Magherafelt cadets celebrate 150 years

IT'S one of the biggest birthday parties around – and it's going on all year! Teenagers across the country are celebrating the 150th anniversary of one of the country's largest and most enduring youth organisations: the Cadet movement.
By The Newsroom
Published 17th May 2010, 13:21 BST
Updated 17th May 2010, 16:29 BST

This month the celebrations moved to Magilligan Training Camp on the North coast where Cadets enjoyed a weekend packed with competition and challenge. Sharing in the fun and celebrations were parents, families and friends who were invited along to get an inside view of the Cadet movement in action.

Commenting on the weekend, Brigadier Edward Smyth-Osbourne, the Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade, said: “This is shaping up to be a truly memorable year for Cadets right around Northern Ireland as they throw with their customary vigour and enthusiasm into marking this special anniversary with a diverse programme of events.

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“The weekend held recently at Magilligan was a great, good humoured celebration of all that is best about the Cadet movement. It provided an excellent opportunity to showcase some of the talents and achievements of our teenage Cadets and to say ‘thank you’ to the adult leaders whose commitment and enthusiasm quite literally keep the show on the road!

“In the Cadet movement teenagers and adult volunteers alike can build their leadership and teamwork skills; develop initiative, self-confidence, self-discipline and a sense of responsibility and can achieve nationally recognised vocational qualifications. Importantly it is an excellent environment in which to build lasting friendships and to enjoy what the Cadets term’ serious fun’.

“Amongst those at our celebratory weekend were teenagers from Magherafelt which has traditionally been an area of strength for us. We hope that seeing what how these local lads have benefited from being Cadets will encourage even more youngsters - girls as well as boys - to join one of our very active local units.

“We are always glad to welcome new members and many teenagers find the Cadet movement a great way to build lasting friendships as well as build confidence. Importantly we are also looking for new Adult Volunteers to work with our Cadets.

“As the Magilligan Weekend demonstrated there’s no shortage of fun or skills building in the Cadet movement for Adult Volunteers - provided they can keep up with the kids, that is!”

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