Army Cadet Magazine - October 2022

A tribute to Her Majesty

Queen Elizabeth II

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Black History Month Cadets on expedition What's it like being an Army farrier?

Welcome

In this issue we pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II who dedicated her life to the service of this country; she did so with dignity, grace and good humour for over 70 years.

Following her death on 8 September 2022, we delve into the archives to reveal how Army Cadets has marked significant milestones throughout her unprecedented reign and how cadets across the UK celebrated her special Platinum Jubilee year.

Also in this issue, we interview Gunner Abbie Robinson about her extraordinary career as a farrier in the Army. To mark Black History Month, we chat to former cadet and photographer Destinie Paige whose work explores unseen beauty in the everyday experiences of women, Black people and people of colour. We also discover how cadets and adult volunteers fared when they went off–grid for a challenging expedition in the Knoydart Peninsula in Scotland.

I’d also like to add how great it is to be back in the world of Army Cadets. As an ex-cadet myself, I know just how much fun, friendship and challenge there is to be had as a cadet, an adult volunteer or even, like me, being in the background, working to deliver a fantastic cadet experience. That was clear to see when I visited a number of summer camps last month – and I look forward to meeting more of our members in the coming months.

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Major General Jon Swift OBE Commander Cadets

'I look forward to meeting more of our members in the coming months'

The briefing

News from across the detachments

Cadet awarded prestigious medal

Corporal Tamara Telford, 17, of Cumbria ACF has been awarded the Order of Mercy Foundation Medal for Distinguished Service for Cadets.

Tamara received the honour in recognition of her outstanding contribution to her local community of Cleator Moor and for performing life-saving first aid. Just five of these medals are awarded each year.

Tamara is a volunteer and mentor to young teens and children as part of the Exchange Corner community action group. In support of the recommendation for the award, Michelle Denwood of Cleator Caring Moor said: 'Tamara makes every effort to support the older and younger generations in her local community, highlighting their needs to the charity group and ensuring these are addressed.'

New role for CCF Colonel Cadets

Tamara showed incredible bravery when, in May 2020, she performed life-saving first aid on a local man who had sustained very serious injuries and was in need of immediate help. The man, who suffers from mental health issues, had cut himself on the neck multiple times. Tamara took control of the situation and administered the first aid skills she'd learnt in Army Cadets.

Lieutenant Colonel Diss, Deputy Commandant of Cumbria ACF, said: 'Tamara’s volunteering efforts within her local area are outstanding and promote the kindness and hard work our younger generation put into their communities. We are very proud and pleased that she has been recognised nationally for her efforts.'

Combined Cadet Force Colonel Cadets Anthony Lamb MBE DL VR has been selected as the new Head of Youth and Cadets in the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in the rank of Brigadier.

Stepping down from his role as Colonel Cadets (a position he's held since January 2019), Brigadier Lamb will now oversee the strategic direction of the five MOD-sponsored cadet forces: the Army Cadet Force, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, Sea Cadet Corps, Combined Cadet Force and Volunteer Cadet Corps. This comprises 150,000 cadets and 30,000 CFAVs.

Brigadier Lamb said: 'I am delighted and honoured to be appointed in this role and to lead the strategic direction of our five amazing MOD-sponsored cadet forces and ensure that policy and governance is in

place to deliver it. These five organisations offer a second-to-none 21st-century youth development programme aimed at preparing young people for success and providing new opportunities and experiences to enrich their lives.

'This role represents the culmination of over 30 years working with young people, both in education and the Cadets, and gives me a unique opportunity to draw on my experience to help take this wonderful youth movement forward.'

The briefing

from across the detachments

World Mental Health Day

Army Cadets' Healthy Minds campaign has led to great progress in the way counties approach and nurture mental health within the organisation. The campaign, which has been rolled out through national training programmes since September 2020, centres on breaking down barriers, reducing stigma and promoting mental health awareness. It's now an important part of the Cadet experience.

While CFAVs have already been learning how to deliver Healthy Minds Awareness courses at local level by taking part in the Healthy Minds Facilitators course at CTC Frimley Park, the organisation was also keen to offer a course for senior cadets.

In May 2022 the new Senior Cadet Healthy Minds facilitator course launched at CTC Frimley Park, enabling senior cadets to offer support to younger cadets.

SO1 Medical and First Aid Melanie Prangnell (pictured inset) says: 'As part of the Healthy Mind suite of qualifications which we deliver to our adults, we recognised that we needed to offer something to young people too, so we took the Mental Health Awareness course we developed for adults and adapted it for young people.'

The Healthy Minds facilitator course teaches senior cadets how to offer support and guidance to younger cadets.

'It gives senior cadets the tools they need to support young cadets and ensures that they are resilient enough to deliver the content,' says Melanie. 'It can be quite emotive and raw for people who already suffer with their own mental health.

'Senior cadets in the organisation have the ability to help younger cadets because they can get alongside them and relate to their experiences. It also teaches senior cadets to lead by example.'

The course maintains a delicate balance between a senior cadet responding to a younger cadet's mental health concerns while not taking responsibility for those concerns themselves:

'One critical aspect of the course is that cadets aren't expected to take any responsibility for another person's mental health. Peer-topeer support is fantastic and we've seen how well it can work, but we want to make sure young people don't feel overly responsible for making sure other young people's mental health is OK.'

Lancashire ACF lead the charge

Healthy Minds national trainer Major Wenda Tyrer trialled the Senior Cadet Healthy Minds facilitator course during camp as well as offering a quiet room for cadets who felt overwhelmed.

She has also implemented new initiatives around mental health and wellbeing within Lancashire ACF (pictured above). These include a wellbeing garden at their training centre, plus running a wellbeing weekend retreat on a farm so cadets could feel the positive effects of being immersed in nature.

