Merton Volunteer Police Cadets Proud To March

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With the Royal British Legion in Mitcham’s Remembrance Sunday Parade

On Sunday 10 November 2013, Merton’s Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) were proud to join the Remembrance Sunday parade in Mitcham. The team of 30 were led by Cadet coordinator (& British Legion member) PC Tim Mann and VPC Colour Party, Cadets Will Moss, Leah Lodge and Chris Watkins.

As the first VPC unit in London to be granted formal youth group affiliation to the Royal British Legion, the Merton police cadets were proud to live up to their motto, “Shoulder to Shoulder with All Who Serve”.

This year’s Mitcham Parade, led by Parade Marshal David Gould from the Scouts with the Wandle District and First Wallington Scout Band, marched from the British Legion Hall in St Marks Road through Mitcham Town Centre to the Mitcham War Memorial in Cricket Green.

The Remembrance Service was conducted by the Reverend Nigel Stone, Vicar of St Mark’s Mitcham. Wreathes were laid by Siobhan McDonagh, MP, local councillors and Merton Council representatives.

Other wreathes were laid by the Chairman of the Mitcham Branch of the Royal British Legion Mr Allan Barley (who also represented the RAF), Superintendent David Palmer, Merton Police, Fire Fighter Billy Hernman, London Fire Brigade and other organisations.

The Merton Volunteer Police Cadet wreath was laid by Cadet Emmanuel Ford and Cadet Dan Zelnis.

The Salute was taken by Deputy Mayor of Merton Councillor John Sargent and Mr Allan Barley, President of the Mitcham Branch.

Superintendent David Palmer, Merton Police, said, “I am very proud of our police cadets and their adult staff, who have worked so hard for today’s Remembrance Service parade and given up their own time today to take part.”

Cadet Emmanuel Ford said, “I was nervous about laying our wreath, but it’s important to pay respects for what all our Armed Services have done and are doing, on a special day like today.”

Alan Barley, Chairman of Mitcham Branch, Royal British Legion, said, “I would like to thank everyone who took part in today’s parade, and compliment the Merton Volunteer Police Cadets for their very smart and professional turn-out today. We are very pleased to welcome them on affiliation to our Mitcham Branch, & look forward to working closely with the police cadets in the future.”

There are Volunteer Police Cadet units in every London borough, open to young people aged 13 - 18 looking for new challenges and great opportunities.

November 14, 2013