GMP enjoys first Volunteer Police Cadet Attestation in many years

Stockport Town Hall hosted GMP’s first Volunteer Police Cadet Attestation for many years on Thursday 20 July 2023.

It was a showcase of the new-look Volunteer Police Cadets scheme following its recent review and restructure and the introduction of new governance and safeguarding.

The event, which was attended by around 350 people, was also an opportunity to welcome the new cadets to the scheme and display the new cadets uniform in public.

More than 105 cadets attended and were accompanied by their parents, carers and guardians.

The cadets were led by a bagpipe player from the Bolton Caledonia Pipe Band and a flag bearer from the Tameside Cadet Unit as they proudly marched around the Town Hall.

They paraded in front of Assistant Chief Constable Matt Boyle and Deputy Lieutenant Gerry Yeung OBE, as well as Chief Superintendents Colette Rose, Emma Taylor and John Webster and the North West Duke of Edinburgh’s Award lead Pam Sleigh.

Sergeant Darren Hall, GMP’s Strategic Lead for the Volunteer Police Cadets, said: “GMP’s VPC scheme is now one of the leading and most inclusive cadet schemes in the country.

“Our cadets, some of whom have neurodiversity issues and sight issues, did everyone proud at the attestation event, taking it all in their stride.

“But without the Cadet Leaders there would be no scheme, so a big thank you to them.

“I would also like to thank Leo Casey, the GMP Band and all the dignitaries for making the night so special, and Jane McMahon for managing to distribute the new uniforms in such a timely fashion.”