Newtownabbey teens help to celebrate 'Cadet 150'

Cadet detachments from Abbotscroft, Carnmoney, Whitehouse and Greenisland, together with several other local detachments, took over the camp for a high octane weekend crammed with competition and challenge. Parents, families and friends were invited along to the ‘Cadet 150’ event to see what their teenagers get up to and join in what the Cadet movement describes as ‘serious fun’.

In between the fun and games, there was also an opportunity to congratulate some of Newtownabbey’s high-achieving teens who were collecting their Master Cadet Certificates.

Master Cadet training is the top course for Cadets, organised annually at Frimley Park in England. Even being selected to attend is an honour for the best Cadets, who can expect to be put through their paces in a range of Cadet disciplines before, hopefully, emerging with the coveted Master Cadet Certificate and badge.

Among those who made the grade this year and picked up their Master Cadet Certificates during the Cadet 150 weekend were 17-year-old Cadet Sergeant Major Demi McAteer from Carnmoney Army Cadet Force detachment and 18-year-old Rowen Corey from the Greenisland detachment.

Commenting on their achievement, Colonel David McCleery, Chairman of the Army Cadet Force Association in Northern Ireland, said: “Demi and Rowen have proved themselves to be extremely capable and hard working and are fabulous role models for the younger Cadets in the area. This latest achievement sets the seal on two remarkably successful Cadet careers and I congratulate them both.”

Reflecting on the success of the Cadet 150 weekend, Brigadier Edward Smyth-Osbourne, the Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade, said: “These celebrations have given us a wonderful opportunity to showcase one of the country’s best known and most enduring youth organisations, encouraging still more young people to step forward to - as the slogan says - ‘Live The Adventure’.

“These young people from across Newtownabbey are testimony to the opportunities for achievement and experience which the Cadet movement offers young people, all delivered with a great sense of fun and camaraderie. These teenagers have seized the opportunities to learn new skills, develop personal qualities as team members and leaders and to make lasting friendships. They are an example to others and a credit to their families, schools and, of course, their Cadet units.”