Services to Cadet Force recognised

Efforts of Newbury and Thatcham instructors recognised

LOCAL members of the reserve forces received recognition for their service to the cadet force at a recent ceremony.

Captain Gary Kimber, from Thatcham, and Sergeant Major Instructor Annette Foale, from Newbury, were presented with Lord Lieutenant Certificates for their contribution to the Berkshire Army Cadet Force.

Captain Kimber, aged 46, said: “I feel very proud to receive this award. It is all about the cadets. the youth of today are much maligned but I am fortunate to be able to interact with sensible, mature and enthusiastic young adults – cadets.”

Captain Kimber also works for the British Red Cross and is a full-time first aid trainer. He was an Army Cadet, and then went on to join the regular army.

When he retired he said: “It was a natural progression to come back to the cadets, exactly where I started.”

Sergeant Major Instructor Annette Foale works for Dunedin Hospital, Reading. On receiving her certificate, the 31-year-old said: “It means a great deal to be selected and recognised for what I have achieved.

“I was a cadet myself and enjoyed the challenges and now as an instructor I enjoy the challenges of working with young people helping them to achieve new goals and grow as individuals. ”

Lord Lieutenant Certificates give public recognition to people and the members of the Reserve Forces whose efforts are not recognised in the Queen’s Honours lists. Lord Lieutenant Cadets are appointed each year and mark the achievement of outstanding service by an individual to their cadet movement.

The Lord Lieutenant for the Royal County of Berkshire, James Puxley, presented the certificates and appointed his four new Lord Lieutenant Cadets at a ceremony held at Wellington College.