A 16-YEAR-OLD percussionist who plays in the national cadet band has been awarded as one of North Wales’ most promising military musicians.

Dawn Jones, known as Ed within the Clwyd & Gwynedd Army Cadet Force, performed to Prime Minister Theresa May and Princess Anne at Armed Forces Day in Llandudno last July, and recently travelled to Gibraltar as part of a special tour to teach her skill to peers in the territory’s cadet force.

The trips were part of a busy and successful year for Dawn, a Denbigh High School pupil, who has now been awarded cadet of the year by the Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd, Mr Henry Fetherstonhaugh on March 21. Lord Lieutenant cadets are selected for their outstanding extracurricular achievements and can be called upon to accompany the Lord Lieutenant on official engagements. This includes playing an active role at ceremonial events, such as Royal visits and Remembrance services held in Clwyd.

Denbighshire Free Press:

Dawn with Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd Mr Henry Fetherstonhaugh.

As an active member of the Clwyd Corps of Drums, Dawn participated in many fundraising activities in order to raise £700 for the ‘silent soldier’ currently residing on the side of Denbigh Town Hall. During the year Dawn has also taken part in numerous parades, including the annual Rorke’s Drift Concert in Brecon.

On her trip to Gibraltar, Dawn played at some notable performance venues for his Excellency the Governor of Gibraltar and the mayor, including a concert in St Michael’s Cave and in Grand Casemates Square while helping train Gibraltar Cadet Force musicians. Dawn is currently the National Cadet Senior Drum Major and Cadet Drum Major of Clwyd & Gwynedd ACF.

Darien Elie, Company Commander Major, said: “I am delighted that Cadet Sergeant Major Jones has been selected as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants Cadet for the year 2019. This high honour is very well deserved; I congratulate her on her appointment and wish her well for his year.”

Captain Rob Morris, who heads up the Corps of Drums, said: “Dawn is a hardworking dedicated cadet that strives to achieve perfection every time she is tasked with jobs” adding “she is an excellent mentor and inspiration to the junior cadets.

“Dawn is fully deserving of the role he has been given, and we are sure that she will make the most of the wide range of opportunities that it brings to her when she takes up this position in March.”