The efforts of four people from across Powys have been recognised by the King’s representative for the county.

Two people were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit by Mrs Tia Jones in recognition of their outstanding service and devotion to duty in the ceremony at the Elephant and Castle Hotel in Newtown on Thursday, January 11.

The achievements of her two Lord-Lieutenant cadets were also recognised and celebrated during the event, which was attended by around 50 people.

Cadet Company Sergeant Major Elliot Paul Tranter of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force and Cadet Flight Sergeant Amira Vieyra of No 2 Welsh Wing RAF Air Cadets outlined to the audience their time in cadets, including highlights of their role over the last 12 months as a Lord-Lieutenant cadet.

The role of Lord-Lieutenant cadet includes attendance with the Lord-Lieutenant of Powys, who acts as the King’s representative, at a number of official engagements, including Remembrance events, Royal visits and parades.

Elliot and Amira, who will continue in post until September, were selected for the prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet role after being put forward for nomination by cadet group leaders and the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales.

Two adult volunteers – Mrs Pam Jones and Staff Sergeant Instructor Ken Griffiths both of Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force – were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate of Merit. 

Ken, a gamekeeper from Presteigne, joined the ACF as an adult volunteer eight months before Covid struck but did not allow this to deter him and completed all his training virtually so he was ready to go once face-to-face training returned. He has been a ‘tour de force’ ever since and now commands two detachments, including Builth and Llandrindod Wells Detachments where attendance and participation have increased to levels never previously recorded.

Pam joined the ACF two years ago as a non-uniform volunteer to assist her husband Captain Paul Jones who had just volunteered to re-open the Llanidloes detachment. With no other Cadet Force Adult Volunteers available – safeguarding protocols meant a minimum of two adults were required at all times – hence Pam volunteered her services. Since then the detachment has enjoyed great success with 20 cadets now parading – a testament to Pam’s dedication and support.

There are nearly 5,000 cadets in Wales who gain skills and qualifications through working with local communities, charities and taking part in a variety of practical activities. The cadet syllabus is delivered by 1,850 volunteering adult instructors and civilian assistants, who give up their spare time on weeknights and weekends.

The awards ceremony was organised by the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Wales – an organisation that has supported the Armed Forces for over 100 years.