In a ceremony at Bedford Modern School this week, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, appointed her cadets for 2021/2022.
The role of Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets is to support the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out her duties and their selection and appointment is acknowledgement of their outstanding contribution to their cadet service and to the community.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire Eric Masih, Speaker of Bedford Borough Council Cllr Jane Walker, Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson, Deputy Chief Constable Trevor Rodenhurst, Chief Executive of the East Anglia Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association Colonel Ray Wilkinson QVRM TD VR DL and the President of St John’s Ambulance Anthony Duggan OBE.
They were joined at the ceremony by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Chris Sharwood-Smith MBE, representatives from the various Cadet organisations, Deputy Lieutenants and cadets’ family members.
This year’s cadets are Cadet Corporal Benjamin Cornforth (Luton Royal Marines Cadet Detachment), Cadet Sergeant Matthew Brewer (Bedford Modern School Combined Cadet Force), Cadet Staff Sergeant Chloe Bezer (Beds & Herts Army Cadet Force), Flight Sergeant Toby Shortman (Henlow Squadron, Air Training Corps), Cadet Sergeant Cameron Moore (St John Ambulance), Drill Cadet Lukas Wescott (Bedfordshire Police Cadets), Cadet Crew Manager Keown Seldon (Bedfordshire Fire & Rescue Service).
All have been described as excellent leaders and a credit to their organisations and to the county.
Speaking after the commissioning the Lord-Lieutenant said: “My Lord-Lieutenant Cadets continue to impress me year on year with their professionalism, dedication to the county and confidence in meeting a wide range of people.
“They represent some of the finest young people of Bedfordshire and I am excited for the year ahead. I wish my new Lord-Lieutenant Cadets a fulfilling and rewarding year.”
