Community, camaraderie and confidence

Celebrating our 68^th Annual Review 

Loughborough Schools Foundation’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) proudly hosted the 68^th Annual Review this weekend. From the formal events on the Quad to a variety of training activities on the field, the event was a wonderful celebration of community, tradition and our cadets’ professionalism. 

The morning began with a display from the Corps of Drums, followed by the Contingent Parade. Accompanied by the Loughborough Schools Foundation’s Symphonic Wind Band, the parade was an event highlight which showcased the breadth of the CCF. 

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.  

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). 

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.    

Between the formal parade and the final presentations, attendees had the fantastic opportunity to visit the cadets undertaking training activities on the field, including command tasks, camouflage, flight simulations, and laser pistol shooting. The chance to witness our cadets in action highlights the broad range of skills developed as part of the CCF. 

It fills me with immense pride to see the effort that our cadets put into the Annual Review. Each and every cadet on parade on Saturday demonstrated the true qualities that we seek to promote through training. Loyal, respectful, earnest and diligent, our cadets are a real credit to their generation.

Lt Col. Contingent Commander, Ben Ward

In all four sections – the Royal Navy, the Army, the RAF and the Corps of Drums – cadets develop personal responsibility, leadership and self-discipline. It gives pupils the unique opportunity to take part in a huge range of exciting and adventurous military-themed activities, with regular trips and field days offering enriching experiences which go beyond the classroom.