'The cadets in her county have benefited from the new measures,' says Melanie. 'It really shows a county trainer who is considering the cadet experience as a whole and has taken the Healthy Minds initiative and run with it.'

New vegan ration packs

It's World Vegan Day on Tuesday 1 November and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Vegan and Vegetarian Network is working on a project to make vegan operational ration packs (ORPs) available in the UK.

'Currently there's a waste of resources as people are breaking down vegetarian ORPs looking for the vegan elements,' says network committee member Lieutenant Gina Allsop (pictured) who is Sports Officer at Sussex ACF and a former member of the Royal Signals.

The MOD Vegan and Vegetarian Network was formed in November 2021 to build a community that supports and educates people about plant-based and vegetarian diets across the services.

Follow the Network on Instagram and Facebook under the handle MOD Veg & Vegan Network and using the hashtag #MODveg.

Army Cadets inspired artwork

Merseyside ACF cadet Rhea Robinson (pictured) created a colourful piece of artwork inspired by, and to show her gratitude for, Army Cadets. In the painting, Rhea included the quote: 'The memories we make, the friends we love, the family we choose' because 'It expresses the truth about what we all are under the uniform; we are a family stronger than anything.'

Commandant Colonel David Seddon said: 'Cadet Robinson's artwork sums up the Army Cadets environment, friendship, loyalty and commitment and it will take pride of place on the wall in our County HQ foyer.'

TRIBUTE TO HER MAJESTY

Queen Elizabeth II

On 8 September 2022, Buckingham Palace announced the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. She reigned longer than any monarch in British history and during her 70 years on the throne was loved and respected worldwide. Army Cadets pays tribute to her unerring example of selfless commitment to service and duty.

From her first engagement with an honour guard of 60 cadets at the Royal Show in Devon on 2 July 1952, Her Majesty was an inspirational figure for Army Cadets. She gave her time generously on numerous occasions, including granting an audience to cadets at Buckingham Palace in 2010 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Cadet Forces.

Lorraine Kelly CBE

Army Cadets National Honorary Colonel

‘For all of us in Army Cadets, Queen Elizabeth II set a fantastic example to emulate in terms of duty, selflessness and that sense of togetherness demonstrated in her passion for the Commonwealth. She was the most famous person on the planet, yet she never put herself first. She had a strong sense of right and wrong and lived by a maxim which may sound old fashioned but which is so important: "do as you would be done by".

‘I was lucky enough to be given an OBE by the Queen at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh for services to the armed forces – I had been Honorary Colonel of the Black Watch cadets and supported Armed Forces Day. It was incredible, but I've never been so nervous in my whole life. My mum said afterwards: “She was talking to you!” yet, to this day, I’ve no idea what she actually said to me. You know when you’re so nervous your heart beats so loud you can’t hear anything else?

'On the day I received my medal, there were members of the armed forces waiting to be honoured by the

Queen and they were very nervous too. She was so good at putting everyone at ease and helping them feel less nervous. She was a tiny person and you couldn’t help but think: “this is the whole of the UK in this one little person”.

'It was so fitting that she died at Balmoral Castle, the place she loved best. I thought the response of the crowds who lined the streets of all the places her coffin was taken to was wonderful. It was great to see her given that respect, admiration and love. People of all ages queued for hours and hours – not just those of a certain age. They just wanted to say “thank you and we appreciate all you have done”.

‘In the space of one week we changed our prime minister and monarch and it all went seamlessly. The whole tribute to Queen Elizabeth II was flawless. What a daunting thing for those young men to carry her coffin on their shoulders, yet they did it so beautifully and the horses were amazing. I know the tribute and funeral were rehearsed, but it was pitch perfect. It was wonderful to watch all the armed forces come together – gosh, didn’t they do her proud!’

Brigadier Neville Holmes MBE

Deputy Commander Cadets

‘Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II inspired generations of cadets through her unparalleled sense of duty, selfless commitment and unswerving loyalty. The Army Cadets flourished under her patronage and she will be remembered fondly, with great pride and an enormous debt of gratitude by all.’

Her Majesty The Queen was Captain General of the Combined Cadet Force and Patron of the Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK.

The

Queen Cadets

We delve into the archives to reveal how Army Cadets marked significant milestones throughout Her Majesty’s unprecedented reign.

1 Death of King George VI

The Queen’s father died on 6 February 1952. He had been Colonelin-Chief of the ACF and Captain-General of the CCF. The Army Cadet Journal commemorated his hands-on approach to life, remembering how, when he became Colonel-in-Chief of the ACF in 1942, he asked 100 cadets to parade at Buckingham Palace so he might meet and inspect them. On his death, the following telegram was sent to the Private Secretary at Buckingham Palace on behalf of all cadets, and a reply was received from the Queen herself:

2 theTaking salute

In 1952, the Army Cadet Journal noted that the new Queen already had an interest in youth organisations. It cited an occasion in 1946 when she took the salute at an ACF rally in Hyde Park.

3 Devon cadets

On 2 July 1952, at 25 years old and having been on the throne just a few months, the Queen visited the Royal Show in Newton Abbot, Devon. Sixty cadets from Devon ACF travelled from across the county to form a guard of honour to Her Majesty on her arrival. They assembled near the town’s famous clock tower along with members of the Sea Cadet Corps and Air Training Corps.

4 Shrewsbury visit

On a visit to Shrewsbury on 24 October 1952, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were received by a guard of honour that included Army Cadets. One hundred cadets practised ceremonial light infantry drill for weeks prior to the visit. They were inspected and stayed in the barracks at the Regimental Depot of the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry for three days where they made finishing touches to drill and turnout. The guard of honour paraded on the Depot Square before marching into Shrewsbury Castle where, according to reports, they 'received a great ovation from the crowds’.

