Loughborough Schools Foundation’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) proudly hosted its 68th Annual Review this weekend, bringing together pupils, staff, families and alumni for a memorable celebration of community, tradition and cadet achievement.
The event opened with an impressive performance from the Corps of Drums, followed by the Contingent Parade on the Quad. Accompanied by the Foundation’s Symphonic Wind Band, the parade was a standout moment, showcasing the scale, precision and professionalism of the CCF.
This year’s Reviewing Officer was Loughborough Grammar School alumnus, Colonel Simon ‘Reggie’ Turner RM (LGS 1991), who returned to inspect the parade and present awards. Colonel Turner was Senior Cadet during his time at the School before being commissioned into the Royal Marines in 1991. He has since enjoyed a distinguished military career, including roles as Troop Commander, Company Second-in-Command and, most recently, Course Director at the Defence Academy for the Intermediate Command and Staff College (Land).
Following the General Salute, cadets demonstrated their skills through a series of competitions and displays, including a drill competition, the ever-popular Cadet Gun Run and the formal prizegiving ceremony.
Guests were also invited to witness a range of hands-on training activities taking place across the field, from command tasks and camouflage exercises to flight simulators and laser pistol shooting. These interactive elements offered a valuable insight into the breadth of experiences available through the CCF and the wide ranging skills cadets -from both Loughborough Grammar School for boys and Loughborough High School for girls – develop.
Lt Col. Contingent Commander, Ben Ward, said: “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 though training. Loyal, respectful, earnest and diligent, our cadets are a real credit to their generation.”
The Foundation’s CCF comprises four sections – Royal Navy, Army, RAF and the Corps of Drums – and plays a key role in developing leadership, resilience and self discipline. Through a varied programme of training, field days and camps, cadets benefit from opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
