Army Cadets show loyalty and support for local charities in the Lord Mayors Show Last Saturday 50 cadets and Adult Instructors from Greater London, South West Sector took part in the largest unrehearsed public parade through London’s Financial district. Whilst showcasing some of the local charities that 13 Company have been supporting over the last year.

Saturday 10th November saw a very early start for 50 Army Cadets and Adult Instructors from 13 Company, Greater London South West Sector as they made their way from their Headquarters in Battersea to London Wall in the city so they could take part in the world largest unrehearsed parade, The lord Mayors Show 2012.

The Lord Mayors Show is over 800 years old and it was the first time 13 Company have taken part. Sergeant Instructor Sonia Hicks, 50 from 136 PWRR Wimbledon College Detachment said “What a great day I had, thanks for another great memory, always. I always attended with my mum but never imagined I would one day be taking part.

The message of the show this year was Communities and Volunteering, so 13 Company choose 3 charities that they have been involved in over the last year. As part of the cadets progress they have to spend time being involved with community projects and charities of their choice. So picking the 3 charities was hard to do as across the 13 Company many charities and projects have benefited from the cadets support.

The cadets themselves rode bikes with flags of the chosen charities as well as carrying balloons and waving flags and giant poppies along to route through the city. The three charities that were supported were The Army benevolent fund (ABF)as this is the Army’s very own charity, The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal given the time of year and the number of cadets up and down the country who take part in Poppy selling this was also an easy choice. The last charity that was showcased by 13 Company was The Danny Boy Trust. The trust was set up in memory of Rifleman Daniel John Holkham of the 3rd Batallion the Rifles, who died in March 2010 when intercepting a suicide bomber who was driving a vehicle in Sangin Afghanistan, he was aged 19 years. The Holkham Family were very much part of 13 Company as all three serving sons were part of 138 The Rifles Detachment and their mum Tracey is also an Adult Instructor with 13 Company.

Major Paul Harrison, 47 Officer Commanding 13 Company said “ It was a great day and everyone enjoyed themselves and to have an opportunity to show off the charities that we support was a real honor. Major Harrison also said that 13 Company would love to do the show again next year.

More info at www.armycadets.com about your local Army Cadets. Cadets are aged 12-18 and Volunteer Leaders aged 19-55.

The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is the Army's national voluntary youth organisation with a membership of over 45,000 12 to 18 year old boys and girls. It operates in over 1700 locations all over the UK. Its aim is to inspire young people to achieve success in life, with a spirit of service to the Queen, Country and their local community alike.

The cadets participate in a full range of activities which include sport, first aid, adventure training and community work, as well as military skills. The ACF are also major participants in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. For more information visit www.armycadets.com an information pack.

Based on information supplied by karen lorimer.