Commanding officer for Market Harborough Sea Cadets given special award by Leicestershire Lord Lieutenant
An officer with Market Harborough’s branch of Sea Cadets has been honoured with a special award.
At a special ceremony, the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire Michael Kapur OBE CStJ gave out awards to community members who have made a difference.
The team at Market Harborough Sea Cadets said: “We are incredibly proud that Petty Officer Petch is being recognised with an award for meritorious service.
"As a Royal Navy veteran and one of the volunteers who has been part of TS Fernie from its early days, PO Petch has given an enormous amount of time and commitment to supporting our Unit and, most importantly, generations of young people.”
TS Fernie gives young people between nine and 18 from Market Harborough and the surrounding villages in South Leicestershire and North Northamptonshire the chance to experience adventure through boating, fieldcraft and first aid.
But Paul Claxton, from the branch, says Sea Cadets couldn’t give children these opportunities without adult volunteers.
He said: “They teach, encourage, drive minibuses, maintain equipment, organise activities, spend weekends away, stand on pontoons in questionable British weather – and do countless jobs behind the scenes that our cadets may never even realise are happening!
“So we're celebrating one of our own.
“A huge BZ to PO Petch on this thoroughly deserved recognition.”
‘BZ’ – Bravo Zulu – is a naval signal term meaning ‘well done’.
Paul added: “You don't need to have served in the Royal Navy to volunteer with Sea Cadets. You just need some time, enthusiasm and a willingness to help young people succeed.”