Royal Welcome for local Army Cadets

Royal Welcome for local Army Cadets

30 March 2016

BALLYGOWAN Army Cadets had a big surprise on a recent visit to London when the Duke of Cambridge stopped to speak with them.  

The Cadets were part of a group from 2nd (NI) Bn ACF and were in London to take part in the Irish Guards Saint Patricks Day Celebrations at their barracks.

A group of 30 cadets and six Instructors took part in Exercise Shamrock Venture which included visiting various attractions including a tour of the Houses of Parliament and witnessing the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London.  

The main event however was the Saint Patricks Day Shamrock Parade with the Irish Guards.  It was after the parade had finished and just as the group was getting ready to disperse and leave that the Duke of Cambridge came over to speak with the cadets and staff.

Before leaving the Duke thanked the Group’s Leader Company Sergeant Major Gareth Townley for the effort that all the Instructors present put in to give the 

Cadets the best experience possible and help them achieve so much.  

The remainder of the trip was spent visiting many of the different activities and attractions in the London area ranging from a rib tour of the Thames to a ghost bus tour of London by night. 

 All the Cadets and Instructors involved in the visit are extremely grateful to 1st Battalion Irish Guards, South West London ACF and to Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire ACF for all their support to make this visit possible and are already looking forward to next year.