Over the weekend members of the Island’s Army Cadets volunteered their time to help raise money for this year’s Poppy Appeal, in aid of the Royal British Legion.
Cadets from Gallipoli Company – the contingent of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force (ACF) – were out in numbers across the Island, braving the bad weather to help raise money and support a great cause by selling poppies.
Like many veterans, supporters and cadet organisations nationally, Army Cadets play an essential part in raising money for the Royal British Legion at this time of year, as well as taking part in the remembrance events and parades.
Colonel Theresa Farmer, Commandant of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force, has said:
“The cadets and instructors both on the Island, and across Hampshire continue to do an excellent job at raising money for the Poppy Appeal and should be very proud of their efforts and the assistance they are providing to the Royal British Legion in doing so”.
The Army Cadet Force is a youth organisation sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, open to young people aged between 12 and 18. Activities include expeditions, adventure training, fieldcraft, shooting, sport, first aid, drill, music and camps.
For more information, or to find your local detachment, visit armycadets.com.
If you would like to donate to the Poppy Appeal you can do so at https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-appeal.
I would like to express my appreciation for the adult instructors who give their time and enthusiasm for the cadets.
This remembrance weekend is an especially important time as some cadets from the island are taking part in the national events in London.
A cadet in this picture and their brother, currently rehearsing at the Albert Hall, have several links with veterans including many of their ACF instructors, their parents, a great grandfather, a grandfather and an uncle. Their great, great grandfather died in WW1; his last letter home is on Sky News website ‘Heartbreaking letters from WW1 soldiers’.