Isle of Man Sea Corps cadet Orla Goddard and St John Ambulance have been recognised in the 2022 Tynwald Day Best Turned Out awards.

The President of Tynwald, the Hon Laurence Skelly MLC, presents the Best Turned Out Individual Award to Isle of Man Sea Cadet Orla Goddard, joined by sub-lieutenant Jamie Ward

16-year-old Orla, who has served in the Isle of Man Sea Cadet Corps for six years, said she was ‘honoured’ to receive the Best Turned Out Individual award. No stranger to ceremonial duties, Orla has served in the Tynwald Day parade for the past five years and said she was proud to have been part of the Island’s National Day celebrations. She also took the opportunity when receiving her award to thank her mother ‘for doing all the ironing’.

Sub-lieutenant Jamie Ward added: ‘This is the second year the Isle of Man Sea Cadet Corps has been recognised, one of our cadets having received the Best Turned Out Individual award in 2021. Tynwald Day is the biggest parade of the year for us and all the cadets – including our new recruits - did us proud on the day.’

The Best Turned Out Unit was St John Ambulance, represented by 11-year-old twins Shannon and Rebecca Kiely who said it was thanks to their mother, Patricia, who suggested they ‘give it a go’ that they joined the organisation. Shannon said: ‘We like being in St John Ambulance and it’s the people that make it really enjoyable.’ Joining Shannon and Rebecca were Matthew Higgins, 14 and Matthew Gledhill 16.

The President of Tynwald, the Hon Laurence Skelly, MLC, presents the Best Turned Out Unit Award to St John Ambulance youth support officer Eddie Littlewood.. Also pictured are cadets Matthew Higgins, Matthew Gledhill and Shannon and Rebecca Kiely

Matthew Higgins has been a St John Ambulance cadet for four years and was a standard bearer in this year’s Tynwald Day parade. Matthew Gledhill, a cadet for six years, spoke for all of his fellow cadets when he said that the opportunity to learn new skills and to serve the community were what made being in St John Ambulance so rewarding.

Presenting the awards, the President of Tynwald, the Hon Laurence Skelly, MLC, said: ‘The tradition and ceremony of Tynwald Day is part of who we are and those who take part in the procession and parade play an important role in our Island’s history and heritage. It is in recognition of that service – and of those who go above and beyond - that the Best Turned Out Awards were introduced.’

Mr President went on to praise the ‘centuries-old work and selfless dedication’ of St John Ambulance and to congratulate Orla on her achievement, adding: ‘It’s wonderful to see young people taking up the mantle and continuing the invaluable work which organisations such as the Isle of Man Sea Cadets and St John Ambulance do for our community.’

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For further information contact:
Joann Corkish
Deputy Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 686303
j.corkish@tynwald.org.im