'Sixty cadets from Devon ACF travelled from across the county to form a guard of honour to Her Majesty'

5 Lighting the beacon

In 2002, two signals-trained cadets of Cornwall ACF – Cadet RSM Andrew Jamieson and Cadet Sergeant Venning – set up an impressive HF (high frequency) radio station at Penhale Camp as part of the battalion’s Junior Camp and Golden Jubilee celebrations. It enabled cadets from multiple areas of the country to connect with one another as they celebrated the Jubilee beacon lighting.

The link worked extremely well: ‘stronger than a local radio broadcast station’ according to one listener. Links were made with Bridlington School CCF cadets (who were on adventurous training in South Wales), The Vine School in Basingstoke, Essex ACF, Prior Park in Bath and an unnamed unit in Ashbourne, as well as the national ACF/CF NRN Archive in Tavistock and SW London ACF (just a stone’s throw from the national beacon, which was to be lit by the Queen). The beacons were lit and everyone involved concluded it had been a great success, and it inspired cadets to plan similar links in the future.

6 Golden Jubilee

For the Golden Jubilee year (2002), ACF units were called upon to help raise money for one of the Queen’s six chosen Jubilee Commonwealthcharities:Veterans.

‘The link was "stronger than a local radio broadcast station"'

Platinum Jubilee celebrations

7 On 18 and 19 June, the Platinum Jubilee Youth Spectacular in Fife saw ACF and CCF groups join other youth initiatives and bands from across the UK to celebrate the performing arts and the Jubilee. The event was presented by Stephen Mulhern (pictured below) of Catchphrase and Britain’s Got More Talent and took place at a purpose-built arena at the former opencast mine at St Ninians near Kelty in Scotland.

Photos: Kate Knight

In June 2022, Her Majesty The Queen achieved the astonishing feat of being the first and only British monarch to have been on the throne for 70 years. To celebrate her Platinum Jubilee and show appreciation for her life of service, Army Cadets took part in a whole host of activities.

8 A rare Act of Loyalty for Her Majesty The Queen took place at Holyrood Palace on 28 June to mark the Platinum Jubilee. Senior officers from the armed forces were joined by the Band of The Royal Marines Scotland, the Pipes and Drums of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, and Sea, Army and Air Cadets in a military parade before the Queen in the gardens of the palace. The keys to Edinburgh Castle were also presented to Her Majesty.

9 Loughborough Detachment enjoyed a Platinum Jubilee street party, which was organised by cadets.

10 Family and friends celebrated Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire CFAVs receiving awards at the Queen’s Jubilee Medal Parade, held on 11 June at Bassingbourn Barracks. The medals were presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Hertfordshire Mr Robert Voss CBE CStJ and the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire Mrs Helen Nellis CVO (pictured).

‘A rare Act of Loyalty for her Majesty The Queen took place at Holyrood Palace’

Photo: Kate Knight

Photo: Corporal Nathan Tanuku

11 Belper Detachment (C Company) of Derbyshire ACF took part in Platinum Jubilee tea parties with the elderly communities of Milford House Care Home and Belper Views Residential Care Home. They delivered and served cream teas and chatted with residents.

‘I really hope the residents enjoyed it as much as we did,’ said Major Meyers (OC C Company).

12 Cadets at the Leicester Platinum Jubilee and Armed Forces Day parade.

Photo: Kate Knight

13 On 22 February, cadets from A Company at Staffordshire and West Midlands (North Sector) ACF helped plant 800 trees at Brockton Hall in Eccleshall as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy initiative. As well as providing the cadets with an opportunity to learn practical planting skills and find out about native tree species, the scheme enabled them to work on a key community project towards their community skills projects/badges as part of the ACF training syllabus.

15 Over 400 Army cadets took part in a once-in-a-lifetime parade at 36 Engineers Invicta Park Barracks in Maidstone for the Platinum Jubilee. Weeks of practice culminated in a moving drumhead service followed by the largest parade of Kent ACF cadets in its history. An array of stands were on display featuring the exciting activities cadets can expect to be involved in. ‘I was proud to wear my uniform and celebrate with the rest of the county,’ said Cadet William Murray of the Sheerness Detachment.

14 Lancashire ACF designed and built a Jubilee beacon in collaboration with Charles Hadcock DL, sculptor and honorary colonel for Lancashire ACF. Cadets got involved in all stages of the design and build –from tree surgery and welding (pictured) to painting and, of course, lighting.

‘The largest parade of Kent ACF cadets in its history'

Photo: Derek Eccles

Photo: Derek Eccles

16 Cadets at Northamptonshire Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant on 4 June.

17 From flying union flags, bunting and balloons outside County HQ at Altcar Training Camp to eating cake in the field, Merseyside ACF celebrated the Platinum Jubilee in many different ways. There was even a Platinum Jubilee Bake Off competition!

‘There was even a Platinum Jubilee Bake Off competition!'

Photo: Kate Knight

18 Cambridgeshire ACF was involved in a number of Jubilee events, including Cambridgeshire County Day where cadets met the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (pictured). They also organised games at Soham’s and Burwell’s Jubilee celebrations, ran a recruitment stall and marched in the Newmarket Parade, and carried the standard at a church service in Sawston.

