News story

12 people recognised by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd

The efforts of 12 people from across Gwynedd, including two young cadets, have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.

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

In recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty, 7 people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by the Lord-Lieutenant of Gwynedd, Edmund Bailey Esq CStJ FRAgS.

The ceremony took place at Caernarfon Army Reserve Centre, Caernarfon on Thursday 25 April 2024.

The recipients were: Petty Officer Andrew Westall of Holyhead Sea Cadet Corps; Captain Michael Evans and Adult Under Officer Sharon Garland, both of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force; Major Aled ‘Rhys’ Jones and Officer Cadet Nyah Lowe, both of Wales Universities Officers’ Training Corps; Civilian Instructor Geoffrey (Geoff) Ward of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, and Major Bernie Pagent of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales (Wales RFCA).

The achievements of the Lord-Lieutenant’s 2 cadets were recognised and celebrated during the event attended by around 80 people. The cadets are Cadet Corporal  Elinor McGregor of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadets, and former Cadet Sergeant Luke Rees of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, who is now a Civilian Instructor.

The role of Lord-Lieutenant cadet includes attendance with the Lord-Lieutenant, who acts as the King’s representative at a number of official engagements, including Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.

The cadets were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Wales RFCA.

Also during the evening, 3 long-service awards and a certificate of praiseworthy action were presented to members of the Army Cadet Force.

Captain Michael Evans and Staff Sergeant Instructor John Owen, both of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force, were awarded the Cadet Forces Medal for 12 years service.

Captain Eli Eames, also of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force, was awarded the 1st clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal.

Sergeant Instructor Carys Jones of Clwyd and Gwynedd Army Cadet Force was presented with a certificate of praiseworthy action.

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 Wales RFCA – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.

Published 29 April 2024