Ark Alexandra CCF celebrates triple success at prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards Ceremony

Ark Alexandra Academy’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) had plenty to celebrate at the Lord-Lieutenant’s Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 27 October, with three significant honours recognising the dedication of its staff and cadets.

Held at Lancing College and attended by senior military personnel, civic representatives, families and guests from across the region, the ceremony recognised exceptional contributions to voluntary service, the cadet movement and the wider Armed Forces community.

Captain Burchell Receives Prestigious Lord-Lieutenant’s Award

Captain Burchell was honoured with a Lord-Lieutenant’s Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the cadet movement over many years.

The award recognises individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to voluntary service and nurture the relationships that strengthen communities across Sussex. It is reserved for those whose contributions have not yet been recognised through the twice-yearly Honours List.

The recognition comes at an important time for Captain Burchell, who has recently taken on the role of Chair of the Sussex Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Leadership Group, continuing his work to support and develop cadet provision across the county.

Pippa Styring Appointed Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for East Sussex CCF

There was further success for Ark Alexandra as Senior Cadet Pippa Styring was selected as the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for East Sussex CCF.

Each year, the Lord-Lieutenant appoints a small number of cadets from Combined Cadet Forces across the county to support official engagements. These prestigious appointments recognise outstanding service, commitment and leadership within the cadet movement.

Pippa received a certificate and the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet Badge, which she is entitled to wear on her uniform throughout her appointment. She has already begun her duties and will undertake her first official engagement in support of the Lord-Lieutenant at the Eastbourne Remembrance Parade.

Her appointment is a fitting recognition of her selfless dedication, leadership and contribution to the CCF over many years.

Ark Alexandra CCF Wins the Irlam Trophy for Supporting Combat Stress

Completing an exceptional evening, Ark Alexandra CCF was awarded the Irlam Trophy in recognition of the unit’s outstanding support for Combat Stress, the veterans’ mental health charity. The award came as a welcome surprise and was a particularly proud moment for the cadets.

Named in honour of Lieutenant Colonel Tom Irlam MBE, the trophy encourages young people to become actively involved in welfare work supporting the Armed Forces community. It is open to cadet units and individuals under the age of 18 from across Sussex, including Sea Cadets, Marine Cadets, Army Cadet Force, RAF Air Cadets and Combined Cadet Forces.

The winning organisation receives the engraved silver trophy to hold for a year, a certificate and a £200 award.