Sea cadets in Burton lined up to pay tribute to one of their longest-serving adult volunteers when he received a medal marking half a century of making a difference.
Major (SCC) Ian Machin RMR was given the Captain’s Medal for having given 50 years’ of adult volunteer service to the Sea Cadet Corps and Royal Marines Cadets at a presentation evening held at Ashfield House in Ashby Road.
The presentation took place as part of an awards evening which celebrated cadets’ achievements across paddle sports, seamanship, drill and first aid and was hosted by Swadlincote rail maintenance firm MTMS.
The company plays an active role in supporting local cadet groups, having pledged to help by signing up to the Armed Forces Employers Covenant, of which it is a gold award holder.
It was represented on the night by two members of staff, who are also sea cadet volunteers and heard how Major Machin received his medal for his key role in the success of X-Ray Company RMC, which is one of a number of Royal Marines Cadets companies within the UK Sea Cadet Corps.
It follows a long and illustrious association with the RMC, which began when he joined the then Marine Cadets in Burton in 1973 and rose through the ranks, helping thousands of cadets over the years to gain qualifications, learn skills and enjoy activities, while building resilience and self-discipline along the way.
The medal and certificate were presented by Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Neil Downing RN, Area Officer (Eastern), Commander Charles Bagot-Jewitt RN and Admiral Sir Trevor Alan Soar KCB OBE DL, President of Burton SCC.
Malcolm Prentice, group chairman of MTMS, which also made a donation to the cadets, said: “We’ve attended very many events as part of our commitment to the Armed Forces covenant and it’s wonderful to see how our local cadet corps and volunteers such as Major Machin continue to give young people life opportunities.
“Huge congratulations to him for the receipt of his Captain’s Medal and for his very many years in charge of X-Ray company RMC.”
MTMS maintains the equipment at more than half of the UK’s rail depots, working on behalf of a host of operators including Govia Thameslink Railway, Southeastern and First MTR South Western Railway.
For more information, visit www.mtms.co.uk
This press release was distributed by Penguin PR. To find out more contact Simon Burch on 07735 397888 or by email at [email protected]
