Elgin Cadets' lockdown achievements marked as detachment returns to face-to-face training

ELGIN Army Cadets returned to face-to-face training last week for the first time since December.

The 1st Battalion The Highlanders’ Elgin Detachment handed out several awards to cadets for their efforts over lockdown during an outdoor meet-up last Wednesday, May 5.

For the past year Army Cadets up and down the country have been training online to ensure their progression, boost mental health and to stay connected during lockdown.

Over the last four months the Elgin cadets have engaged with the battalion’s online programme. The National Army Cadet Training team has also organised talks and lectures from guest speakers such as Mark Billingham, of Channel 4's SAS: Who Dares Wins.

Twelve Elgin cadets enjoyed a relaxed return playing small sided games before the award presentations were made. Due to current restrictions for youth organisations their training has to take place outside.

The detachment celebrated the achievement of former cadet Colour Sergeant Louise Curtis (18), who was awarded a Four Star Certificate – the highest training level in the Army Cadets. Louise aged out of the organisation at the start of the year during lockdown.

Cdt Odynn Duff (14) was presented with a certificate for attending the Army Cadets' STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) virtual camp over last year's October holidays.

The annual camp was moved online due to the pandemic, which saw Odynn take part in a series of online and interactive activities and complete an associated workbook. He was also awarded with the Industrial Cadet award and a STEM badge.

Six Guinness World Record certificates were handed out to members of the detachment who took part in the Army Cadets’ official world record attempt to break the record for "Most users to take part in an online mental health awareness course", which took place in October last year for World Mental Health Day.

These went to Lieutenant Andrew Peacock (40), Staff Sergeant Instructor Graeme Wells (28), Louise Curtis, Cadet Lance Corporal Mitchell Collie (16), Cadet Odynn Duff and Cadet Ruudi Duff (12).

Detachment Commander SSI Graeme Wells said: "Over two lockdowns our Elgin cadets have achieved so much and it is wonderful to finally welcome them back and help mark their achievements."

The Elgin detachment meets every Wednesday night at the Army Reserve Centre, on Edgar Road, between 7-9.15pm.

For more information contact Mr Wells at PRO1hldrsacf@armymail.mod.uk or go online to armycadets.com.

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