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3rd Jul 2013

New Appointment

A Bedford Air Cadet has recently been appointed by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis as a Lord-Lieutenants Cadet, the first time such an appointment has been made in Bedfordshire.

Keith Mayhew - photographer (Biggleswade)

Along side two others, Cadet Warrant Officer Jonathon Bell from 134 (Bedford) Squadron were present at the special Flag Raising ceremony held at Central Bedfordshire Council’s Headquarters at Chicksands, on Monday, 24 June, in support of Armed Forces Day. Alongside Jonathon Bell was Cadet Sergeant Major Emma Harwood from Beds & Herts Army Cadet Force and Cadet Warrant Officer William Hunt from the Combined Cadet Force at Bedford School.

The role of Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets is to support the Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out her duties and their selection and appointment acknowledges their outstanding contribution to their cadet service and to the community.

Following the flag raising ceremony a special presentation took place in which the Lord-Lieutenant read out his commendation and gave Jonathon Bell his Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate, and framed photograph. The other cadets had received theirs at separate presentations.

Jonathon Bell is a Cadet Warrant Officer Air Cadet from No. 134 (Bedford) Squadron. He has gained a Gliding Scholarship and represented the Corps in many varied ways. He is in his first year of an Apprenticeship Scheme with Monarch Airlines.

Speaking after the presentation the Lord-Lieutenant said, “I was particularly pleased with the recent appointment of my Lord-Lieutenant’s cadets who are supporting me this year. Today it was with great pleasure that I was able to present Jonathon with his certificate.

My cadets are the finest of the many talented young people in our cadet forces within Bedfordshire. Jonathon is an excellent leader and a credit to his organisation and to the county. He contributes so much to the activities undertaken in his Squadron and is an inspiration and great role model to those who will follow”.