A 'tour de force' who has helped increase the number of cadets in two towns to record levels is among four people in Powys who have been recognised by the King's representative for the county.

Staff Sergeant Instructor Ken Griffiths, Pam Jones, Cadet Company Sergeant Major Elliot Paul Tranter, and Cadet Flight Sergeant Amira Vieyra were celebrated for their contribution to the Army Cadet Force (ACF) at an awards ceremony held in Newtown last week.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Powys Tia Jones awarded adult volunteers Ken and Pam with her Certificate of Merit for their "outstanding service and devotion to duty".

Ken, a gamekeeper from Presteigne, joined the ACF as an adult volunteer eight months before Covid struck but did not allow this to deter him and completed all his training virtually so he was ready to go once face-to-face training returned.

He has been a ‘tour de force’ ever since and now commands two detachments, including Builth & Llandrindod Wells Detachments where attendance and participation have increased to levels never previously recorded.

Pam, from Llanidloes, joined the ACF two years ago as a non-uniform volunteer to assist her husband Captain Paul Jones who had just volunteered to re-open her hometown's detachment.

With no other Cadet Force Adult Volunteers available – safeguarding protocols meant a minimum of two adults were always required – Pam decided to volunteer her services. Since then, the detachment has enjoyed success with 20 cadets now parading – a testament to Pam’s dedication and support.

OTHER NEWS:

Cadet Company Sergeant Major Elliot Paul Tranter of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and Cadet Flight Sergeant Amira Vieyra of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets outlined to the audience at The Elephant & Castle Hotel on January 11 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 several official engagements, including Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.

Elliot, who is from Trefeglwys, and Amira, from Llandrindod Wells and will continue in post until September, 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.

There are nearly 5,000 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.