More than 300 cadets from Northumbria ACF marched through the streets of Alnwick today in a joint celebration of their Freedom of Northumberland and Armed Forces Day.
The national Army Cadet Force banner was held aloft as the drums of the Cassino Band echoed along the narrow cobbled streets of the historic market town.
A drumhead service was held in St Michael's Church with local dignatories and representatives of the Forces in attendance. Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland, the Chairman of Northumberland County Council and Brigadier Grenville Bibby CBE took their places in the front row as Northumbria ACF Commandant Colonel David Middleton MBE, Cadet RSM Liam Arnot and Cadet Sgt Ellie Tribe gave readings to celebrate the occasion.
Following church the parade moved to the Outer Bailey of Alnwick Castle with the Duchess and Brigadier taking the salute along the way. At the Castle the Chairman of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Jim Smith, gave a short speech and presented the the cadets with a scroll conferring the Freedom of Northumberland. Presentations were made of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and Duke of Edinburgh's Silver Awards.
The cadets then dispersed back to the TA Centre for a well deserved lunch and W Company's own presentations. LCpls Joe Miller and Catherine Phillips, pictured above with the 2IC, were promoted to the rank of Cpl in recognition of their continued hard work and commitment to Broomhill Detachment.
W Company extends its congratulations to everyone involved in today's historic events.
Photos of the parade appear in our 2012 gallery.
The national Army Cadet Force banner was held aloft as the drums of the Cassino Band echoed along the narrow cobbled streets of the historic market town.
A drumhead service was held in St Michael's Church with local dignatories and representatives of the Forces in attendance. Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland, the Chairman of Northumberland County Council and Brigadier Grenville Bibby CBE took their places in the front row as Northumbria ACF Commandant Colonel David Middleton MBE, Cadet RSM Liam Arnot and Cadet Sgt Ellie Tribe gave readings to celebrate the occasion.
Following church the parade moved to the Outer Bailey of Alnwick Castle with the Duchess and Brigadier taking the salute along the way. At the Castle the Chairman of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Jim Smith, gave a short speech and presented the the cadets with a scroll conferring the Freedom of Northumberland. Presentations were made of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and Duke of Edinburgh's Silver Awards.
The cadets then dispersed back to the TA Centre for a well deserved lunch and W Company's own presentations. LCpls Joe Miller and Catherine Phillips, pictured above with the 2IC, were promoted to the rank of Cpl in recognition of their continued hard work and commitment to Broomhill Detachment.
W Company extends its congratulations to everyone involved in today's historic events.
Photos of the parade appear in our 2012 gallery.
