First ever Mayor’s Cadet appointed for Chelmsford
The Mayor of Chelmsford, Councillor Linda Mascot, has appointed a Mayor’s Cadet for the year 2023–24. It is the first time a mayoral cadet has been appointed for the City of Chelmsford.
Cadet Sergeant Iona Walledge of the 276 City of Chelmsford Squadron of the Essex Wing Air Cadets was formally appointed to the position during a parade evening earlier this year. During the event, the mayor presented Sgt Walledge with a mayoral cadet badge to mark this historic appointment.
The Mayor of Chelmsford says the appointment highlights her theme of office for 2023–24:
““I am delighted to have appointed the first ever Mayor’s Cadet for Chelmsford during my year in office. The appointment of the young cadet presents a great opportunity for them to hone their interpersonal skills and reflects on my chosen theme for 2023–24 of ‘bright futures’.”
Councillor Linda Mascot, Mayor of Chelmsford
The cadet’s formal duties will be to attend civic events alongside the mayor as and when appropriate. She will also play an active role in demonstrating the dedication of Chelmsford’s young cadets and promoting the city’s youth organisations.
In 2023 the cadet attended Chelmsford’s Remembrance Sunday Service and Parade on Sunday 12 November, and the city’s Civic Carol Service at Chelmsford Cathedral on Friday 15 December. During the carol service she gave a reading of Christmas Eve by Christina Rossetti.
Sgt Walledge has been a member of the Air Cadets for almost five years and has ambitions to join the RAF as a pilot or a personal training instructor. Alongside her duties as member of the 276 Squadron and the new Mayor’s Cadet, she is also studying Business Studies, Sport BTEC and Photography at an Essex college.
She said of her appointment:
““I was really pleased to be chosen because of the opportunity to represent my squadron who have done so much for me. So far I’ve met some amazing people and had some inspiring conversations with them.
Cadet Sergeant Walledge, 276 City of Chelmsford Squadron, Essex Wing Air Cadets
“I’ve been in the air cadets at 276 for almost 5 years and have had so many incredible experiences. I joined because I wanted to fly a plane more than anything.”
Sgt Walledge will hold the position until May 2024, when a new mayor and mayor’s cadet will be appointed for 2024–25. The next cadet will be selected from Chelmsford Army Cadets.
If you’d like to invite the mayor to an event or engagement in 2024, you can submit a request via the Chelmsford City Council website.
Cherelle writes about Chelmsford Theatre, Hylands Estate, Chelmsford Museum, the Mayor of Chelmsford and culture and events in the city.