Lord-Lieutenant awards highlight dedication of Clwyd cadets

Ten people from across Clwyd have been recognised for their outstanding service at a ceremony led by the King’s representative for the county.

The event, held at Hightown Barracks in Wrexham on Thursday, 6 March, saw five individuals receive the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit from Henry George Fetherstonhaugh OBE FRAgS. The awards were presented in recognition of exceptional commitment and service.

Among the recipients were Regimental Sergeant Major Ieuan Jones, Lieutenant Liam Mooney, 2nd Lieutenant James Malins, Staff Sergeant John Magrath and Company Sergeant Major Tony Hall, all members of the Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force.

In addition to the merit awards, three cadets were formally recognised for their achievements as Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets. Cadet Sergeant Maisie Roberts of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force, Cadet Flight Sergeant Holly Bunn of St Brigid’s School Combined Cadet Force and Cadet Warrant Officer Matthew Davies of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets shared their experiences, highlighting their involvement in events over the past year.

The role, which runs until September, includes attending official engagements with the Lord-Lieutenant, such as Remembrance events, parades, and Royal visits.

Further recognition on the night included the presentation of the Royal Humane Society Award to Sergeant Instructor Bryan Ellis of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force for his notable actions.

Staff Sergeant Instructor Steve Davies, also of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force, received an Army Cadet Force Certificate of Good Service.

The ceremony, attended by nearly 90 guests, was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales, which has supported the armed forces for more than a century.

With nearly 5,000 cadets in Wales, the programme provides young people with valuable skills and qualifications through community work and practical activities.

The syllabus is delivered by 1,850 volunteer instructors and civilian assistants, who dedicate their time to supporting the cadets in their development.

Reflecting on the event, Henry George Fetherstonhaugh said: “It is a privilege to recognise the dedication and hard work of these individuals. Their contributions to the cadet forces and their communities are truly commendable.”