LORD LIEUTENANT’S AWARDS FOR TWO SEDBERGH PUPILS

Two Sedbergh School pupils, members of the Combined Cadet Force, have been awarded Lord Lieutenant’s Awards this year, two of only four cadets receiving this award in Cumbria. 

William Charles Cowen (H), known as Charlie, and Cameron Dale (W), both Year 13, will attend a ceremony at Levens Hall on Thursday 29th June, presided over by Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Claire Hensman.

The annual Lord-Lieutenants’ and Lieutenant Governor’s Awards for Reservists, Caded Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs), cadets and employees of the Reserve Forces and Cadet Organisations of the Armed Forces are recognised as laudatory honours throughout the Ministry of Defence.

These awards are intended to supplement Honours bestowed by Her Majesty The Queen in the New Year and Birthday Honours List, and, in precedence, rank after such awards.

Headmaster Andrew Fleck said: “Charlie and Cameron are excellent pupils who have led our CCF contingent extremely well and have contributed to the School and wider community.

We are delighted they have received this recognition alongside the contingent Commanding Officer, Commander Myles Ripley who thoroughly deserves this recognition for a lifetime of dedication to others whether that be through the CCF, his teaching or selfless contribution to the community and other people in many different ways.”

Cadet Sgt Cowen joined the Army section of Sedbergh School CCF in September 2012 as a Year Nine cadet. From the outset he showed a particular interest in the Skill at arms and marksmanship aspects of CCF life. In his first term the then Cadet Cowen discovered target shooting under the tutelage of Lt Nuthall.

He attended a very cold training camp at Bisley the next Easter and, in the process, discovered his talent in long range target shooting.  He attended annual camp at Warcop in June 2013, and again in 2014.  Sgt Cowen continued to be fully immersed in the CCF and target shooting being selected to represent the School at Bisley that summer.

Gaining his Lance Corporal rank in September 2013, He attended numerous field days and exercises. Again promoted to Corporal in 2015, Sgt Cowen was selected to represent the United Kingdom Cadet rifle Team (The Athelings) in Canada in August 2016, obtaining the rank of Sergeant just before the tour, Sgt Cowen is now the senior Army Section Cadet at Sedbergh School. 

Cameron Dale joined RN CCF in year 9 in a compulsory year of CCF but then opted to stay on for the next four years, completing his service training and necessary qualifications through Able Seaman, Leading Seaman and was promoted to be the Senior Cadet in the RN CCF at the rate of Warrant Officer for the academic year 2016/17.  

Along the way he has completed his Duke of Edinburgh Silver and Gold awards with a first, for Sedbergh School, of completing a yachting expedition for his Gold award.  He volunteered for various RN CCF National courses including BSAC Ocean diver, RYA powerboat level 2 and most recently his RYA Dinghy Instructor award. At School he has completed a RYA Safety Boat and First aid course.  In this final year Cameron has led the School’s cadet squad in the town’s Remembrance Sunday parade.

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