THE offer of a mayoral cadet was given the thumbs down by members of Tavistock Town Council during a meeting last week. The Army Cadet Force in the town had previously written to the council with the idea, suggesting a senior member of their group could be deputed to serve on ceremonial occasions. Cllr Robin Pike said the role was generally regarded as the province of one of the pre-service groups. The cadet might be expected to be on hand on occasions such as the civic ball or at the annual civic service. Cllr Jenny Metcalf, mayor of Tavistock, said it was important to support the armed forces at a time when they were under threat of cutbacks. She said being a mayor?s cadet would be a mark of honour and commitment. Cllr Peter Jones said as an ex-military man, he knew cadets were often picked to carry out civic functions, which was looked upon favourably by their superiors. Cllr Iain Andrews said he felt ?uncomfortable? at limiting the role to a member of one of the town?s pre-service groups like the ACF or ATC, when there were many other youth organisations in Tavistock who might wish to depute a senior member to the position. Cllr Ann Johnson said if the council was to accept the offer of a mayoral cadet, it needed to think very carefully about what the cadet was expected to do. Cllr Norma Woodcock agreed and pointed out that the mayor was normally accompanied on formal occasions by the clerk or the town crier. ?Unless there is a clear role, the youngster would be thinking, ?I?m wasting my time here?,? she said. Cllr Caroline Keane said: ?I don?t see a valid purpose for this cadet within the context of the town council as it stands at this time. I think we are well covered on remembrance day services, well covered on other events and I don?t see a specific need or role for this person.? The committee agreed the clerk should write back to the ACF, thanking them for their suggestion but rejecting it for the time being. The decision is due to be ratified by the full council at its meeting next week.
