Powys Community Champions Celebrated in Special Ceremony
The dedicated efforts of eight remarkable individuals from across Powys have been formally recognised by the King's representative for the county in a prestigious awards ceremony. The event, organised by the Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association for Wales, brought together approximately sixty people to celebrate exceptional community service and military dedication.
Certificate of Merit Recipients Honoured
Three distinguished individuals received the Lord-Lieutenant's Certificate of Merit from Mrs Tia Jones, the Lord-Lieutenant of Powys, during the ceremony held at the Elephant and Castle Hotel in Newtown on January 15. This significant honour acknowledges their outstanding service and unwavering devotion to duty within the community.
The recipients included Reservist Warrant Officer Mark Collacott of the 160th (Welsh) Brigade, alongside Staff Sergeant Ian Corstorphine and Warrant Officer Christopher Thompson, both serving with the Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force. These awards highlight the substantial contributions made by military personnel to local communities across the region.
Cadet Achievements Celebrated
The ceremony provided a special platform to recognise the accomplishments of the Lord-Lieutenant's two cadets, who have served as representatives throughout the past year. Cadet Staff Sergeant Harry Agnew of the Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and Cadet Warrant Officer Max Morgan of No2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets both addressed attendees, sharing highlights from their experiences as Lord-Lieutenant cadets.
These prestigious roles involve accompanying the Lord-Lieutenant, who acts as the King's representative, to numerous official engagements including Remembrance events, Royal visits, and public parades. Harry and Max were selected for these honoured positions following nominations from cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association for Wales.
Following in Distinguished Footsteps
The current cadets follow the exemplary path set by Cadet Flight Sergeant Lexie Young of No2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets, who was previously awarded the Lord-Lieutenant's certificate and badge as one of the 2024/25 representatives. This continuity demonstrates the ongoing commitment to recognising young people's contributions across Powys.
Additional Awards and Promotions
The evening also featured several other significant recognitions, including a long service award presented to Captain Paul Jones of the Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force. He received the fifth clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal, representing an impressive forty-two years of dedicated service to youth development and community engagement.
Furthermore, two cadet promotions were celebrated during the ceremony. Cadet Staff Sergeant Harry Agnew was promoted to Cadet Company Sergeant Major, while Cadet Sergeant Megan Williams, also of the Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force, was promoted to Cadet Staff Sergeant. These advancements recognise their growing leadership capabilities and commitment to the cadet programme.
The Wider Cadet Community in Wales
The awards ceremony highlighted the broader impact of cadet programmes across Wales, where more than 4,500 young people gain valuable skills and qualifications through community engagement, charitable work, and practical activities. This educational syllabus is delivered by approximately 1,850 volunteering adult instructors and civilian assistants who generously donate their spare time during weeknights and weekends.
The Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association for Wales, which organised this celebratory event, has been supporting the Armed Forces for over a century, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to recognising service and fostering community spirit throughout the region.
