section of the Clwyd & Gwynedd Corps of Drums.

The sound of the drums, the movement of the banner party and the sight of the new colours being carried proudly before the County’s cadets created a fitting and inspirational conclusion to summer camp.

For the cadets watching on, it was also an opportunity to witness first-hand the traditions and ceremonial values that form an important part of Army Cadet Force life – while becoming part of the continuing story of Clwyd & Gwynedd ACF.

The dedication of the new Banner and Union Flag provides the County with a proud symbol to carry forward at future parades, ceremonies and major occasions, while the Jim Hewitt Memorial Drums will ensure that Major Hewitt’s contribution and memory continue to march on with the Corps of Drums.

It was a fitting, proud and memorable way to bring summer camp to a close – honouring the past, celebrating the present and looking confidently towards the future.