Mark Francois, MP for Rayleigh and Wickford and Minister for the Armed Forces recently opened Wickford’s new Army Cadet Force Detachment, along with the Mayor of Basildon, Mo Larkin.
The special event started with the cadets marching on to parade to be inspected by Colonel Charles Monk, Commandant of Essex Army Cadet Force. This gave the Minister of State and the Mayor an opportunity to speak with the cadets and learn about all the great things they have been doing during their time with Wickford Army Cadets.
The parade concluded and the cadets, dignitaries and proud parents went inside to watch various presentations which were handed out by Mark. After some encouraging words from the Commandant and the Minister of State, the evening became less formal as a buffet was made available and the dignitaries had an opportunity to chat with the proud parents.
Commented on the event, Mark Francois said:
“As the local MP and also as the Minister of State for the Armed Forces I was doubly delighted to be able to officially open the Wickford Detachment of the Army Cadet Force. The unit has grown quickly, from just four cadets to twenty in only a few months and I would encourage other young people to give the Army Cadet Force a try. They would learn values and skills that would stand them in good stead throughout their life.”
The Wickford Detachment parades every Tuesday and Thursday at the Downtowner Youth Centre on Irvon Hill Road at 19:30 – 21:30.
Under Officer Prior, the Detachment Commander, invites anyone between the ages of 12-18 to come down and give it a try for free, or if you would like more information on joining the Cadets, please call 01245 462 302.