Annie P, a Year 13 army cadet from the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Framlingham College has been appointed as one of the Lord-Lieutenant’s of Suffolk’s cadets for 2023/24.
Annie has been appointed as one of the Lord-Lieutenant’s of Suffolk’s cadets for 2023/24.
Annie said it was an ‘honour’ to be selected by Clare Countess of Euston, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, as a recipient of the prestigious award after being nominated by the College’s Lt Col. Myers-Allen.
Each year, the Lord-Lieutenant appoints three cadets selected from the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and the Air Training in Suffolk. The winning trio would have completed their training programmes to the highest standard and made a significant contribution to their community – with Annie being recognised as the very best example of a CCF army cadet in the county.
Talking about the award, Annie said: “I couldn’t believe it when Mr Myers-Allen had nominated me as one for the Lord Lieutenants cadets. I got the news just before October half term that I was attending the awards on November 1. I was so proud; it really was an honour.”
Starting her CCF journey back in 2020, Annie joined the cadets after being inspired by the achievements of past cadets and the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh award.
“From becoming section commander out on the field, to becoming a platoon sergeant – being in a CCF is something you can be really proud of”, says Annie.
Being part of important occasions and generating lifelong memories is something that Annie is most proud of within her cadet journey.
“In Year 11, I began taking part in Remembrance services at the College- from being an usher, to laying down a poppy wreath”, Annie explains. “I was also part of Major Kenneth Mayhew’s memorial service – one of my proudest moments was being given the honour of presenting Kenneth’s wife a wreath of flowers during the service. It was very moving and was something I was so proud to be part of.”
With one of the most important events in the cadet calendar approaching, Annie will accompany the Lord-Lieutenant this Sunday for a Remembrance service at the Lowestoft war memorial.
Annie (right) alongside the other winners of the Lord-Lieutenants cadets.
The CCF at Framlingham College was formed in 1899 and remains an ever-popular extra-curricular activity today. Pupils can join the CCF as recruits in Year 10, before going on to pass the Junior course by the end of Year 11 and finishing as Lance Corporals or Corporals. The Senior Course in Year 12 allows many to prove themselves worthy of promotion to Sergeant and above.
Not only does the CCF play a valuable role in the life and traditions of the school, but also as an educational partnership with the Ministry of Defence.
Talking about the opportunities that the CCF offers in schools, Annie said: “[The CCF helps you] to deal with situations under pressure, teaches you to think quickly and critically, teaches discipline, and gives you a strong sense of duty and responsibility – all things that you can carry with you in everyday life.
“There are lots of things I have learnt that I wouldn’t have without being part of the CCF. It also teaches you a lot about yourself, including strengths to weaknesses to work on, and builds lots of confidence.
“The CCF also offers you a strong career outlook within the army, air force or navy. I don’t think there’s anywhere else inside or outside of school where you’d be able to get a better first-hand, in-depth understanding of what a career could look like.”
As a member of the CCF at Framlingham College, Air Cadets can experience the popular Air Experience Flying and Air Experience Gliding days, while our Army Cadets enjoy Range Days, getting the chance to join the shooting team.
Offering advice to future cadets, Annie said: “Make sure you take every opportunity the CCF offers you. Being part of the CCF is something to be proud of – it allows you to gain leadership experiences and responsibility within your rank – things that will stand out for future job prospects.”
As a recipient of the award, Annie will have the opportunity to assist the Lord-Lieutenant on Parades, Royal Visits, military and civic events and religious services, and thus gain an insight into the opportunities for public service as adults.
After achieving her A-levels in Biology, English Literature and PE, Annie has her future sights set on studying Marine Biology at Exeter with plans to join the Officer Training Corps at university.
Clare Countess of Euston, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk is His Majesty The King’s representative in Suffolk and attends events and presents medals and awards to organisations on behalf of HM The King.
Historically the Lord-Lieutenant has always had strong links with the military units within Suffolk. In particular, the Lieutenancy supports and promotes all the Reserve Forces and liaises closely with our local Cadet Units linked to each of the Services.
Click here to discover more about the CCF at Framlingham College.
