The Army Cadet Force is a youth organisation with values and mottos similar to Freemasonry, such as Integrity, Friendship, Respect and Service. Their motto is ‘To Inspire and Achieve’. In the build up to Armistice day and each year on Remembrance Sunday they collect much needed funds for the British Legion, they also provide the guard of honour and a ‘Quarter Guard’ at the annual Suffolk Show as well as many other ceremonial and charity events throughout the county.
The Ipswich Cadets owned six 1869 Pattern Lances to enhance their ceremonies and link them to their illustrious past; the problem was the bamboo shafts on the lances were split, the leather grips were worn, and many straps were broken and having been repaired on numerous occasions during their long life they needed replacement. The cadets have been working hard fundraising and also have a ‘troop fund’, but the money was currently assigned to projects elsewhere, such as training.
So, they turned to Suffolk Freemasons for help, with the community in mind, and as we have signed the ‘Armed Forces Covenant’ along with the fact our own Provincial Grand Master, Jolyon Berry, was a former member of the armed forces, it seemed fitting we need to support the cadets and come to their help and assistance.
When they contacted us initially, they asked if we would maybe donate a single lance, which is valued at nearly £400 each. The Provincial Charity Steward, Jon Neill became involved and it was decided we would do better than a single lance and donated six valued at over £2000. Half the funding for these came from the Province of Suffolk, and the remainder came from a Masonic Charitable Foundation grant.
Staff Sergeant David Brown said,
“It makes such a difference to the youngsters to have quality equipment to work with; the values of both our organisations match, and we really thank you for your help”
Suffolk Provincial Grand Master Jolyon Berry said,
“One of the many privileges of leading Suffolk Freemasonry is the opportunity to serve our communities and to meet other fantastic organisations that are doing similar, good work. I have had the honour of awarding new Lances to a local Army Cadet Force in Ipswich to replace their old ones that were bought way back in 1942. Meeting these keen, enthusiastic and interested young cadets, watching their drill on a cold December evening, and meeting the volunteer trainers who work with them was a reminder of how much effort goes into building and sustaining communities”
There are about 34,000 Cadets within the ACF in some 1,600 detachments, which are to be found in every part of the United Kingdom and 32,000 Army Cadets within the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), which is within schools. The Army Cadets continues to play its part as the Army’s own voluntary youth organisation.
More information on Suffolk Army Cadets can be found here: https://armycadets.com/county/suffolk-acf/
