Cadets offer support to Kilve Court Family Open Day.

During the summer, Regimental Serjeant Major Corner offered the support of the local Minehead Platoon to assist with hosting Kilve Court’s Family Open Day on 1 August.

The Family Open Day formed a part of SSE Outdoors, Somerset Council’s Outdoor Education Service and welcomed over 1,000 visitors. The event offered a wide range of activities, including abseiling, climbing and water sports, and proved to be a wonderful success on what was a particularly warm summer day.

For many years, Kilve Court has enjoyed a close working relationship with Minehead Platoon in the delivery of the Family Open Day. The event also provides an excellent opportunity for the platoon to engage with members of the public, showcase the opportunities available through the Army Cadets, and promote the valuable work they undertake within the local community.

Luke Hoather, Senior Centre Manager, Kilve Court said ‘the cadets arrived promptly, full of enthusiasm and ready to assist our instructors and staff throughout the day. They were divided into teams and rotated between various activities, providing invaluable support across the site’.

Throughout the day, the cadets quickly established an effective routine which significantly improved the smooth running of the stand-up paddleboarding sessions. They helped organise and distribute buoyancy aids, helmets and paddles, assisted participants as they arrived and departed from activities, and ensured equipment was returned and prepared for subsequent sessions.

They also supported the smooth flow of the event by guiding visitors around the site, directing families to activities, answering questions where appropriate, and providing a welcoming presence for the many members of the public who attended.

As with all cadets, their professionalism, positive attitude and willingness to get involved in whatever task was required made a significant difference to the success of the day.

Despite the exceptionally warm weather the busy the cadets and volunteers provided exemplary service throughout.

Luke ended by saying ‘I would particularly like to recognise the adult volunteers who supervised, coordinated and supported the cadets, while also ensuring that communication and welfare arrangements ran smoothly throughout the event. I would also like to extend special thanks to Cpl Wing, Cpl La Baigue and Cdt Fouracre.’

The cadets worked tirelessly throughout the afternoon without complaint and were an absolute credit to both the Platoon and their Cadet Executive Officer.

To learn more about the Cadets and how to join visit Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets: Strengthening Future Leaders

To read about the benefits of becoming a cadet visit The benefits of becoming a cadet – Wessex Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association