Ordinary Sea Cadet Samantha Hassall has been appointed cadet to the chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners, Richard Radcliffe.

The appointment, a first for the Commission, will see 15-year-old Samantha provide guard of honour support to Mr Radcliffe when carrying out his civic engagements.

Samantha, who lives in Laxey and is a student at Ramsey Grammar School, recently served at the Commissioners’ civic Sunday service and at the town’s Remembrance Sunday service when she accompanied the chairman to lay a wreath on behalf of Ramsey Town Commissioners and her brother, William, laid a wreath on behalf of the personnel of HMS Ramsey at the Courthouse gardens cenotaph.

She said she was first attracted to joining the Sea Cadets after visiting their stand at the Royal Manx Show aged 11. ‘It’s a great honour to have been chosen and I was really proud to have been part of Ramsey’s civic service and the Remembrance Sunday event. Being in the Sea Cadets and taking part in ceremonial events such as those in Ramsey are a great way to build your self-confidence.

‘I enjoy being in the Sea Cadets because I’ve been able to do things that I would never have had the chance to do otherwise, like go rock climbing and kayaking; I’m also gaining extra qualifications and learning new skills. I am thrilled to have become the first cadet to the chairman of Ramsey Town Commissioners and am looking forward to representing the Sea Cadets when carrying out my duties.’

Acting Lieutenant Lee Clarke, Commanding Officer for TS Manxman, said: ‘Ordinary Cadet Samantha Hassall has been a valued cadet with the Sea Cadet corps since September 2011. She has been involved in many aspects of the unit and been part of the swimming team which has won the SCC district competition for three years running. She has also been offshore with the training ship TS Jack Petchey where she obtained her Offshore Hand Level 1 Power qualification, has gained her bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s award and is now working towards her silver. As Commanding Officer for TS Manxman I could not be more proud of her accomplishments.’

Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Richard Radcliffe said: ‘Samantha has already proved to be an invaluable support during my civic engagements, to which she brings an enthusiasm and dedication beyond her years. She is a pleasure to work with and is indeed a worthy ambassador for the Isle of Man Sea Cadets.’

Photo - Samantha Hassall is pictured with Ramsey Town Commissioners’ chairman Richard Radcliffe, the President of Tynwald, the Hon Clare Christian, and Mr Radcliffe’s wife, Helen. Picture Andrew Barton.