19 The Band and Drums of Gwent and Powys ACF was honoured to be part of the Jubilee celebrations in Cardiff Bay on 2 June, where thousands witnessed a 42-gun salute and Welsh Festival of Music. The cadets marched on to Rising of the Lark played by the Corps of Drums, led by County Drum Major, Staff Cadet Colour Sergeant Chloe Meredith. They were joined by 11-year-old Emily Braby on clarinet. Emily is the first member of its new academy, which will provide instruments, music lessons and support for those not quite old enough to join as cadets.

‘Thousands witnessed a 42-gun salute and Welsh Festival of Music'

Photo: Douglas Stuart

Her Majesty's state funeral

After days of lying in state, the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II made its final journey: first to a state funeral at Westminster Abbey, then to Windsor Castle for a more intimate committal service, followed by a private burial. Representatives from the Combined Cadet Forces had the great privilege of taking part in this historic day of emotion, grandeur and ceremony.

Queen Elizabeth II, aged 96, died peacefully at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on 8 September 2022

The state funeral, attended by heads of state, foreign royal families and overseas government representatives, took place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 19 September. The service paid tribute to the Queen’s extraordinary reign and Her Majesty’s life of service as Head of State, Nation and Commonwealth, and was broadcast live on TV and radio to allow people around the world to take part in the mourning.

At the end of the service, Her Majesty's coffin was borne to Wellington Arch, via The Mall, on the state gun carriage. In a solemn spectacle, not seen on the streets of London since the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill in 1965, the carriage was pulled by Royal Navy sailors, with some marching behind to act as a brake.

The King and members of the royal family followed the Queen’s coffin in this procession, which also included detachments from the armed forces of the Commonwealth and the British armed forces.

It was a great honour for 15 representative cadets and five CFAVs from the following Combined Cadet Forces to also march in this stirring military parade: Royal Navy cadets from Pangbourne College CCF, Royal Navy cadets from City of London School CCF, Royal Marines cadets from Winchester

College CCF, Army cadets from The Vyne School CCF, Army cadets from Wilson’s Grammar School CCF and Air cadets from Dulwich College CCF.

Sergeant Cadet Harish Rajkumar, 17, from Wilson’s Grammar School CCF said: ‘To be asked to take part in a solemn occasion of such magnitude, attended by so many dignitaries was a huge honour and a privilege. Before the event there was a little bit of nervousness due to the fact that this was taking place on a world stage where people were watching and scrutinising, but it was something I was massively proud to be part of.

‘During my lifetime I have only ever known Queen Elizabeth II as our monarch and head of state, and during her time on the throne she set a remarkable example of service. Just two days before her passing, she appointed a new prime minister which shows just how dedicated she was.’

Once the coffin reached Wellington Arch, it was placed in the state hearse for its journey to St George’s Chapel in Windsor for a committal service attended by His Majesty The King, members of the royal family, and past and present members of the Queen’s household.

Her Majesty was buried alongside The Duke of Edinburgh at the King George VI Memorial Chapel.

The state gun carriage, which was pulled by Naval Ratings, carrying the coffin of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II along the procession route up Constitution Hill.

Service personnel representing a variety of regiments, ships and air stations that held a special relationship with Her Majesty The Queen took part in the funeral processions in London and Windsor. Among them were representatives from the Combined Cadet Forces.

It was a great honour for representative cadets and CFAVs (pictured above) from the Combined Cadet Forces to march in the procession.

HRH King Charles III (centre left) with other members of the royal family, as they followed the procession of the state gun carriage of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

UK MOD © Crown copyright 2022

UK MOD © Crown copyright 2022

UK MOD © Crown copyright 2022

What's it like being an … Army farrier

Abbie Robinson of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery tells us about getting hands-on with hooves.

Gunner

What do Army farriers do?

Farriers are responsible for the care of horses’ hooves, keeping them healthy, protected and able to comfortably support the horse’s movement. We familiarise new and untrained Army horses with being handled and shod, provide regular care and maintenance of hooves, make and apply horseshoes, and get involved in more intensive tasks like helping improve a horse’s movement through the development and application of specialist shoes.

What makes a good Army farrier?

You have to be fit – we work in a hot forge that shoes 30 to 70 horses a week – and physically able to craft the shoes. It also helps if you’re calm and confident around horses. You need to understand horse

anatomy, conformation, gait and behaviour. Every horse is unique, so it’s important to get to know their individual personalities, hooves and shoeing requirements. I’m a first-year apprentice and have to study alongside my job and the unit’s ceremonial duties, so it’s pretty busy and intense – you need to be up for that.

What’s a typical day like?

As a farrier in The King’s Troop, no two days are the same. Our schedule revolves around the horses’ commitments. We like to keep their training interesting so, alongside rehearsals and ceremonial duties, many of the horses participate in showjumping and crosscountry events. There’s always a lot going on in their lives, even at weekends. That means there’s a lot for us to do too. It’s not a nine-to-five job but I love it.

'It's not a nine-to-five job but I love it'

What’s the typical career path?

Once you’ve completed Phase 1 at Pirbright, Winchester or Harrogate and Phase 2 training at the Royal School of Artillery at Larkhill, you can join The King’s Troop and be assigned to a sub-section. If there’s availability within the forge, you can apply and undergo the selection process for an apprenticeship. You’ll be trained at Defence Animal Training Regiment (DATR) as well as on the job. There are opportunities to enter Army farrier competitions and you’ll receive lots of support and shared knowledge from other farriers – and vets too. It’s a great team. As you progress, you could eventually be promoted to the role of trainer at DATR, where you’ll help bring on apprentice farriers.

. What do you enjoy about the job?

I’ve always loved horses and have ridden since I was five years old. I spent the first six or seven years with The King’s Troop as a rider and instructor before training to become a farrier. Everyone in the Troop can ride, even the farriers, so it’s a fantastic job if you love horses and horse riding. Because I’m an experienced Troop rider, I can still be called on to ride in key positions at ceremonial events – a huge honour – but there are other opportunities for farriers to ride too, such as in the showjumping and cross-country events.

