With the sun shining, the Annual Review on Saturday 2 May was a highly successful day, displaying the skill of our cadets in a range of activities, including the Contingent Parade, laser pistol shooting, flight simulations and prizegiving. As always, the highly anticipated Cadet Gun Run took place, with the Army claiming the win.
We were delighted to welcome back Loughborough Grammar School alumnus, Colonel Simon ‘Reggie’ Turner RM (LGS 1991), as this year’s Reviewing Officer. Colonel Turner was the Senior Cadet in the CCF before being commissioned in the Royal Marines in September 1991 as a University Cadetship Entrant to study Management and Systems Science at City, University of London.
Looking back on his time at LGS, Colonel Turner reflected on the lessons he learned, “At LGS I learned that everyone had something to offer to school life and that we should always seize opportunities to grow and improve whenever possible. If it feels uncomfortable you’re probably growing.”
Throughout his career, Colonel Turner has also served as a Troop Commander and Company Second-in-Command, before being appointed to the Defence Academy on promotion to Colonel to serve as a Course Director for Intermediate Command and Staff College (Land).
At the Annual Review Colonel Turner received the General Salute before overseeing a series of events showcasing the skill, discipline, and commitment of the cadets, including a drill competition, the Cadet Gun Run, and prizegiving.
When asked how it felt to return to school three dates later as Reviewing Officer, he said, “It was a tremendous privilege to return to school 35 years after I had been the Senior Cadet on Parade. It felt like coming home in certain respects and wonderful to see that the culture and atmosphere of the school remained – that of an inclusive, supportive environment in which young people can thrive and start their journey in adulthood.”
He also reflected on the progression of CCF, “It was wonderful to see that the CCF now fully includes pupils from LHS. All Cadets on parade demonstrated outstanding professionalism and I was particularly impressed with the extent to which responsibility for the running of the day had been successfully delegated to the pupils wherever appropriate.”
When asked what he would say to current cadets who may be considering a career in the Armed Services or public service, he replied, “I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone who is considering a career in the Armed Forces or Public Service. You are guaranteed to have an amazing adventure, tangible sense of purpose, make friends for life, gain new skills and have opportunities that cannot be replicated elsewhere.”
On a final note, Colonel Turner shared, “I still remember attending a Careers evening at 16 in the library at LGS. That was the evening I met a RM Officer who invited me to visit a RM Unit. Thanks to the opportunities I was given at LGS I was subsequently sponsored through School and University by the RM and continue to enjoy the adventure!”
Do you have any fond memories of CCF at school? We would love to hear them. Please get in touch by emailing alumni@lsf.org so we can share your stories with fellow alumni in our magazine, Beyond the Barrier.
Thank you to those who have already been in touch!
