THE COMMANDANT of the Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force opened Hedon Museum’s latest exhibition on Saturday (22 May 2021). Open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the exhibition “A Diamond Celebration” marked last year’s 60th anniversary of the Army Cadets receiving the ‘Freedom of the Borough’.
Colonel Steve W. Emerson formally launched the exhibition with a talk that highlighted the links between the Army Cadets Force (ACF) and Hedon. “I feel honoured to be here today,” said Col. Emerson, “not only to mark 60 years of the Freedom of the Borough, but also to mark the strong bond that exists between the people of Hedon, the armed forces and, in particular, Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force.” The Colonel gave his thanks to the Hedon Museum Society for staging the exhibition and in particular to the former ACF CadetsTom Straker and Rob Chambers for their assistance with the exhibition and providing many of the display items.
“The ACF offers opportunities to young people to develop into good citizens,” continued the Colonel. “And good citizens who respect others, understand discipline and most importantly achieve a sense of self-esteem. If you take one thing away from your visit, apart from the excellent exhibition, it is that the cadets and adults of Humberside and South Yorkshire ACF are your people. They are from your community. They will help make Hedon a better place for everyone.”
Col. Emerson also spoke about the history of the Army Cadets which formed in the 19th century as a result of a perceived threat from the French. The first detachments were formed in 1859. It has changed its structure many times since then but today exists as the army’s own youth organisation.
Staff Sergeant Morgan Bullmen spoke next on her experience of the ACF. “I joined the East Hull Division as an extremely shy young girl. But now I feel confident to speak at an event like this. I’ve met new good friends. I have had some amazing experiences including visiting France for the World War One memorial events. I’ve really enjoyed my time on the Remembrance Parades, especially those in Hedon. I thoroughly recommend other young people joining the cadets.”
Hedon Museum Society Chairman Anthony Hay thanked all those who had made the exhibition possible and particularly mentioned the hard work put in by exhibition organiser Martin Craven and Exhibitions Manager Lesley Harland. He welcomed the attendance of the Honorary President of the Hedon Museum Society, Hedon Mayor Cllr. Sarah Rommell and her consort Cllr. Jason Brindley. He thanked special guests for attending especially Mrs Gladys Lewis from Hedon who worked at the decoding centre at Bletchley Park during the war.
The exhibition is now open every Wednesday and Saturday from 10am – 4pm. “A Diamond Celebration” takes place upstairs at Hedon Museum (stairlift available) until 17 July and a more permanent exhibition takes place downstairs.
FREE ENTRY to the Museum. Look out for the signs and notices around Hedon Town Centre on Museum Open Days. They will guide you to the Watmough’s Arcade route to the entrance.