I love getting to know the horses and will admit to having a retired Troop horse called Tommy at home –it’s impossible not to get attached to them!

Bringing retired Troop horse Tommy home was definitely one of them, but meeting Queen Elizabeth II was hard to top. I was fortunate enough to meet her a couple of times at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and I was also selected to meet her at The King’s Troop 70th Anniversary Salute. Her knowledge of horses was extremely impressive and it was always a privilege to perform in front of her.

Are there many female farriers?

I’m the only female farrier in the British Army at the moment. It’s a very physically and mentally challenging role, but The King’s Troop has a balanced mix of men and women so I don’t feel isolated.

What have been the highlights of your career?

'Meeting Queen Elizabeth II was hard to top. Her knowledge of horses was extremely impressive'

Royal honour: The King’s Troop

The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery is based in Woolwich, London. It’s one of three units with horses in the British Army. The others are the DATR at Melton Mowbray and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) in Knightsbridge. Historically, Army artillery would have been drawn by horses but, when mechanical methods took over, King George VI requested a troop of horse artillery be retained for ceremonial occasions.

The unit was established as the Riding Troop in 1946 and became The King’s Troop in 1947. It was kept by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in honour of her father and has taken part in many state and royal occasions. The King's Troop carried the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II on a gun carriage from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster, where she lay in state in Westminster Hall until the morning of her funeral.

Go further

Watch Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II inspect The King's Troop on the occasion of its 70th anniversary here or scan the QR code.

The King’s Troop

Former cadet and multitalented filmmaker, photographer and set designer Destinie Paige tells fresh, unique and interesting stories about the women, Black people and people of colour she captures on camera. Using elaborate staging, her exuberant photography style draws upon influences from cinema and fashion.

‘Being able to create new, more relatable and authentic visions of Black culture and femininity is extremely important to me,’ says Destinie. ‘I think it’s great that modern art can take so many avenues. There are many ways Black creators can redefine and refine views of Black culture which, in turn, helps get Black art seen by more people.’

Destinie’s photography has been featured online in Vogue, Grazia and the Evening Standard. Her set design, photography and directing skills have been utilised by household-name commercial clients as well as MTV, Channel 4 and Netflix. Her first exhibition called BLK BXY JOY was held at the Photofusion Photography Centre in Brixton and opened up a playful dialogue about what it means to be young, gifted and Black in today’s world. She was also the art director for a TV commercial called The Joy Of.

To mark Black History Month, we caught up with former cadet Destinie Paige whose work explores the unseen beauty in the everyday experiences of women, Black people and people of colour.

'Black History Month allows those people who don’t always focus on Black greatness to do so'

through a fresh lens

For Destinie, Black History Month is not only about taking a moment to celebrate Black greatness but also to truly recognise it.

‘Black greatness and art are year-round things for me, but I guess during this month it allows those people who don’t always focus on it to do so.

‘Many of my role models are Black women who are achieving amazing things, speaking up and showing up for themselves, and creating spaces in their fields for other people too. These are the women who inspire me and my work.’

Destinie credits being a former Army Cadet lance corporal in Tulse Hill, London, for helping equip her for her current job as director’s assistant at production company Somesuch.

‘My friend Kia and I joined Army Cadets together so we could have something to do, meet people and try out new experiences. At first it was extremely weird to be part of something where you were expected to speak up and be ready for new things both with, and in front of, others. Especially as I wasn’t the kind of young person who felt comfortable in new environments.

‘At the beginning I didn’t always want to speak up because I was OK with being quiet and just following instructions – but that meant no one really knew me. Over time, I learnt to use my voice. This helped me build connections, a skill that has helped me in my career path. In the film and creative industries, our voices are so important.’

For cadets who are interested in pursuing a career in the creative industries, Destinie has this advice:

‘Be ready to do stuff that is experimental – have trial and error days. Be ready to meet and connect with a range of people. Be ready for rejection, for plans to not go your way and for stuff to not work out. Be ready to keep going and get yourself into spaces that will allow you to grow and which will open up doors to the next opportunity.

'Also, build teams with people on the same level as you and grow with them. It’s always great to have people you can trust within an industry that is so fast paced and constantly developing.’

Celebrating Black history

Black History Month is an opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of Black heritage and culture. The national celebration aims to promote and celebrate Black contributions to British society, and to foster an understanding of Black history.

Black History Month in the UK was first launched in London in the 1980s. The aim was to celebrate and remember Black people who have helped shape the UK. British culture is vibrant and diverse and has been enriched by different people travelling here to build new lives.

Black History Month also aims to foster an understanding of Black history in general and seeks to address the parts of British history some would rather forget.

What Black History Month

Major Dionne Konstantinious, Area Commander 7Company GLSEACF and Co-chair ACF BAME Network

'Remembering Black history is a daily ritual. I have 365 opportunities to celebrate and acknowledge my Blackness and the achievements of my community.

'Black History Month is a unique time to spotlight the way in which Black culture permeates all aspects of society. It’s an opportunity to celebrate Black women, men, non-binary, trans and people with disability. It’s a reminder to honour my ancestors, celebrate the elders and continue to cultivate our youth. To encourage them to embrace their culture and identity, to speak the truth and be authentic, no matter how uncomfortable the conversation.

'We now have several Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Officers working across the counties within Army Cadets. What Black History Month means to each individual within our organisation will be different for each person. It is important for us to celebrate our people, and the variety of people from different communities. They need to continue to feel they belong.'

