ON Saturday, November 15, Peter Dawson, chairman of Alnwick District Council and myself as vice-chairman, along with Coun Leslie Bilboe were invited to the Army Cadet Training Centre at Otterburn.
It was a dry but bitterly cold day. However, the welcome more than made up for the weather.
We were shown various activities that were taking place and the enthusiasm on the faces of the Cadets was really something indescribable – they were so ha
ppy in their tasks whether they were raw recruits (some only in for two months) or older, longer serving cadets who were learning to delegate orders to others.
Then on to the instructors, many, if not all, of whom had worked their way up the ranks.
It was wonderful to see the pleasure of being there on their faces, the comradeship was tremendous and their manners second to none.
After morning coffee we had a briefing followed by a film showing what the Cadets get up to when away on field events or at other training sessions at home and abroad.
We watched the cooking and the chairman had to sample their attempts (he is still with us!).
We saw them with the orienteering equipment and high wall climbing. How eager they were to urge fellow cadets up the wall. I wouldn't have minded a go on this myself. And, of course, a very important part of any army, the drilling – square bashing I believe it is called.
The whole of our area is looked after by a group of very committed and safety conscious people who would like to recruit more youngsters into this life. It is an excellent training course that makes many youngsters prepare for the life ahead of them. I would certainly recommend this life to anyone.
The Amble group especially needs more people to join, boys and girls. So if you interested, ring 0191 239 4220 for further information.
Audrey Jones,
By email
The full article contains 326 words and appears in Northumberland Gazette newspaper.
