Ipswich Army Cadet Force (ACF) Headquarters recently hosted the prestigious Suffolk Lord-Lieutenant Awards 2025 ceremony, celebrating the exceptional service and dedication of members of Suffolk’s Reserve and Cadet Forces.
Seven adult volunteers received Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates of Meritorious Service at the ceremony, an honour presented to those who have shown particularly dedicated service to their respective units.
The event also marked the induction of four new Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets, representing the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force, Combined Cadet Force, and Royal Air Force Air Cadets. In addition, one Suffolk ACF Cadet received the Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate for their courageous life-saving actions.
The Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk, Lady Euston, presented the following recipients with the Certificate of Meritorious Service:
- Maj Al Morrison, 666 HQ Sqn, 6 Regt AAC
- Capt Samuel Hodgson, 666 HQ Sqn, 6 Regt AAC
- SSgt Mark Prockter, 677 HQ Sqn, 6 Regt AAC
- Sgt Natasha Jones, 677 HQ Sqn, 6 Regt AAC
- Petty Officer Simon Newell, SCC
- SSI Macalpine, Suffolk ACF
- Warrant Officer Robert James, RAFAC
Suffolk ACF was especially proud to see SSI Macalpine among the award winners. Having served with Suffolk ACF since 2006, she is the current Detachment Commander of Lowestoft Detachment, which consistently records the highest attendance in the county.
Renowned for her commitment to cadet welfare and development, SSI Macalpine embodies the spirit of the Army Cadet Force. Her dedication ensures every cadet benefits from the full ACF experience — and she seeks no recognition beyond knowing that, “The job has been well done.”
The following cadets were formally appointed as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets for the coming year:
- Leading Cadet Maria Barber, Sea Cadet Corps
- Cadet SSgt Andrew West, Suffolk ACF
- Cadet Sgt Harriet Randall, Combined Cadet Force
- Cadet Sgt Emily Byworth, Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Cadet Staff Sergeant Andrew West, representing our county’s Army Cadets, received particular praise for his maturity, leadership, and dedication. His citation read: “He has matured well throughout his time with Suffolk ACF and particularly over the last year. He demonstrates excellent support for younger cadets and is an ideal role model.
“Cadet SSgt West has gained a wide range of experience as a cadet and completed his Four Star qualification. He has represented Suffolk ACF at regional level in shooting, earning his county colours, and is well liked and respected amongst his peers.”
The final honour of the day went to Cadet Staff Sergeant Imogen Thurtle of B Company, Suffolk ACF, who was awarded the Royal Humane Society Resuscitation Certificate for her bravery and quick thinking in performing CPR on a member of the public who had collapsed in the street.
Becoming Army Cadets offers young people – from all walks of life – access to fun, friendship, action and adventure. The ACF challenges them to learn more, do more and try more, inspiring them to aim high and go further in life, no matter what they aim to do. With over 72,000 cadets and 10,000 adults in more than 1,600 locations around the UK, the Army Cadets make a big impact on young people, adults, parents, and communities.
For further information, contact ea-suf-info@rfca.org.uk, call 01473 252562, or visit .