Black History Month aims not only to celebrate the uplifting aspects but also address the trauma of the past. It outlines the relationship between the UK and Black people throughout history, including looking at oppression and discrimination, from the transatlantic slave trade to colonisation and the British Empire to continued racism towards Black people in the UK today. It’s also a history of survival, community, resilience, creativity and incredible culture.

It is important to use Black History Month to remember that the fight is far from over and to honour the legacy of achievements and culture that Black people have contributed to the UK.

'Black History Month is important to me because it allows Black people to get recognition for things that the Europeans may have taken credit for. It also spreads awareness and educates younger people about the truth.'

'It’s a history of survival, community, resilience, creativity and incredible culture'

means to me

Cadet Reneo KusiAppauh, 14, Parades at 74 Det Royal Regiment of Fusiliers of 7Coy GLSEACF

Combat Pro boots

The low-down

The Combat Pro is a fantastic new combat boot in MODbrown and black, which is designed specifically for greater performance. Developed for use by Army Cadets personnel, the Combat Pro features 100 per cent genuine leather upper with full-grain leather toe and an advanced PU/rubber outsole for grip in all weathers. Put a pair on your Christmas wish list!

Newbies' guide to Army Cadets

New cadet? The world of uniform, drill and orders may be daunting at first, but it doesn't take long to get into the swing of things. Cadet Sergeant Arwen Moses of Morrison's Academy CCF, Perthshire, has some useful tips for newbies.

Practise drill

As a newcomer, drill can appear incredibly intimidating: orders being yelled, the pressure to remain ‘in step’ and the fear of halting on the wrong foot. However, as a new cadet, you'll be taught the art by others in your detachment.

Just like dressing in your uniform, you may find it easiest to practise drill at home when you have a free moment. Waiting for the kettle to boil? Practise halting. Waiting for your food to cook in the microwave? Do a few right turns. With a little work it soon becomes second nature. Don’t be afraid to look a bit silly at home; you’ll look sharper on parade.

Practise wearing the uniform

When I received my uniform for the first time, my immediate response was to go home and try everything on. However, upon inspecting my reflection in the mirror, I wondered why I looked so different to the senior cadets in the detachment: my headdress sticking up, my shirt hanging out and my trousers spilling over my boots.

It can take time and practice to wear the uniform to the correct standard, so don’t be afraid to practise at home. Combats can be very different to the clothes we wear in everyday life, and it's easy to be baffled by badges, belts and, particularly, trouser twisters. Perfect the craft in the comfort of your own home, rather than on parade.

shaping

It's usually easy to distinguish a young cadet from a senior, purely on the shape of their beret. A new beret has a very distinctive boxy appearance, whereas one that's been shaped correctly has a fold of material coming down from the cap badge.

There are lots of myths about how to shape the military headdress, ranging from using a frying pan to applying hairspray. However, the easiest way to do it is to dip the beret in water, pull the fabric into position while on your head and wait for it to dry. You can also use a safety pin to secure the wet beret into the correct position while drying, which will reinforce the shape. Make sure you leave plenty of time for shaping so it's fully dry by the time you need to wear it – no one wants to be the cadet with the soggy headdress.

Be prepared to meet new people

When joining a detachment you’ll meet lots of people of all ages and ranks. While this might be a bit intimidating at first, it is usually easy to make friends and integrate. When working as a team with a shared interest, conversation flows naturally.

Many people view their detachment as their extended family – it sounds like a cliché, but it's true. Be open to speaking to new people and do ask for advice as you never know where a single conversation could take you.

It's okay to feel nervous around weapons

New cadets may feel a variety of emotions when undertaking weapon-handling training for the first time. Some may feel excitement, others may feel nervous: both are completely normal.

Although safety drills with weapons can seem complicated at first, they become second nature in time. CFAVs have plenty of experience in getting cadets through the famously dreaded Weapon Handling Test, so don't be afraid to ask for help or clarification of something you're unsure of. Just don't underestimate how heavy the GP rifle is!

Always take a notebook

I cannot stress the importance of this enough. Taking a notebook to every cadet activity, whether a regular meeting or a field day, is crucial. Of course, it's especially useful to take notes during lessons. When trying to remember numerous acronyms, it can be easy to confuse the meanings, so you'll be able to remind yourself of what was covered.

Don't be afraid to ask for help

Everyone in your detachment – regardless of rank – has been new at some stage. We can all remember mistakes we made and things we didn’t understand. Never be afraid to ask a question or for help from a CFAV or a senior cadet. One day it will be you teaching the lesson or getting asked questions, so make sure you soak up as much information and grasp as many new experiences as possible.

Finally, don't ever ...

... stand with your hands in your pockets at parade!

Learn the art of beret (or tam o’ shanter)

'It's usually easy to distinguish a young cadet from a senior, purely on the shape of their beret'

All photos: Kate Knight

Exercise

Knoydart Challenger

During the May half term, 19 cadets (along with CFAVs from the ACF and CCF, seven qualified mountain leaders and two trainees) took part in Exercise Knoydart Challenger – a selfsufficient and remote trekking expedition – planned and delivered by SMI Chris Heslop of Lancashire ACF.

The national adventurous training expedition took place in the wilderness of the Knoydart Peninsula in the Scottish Highlands, an area only accessible on foot. Here's what went down ...

1. Planning and riding the Hogwarts Express 28–30 May

The expedition established a base at the Cadet Training Centre in Dingwall near Inverness, where participants divided into four teams and spent 36 hours preparing for the expedition. This included creating a transport plot, route planning, identifying campsites and attending presentations on Knoydart history, mountain weather, access, conservation, mountain hazards and risk management. Each team was given responsibility for a different aspect of the expedition.

Once pre-training was complete, the team boarded a coach from CTC Dingwall down the Great Glen past Loch Ness and the Commando memorial to Fort William. They then caught the Jacobite steam train (known for its use as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter film series), which travelled over Glenfinnan Viaduct to the port of Mallaig. The last leg of the journey was via a converted fishing boat to Inverie where they spent the first night wild camping on the beach.

All photos: by Lt Col A J Lester GCGI

This summer, cadets and CFAVs went off– grid for a challenging expedition in the wilds of the Scottish Highlands. Lt Col Andrew Lester reveals what happened.

2. Trek to Barrisdale 31 May

The team packed everything into their rucksacks, including enough provisions for four days (which weighed around 22kg) and began the 14km trek to Barrisdale. As well as carrying full rucksacks they endured challenging steps and navigated exposed rocky and boggy terrain, which took them from sea level to staggering heights – which set the tone for the rest of the expedition! On arrival at Barrisdale, they pitched the tents, cooked dinner and planned their assault on Ladhar Bheinn.

4. Summits and sunset at the campsite 2 June

The group walked to Mam Barrisdale ridge (465m) which divides the peninsula. Here some of the team rested while others made it to the summit of Luinne Bheinn (939m).

3. Ascent of Ladhar Bheinn

1 June

The team stripped their packs for the day's assent up Ladhar Bheinn – the biggest mountain on the peninsula at 1,020m. After six hours of difficult trekking and scrambling, they made it to the summit. Following 12–14 hours on the mountain, including a tiring journey back down its exposed rock ridges, the team finally made it back to the campsite. A late dinner, a long sleep and a big breakfast saw them ready to pack up and move on to the next challenge.

The whole team then descended back to Inverie and the beachside campsite. In total, it had been a ten-hour adventure on the mountain and a great achievement for those who summited. The final night of the expedition was spent around the campfire, watching the sun set while exchanging tales and reflections on the expedition.

5. Bacon butties and a debrief 3–4 June

After breaking camp and taking a short walk back into Inverie for coffee and bacon butties, the team boarded the boat back to Mallaig, then took a coach to CTC Dingwall. Equipment was cleaned and a debrief carried out, during which the team reflected on what had been achieved. The following day, the group had breakfast, then said their goodbyes and headed home.

Cadets not only enjoyed the experience but also learnt a lot about themselves, their strengths and how to use them, and also discovered areas for self-development. Maybe the most important achievement was recognising how much can be achieved by working together as a team.

Cadet Sergeant Sophie Moule of St Neots Detachment, Cambridgeshire ACF, said: 'It's been the best experience of my life. I pushed myself physically and mentally beyond what I thought possible and have changed as a person because of it. Thank you to Andrew, Chris and team for all the time you gave up to facilitate this amazing experience.'

For the leadership team, highlights were delivering – without any concerns – the plan they'd conceived and seeing everyone enjoy themselves while also developing as individuals and teams. For me personally, it was watching a group of tired cadets (who had spent 12 hours on the mountain) welcome another physically and mentally exhausted group back to the campsite, put up their tents and cook them a hot meal. It demonstrated great teamwork, but more than that it showed compassion, emotional intelligence and servant leadership.

'I pushed myself physically and mentally beyond what I thought possible'

Managing your feelings and finances

If headlines about the costof-living crisis make you feel anxious, you’re not alone. Recent research found that 60 per cent of 11–18-year-olds worry about their parents or guardians not having enough money to buy them the things they need.

Three quarters of young people questioned in a survey by Yorkshire Building Society also said that their parents or guardians had talked to them about the need to cut down on certain things. And more than quarter of these young people came from families cutting back on essentials such as groceries and fuel in order to save money.

According to Tess Bolton-Gould of YouTube channel Tess – Frugal Living, if you’re feeling worried about your or your family’s money situation, it's important to talk it over with someone and get help and support.

'Having no money can make you feel different, angry, down or not as good as others,' says Tess. 'It’s important to remember that your value as a person is not connected to how much money you have.'

You can have fun with friends and family wherever you are. You don’t need to be skiing in France to have a good time. You could have the best afternoon sitting playing cards at your kitchen table. It’s the people you connect with who matter.

Remember you're not alone. Many people find money a worry, so finding someone who understands your situation can be a huge support.

If you’re anxious about your family’s financial situation, try to talk to your parents or guardians about it. Ask all the questions you want to ask. Things may not be as bad as you fear, and at the very least you will have opened a conversation. If you don’t feel able to talk to them, consider talking to another trusted adult or a friend. The main thing is not to carry your worries alone.

4 The best things in life are free. Hanging out with your friends at home, playing football in the park, listening to music with friends and family are all free and bring so much pleasure. Make use of free galleries, festivals and libraries too.

Tess’s tips for staying on top when money is tight

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Feeling worried about the cost-of-living crisis?

Tess Bolton-Gould of Frugal Living offers some helpful tips.

Tess’s money management for teenagers earning a wage

• Stick to a budget. Budgeting is the process of working out what money you have coming in, what money you spend and trying to make sure they balance. It puts you in control of your money and helps you to make better decisions about what you can spend and save.

• Live within your means. One of the most important life skills you can learn is to live within your means. If you get £10 a week allowance, that's the maximum you can spend.

• Save a bit. You don’t have to spend all your money; save some each month. It’s tempting to spend once you start earning a wage, but the security that comes from saving can't be beaten.

• Be a savvy shopper Buy secondhand and compare prices.

• Learn the difference between ‘want’ and ‘need'. If there's something you are planning on buying, ask yourself if you need it – or just want it.

• Avoid debt Stay away from credit cards and loans.

