Bolton Cadets Receive Thanks

Defence secretary says big thank you to Bolton cadets at special event organised by University of Bolton

The Secretary of State for Defence thanked the cadets of Bolton in a personal video message at a special event hosted by the University of Bolton.

Grant Shapps told the audience of army, air, sea and marine cadets: “I want to thank every cadet in Bolton for their sterling service, including in paying your respects to our fallen heroes at the cenotaph and hope that you will all consider a career in the armed forces.”

Young members of the Army cadets, the Royal Artillery Bolton Cadets, Bolton Sea Cadets and Marine Cadets and the 80 (Bolton) Squadron Air Cadets attended the event which was held in the Social Learning Zone on campus.

They were presented with certificates of commemoration by the University of Bolton’s President and Vice Chancellor, Professor George E Holmes DL.

Professor Holmes’ told how he decided to organise the event after being so impressed by how well the braved the terrible weather in the town hall square at this year’s Remembrance Sunday ceremony, where, as a Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, he represented King Charles III.

He explained: “When I looked out from the steps on a very, very wet Sunday not long ago you were all standing there in the pouring rain some of you shivering, but all of you stood to attention and incredibly smart, I said to the Mayor ‘we are proud of our town aren’t we Mr Mayor?’ and he said ‘I am and I will be there, supporting young people for years to come’.”

Professor Holmes added: “To you as cadets, we wanted to say thank you for your contribution to the community.

“It is massively important to us that we recognise young people here in Bolton.

“We are the only town in Greater Manchester that has its own university and that makes it really special that we are able to entertain our young people – future really good citizens of Bolton.

“That is really important, because you contribute to the civic life of this town; you are the future of this town.”

The University and Carrs Pasties joined forces to give a £10 Carss voucher to every cadet and Professor Holmes also pledged £10,000 to be donated towards a new boiler and heating system for the sea cadets.

Cllr John Walsh was Master of Ceremonies for the event, which was also attended by the Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Mohammed Ayub.