Cadet Sergeant John Cail takes the Top Band Trophy
The Region’s musicians took centre stage at the National Marching Band Competition at RAF Halton and came away flushed with success.
Battling against the Corps’ other five regions and the biting cold, the musicians from 1084 (Market Harborough), 1211(Swadlincote) Squadrons along with an Ensemble from 1985 (Flitwick) Squadron performed magnificently in front of their Ambassador, Group Captain Carol Vorderman, The Air Member for Personnel, Air Marshal Sir Baz North and their Commandant, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty along with other VIPs.
The Band of the Market Harborough Squadron secured a magnificent win to become, once again, the Corps Top Marching Band (for the fourth time in five years) with their Drum Major, Cadet Sergeant John Cail (18) an excellent third place in the Drum Major competition.
1084 also secured an excellent second place in the Fanfare section.
On their first appearance at Corps level, the drumming Air Cadets of 1211 Squadron showed they are contenders to be reckoned with for the future as they drummed their way to fourth place.
1985’s Ensemble face crowd
Setting feet tapping and hands clapping, the always popular Ensemble competition drew the VIPs out of their usual reserve as they enthusiastically showed their appreciation for the multi talented musicians and singers of the Corps and for Central and East Region the Air Cadets from Flitwick did not disappoint. Although not in the top three, their performance was one of which they, and the rest of the Region, should be proud.
All in all a good day again for the Region and the smile on the face of Assistant Region Commandant, Squadron Leader Nathan Wilks, told it all.