IN THE BEGINNING
I joined the ACF in February 2015, joining the same detachment as my older sister. I found Seaton Burn
a welcoming and comfortable place especially because I knew some cadets there already.
I joined the cadets partly to meet new people and take part in new activities like shooting, camping,
learning to navigate and first aid and partly because I am interested in joining the Army. I also want to
become a first aider. I really enjoy my time at the cadets; my favourite thing so far has been shooting
with the .22 rifle at Ashington. It was very exciting and I’d like to do more and learn about and shoot the
other rifles we use in the ACF.
I sometimes get homesick so although I wanted to go to camp I was a bit nervous. I need not have
worried as I really enjoyed it and it helped build my confidence and I am now more independent. My
objectives now are to qualify as a first aider and eventually gain the rank of Sergeant. I know that this
will take time and hard work but I know they can be achieved.
Cadet Megan Richardson (Seaton Burn Detachment)
BEYOND THE ARMY CADET FORCE
My time in cadets started with me learning basic military skills, which has helped me advance
through my career so far as a Class 2 Medic in the Royal Army Medial Corps (RAMC).
Cadets started teaching me basic leadership skills and military knowledge which has allowed me to
think outside the box and take command where appropriate in complicated situations. I also think it
has helped contribute to me achieving the rank of junior lance corporal whilst at the Army
Foundation College (Harrogate) for Phase One Training and the award for the Best Junior Soldier in
the RAMC, along with the top soldier in Phase Two Training. During my time in the ACF, I went on
their annual ski trip to France and on a scuba diving trip to Malta. This has therefore given me a
Hannah Sim with Catherine Philips handing
over the role of Lord Lt’s Cadet
chance to experience these sports and I can continue further in the Army.
Not forgetting that the ACF has also given me a chance to get into athletics with their inter-county competition and with the upcoming Army
Medical Services Championships for athletics it is something I'm very interested in doing and that is because of cadets. Northumbria ACF has
also taught me excellent people skills, and this is mainly through courses like the Senior Cadet Instructors Cadre (SCIC) and Cadet Leadership
Course (CLC) and for being awarded the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet.
I’ve got a lot of benefits from the ACF, and a few of these are my Bronze, Silver
and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards and I have just come back from St James’
Palace in London for my Gold presentation. I'm looking forward to popping into
my local detachment for a good catch up next time I'm home to give an update to
everyone.
Ex-Cadet CSM, now Private Hannah Sim (RAMC)
Hannah and her parents Lt Col & Mrs Sim with The Lord Lt for Northumberland Lady Jane Percy
6