At a ceremony at County Hall the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Jennifer, Lady Gretton JP, received her new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets, who will support her over the next twelve months. The Lord-Lieutenant has three cadets each year nominated by the Sea Cadets Corps, the Army Cadet Force, and the Air Training Corps. Cadets are nominated for their outstanding contribution to their respective cadets units.

The Lord-Lieutenant's Cadets will support Lady Gretton on special occasions such as Royal Visits, Remembrance Sunday, and the County Service.

The cadets were joined at the ceremony by their families at the invitation of the Chairman of the County Council, Mrs Jackie Dickinson, who hosted the event.

Pictured with Lady Gretton are:

(front to back)

Cadet Warrant Officer Alexander Taylor joined the cadet movement in 2006 and his commitment to cadet activities is of the highest standard. His self motivation clearly enables him to succeed in all the challenges put before him.

Alexander has completed many adventure training camps and courses and is currently completing his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award. Among his other many achievements Alexander was awarded Best NCO at RAF Halton Summer Camp in 2010 and has represented the Wing and Region at rugby and swimming events.

In recommending Alexander as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet his Commanding Officer commented that “Cadet Warrant Officer Taylor is keen to keep Squadron standards at their high level and actively promotes this with his NCO colleagues and junior cadets. He mixes well with adult staff and plays a vital link ensuring good staff and cadet relations, offering sound and factual advice. I am highly confident that Flight Sergeant Taylor’s performance as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet will be a credit to the Squadron, Wing and Corps.”

Leading Cadet Jasmine Smith, of TS Amazon, Hinckley, joined the cadet movement in 2008 and as a Leading Cadet within the unit she regularly demonstrates strong leadership. Jasmine organises activities and training for cadets and is always keen to assist the younger cadets in the unit.

Jasmine has attended many waterborne activity weekends and other expedition and campcraft events over the last two years, and on her recent Cadets’ Promotion Board at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth, Jasmine achieved the highest points awarded within the area over the past three years.

In recommending Jasmine as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet her Commanding Officer commented that “Leading Cadet Smith demonstrates outstanding skills in her duties as a Leading cadet, taking an active role in the division, helping new cadets and acting as a role model. Having a pleasant personality Jasmine is able to communicate effectively and she is well respected by her peers and instructors. I have no hesitation in strongly recommending Leading Cadet Smith as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet.”

Cadet Staff Sergeant Cliodhna Betts, of B Squadron, Braunstone Detachment, joined the cadet movement in 2007 and is an excellent NCO who commands the respect of her fellow cadets and instructors. She leads by example in terms of her attendance, knowledge and bearing.

Cliodhna was awarded the Farnsworth Trophy at annual camp in 2008 and is often the senior female cadet at Squadron events. She can be relied upon to ensure that the squadron’s female cadets well cared for and is more than capable of managing the squadron’s cadets on the occasions she has had to do this.

In recommending Cliodhna as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet her Commanding Officer commented that “Cadet Sergeant Betts turnout alone ensures that she stands out from the crowd. She is a natural leader, who speaks well and has a natural confidence; equally at home talking to junior cadets and senior visitors alike. Cadet Sergeant Betts will carry out her duties with enthusiasm and confidence and I thoroughly recommend her for appointment as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet.”