On Sunday 10th November 2024, Stranraer’s, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) Youth Volunteer Scheme (YVS) marched in the National Remembrance Day Parade in London.
Eight youths were selected to travel to London to represent all of Scotland’s SFRS YVS Schemes, with one of the youths, Dylan, being selected to be wreath bearer for Fire Cadets UK.
After months of fundraising resulting in generous donations from members of the public and business’ the money was raised to allow all eight youths and four instructors to travel down to London for the weekend. Kris safely drove them the 11 hours to London on Friday in a mini bus provided by Wigtownshire Community Transport by Scott where they met some of the other UK Fire Cadets who would be marching with them on the parade. Saturday was spent sightseeing in London during the day followed by some drill practice in the evening and all the youths received a ‘Fire Cadets Chair Award’. Michaela also received special recognition for her conduct throughout the weekend and for stepping out of her comfort zone to attend. After some competitive sports games, uniform was prepped, and boots were bulled followed by an early night for all ready for the early start on Sunday.
On Sunday, all the cadets headed to London City Centre to march in the parade. They formed up on Horse Guards Parade and marched to the cenotaph where they observed the two minutes silence alongside the Royal Family, veterans and other cadet forces, observed by millions around the world. Stranraer instructors, Tony, Gavin, John and Kyrenia watched on with pride as they did the march pass, clapped on by the thousands of people who lined the streets.
Ozzy, Louise, Logan, Caitlin, Dylan, Emily-May, Yvonne and Michaela all conducted themselves impeccably throughout the weekend. Not only were they representing Stranraer, but the entire of Scotland; a big responsibility to bear, but a challenge they stepped up to. They are an example of how amazing the Scottish youth can be, which is reflected in the over 100 hours of community work they have all done individually during their time with Stranraer SFRS YVS. They are the first youths to achieve this award nationally.
The weekend could not have been made possible without all the hard work and generosity from the Stranraer SFRS YVS instructors, national event organiser Gary Williams, National Fire Cadets Association, and our sponsors: Ecogen, Reids Accident Repair Centre, Hong Kong Chinese Restaurant, KOSB Association Stranraer Branch, Clark contractors LTD, Wheatly Homes South, Stranraer Rotary Club, VCS Cleaning Services, Wigtownshire Educational Trust, Wigtownshire Community Transport and not forgetting all the generous donations from members of the public. Stranraer SFRS YVS want to say a huge thank you to all involved and especially the Youth Volunteers who are a credit to the local community. “
