Three local people were honoured at a formal ceremony at Hillsborough Castle in2016, receiving some of the highest accolades that can be conferred on members of the Reserve Forces and Cadet movements. 

OD, Lieutenant Hector Wanliss (1979O), was of course one of these people. 

Lieutenant Hector Wanliss, who has served as an Adult Volunteer with the Sea Cadets since 2011 also received his award and the citation which accompanies it highlights Lieutenant Wanliss’s success in helping young people to gain self-confidence and self-discipline, many achieving recognised awards and valuable qualifications.

On his ‘watch’ the once-struggling Training Ship Broadsword has grown in strength and profile, becoming the top Sea Cadet Unit in 2013, 2014 and 2015. He is a prominent figure within the Cadet Offshore Fleet and has been responsible for getting 150 Cadets to sea, as well as committing to voluntary work as the Co-ordinator for Northern Ireland Sea Cadet District Competitions. He is an energetic ambassador for Lifelong Learning and continues to study and attend courses, having recently passed the RYA Yachtmaster Qualification.

Hector had this to say when sending this piece to Brian de Kock (1952O), 

"The award was made in 2016, and I'd almost forgotten about it until I came across the article in my files. It was, as with many of these things, a reflection on the good team of instructors and assistants around me. I thoroughly enjoy my voluntary work and it was a bit humbling to receive an award for merely doing what I love: assisting young people, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, to develop to responsible adulthood and giving them a little head-start in life. Apart from managing the show, I thrive on the teaching aspects as an RYA powerboat instructor, RYA VHF radio instructor/assessor, and instructing in seamanship, first aid, and navigation. Sadly, very little has been possible during the pandemic; but there is some light at the end of the tunnel and we may be given the go-ahead for outdoor activities after Easter."