News story

Twelve people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd

The efforts of twelve people from across Clwyd have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.

Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd Awards. Copyright: RFCA for Wales.

In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, six people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Henry George Fetherstonhaugh OBE FRAgS, in the ceremony at Hightown Barracks, Wrexham on Thursday 21 March.

They were Lieutenant Commander Graham Oliver of HMS Eaglet; Warrant Officer Gary Johnston of HMS Eaglet, Able Seaman  Edward Ditchfield of HMS Eaglet; Regimental Sergeant Major Instructor  Paul Burrows of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force; Major Charmaine Lloyd of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force and Staff Sergeant Instructor Stephen Davies of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force.

The achievements of the Lord-Lieutenant’s three cadets were recognised and celebrated during the event attended by more than 80 people.

Cadet Sergeant Owen Brumby of St Brigid’s School Combined Cadet Force; Cadet Warrant Officer Lewis Hughes of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets and Cadet Sergeant Alun Hughes of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets outlined to the audience their time in cadets, including highlights of their role over the last 12 months

The role, which continues until September, includes attendance with the Lord-Lieutenant at a number of official engagements such as Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.

The three were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

Also during the evening three long service awards were presented to members of the Army Cadet Force.

Adult Under Officer Bradley Burn and Staff Sergeant Instructor Gareth Griffith both of Clwyd and Gywnedd Army Cadet Force were awarded the Cadet Forces Medal. And Captain Merv Jones also of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force was presented with the 5th Clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal.

There are nearly 5,000 cadets in Wales who gain skills and qualifications through working with local communities, charities and taking part in a variety of practical activities.

The cadet syllabus is delivered by 1,850 volunteering adult Instructors and civilian assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.

The awards event was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.

Published 26 March 2024