Ipswich Cadets Support Fire And Rescue Awards
SFRS Annual event
Continuing what is now becoming an established annual Suffolk Army Cadet diary feature; Ipswich RLC detachment supported by the Lancers of Ipswich RL, attended the prestigious and high profile Suffolk Fire and Rescue Services (SFRS) annual award celebrations held at the Suffolk Showground, Trinity Park Ipswich on 21st October 2026.
Beginning early evening, the event saw the cadets being briefed on the night’s events by Captain Dale Mason, who in his day role as a regular Fire Service Officer was instrumental in the organisation of the evening’s activities.
Whilst the RLC cadets assisted in the meeting and direction of guests to their tables; RL cadets performed a guard of honour holding the Lances. Stood between reception and the seating area they gave an impressive backdrop for arriving guests.
A learning opportunity
During the ceremony, cadets had the opportunity to sit in on the awards and learn about the various recipients and the wide range of work that contributes to the Fire Service role within the County.
During the ceremony, the cadets also had the use of a side room where with suitable refreshments made available by Captain Mason. There was a place to relax whilst for those who had their homework with them to catch up on school work.
At the ceremony interval, guests enjoyed a large buffet spread to which the cadets made notable inroads as they joined the queue and recharged the tanks.
As the interval came to a close the cadets helped remove the Fire Services Band instruments (after they had finished their repertoire, not before!) after which the final ceremony took place.
Surprise presentation
Unbeknown to the cadets a surprise presentation from the Fire Service to RLC was made to four cadets and adult volunteers with the presentation of a glass engraved trophy being handed over just before the second half of the ceremonies took place.
A big thank you goes to the SFRS for allowing our cadets the chance to be a part of this event, and to Captain Mason for ensuring the cadets were well looked after. And a huge well done to those Cadets and adult volunteers for helping to make the evening such a success!
WO2 T Burns, Ipswich RLC Detachment Commander
