Cadets celebrate 150 years

At Magilligan Camp, teenagers from B Company 1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force have been marking 'Cadet 150' with a weekend packed with competition, challenge and fun.

They also issued the Cadet challenge to have some 'serious fun' to parents, families and friends, attracting more than 400 people to their 150th 'birthday party'.

Commenting on the weekend, Brigadier Edward Smyth-Osbourne, the Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade, said: "The cadet movement is about fun and opportunity in a positive, structured environment. Within this cadets and adult volunteers alike can build their leadership and teamwork skills, initiative, self-confidence, self-discipline and a sense of responsibility and can achieve nationally recognised vocational qualifications. While those who are most closely involved with Cadets will already be aware of all those advantages, we feel others may be surprised to discover the strengths of the movement – and of our Cadets!

"Our Magilligan weekend gave us a great opportunity not only to celebrate our very special 150th anniversary but also to showcase the talents and achievements of Cadets from the North West. The teenagers who took part in the birthday event demonstrated the best of Cadet life and showed that the hard work and commitment they put into the movement also generates great fun.

"The North West has traditionally been an area of strength for us and we hope that even more youngsters will be encouraged to join one of our very active local units.

"We are always glad to welcome new members and many teenagers find the Cadet movement a great way to build lasting friendships as well as build confidence. Importantly we are also looking for new Adult Volunteers to work with our Cadets. As the Magilligan Weekend demonstrated there's no shortage of fun or skills building in the Cadet movement for Adult Volunteers, provided they can keep up with the kids, that is!"