1228 DF (Mablethorpe) Air Cadets showed their support for Royal British Legion at the Poppy Launch at East Kirkby on Saturday 24th October.
The cadets from Mablethorpe joined with Lincolnshire Royal British Legion for the official Poppy Launch in the county. In attendance was Cpl Ben Horner who carried the Squadron Standard in the procession to mark the start of the Poppy Appeal at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby under the shadow of the magnificent Just Jane, Lancaster bomber. The drummers Cpl Gioiachino Lippolis, Cpl Robert Beer, Cdt Niamh Lippolis and Cdt Domenico Lippolis also played a key role in the event by entertaining the dignitaries and visitors as they left.
On a week Mablethorpe Air Cadets gave up their time today to sell poppies to supporters of the Royal British Legion. The group were stationed at Mablethorpe Co-op from 10am until 4pm as they urged people to support the Poppy Appeal. On the day the cadets raised over £300!
Warrant Officer Scott Gardiner said “We have a great relationship with the RBL, the cadets enjoy spending time with the veterans. It is important that we continue to educate the youth of today in the work the RBL do for veterans and serving personnel.”
Mark Reddin Poppy Appeal Organiser added “The cadets do an outstanding job and their support in raising money for the RBL is paramount. We would like to thank them for their contribution and hard work and may the partnership continue for years to come.”
The highlight of the weekend was the kind invite to the Festival of Remembrance at RAF Cranwell. It started with the cadets forming a guard of honour for the dignitaries and members of the Royal British Legion. Cadet Niamh Lippolis carried the standard and represented the RAF Air Cadets in Lincolnshire. It was an honour to be part of such an important act of remembrance. We would like to thank Tony Goodwin Royal British Legion County Chairman for his kind invitation. As the cadets marched on stage he said “They are a pleasure to work with and they are a fine body of cadets who always present themselves in a smart and polite manner.”
Mablethorpe Air Cadets have shown that engagement with the veterans is vital in remembering the past and the importance of raising much needed money. They are the youth of today and are our future.