Air Cadets from 1220 (March) Squadron have been recognised in a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme ceremony.
The Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Sir Hugh Duberly KCVO CBE presented certificates of commendation at the ceremony, which was held at Hinchingbrooke School’s Performing Arts Centre in Huntingdon.
Cadet Flight Sergeant Kyle McLean (17), Cadet Sergeant Katie Mowatt (18), Cadet Corporal Frasier Casson-Rennie (17) & Cadet Corporal Callum Willox (17) were invited to the ceremony after successfully completing their Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards in 2015. In total 7 Cadets completed their Gold awards, with three turning 18 years of age since completion, and subsequently “ageing out” of the Air Cadet Organisation.
To achieve their Gold award each cadet had to take part in a physical activity (Physical section), pursue a personal interest (Skill section), spend a minimum of 12 months volunteering (Volunteering section), complete a 4-day expedition (Expedition section) and join a 5 day residential experience (Residential section).
The recognition ceremony held on Saturday, 9th January, precedes the Cadets invitation to be awarded officially their award at St James’s Palace later this year. Other Gold award achievers from all over Cambridgeshire were present at the ceremony.
A keynote speech was given by Miss Judy Scotney from Peterborough. Judy was the first girl in Peterborough to achieve her Gold Award in 1964, having already worked through her Bronze and Silver Awards. Her achievements were documented in a Pathe News item at the time entitled “Woman does man’s work”.