• Save for things. It’s fine to want/need to buy things; however, if you can learn to wait and save for them, you'll avoid being in debt. Being debt-free is the key to being financially stable.

• Create an emergency fund. Then, when you need to buy something big

you won’t have to take out a loan –you'll already have the money.

• Invest in yourself This might mean gaining qualifications but can also mean working on your soft skills. Employability is greatly affected by soft skills such as being reliable, honest, hard working, willing to try new things, and being approachable and friendly.

• Set financial goals Think about what your goals are in life and start working towards them now. Your future self will thank you.

You don’t need to earn a lot to retire early or own your own home with no mortgage. You just have to make clear choices about what you do with the money you earn.

• Learn about compound interest There’s a saying: ‘People who don’t understand compound interest, pay it. People who do understand compound interest, earn it.’

Go further Find out how compound interest works here or by scanning the QR code.

• Start now. The sooner you begin to plan for your financial future, the more successful it will be. You don’t have to have a lot of money to end up with a lot in the bank. You just need to start saving and develop good money habits early.

Where to get help

The Trussell Trust details where families can access food banks and get help. Click here or scan the QR code to find out more.

Click here or scan the QR code to watch the Tess – Frugal Living YouTube channel, which has advice on family budgeting.

YoungMinds provides young people with tools to help them look after their mental health. Click here or scan the QR code to find out more.

The Army Cadet Healthy Minds project has useful wellbeing tips and resources. Click here or scan the QR code to find out more.

Trussell Trust Frugal Living YoungMinds Healthy Minds

apples Wicked

You don't need to be a experiencedfang-tastically cook to rustle up toffee apples at Halloween. Get creative and give them your own spooky spin.

Hands up who associates Halloween with apples? Whether playing ducking apples or bobbing apples or getting your teeth stuck into a toffee apple, you'll often find the fruit making an appearance at the October festival.

It's no surprise that the two have long been entwined as Halloween falls after September's apple harvest, when apple stores are full. Anyone with an apple tree in their garden will appreciate how, on a good fruiting year, it's a mission to find ways to use the glut of fruit. It's therefore easy to imagine that, in times gone by, rural people would have had fruit left over for games and sweet treats once the main harvest had been preserved and stored.

Celtic roots

Halloween is an incarnation of the Celtic festival of Samhain, which falls as the days are contracting into the darkness of winter. Historians suggest that apples became associated with Samhain due to the ancient Celts’ fear that the sun would not return. To encourage the sun god, Lugh, they lit huge bonfires, tied apples to branches and made offerings of fruits and nuts.

Apple bobbing

Apple bobbing and apple ducking, the traditional games played during Halloween celebrations, originally hailed from Roman Britain. The Roman tradition was for young unmarried people to try to bite into an apple floating in water or hanging from a string on a line – just like we do. They believed that the first person to bite into the apple would be the next to be married.

The big apple

Halloween is a major festival in America and it has influenced how we celebrate the occasion in the UK – from fancy dress to toffee apples. The latter are believed to have been the invention of confectioner William Kolb of Newark in New Jersey.The story goes that, sometime around 1908, he accidentally dropped some apples in his vat of bubbling sugar syrup and realised he'd created something pretty good. In recent years, toffee apples have been joined by their younger sweet sibling, the choccy apple, which is even easier to decorate for Halloween wow factor. Happily, both are dead easy to make at home, so why not give them a whirl?

Top tip

Don't keep toffee apples in the fridge as the moist air will makes the toffee melt. Ideally, make them on the day you plan to eat them. Choccy apples, however, can be stored in the fridge or a cool place for a few days.

Toffee apples

Ingredients

Apples 8, medium sized Greaseproof parchment Sticks 8 (available at supermarkets but chopsticks, metal straws or even forks will do)

Method

(Makes 8)

Golden syrup 420g

Castor sugar 200g Salt generous pinch

1. To prepare the apples: put them in a colander and pour a kettle of boiling water over them to melt the waxy covering (this helps the toffee stick to the apple). Wipe the apples dry with a tea towel then place them on a piece of parchment. Push the sticks firmly into the apples, leaving enough room to hold each stick.

2. Put the golden syrup, sugar and salt into a small saucepan and heat over a low heat. Stir occasionally until everything is melted and mixed together.

Turn up the heat to medium and simmer the toffee until it starts to smell of caramel and gets to the hard crack stage. To test if it has reached this stage drop a little into cold water. If it sets hard, it's ready. If it's still sticky, keep heating it and repeat. Word of warning: the toffee will be incredibly hot, so take great care.

When the toffee is at the hard crack stage, turn off the heat and let it sit for a minute. Then dip the apples, in turn, into the toffee, twirling to cover the fruit. Don't go for too thick a layer or it will be difficult to eat without breaking your teeth! Place the apples on the parchment and leave to set.

apples Choccy

(Makes 8)

Apples 8, medium sized Chocolate 400g, broken into pieces (whichever type you like best)

Ingredients Method

1. Prepare the apples as on the previous page

2. Quarter fill a small saucepan with boiling water from a kettle and put it over a low heat on the hob. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, making sure it doesn't touch the water below it. Put the chocolate pieces in the bowl.

3. Melt the chocolate, giving it a stir every now and then. When melted, dip each apple in turn into the chocolate, twirling the stick to build up the thickness you require. Place the apples on the parchment and leave to set in a cool place.

Turning Army Cadet Force skills into life skills

CVQO is a UK education charity and learning provider. We deliver vocational qualifications to Army Cadets and their adult instructors. Our qualifications are accredited by Pearson BTEC, ILM and City & Guilds.

To find out more information or to send us an enquiry, visit our website www.cvqo.org