St John Ambulance Sheffield and Rotherham Network held its second Network Presentation at the Phoenix Sports & Social Club in Brinsworth, Rotherham, celebrating the achievements, dedication and community spirit of its Badgers, Cadets and volunteers.
The event brought together adult and youth members from the Monday, Wednesday and Thursday groups in Sheffield and Rotherham.
Rowena Clarkson OStJ, Network Lead for Sheffield and Rotherham, opened the event and welcomed a number of distinguished guests, including Peter Howie CStJ, Commissioner of the North East Region; Ben Shackleton MStJ, County Commissioner; Michelle Hartley MStJ, County Youth Lead; Callie Cunningham, Regional Cadet of the Year; and members of the Network Leadership Team.
The evening began with a fascinating presentation from the Badgers, who explored the history of the Order of St John and its journey through Jerusalem, Acre, Cyprus, Rhodes and Malta. Their display highlighted the long-standing heritage behind St John Ambulance and the organisation's commitment to helping others.
The Cadets then demonstrated their knowledge of road and water safety, with a particular focus on the dangers associated with open water and how to respond in an emergency.
Cadet Aiden Fletcher explained:
Water safety is knowing how to keep yourself safe in water, as there are lots of dangers such as weeds, strong currents and debris like shopping trolleys. To keep yourself safe you need to know your limits, not walk near the edge of water and never enter water alone. In a worst-case scenario where someone is in the water, you should call 999 for help, tell them to float on their back in a star shape and try to throw them a flotation aid.
The evening also marked an important milestone for new members. Michelle Hartley MStJ welcomed the new Badgers into the organisation and invited them to make the Badger Promise, while Hazel Thompson OStJ formally enrolled the new Cadets.
A large number of certificates and awards were presented throughout the evening in recognition of the hard work and commitment shown by the young people.
Ben Shackleton MStJ presented numerous certificates, while Peter Howie CStJ presented the Super Badger Award to members who had completed nine subjects:
Isabelle Adams
Alyssia Ghalba
Molly Bally
Mia Stevens
Benjamin Mitchell
Jaxon O'Malley
Euan Ferrari
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The highest achievement available to Cadets, the Grand Prior Award, recognises the completion of 12 subjects. This prestigious award was presented to Ava Musgrove and Callie Cunningham.
Ava Musgrove and Callie Cunningham were also recognised for their exceptional commitment through their voluntary service, having each completed 400 hours, with Callie also achieving 500 hours of volunteering.
Further recognition went to Isabel Smalley, Emily Rose Kealey and Emily Muntus, who were promoted to Follow Me Badger, acknowledging their progress and development within the organisation.
The evening also celebrated the contribution young members make beyond their regular St John Ambulance activities. The Enthusiastic Community Engagement award, nominated by Dr James Duffield, was presented to Zoe Woodcock, Taylor Jowle, Tilly Taylor and Jess Jacques.
Fundraising awards - A huge thank you to our fundraising volunteers:
β’ Mia Stevens
β’ Bailey Roebuck
β’ Taylor Jowle
β’ Louisa Muntas
β’ Kerry Martin
β’ Alan Garland
β’ Sue Darker
β’ Sue Farmer
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Matt Mannion, Youth Leader, said:
As a new Youth Leader in St John, I have been truly impressed by what I have seen from our Cadets and Badgers so far. Their skill and knowledge is inspiring and their ethic to learn is admirable. I am most enjoying seeing their personalities and patient-centred care developing, and I look forward to being a part of their continuing journey.
The presentation was a wonderful opportunity to recognise the achievements of Sheffield and Rotherham's young people, while also highlighting the dedication of the volunteers who support them.
With new members joining, awards being achieved and valuable lifesaving skills continuing to develop, the evening demonstrated the breadth of work taking place across the Network and the positive contribution its volunteers make to their communities.
St John Ambulance Sheffield and Rotherham would like to congratulate all those recognised and thank everyone who continues to give their time, energy and enthusiasm to supporting the next generation of lifesavers.
