‘Chef’ is served volunteer award

A MAN who has volunteered with the Army Cadet Force for more than a decade, had his dedication recognised when he was presented a certificate of commendation by the Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire.

Tony Holmes, 71, who is better known as ‘Chef’, has worked with the cadets for over ten years, providing their canteen snacks and catering for volunteer staff at special functions.

And he has seen many changes in that time, not least when his workload doubled in 2008 when the Bedfordshire troop amalgamated with Hertfordshire Army Cadets.

He now caters for more than 1,000 cadets and 150 volunteer staff, and volunteers two nights per week.

Joanne Barkat, detachment commander at Kempston Detachment, said “Chef is a big part of our family, the cadets and staff love him, he does a fantastic job and unbelievably he never expects anything in return.

“We are very proud to have him, his commendation was well earned.”

Volunteers play a big part in the success of the Army Cadets, and there is always room for an extra pair of hands in the Army Cadet Family.

To find out more about volunteering in the Army Cadets visit www.beds-herts-acf.co.uk/volunteer

Related topics: