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Thongsbridge Army Cadets
September 2012 Newsletter Issue 3
Thongsbridge Army Cadets Huddersfield Road, Thongsbridge, HD9 3JQ Mobile number: 07917086623 E-mail: thongsbridgeacf@hotmail.co.uk Web: www.yorkshirearmycadets.co.uk Detachment Commander: C/Sgt Dan Heneghan
Back on parade!! After a summer break, Thongsbridge cadets were back on parade in September, ready for action and eager to progress!
Recent Awards & Promotions! New promotions include: Cpl Holmes Cadets who have recently achieved their basic, Cdt Stephenson, Gates, Valente, OatesMiller, Sanderson, McDonald, Norgate, Roys & Yare.
But while the detachment may have been quiet during the Summer months, cadets were still busy at events such as Yorkshire (N&W) Army Cadet Force’s Annual Camp where senior cadets were put through their paces for 2
weeks of military training, and of course more local to us, cadets were bag packing away to raise money for charities, we were also lending a helping hand at local gala’s and fetes. Since returning we have been quick to get back into the swing of things, with promotions, testing and excellent training!
CADETS RAISE FUNDS FOR THE DETACHMENT! Thongsbridge cadets organised and carried out a bag pack in June to raise funds for the detachment, 4 cadets from Thongsbridge detachment were pulled together by L/Cpl Mike Holmes. They carried out a bag pack at Huddersfield Sainsbury’s supermarket where they raised just under £300 in only 2 and a half hours.
Cadets who have recently achieved their one star, Cdt Wood Cadets who have recently achieved their two star, Cpl Holmes
Above: Cpl Steadman bag packing
Cadet of the Month June Cdt Taylor July / August Summer Break Recruit of the Month June Cdt Roys July / August Summer Break
Unfortunately in July, Sgt Brook was transferred to Mirfield Detachment, a closer detachment to his work and home. His successor C/Sgt Heneghan took on the challenge of Thongsbridge and has been continuing the work of Sgt Brook, building on the successes and moving forward, we wish all the best to Sgt Brook in his new position!
Cadets are now coming up with ideas on how they think the money should be spent in order to benefit Thongsbridge Army Cadets themselves and the detachment. L/Cpl Holmes said “I was really surprised at the amount we raised, we are coming up with ideas and are also planning bag packs for the future to help the detachment”
Bag packing for Kirkwood Hospice Holme Valley Neighborhood Policing team and Thongsbridge Army Cadets came together once again to help raise funds for Kirkwood Hospice! Thongsbridge cadets jumped at the chance to help Kirkwood Hospice, a local organisation that works within Kirklees to provide specialist care free of charge to those diagnosed with advanced, progressive illnesses. L/Cpl Lewis organised the cadets for the event and on the day, keeping them busy with different fund raising activities. The bag packing was a huge success on the
day, with the Holme Valley Policing Team and Thongsbridge Army Cadets raising over £400 for the Kirkwood Hospice. Thongsbridge Army Cadets are working very closely with local organisations in Holme Valley, helping charities and community groups, if you are interested in working with the Thongsbridge Army Cadets, please contact us via thongsbridgeacf@hotmail.co.uk
Right: Cdt Roys and Cdt McDonald
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Thongsbridge Army Cadets THONGSBRIDGE CADETS PULL OUT BIG GUNS AT HONLEY SUMMER FEST Cadets from Thongsbridge Detachment were armed and ready with water guns at this year’s Honley Summer Fest. The cadets set up a stall to attract the punters where they then pulled out all their best recruiting moves!
Above: Cdt Waller tactically fires water at Sgt Brook!
ANNUAL CAMP! Senior cadets from Thongsbridge attended a 2 week camp in Wathgill, Catterick in August! The 2 weeks were crammed with exciting opportunities, from Field training exercises involving blank ammunition to mountain walking as well as live firing on the military ranges and assault courses! Cadets were tested at all aspects of their star level, with many coming back having achieved the next start level up.
Thongsbridge cadets were at the event bright and early, helping set up for the organisers, L/Cpl Holmes took it upon himself to organise the cadets and provide jobs and As the day wound down, cadets were able to relax and enjoy keep people busy throughout. the entertainment. Cpl Steadman, the senior cadet from Thongsbridge said “I think As well as recruiting and today has been really good, all the cadets have enjoyed it and setting up, cadets were tasked we have handed out over 500 recruiting stickers!” with manning the entrance gate and checking that all Thongsbridge Army Cadets will be looking forward to the event visitors had a ticket. next year, let’s just hope the weather is less wet!
CLIMBING THE RANKS On returning after the Summer Break, C/Sgt Heneghan is quick to get in gear at Thongsbridge and a key to running a detachment is having the best people for the job! So it was with this idea that L/Cpl Holmes was promoted to the rank of Corporal. While many NCO’s have been busy with exams and holidays Cpl Holmes has really stepped up to the plate and assisted in the management and running of the detachment. Cpl Holmes recently attended 2 weeks at Annual Camp where he was put through his paces on the 3* Cadre. His role within the detachment is now Platoon 2ic, working with Cpl Steadman, they will manage the 3 sections at Thongsbridge. On top of this Cpl Holmes has also taken the task of Cadre commander for the basic cadets, he will be training them throughout until they pass and move up to one star training. Above: Cpl Holmes and C/Sgt Heneghan
County Skill At Arms Competition 4 cadets and 2 instructors from Thongsbridge detachment attend the County SAAM in September to form part of the D Company Shooting team. Cadets fire the 5.56mm A2 Rifle at 100m, 200m and 300m ranges while competing against teams from A, B, C and E Company. D Company came home with Gold, Silver and Bronze medals from the competition, with all Thongsbridge cadets coming home with a medal. Well done to all staff and cadets who attended!