Welcome for new cadets

At a ceremony held recently in Ballymoney Mrs Joan Christie OBE, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Antrim, who lives locally, was on hand to wish the new recruits every success with their Cadet journey. Welcoming them into the ACF movement whose origins date back to 1860, Mrs Christie encouraged the new recruits to make the most of the opportunities for fun and development which the movement offers.

She said: “The Cadets, famously, creates for its members a positive, structured environment that encourages the development of leadership and teamwork skills, initiative, self-confidence, self-discipline and a sense of responsibility … but it’s up to individual members to capitalise on those opportunities. Importantly, many Cadet achievements are now well recognised by educationalists and even potential employers so the skills you attain now will stand you in good stead I later life as well.

“If you are prepared to commit to the Cadet movement you will find it a fantastic source of fun, a place to make lasting friendships and a marvellous boredom buster too! I know that Ballymoney’s Cadets are an enthusiastic and active lot so I feel sure that these latest recruits will have a brilliant future within the Cadet movement. We are delighted to welcome them ‘on board’ and to wish them every success for the future.”