Ash Manor School CCF Summer Parade 2025

On the 3rd July, the Ash Manor School Combined Cadet Force held its annual Summer Parade – a much-anticipated event that brought together cadets, proud families, dedicated staff, and distinguished guests for a celebration of service, skill, and achievement.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this year’s Summer Parade was that it was entirely planned and conducted by the cadets themselves. From coordinating timings to leading sections, managing the sequence of events, and ensuring everything ran smoothly on the day, our senior cadets took full ownership of the event.

This was no small feat. The scale, precision, and professionalism of the parade stood as a testament to their leadership, organisational skills, and confidence. It was an incredible achievement—and for many, a defining moment in their cadet journey. To see them rise to the occasion and deliver such a polished event was nothing short of inspiring.

The parade began in fine form, with cadets from both the Army and Royal Navy sections marching onto the parade ground, accompanied by their Standards and CFAVs. The arrival of The Lord-Lieutenant and Colonel Edwards MBE (Colonel Cadets South East) was a moment of pride, as they were formally escorted onto the parade square by their Cadet Under Officers and the Head Teacher. The Ash Manor and Court Moor Standards were positioned prominently at the front, a symbol of unity and shared purpose.

After the formal presentation of the parade, the Lord-Lieutenant, accompanied by Cadet RSM J Neame (Lord Lt Cadet) and Cadet CSM Smith, carried out an inspection of the Army Cadet Standard Bearers and the front rank of the Army section. At the same time, Colonel Edwards was escorted by our Under Officers to inspect the Corps of Drums and Royal Navy section.

A warm welcome speech from the Head Teacher set the tone for the celebration that followed. There was a genuine sense of pride in the air as the Corps of Drums took to the field for a musical performance, followed by a drill display by the Army section—both drawing applause from the audience.

The highlight for many was the awards ceremony, where months of dedication and hard work were recognised. Army section cadets received star grade and rifle badges from Captain Cumner, while Lieutenant Gallon honoured the achievements of those in the Royal Navy section. First Aid certificates were presented by Col Claire Lord (St John Ambulance Service), recognising an essential and potentially life-saving skill.

Promotions followed, marking important milestones in the leadership journey of our cadets. Colonel Edwards promoted a number of Junior Non-Commissioned Officers from Lance Corporal to Sergeant, and the Lord-Lieutenant had the honour of promoting Senior NCOs to the rank of Under Officer – a moment met with admiration and pride.

One of the most touching moments of the afternoon came with the presentation of the prestigious Pooley Sword. In the absence of Mr Robert Pooley, Major C Johnson (Contingent Commander), presented it to Ms Bailey who received it on behalf of Ash Manor School CCF. The speech was emotional and heartfelt, documenting the importance of a Pooley Sword, and the honour of being chosen to have one. The Pooley Sword stands for service, commitment and loyalty, and its inaugural winner was Cadet Sgt Major Smith: a fitting and worthy recipient.

The Lord-Lieutenant concluded the formal proceedings with an inspiring address, praising the cadets for their discipline, growth, and commitment. As the parade reassembled for a final march past, the Lord-Lieutenant took the salute, a proud moment for all involved.

Afterwards, guests were invited to watch a fieldcraft demonstration, where cadets showcased their tactical awareness and teamwork in action. The day ended with tea and refreshments in the main hall, giving everyone a chance to reflect, reconnect, and celebrate the achievements of the cadet force together.

The Summer Parade was a true celebration of everything the CCF stands for: dedication, resilience, camaraderie, and leadership. They are immensely proud of all their cadets and grateful to everyone who made this special event possible.

Related News Stories

National Memorial Arboretum plaque unveiling to Czechoslovak WWII Veterans

On Friday 20th June, The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, The Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire, and the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, attended the unveiling […]

View More

King’s Awards for Enterprise Spotlighted at Surrey Research Park Event

Surrey Research Park, home to more than 200 pioneering companies, played host today to an inspiring gathering aimed at encouraging […]

View More

Memorial Day at Brookwood American Cemetery

On Sunday 25th May, The Lord-Lieutenant attended the Memorial Day Service at Brookwood American Ceremony with the United States Ambassador […]

View More