First London cadet unit to affiliate to Royal British Legion
The Merton Police contingent in the Remembrance Sunday parade in Mitcham included 15 new Junior Volunteer Police Cadets for the first time as well as young people from St Marks Academy and other local school pupils.
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 the Royal British Legion motto, "Shoulder to Shoulder with All Who Serve".
This year's Mitcham parade 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), Merton Borough Commander, Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Macleod, and other Cadet organisations.
The two Merton Volunteer Police Cadet wreaths were laid by Senior Cadet Sam Watson and Junior Cadet Aaron Gascoyne.
The Salute was taken by Deputy Lieutenant The Right Honourable Sir John Wheeler and the Mayor of Merton Councillor Agatha Akyigyina, with Mr Allan Barley, Chairman of the Mitcham Branch, Royal British Legion.
Cadet Sam Watson said: "I am really proud to take part in the Centenary Parade, and lay our wreath to remember all who have served."
PC Marco Cetara, Schools PC at St Marks Academy and co-leader of the Junior VPC, said: "Our Juniors have only just been issued with their new uniforms, and practised for today’s Parade. Thanks to all our excellent Cadets for representing the police service so well, and doing such a great job today at such a significant major local event on Remembrance Sunday."
November 21, 2014