James Hutchinson, a former pupil of St Francis CE and Greenfield Schools, featured in Newton News as part of our coverage of the 2016 Swimathon when he volunteered as a fund-raiser for SSAFA at the event at Spennymoor Leisure Centre. We reported that James had applied to join the Army as a Junior Soldier at Harrogate Foundation College. James went on to pass selection but, unfortunately, failed the Army’s hearing test.
However, with the help of Dr. Welsh at Bewick Crescent Surgery, James appealed the Army’s decision and was informed in August 2016 that he had a place at Harrogate starting in September. James has now completed his basic military training and “Passed Out” on Thursday 23rd February 2017. The passing-out parade included a visit by Storm “Doris” but despite that the Junior Soldiers put on a great show for the visiting friends, families and dignitaries. James now has a short period of leave before he is posted to RAF Lyneham to start his trade trading as a Vehicle Mechanic with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. Well done James!
