After two decades as the Queen’s representative for Powys, Dame Shan Legge-Bourke has held her final awards ceremony and taken the opportunity to honour Cadets in the county, including one from Llandrindod Wells.

Dame Legge-Bourke DCVO will step down from the role on her 75th birthday later this year and bring an end to her 20 years as the Lord-Lieutenant. At the annual awards ceremony, she welcomed two teenagers to the prestigious appointment of Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for 2018.

Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force’s (ACF) 17-year-old Sergeant William Webb from Brecon and No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets’ 17-year-old Flight Sergeant Callum Hadwen from Llandrindod were selected for their continuous achievements.

“I am very happy to have two Cadets from both north and south Powys, one from the Army Cadet Force and an RAF Air Cadet,” said Dame Legge-Bourke. “I look forward to working with my new Cadets. It will be an interesting year as we mark the end of the First World War and I’m sure we will be busy running up and down the county.

“Over the years, I can’t thank all of my Cadets enough and what has been extremely nice for me is that some of them have actually written to me to tell me what they’re doing all over the world. The Cadets, particularly in Powys, needs every bit of help it can get and may I just thank those who help them contribute to our communities.”

William and Callum’s new role will involve accompanying the Lord-Lieutenant at official engagements, such as Royal visits and Remembrance services, and representing Cadets from alI corners of Powys.

The crowd that gathered at Cwrt-y-Gollen Training Camp in Crickhowell also celebrated the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets who held the responsibilities in 2017. Cadet Staff Sergeant Erin Bishop and Cadet Bombardier Toby Millington were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate and Badge.

Both are members of Gwent and Powys ACF, who have more than 600 active Cadets across the county. They’re inspired and motivated by over 100 volunteers, who enable Cadets to access life changing opportunities.

For their voluntary commitment to developing future generations, Captain Douglas Coleman and Miss Sian Thomas, who are both from Talgarth, were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service.

There are eight Lord-Lieutenant Awards are held annually and organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years. To learn more about opportunities available, visit: www.Wales-RFCA.org.

The event was also used to present a number of ACF related awards. Company Sergeant Major Instructor Charlene Candler received the 1st Clasp to the Cadet Force Medal and Sergeant Major Instructor Paul Mugleston received the Cadet Force Medal, whilst Cadet Sergeant William Webb was promoted and awarded his Four Star Certificate.

Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Andrew Lewis and Cadet Company Sergeant Major Jack Green, both from Gwent and Powys ACF, were presented with the Brigade Commander’s Coin.