Horndean Detachment awarded prize in Salisbury Cathedral as part of the Royal Signals 100 Service of Celebration. The Detachment officially celebrates a new affiliation with 3 (UK) Div Signal Regiment. The 30 Royal Signals cap badged cadets from Horndean rubbed shoulders with HRH The Princess Royal and veterans from across the Royal Signals.
The Royal Signals has been running an Army Cadet Force competition for two years now, in a bid to encourage more cadets to understand communications, IT and cyber. Horndean Detachment based in Hampshire and part of Hampshire and Isle of Wight ACF were this year’s winner. The cadets involved are aged between 12 -18 years old and train once a week, taught by the dedicated adult volunteers who give up their time to encourage and support them. Other annual and weekend camps teach them all aspects of military training, but a service in Salisbury Cathedral attended by HRH The Princess Royal was a new experience for all of them.
‘I have been extremely impressed with the cadets and staff today. This is the first time they have been involved in such a high-profile event and I am very proud for them all.’ Mark Farmer, Def Commander
Mark Famer, the Det Commander, has been with the troop for 6 years and said, ‘I have been extremely impressed with the cadets and staff today. This is the first time they have been involved in such a high-profile event and I am very proud for them all.’ Mark works as a project manager and was once a LCpl with the Royal Signals Reserve, so his affiliation with the Royal Signals is long standing. Unfortunately, he is leaving Horndean after this event on promotion, so the Corps wishes him all the best in his next unit.
Presenting the prize was our Corps Colonel Reserve, Col Douglas, she said “The Corps and I are extremely proud of the commitment and effort made by our cadets and their Cadet Adult Volunteers, who achieve such a remarkable amount every year and we felt this should be recognised with an annual “Best Royal Signals Detachment Competition. I am absolutely delighted to award the prize (for 2018 – 2019) to the Horndean detachment who fought off tough competition to win the fabulous “Jimmy” trophy and see their name in lights! It is very special to be able to welcome them to the Corps Service of Celebration Centenary event in Salisbury in order to present their prize.”
The competition win was not the only thing the 30 cadets were celebrating, as they have a new affiliation with 3 (UK) Div Signal Regiment. They will be providing support to the Detachment when required, allowing soldiers to support the wider Royal Signals family. RSM Wildman from 3 (UK) Div Sig Regt said, ‘I am very proud of this new affiliation. Horndean are a great detachment and the enthusiasm displayed by the cadets is quite remarkable. I have no doubt we can learn a lot from their commitment and dedication.’
All in all, it was an incredible day for the cadets who attended the Service of Celebration well done to all those involved.