Three people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Mrs Tia Jones in recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty in the ceremony at the Elephant and Castle Hotel in Newtown on Thursday, 15 January.
The achievements of the Lord-Lieutenant’s two cadets were also recognised and celebrated during the event attended by around 60 people.
Cadet Staff Sergeant Harry Agnew of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and Cadet Warrant Officer Max Morgan of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets outlined to the audience their time in cadets, including highlights of their role over the last 12 months as a Lord-Lieutenant cadet.
The role of Lord-Lieutenant cadet includes attendance with the Lord-Lieutenant of Powys, who acts as the King’s representative, at a number of official engagements, including Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.
Harry and Max were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.
They have followed in the footsteps of Cadet Flight Sergeant Lexie Young of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets who was awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate and Badge for being one of the 2024/25 representatives.
Reservist Warrant Officer Mark Collacott of 160th (Welsh) Brigade, Staff Sergeant Ian Corstorphine and Warrant Officer Christopher Thompson both of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit.
Also during the evening a long service award was presented to a member of the Army Cadet Force. Captain Paul Jones of Gwent and Powys ACF was presented with the 5th Clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal – signifying 42 years’ service.
There were also two cadet promotions. Cadet Staff Sergeant Harry Agnew was promoted to Cadet Company Sergeant Major and Cadet Sergeant Megan Williams, also of Gwent and Powys ACF, was promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant.
There are more than 4,500 cadets in Wales who gain skills and qualifications through working with local communities, charities and taking part in a variety of practical activities. The cadet syllabus is delivered by 1,850 volunteering adult instructors and civilian assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.
The awards ceremony was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.