A PARADE has been held in the grounds of a historic college to mark the formal affiliation between its Cadet unit and the Royal Wessex Yeomanry.
Kingston Maurward College in Dorchester celebrated its journey since setting-up a Combined Cadet Force (CCF) in 2018 by holding a formal affiliation – which has been described as a highlight for the unit.
The parade saw 41 Cadets presented with distinctive brown berets by the Regiment’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Julian Speers.
Lt Col Speers said: “It was great to see the Kingston Maurward Combined Cadet Force (CCF) cap-badged to the Royal Wessex Yeomanry.
“A fantastic turn out and the level of enthusiasm from all the cadets was palpable. Everyone I saw and spoke to was engaging and keen to be member of our Armed Services.
“I look forward to some transferring into the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, serving with us on tanks and as Reservists in the South West.”
During the parade, Colonel Robert Guest TD ACF, Colonel Cadets South West, presented Kingston Maurward College’s principal Luke Rake, with the Cadet Expansion programme Plaque – which officially recognised them as one of the 500 Combined Cadet Force Units that have been created since a 2012 Government initiative to increase the number of units in schools and colleges across the UK.
Sharing his pride, Mr Rake said: “We made the decision to set-up a Combined Cadet Force a few years ago after committing to the Armed Forces Covenant. Dorset has a proud history of supporting the Armed Forces, and I feel it’s really important to do our bit.
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“The formal affiliation with the Royal Wessex Yeomanry is a real highlight of that journey, and the parade we held where cadets received their berets was a very proud moment for everyone.
“We have been really well supported by the Army and we are looking forward to working with them further to improve opportunities for the young people of Dorset as well as supporting those who already serve.”
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