The club creating future leaders at BGS

In 1972, I joined the Army Cadets, which offered a wide syllabus and numerous adventures, including rock climbing and canoeing, both locally and abroad.

It was during this time that I had the honour of representing my country in shooting. This led me to joining the Army and embarking on my journey of technical training, eventually becoming a communications specialist.

After this, I pursued a career in telecommunications when I arrived in Bradford. However, my path took a different turn, and I joined the police force, where I served for 35 years. In this role as a Principal Technical Officer/Airwave Tactical Advisor, I directed communications activities for major incidents such as terrorist attacks and the G8 summit in Edinburgh.

At the same time, I became a volunteer commissioned officer in the Army Cadet Force (ACF). Over the years, I took on increasingly significant responsibilities, eventually serving as County Commandant and attaining the rank of full Colonel. During this time, I commanded 1,400 cadets and 250 staff members, and it was immensely rewarding to witness their achievements. I particularly took pride in my daughter’s accomplishments as she became a Lord-Lieutenant Cadet and a Cadet Sgt Major. Following her time in the ACF, she pursued further education at the Royal Military College of Science at Shrivenham and currently works as an MOD contractor.

After standing down from this role in December 2021, I assumed the role of Contingent Commander in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) at Bradford Grammar School (BGS). This voluntary position involves leading weekly parade nights every Tuesday at 16:00 hours. Our training sessions cover various subjects, including field craft (referred to as battle training by younger cadets), weapons handling, marksmanship principles and First Aid, all of which can be used towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

I want to emphasise that the CCF at BGS is open to both boys and girls, dispelling any misconceptions that it’s exclusively for boys. In fact, our membership is balanced, with a 50-50 male-female ratio. Within the ACF, I’ve witnessed remarkable achievements by high-achieving female cadets in the past. One is currently employed as a bomb disposal advisor for NATO, while another serves as a medical officer on HMS Sir David Attenborough in Antarctica, providing various medical skills not just general medical services, but also dentistry and eye care.

It brings me immense joy to see the cadets at BGS excel and achieve great things. I often encounter them during lunchtime, where the Clock House kids excitedly point me out as the ‘army man’.

At BGS, the CCF includes both Army and Royal Air Force contingents. Last year, our RAF students participated in activities which included visits to an RAF base and flying experiences in both gliding and powered flight. The Army section students attended the Senior Cadet Instructor Course, which enhanced their leadership skills and allowed them to achieve the Army four-star award. This year, we have six cadets going through the same course. Through our affiliation with the ACF, our cadets have opportunities to progress and advance. One notable Cadet, Matthew M, who attended the Master Cadet Course at the National Cadet Training Centre in Surrey, was one of only two CCF cadets on the course out of 50. These advanced courses focus on leadership development and provide valuable training experiences. Matthew has also been nominated for the Lord-Lieutenant’s Award, and if successful, he’ll be presented his award in front of esteemed individuals such as the Lord-Lieutenant, Deputy-Lieutenant, senior military personnel and civil dignitaries and given the opportunity to address them.

From seeing some of the cadets in their initial days as enthusiastic post Clock House kids to becoming responsible young adults who take charge and assist the staff in delivering the training, I’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation among them. They learn skills such as teamwork and leadership, which are highly transferable to the professional world, and their confidence grows exponentially. This year, we’ve organised a camp within the UK cadet force system, bringing along 40 cadets who will undoubtedly benefit from this opportunity. Additionally, they will have the chance to observe the personal growth of individuals like Matthew as they prepare for their future lives, realising the benefits of stepping outside their comfort zones.

The CCF at BGS is always interested in hearing from adults who can volunteer a few hours of their time to support the cadets as it’s essential that we have the correct number of staff to continue to deliver the service. If you’re interested in this rewarding role, please contact [email protected] for more information.