Photo - Lottie Giles - Head of Corps
On Wednesday 27th March, despite the downpours, the Annual General Inspection (AGI) held at Bedford School was a huge success for the Combined Cadet Force (CCF) contingents from Bedford Girls’ School and Bedford School.
This year, the contingents were delighted to welcome Old Bedfordian and the Household Division Brigade Major Col. James Shaw (1998) as the Inspecting Officer. Col. Shaw recently oversaw the ceremonial side of Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations, the State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the Coronation of King Charles III.
The BGS CCF contingents’ cadets were honoured to be part of the parade, which included a general salute, followed by the inspection itself, finished with a march by the entire parade. Col. Shaw then delivered a sermon in the chapel and reflected on his experiences and key events he has engaged in throughout his Army career.
During the afternoon, the cadets enjoyed a round robin of activities which concluded with the Field Gun Run; this year it was won by the Royal Navy section which is led by Head of Section, Alex Gentry (Upper Sixth). A prize-giving ceremony followed, where prizes were given out for the best recruits of the sections. The winners were Emily Borner (Year 10, Royal Navy), Jasmine Murray (Year 10, Army), Evie-Rose Wootton (Year 9, Royal Air Force), and Top Cadet Danae Karavaggelis (Year 10, Top Cadre).
The following Upper Sixth cadets were also pleased to receive their medals and leavers' shields:
Army: Izzy Jackson - Head of Section and Ariadna Whittle-Queral.
Royal Air Force: Lottie Giles - Head of Corps, Haneha Kaur, and Payal Ladd.
Royal Navy: Alex Gentry - Head of Section, Charlie Muzzlewhite - Head of Stores, Clea Grimshaw, and Ella Allen.
Emily Borner - Royal Navy said: “The most inspiring part of the day was when Col. James Shaw gave a talk about his experiences in combat. I found this fascinating and compelling as I already want to join the Forces. This has strengthened my desire. Later on during the day, we participated in many fun activities, including the Field Gun competition. For the third year in a row, the Royal Navy took the title and won!”
Lottie Giles - Head of Corps reflected on the day: “Despite having been in CCF since Year 9, this AGI was only my second I have taken part in, but it certainly was very special for me. Being able to lead such an important event was quite nerve-racking but also exciting. It was lovely to see all of our hard work pay off from such a successful parade (despite the weather making it quite cold at times). I found it was a brilliant event to bring my time at CCF to an end. I’m not sure that my year 9 self would have ever imagined myself in the role, but it has built my confidence so much and I will forever be grateful to have had the opportunity.”
