Mum (and Grandmum) is the word for Badenoch and Strathspey cadets!
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There may be a global pandemic going on but that’s not going to hold back the rise of the strath’s best Army cadets.
Their detachment commander at Aviemore, Tony Brown, decided not to delay the promotion of two of his finest as June approached – and mobilised their families to do the honours!
Colour Sergeant Brown told the Strathy: “Although lockdown regulations prohibited me from presenting them with their stripes, I felt it was not fair that they should have to wait.
“Calum Moneagle and Harvey Richards have both been cadets for around 18 months now and are top quality.
“They are the first two cadets I have personally promoted so it was special for me as well.
“I asked the Company Commander for permission as I thought it was important that we awarded our cadets on passing all their one-star level training. I felt we should show them and others that their achievements haven’t been forgotten just because of the coronavirus. It also sends out a positive message to other cadets, that they can still achieve no matter what the situation is.”
Lance Corporal Calum Moneagle proudly received his stripe from mum Katie at home in Kingussie, while at home in Newtonmore, Harvey Richards was honoured by his grandmother, Vivian Haylock.
“She was so proud to make the presentation on Tony’s behalf,” said Harvey’s mum Rachel, explaining that her mother lived with the family and was breaking no regulations – Army or governmental.
“It’s been such a surreal time, of course, but we’re all so pleased that Harvey is making such good progress.
“He really enjoys the cadets, it’s a great outlet for him.”
