On Saturday 12th November, Clayesmore School’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) assembled at Sturminster Newton. The detachment was to be awarded new badges, announcing its affiliation to the town’s Royal British Legion (RBL) branch.
Ian Rockett is an ex-Royal Engineer currently working as a school staff instructor at Clayesmore School’s Combined Cadet Force. He approached Trevor Legg, the Sturminster Newton RBL branch chairman, to discuss the possibility of an affiliation between the two groups a year ago, and Trevor was equally excited at the prospect.
‘The affiliation is great for the cadets,’ says Ian. ‘Apart from the obvious pride in the new badge – they all love a badge! – they enjoy the contact with the veterans. We currently have a smaller cohort in the detachment than in previous years, due to a new timetable which has meant cadets have to choose between a variety of activities. But the cadets are keen to participate and are committed to their cadet journey. Some have aspirations of a career in the services, but others simply enjoy the participation and the enormous range of activities cadets can enjoy.’
Once the paperwork and checks were completed, the weekend of Remembrance Sunday was chosen for the formal parade.
The mustered Clayesmore cadets were inspected and addressed by
Lt Gen Sir David Bill KCB, President of the Sturminster Newton RBL Branch, who presented each cadet with their affiliation badge and had a few words with each of them. General Bill said that it was great to see the younger people having an interest in the Legion, ensuring the future of the organisation. Reductions in the size of the UK Armed Forces mean it is vitally important to engage with the next generations.
Trevor Legg expressed his delight at the new affiliation: ‘We hope it’s very much a jointly beneficial relationship. We provide the obvious opportunities to the cadets for their volunteering and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, but also, I hope, by sharing our personal experiences and broad range of expertise with them. In return they support us with fundraising work, at community events and also join our parades’.
A few cadets stayed in town to continuing fund-raising for the Poppy Appeal, raising about £180 in just a few hours.
Youth groups and organisations (uniformed or otherwise) can become affiliated with any Royal British Legion branch to support fundraising projects and more.
How can RBL help youth organisations?
Offering opportunities for The Duke of Edinburgh Award Programme
Fundraising under the name of the youth organisation
Offering experience on military knowledge, such as providing an instructor/lecturer from within the branch
Providing free educational resources
Raising awareness about the Royal British Legion, and encouraging young people to take part in our activities
How can youth organisations help?
Help raise funds for the Poppy Appeal
Become Branch Standard Bearer (adult and youth)
Attend Remembrance services and parades