On Friday 25 March 2024, our school community was abuzz with excitement as we proudly hosted the Annual Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Inspection Day. This significant event not only showcased the dedication and skills of our cadets but also provided a platform to welcome a distinguished guest: Commander Judith Barnes, who joined us as our Inspecting Officer.
Our CCF contingent, comprising nearly 250 officers and cadets, stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering leadership, discipline, and camaraderie. This number is set to grow even further, with an additional 100 cadets set to join the CCF’s ranks in Year 9 this coming September. As a result, we proudly claim one of the largest voluntary contingents in the entire country.
Contingent Commander, Lt Col Paul Ennis greets Inspection Day guests
Contingent Commander LT Col Paul Ennis set the tone for the day by warmly welcoming over 100 guests to the school. He provided a glimpse into the exciting world of our CCF cadets, sharing their adventures from the past twelve months. These included rigorous training weekends at Altcar, fascinating ship visits, and their commendable performance in various competitions—both within our region and on the national stage.
Younger pupils were delighted to visit several stands and activities during the morning to get a glimpse of what being a part of the CCF is all about, they enjoyed inspecting weaponry with the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment, attempting the inflatable obstacle course and discovering all of the interesting things that CCF Cadets participate in.
Just after lunch the Contingent undertook the first parade and the Inspection of the Guard was conducted by the Inspecting Officer, Commander Barnes. Commander Barnes joined the Royal Naval Reserve at HMS Eaglet in Liverpool in 1994, and spent the first five years of her Naval career as a Communications Rating. After passing the Admiralty Interview Board in 1999, and on completion of Junior Officer training, she returned to the Communications specialisation as a Sub-Lieutenant.
Mobilised to Op Herrick in 2010, she spent 6 months in Helmand Province in a Joint Information Management and Exploitation post. On return from Afghanistan, she spent time as Eaglet’s Initial Naval Training & Recruiting Officer before a second spell as Executive Officer. This was followed by her national appointment as SO2 Communications and Information Systems (Reserves) in February 2014 and then the SO1 post on promotion to Commander in 2017. Commander Barnes took command of HMS Eaglet in April 2022.
Commander Barnes inspects the Cadets
After the inspection, it was time for the big showdown with the army section facing off against the air force section in an epic tug of war. After a lot of hard work and effort, the army section prevailed and claimed victory!
The Army Section claimed victory in the tug of war
The final part of the day saw all the Cadets march on to the square with Inspecting Officer Commander Barnes addressing them. Commander Barnes spoke of how impressed she was with the cadets and how they could quite rightly be proud of their efforts and achievements.
Mrs Bridget Ward will be leaving Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School at the end of this academic year to take up the role of Headmistress of St Helen’s School in Northwood, London.