CADETS have been welcomed back to training after months apart due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier this month, Member of Parliament for Clwyd South, Simon Baynes MP, visited the local Army Cadets (part of the Clwyd and Gwynedd Cadets) at their centre in Rhosllanerchrugog, who have recently started training again following the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.

During the visit, he heard more about the huge sense of pride, shared experiences and the benefits of being a Cadet, by talking to each of the Cadets individually and to their instructors.

He met with Lieutenant Alex Elliot (Rhos Detachment Commander and County Vocational Qualifications Officer) and Sergeant Instructor Mike Atherton (Llangollen Detachment Commander) and spoke to them about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the Detachment and the vigorous efforts they are making to recruit more Cadets.

Commenting on the visit, Lt Alex Elliot said: “It was fantastic for myself, other Cadet Force adult volunteers and Cadets from Rhosllanerchrugog, Llangollen and Brynteg to meet Simon Baynes MP. With lockdowns over the past year, young people have suffered greatly with their education and social life having been heavily disrupted.

“With Simon’s visit it was great to be able to show just some of the fantastic opportunities available to young people now that we are back training in our local detachments and I personally look forward to seeing how we will be working together to benefit the local communities where the Army Cadets operate.

“The Army Cadets rely heavily on the core values of courage, discipline, respect, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment and with these in mind I can’t wait to welcome new Cadets to the organisation and helping them realise their potential.”

Simon Baynes MP added: “I greatly enjoyed my visit and was very impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the Cadets, and also, by the duty of care shown by the Cadet Force instructors and adult volunteers. It was great to speak to each Cadet and learn more about their activities and their aspirations for the future. Particularly, as serving in the Cadets is a clear pathway to a fulfilling career later on in life.

“Having grown up in an Army family myself, I understand very well the values that underpin the Cadets and how proud they make their communities feel. I was very pleased to highlight their outstanding work in the House of Commons in July last year. And I look forward to continuing to support the excellent work that the Cadets do in our communities across Clwyd South.”