Somerset Army Cadet Force

Bishop Fox's Platoon Receive Prestigious Diana Award

Written by SMI Julie Halford

Bishop Fox's Platoon, Jellalabad Company, Somerset Cadet Battalion (The Rifles) received the coveted Diana Certificate of Excellence at a ceremony held at their school on Monday 18 July 2011. The Mayor and Mayoress of Taunton Deane presented the 17 cadets with framed copies of the certificate signed by the Prime Minister and congratulated them on their remarkable achievement.

The recipients of the award were:

Cadet Serjeant Ryan Greatrex Cadet Robert Curry
Cadet Corporal Andrew Boulton Cadet Jasmin Clark
Cadet Corporal Kyle Foster Cadet Harry Gutteridge
Cadet Corporal Evelyn-Jane Thorne Cadet David Handley
Cadet Lance Corporal Benjamin Johnson Cadet Thomas Harris
Cadet Lance Corporal Thomas Wilkinson Cadet Harry Hay
Cadet Hayley McKeller
Cadet Mark Peacock
Cadet George Sears
Cadet Solomon Wesley
Cadet Connor Woodhouse

The Diana Award was set up in 1999 as a lasting legacy to the late Princess of Wales, committing to her belief that young people have the power to change the world for the better. The award is also about the positive image of youth and the platoon was nominated in the group category primarily for their charity fundraising work.

Under the guidance of their Platoon Commander Serjeant Major Steve Williams, the cadets have given up their free time to stage many events and activities in the community over the past three years for their chosen charity, Help for Heroes. The current amount raised stands at a fantastic £2,500 and the cadets have already planned their next event for later in the year!

The platoon were joined for their celebratory evening by Deputy Commandant G1 Lieutenant Colonel Mike Pether MBE, Jellalabad Company Commander Major Andy Trunks, Jellalabad Company Serjeant Major Graham Corner and Jellalabad Cadet Company Serjeant Major James Lancey.

Major Richard Lupton, a serving Rifles Officer and the Help for Heroes County Co-ordinator, was also at Bishop Fox's School to gratefully receive another cheque for £385 from the platoon. Last but by no means least Serjeant Abbey Talbot, Jellalabad Company Public Relations Representative, who was on hand to ensure the programme ran smoothly and was also the driving force behind the event.

Lieutenant Colonel Pether talked to each cadet and handed them individual invitation cards to visit Althorp House from Earl Spencer. In his address to parents and guests, Lieutenant Colonel Pether said, 'This is thoroughly well deserved recognition for the platoon. Not only are they an inspiration to other young people but they exemplify the ethos and aims of the Army Cadet Force brilliantly. I applaud each and every one of them'.

Attached Image 1: His Worship the Mayor of Taunton Deane, Councillor Steve Brooks and the Mayoress
of Taunton Deane, Mrs Diana Brooks presenting Bishop Fox's Platoon Army cadets
their certificates.

Attached Image 2: Bishop Fox's Platoon with the Mayor of Taunton Deane, Councillor Steve Brooks and
the Mayoress of Taunton Deane, Mrs Diana Brooks (centre), Lieutenant Colonel Mike
Pether MBE (rear centre left) and Major Richard Lupton (rear centre right).

Attached Image 3: Lieutenant Colonel Mike Pether MBE, Deputy Commandant G1 chats to cadets

Attached Image 4: His Worship the Mayor of Taunton Deane, Councillor Steve Brooks presenting the
Platoon Diana Certificate of Excellence to Serjeant Major Steve Williams.