Henley Army Cadets

STAFF Cadet Colour Serjeant jt) Abbie Addiscott-Allen from Henley detachment, Oxfordshire Army Cadet Force, was selected to take part in an exchange project to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence.

The UK’s Army Cadet Force selected and sent eight staff cadets and supporting cadet force adult volunteers to India for two weeks.

They underwent a tough selection process including an interview and submission of a personal statement.

Before flying to India, Staff Cadet CSjt Addiscott-Allen spent a few days at the national cadet training centre in Frimley Park with the other seven cadets undertaking team building activities, military briefings and final kit checks. The national exchange programme involved 11 countries. More than 100 cadets met in India and participated in community events, military briefings and activities.

During the trip, the cadets learned about each other’s socio-economic and cultural realities.

Before flying home they had the opportunity to look around Mumbai and the Taj Mahal.

On her return to the Henley detachment, Staff Cadet CSjt Addiscott-Allen briefed the other cadets on how her trip went and showed them gifts she had received.

It’s common tradition on cadet exchanges to take badges and merchandise to swap or gift with other cadets from other countries. Overall, it was a successful trip and has inspired Staff Cadet CSjt Addiscott-Allen to visit more counties and learn more about other cultures.

The Army Cadet Force is a national youth organisation for 12- to 18-year-olds sponsored and supported by the Ministry of Defence. It provides a challenging and varied syllabus based on military themes.

The Henley Army Cadet Force parades every Wednesday from 7,15pm to 9.30pm at the Drill Hall in Friday Street and is currently looking for new cadets and adult volunteers. Feel free to come along and experience something new.

For enquiries, please email detachment commander, Lt Mel Fearn at 3360hayne@armymail.mod.uk

Mel Fearn