Five young people from Bedfordshire have been honoured with appointments as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets for 2025/26, a prestigious role that recognises leadership, service and commitment.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Susan Lousada, commissioned the new cadets at a ceremony at Bedford School on Wednesday, 1 October.
This year’s cadets
- Police Cadet: Eva Lyon
- Sea Cadet: Sergeant Rafael Pierlot
- Bedford School CCF (RAF): Sergeant Stirling Smallwood
- RAFAC Cadet: Warrant Officer Brandon Venn
- Fire Cadet: Crew Commander George Whitehurst
The five will support the Lord-Lieutenant at official events over the coming year, including civic services, remembrance events and, when required, Royal visits.
Cadets are chosen each year in recognition of their contribution to their organisations and their potential as future leaders.
A proud occasion
The commissioning ceremony brought together civic leaders, senior representatives from the emergency services and armed forces, and the families of the cadets.
Guests included the High Sheriff of Bedfordshire, Camilla King; Speaker of Bedford Borough Council, Cllr Colleen Atkins (Labour); and Chief Fire Officer Andrew Hopkinson.
Speaking after the ceremony, HM Lord-Lieutenant Susan Lousada said:” It is a privilege to commission this year’s Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets. Their appointment marks the beginning of a year of service and is a recognition of their dedication, discipline, and leadership.
“Each of them represents the highest standards of their organisations and stands as a shining example of the values that strengthen our communities — commitment, integrity, and pride in service. I look forward with great anticipation to all they will achieve in the year ahead.”
She also expressed thanks to the outgoing cadets for their service, praising their “dedication, perseverance and achievements” and wishing them success in the next stage of their lives.
