By Sqn Ldr C Skiera Trent Wing ATC
Trent Wing RAF Air Cadets’ finest, attended their Annual Presentation evening on Wednesday 17th October, held in the prestigious Officers Mess at Royal Air Force Digby.
Twice a year the Wing are proud to host a presentation evening, where the achievements of both cadets and staff are recognised, with particular emphasis on those cadets who have achieved either a Bronze or Silver Award in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme. It’s not to say that the wing doesn’t achieve the Gold award, in fact several cadets do so each year, but that can only be presented at one of the Royal Palaces! The Air Cadet Organisation is the largest provider of training for the award, with over 450 Trent Wing cadets currently taking part at the different levels.
The RAF Air Cadet Organisation has several key aims, developing citizenship, leadership and providing skills that are useful in both civilian and service life form a large part of the training programme. These skills are delivered through several different means, with adventurous training and the DofE scheme fitting hand in glove. The training, projects and expeditions differ in length and complexity and are no easy feat at any level, so the presentation of 19 Silver and a number of Bronze Awards is a great honour for the Wing, but demonstrates the fantastic achievements of the cadets. A special DoE Achievement award was presented to Flying Officer Andrew Buckley of 303 (Worksop) Squadron for his efforts in the delivery of the DoE scheme on the squadron.
Squadron Leader Mel Walker, Wing DoE officer said ‘It’s a great privilege to run this scheme and to see cadets achieve such a great award, which is excellent for their CV’s in later life. By achieving a Duke of Edinburgh Award, it shows their commitment, dedication and determination to succeed.’
It was not only Silver and Bronze on display, but several presentations were made by the Guest of Honour, Group Captain Nigel Gorman, Commandant of Central and East Region RAF Air Cadets, to both staff and cadets. 3 certificates of Meritorious service from the head of Air Cadet Organisation were presented to Squadron Leader John Fallon, former Wing Staff Officer, Flight Lieutenant Austin Colledge (Officer Commanding 620 Derwent Valley Squadron) and Warrant Officer Scott Gardiner (Squadron Commander 1228DF Mablethorpe) The certificates are only awarded for exceptional service, dedication and going above and beyond expectation.
Gp Capt Gorman also presented Cadet Haynes of 2292 (Market Rasen) Squadron with his Air Cadets Pilot Brevet, following his successful completion of his Flying Scholarship. Flying Officer Lawrence Wilson of 47F (Grantham) Squadron received his Commissioning scroll, signed by Her Majesty The Queen. Lawrie is no stranger to the Light Blue uniform, having returned to RAF Family after retiring from full time Regular service, where left at the Rank of Squadron Leader. Recently promoted Warrant Officer Rachel Howlett, Trent Wing’s new Wing Warrant Officer, received her Warrant of appointment also.
Several other presentations were made during the evening in the beautiful surrounds of RAF Digby’s Officers Mess, one of the oldest in the RAF. One of particular note was the official appointment of the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Nottinghamshire, a first in recent years for the appointment of a Trent Wing Cadet to the post. The recipient of the post is Cadet Flight Sergeant Platts of 303 Worksop, who will take the post for the next 12 months. The position will see Flight Sergeant Platts accompany the Lord Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire on official engagements, which may include visits by members of the Royal family in Nottinghamshire. Lincolnshire’s outgoing Lord Lieutenants cadet, Flight Sergeant Marcus Horry of 141 (Boston) Squadron, also received his certificate of service after holding the position of Lord Lieutenants Cadet for Lincolnshire between October 2014 and September 2015.
The RAF Air Cadet Organisation is open to young people aged between 12 and 20, with squadrons being located within communities across the country. If you are interested in becoming a cadet or an Adult volunteer please visit www.trentwingaircadets.org.uk for further information and to find your nearest squadron.
FULL LIST OF AWARDS
Cdt Tivey Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 384 (Mansfield) Sqn
Cdt Burnand Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 203 (Gainsborough) Sqn
WO Gardiner Commandants Commendation 1228 (Mablethorpe) DF
Cdt Ellis Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn
Cdt Platts Silver + LL Cdt Appointment Badge 303 (Worksop) Sqn
Cdt Shaw Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 303 (Worksop) Sqn
Cdt Kibble Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 384 (Mansfield) Sqn
Cdt Tomlinson Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 203 (Gainsborough) Sqn
Cdt Whittaker Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 866 (Immingham) Sqn
Cdt Haynes Pilots Wings – Flying Scholarship 2292 (Market Rasen) Sqn
Fg Off Buckley DofE Special Recognition Award 303 (Worksop) Sqn
Cdt Davies Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 303 (Worksop) Sqn
Cdt Sisson Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 203 (Gainsborough) Sqn
Cdt Cross Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 384 (Mansfield) Sqn
Cdt Davies Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn
Cdt Daia Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 303 (Worksop) Sqn
Cdt Stocks Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 303 (Worksop) Sqn
Cdt Evans Garcia Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 1228 (Louth) Sqn
Cdt Downing Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 303 (Worksop) Sqn
Cdt Snape Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 303 (Worksop) Sqn
CI Harrison Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 2326 (Clay Cross) Sqn
Cdt Myers Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn
Cdt O’Shea Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn
Cdt Masters Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 203 (Gainsborough) Sqn
Flt Lt Colledge Commandants Commendation 620 (Derwent Valley) Sqn
Cdt Ward Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 203 (Gainsborough) Sqn
CI Fallon Commandants Commendation 1890 (Dronfield) Sqn
Fg Off Wilson Commissioning Scroll 47F (Grantham) Sqn
FS Horry Lord Lieutenants Cdt Certificate 141 (Boston)Sqn
WO Howlett Warrant Officer Appointment Trent Wing
Cdt Boughton Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 203 (Gainsborough) Sqn
Cdt Burrows Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 384 (Mansfield) Sqn
Sqn Ldr Donaldson Commandants Commendation 331 (Chesterfield) Sqn
Cdt Fuentes Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 203 (Gainsborough) Sqn
WO Jee Commandants Commendation 1265 (Horncastle) Sqn
Sqn Ldr Lewis Commandants Commendation Trent
Flt Lt Lewis-Farr 22 Gp Commendation 1228 (Louth) Sqn
Cdt Sharp Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award 384 (Mansfield) Sqn