47F (Grantham) Squadron, RAF Air Cadets, held their Annual Review evening (17 December) looking back at the successes during the last 12 months and looking forward to their plans for 2016.
It was during this time that Wing Commander Tony Wright, Officer Commanding Trent Wing, that he informed the squadron that he had a not so small addition to their plans. 47F is unique in Trent Wing as being the only ‘Founder’ Squadron in the Wing, signified by the ‘F’ after the squadron number. A founder squadron means that the unit was one of the first 50 squadrons to be formed nearly 75 years ago.
2016 will see the Royal Air Force Air Cadet Organisation celebrate its 75th Anniversary, with many high profile events taking place across the country, starting in February with the a dedication and celebration service to be held at the Royal Air Force Church of St Clement Danes in London. The service will be attended by VIP’s, Cadets and staff alike, but strictly by invitation only.
As the only Founder Squadron in Trent Wing, Wing Commander Wright announced to Cadets, Staff and Parents that the Squadron will be representing Trent Wing and Central and East Region at this prestigious event. 4 Members of the Squadron, including the Squadron Commander, Flt Lt Paul James, will attend to take part in the different elements of the 75th Anniversary Service.
Wing Commander Wright said ‘ Its a great pleasure to announce this to the squadron and I am delighted that Trent Wing will be represented during this prestigious and significant event in the history of the Air Cadet Organisation.’ The service will take place on Sunday 7th February 2016, known as Air Cadet Sunday, which in turn will start the year long celebrations of the 75th year of the Air Cadet Organisation across the UK.
The Air Cadets received the Royal Seal of Approval on the 16th December with confirmation that Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge has become the organisations honorary Air Commodore in Chief, taking on the role from HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. This important post signifies the importance of the Air Cadet Organisation and its future in developing and inspiring today’s young people.
The event is by invitation only, tickets are not available to book.