Army Cadets from the Evesham Troop delivered a birthday surprise with a difference to a 90 year-old veteran of the Korean War.
Ken Ricketts lives in the Evesham area and has been a dedicated participant in Remembrance parades at the Cenotaph in London for many years. Sadly, failing health means he has recently been struggling to play the active role he would like to in his military community.
When Ken’s son Andy contacted Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force (ACF) in February asking if the County could do something to celebrate his 90th birthday, they were only too happy to oblige.
Stepping forward was the Evesham Troop Detachment Commander SSI Mike Fryer, who put in hours of work to prepare something special for Ken.
“The ACF always encourages Cadets to engage with their local communities, so when I saw Andy’s letter about his father I knew the Cadets would want to be involved,” SSI Fryer said.
“When Ken arrived he thought he was just getting a standard look round the Detachment building and maybe a handshake or two. The look on his face when our plans were revealed was truly special.”
During this special Detachment night, Ken’s service in the aftermath of the Korean War was remembered with a presentation on the conflict by their Cadet Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs).
Regimental well wishes were also delivered from the Royal Anglian Regiment, whose second Battalion now represents Northamptonshire following a series of regimental amalgamations.
Ken’s birthday was also recognised with a letter of good wishes and congratulations from His Majesty King Charles III – read out by a Cadet NCO.
Finally, Ken was presented with an engraved glass tankard from the Troop’s staff and Cadets. Refreshments were served, during which Ken revealed he had himself been a Cadet in the 1940s!
Gheluvelt Battery Commander, Captain Jamie Edwards, said: “My congratulations to Ken on his birthday milestone, and to the Cadets and adult volunteers at Evesham for their hard work in preparing for this event.
“The veteran community is a special family, and so too is the ACF. We will always do our best to bring the two together.”
Well done Evesham Troop for putting on a fitting visit for Ken! You can stay up to date with news from Hereford & Worcester Army Cadet Force on their Facebook page.
Interested in learning more about community events and activities that the Army Cadets take part in? Visit our Army Cadet Force webpage.
Published 27/06/25
