Friday 17th December 2010

Ten young soldiers, after undergoing a gruelling selection process, today swore their Oath of Allegiance to the Queen during an emotional ceremony at the Mayor's Parlour.

The lads, from Chesterfield and it's surrounding areas, were watched by their families and friends as they joined up to four Regiments.


The new recruits pose on the Town Hall steps with the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield

Matthew Beddingham and Callum Dawes were joining the Mercians Infantry and are off to Catterick on the 9th Jan 2011.

Ryan Wood, Daniel Tilbury , Ryan Shaw and Mitchell Davenport are heading for the Army foundation College at Harrogate as part of The Mercian Regiment

Ben Henshaw is joining the Royal Engineers, and will be stationed at Bassingbourne  in Cambridgeshire

A new recruit to the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) - and stationed at Bassingbourne is Thomas Slack.

Joining the Royal Army Medical Corps at Pirbright in Surrey are Joshua Townsend and Lee Cook

The Chesterfield Post was proud to attend the ceremony and afterwards, we caught up with Matthew Beddingham.


Matthew Beddingham celebrates joining the Mercian Infantry Regiment with his parents, commanding Officer and The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield

Matthew told us that he couldn’t wait for what's ahead, and has joined up because he "wants to do something with his life".

Currently working at Morrisons, he wants to achieve something and, after a great deal of thought, signed up. He will begin training on the 9th January, completing a 14 week course which will finish in July, before moving onto the 10 week Infantry course.

He added that the Forces are, "In his blood as my dad served in the Navy during the Falklands, on HMS Hermes." Dad interjected at this point that he's been teaching him to "March and iron - though the latter," Matthew joked, "is not going so well. It took me 45 minutes to iron one shirt!"

Matthew insists he's not worried about what lies ahead - "I signed on the line and I meant it, I can't wait to get started. If anyone is thinking about joining up, then do it. I can't wait to get stuck in".

Matthew's Mum told us that she was incredibly proud, though she admits there have been some anxious moments. She was however reassured after seeing the lads and the Officers.

She told The Chesterfield Post, "I'm very proud. We're just glad he's doing something he wants to do. Matt's a bit older and we are very proud of his achievements, and we can't wait to see what's next."

Dad added that he "Can't wait to see the change in him. I'm very proud of him."

Girlfriend Claire expressed her pride but admits she has reservations saying they have been together for a while and there will be a big gap in her life when he goes, but added, "I'm very proud of him."

In his speech, the Mayor of Chesterfield talked about the similarities between his job and theirs - both swear an oath, both only get one crack at it, and both are representing the town and the country. Both jobs too are both exhausting and exhilarating.

Afterwards he told us that it was the best event this week, a very emotional and thought provoking service. He added, "They're terrific lads, they'll do a great job and we're all very proud of them. It was a lovely event."

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