Air Cadets and Staff from 1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron have taken part in the Swadlincote Beacon Lighting ceremony, to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th Birthday.
In front of hundreds of members of the Public, the Cadets marched the short distance from their headquarters building out onto Eureka Park, in readiness for the Beacon lighting. With the Band leading and banner party present, the sight of 90 Cadets and Staff marching in ‘column of route’ was an impressive sight to behold, and drew many favourable comments from the public and dignitaries alike.
Mr Frank McArdle, Chief Executive of South Derbyshire District Council said, “Once again we are supported by the Air Cadets from 1211 Squadron, they look very smart and are a credit to our Community”.
Following a rousing speech by the Chair of South Derbyshire District Council, Councillor Neil Atkins, covering the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II over the past 90 years, the Beacon was lit and the crowd sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Her Majesty, accompanied by 1211’s own Marching Band.
After the Beacon had been lit, the Swadlincote Air Cadets paid their own personal tribute to The Queen, by forming -up in the shape of the number 90 and shouting “Happy Birthday Your Majesty”
To cap off an excellent ceremony, the Cadets were treated to Birthday Cake, laid on by the fantastic Events team at the local Council.
Cadet Warrant Officer Stuart Bagley, on his last official engagement with 1211 Squadron, before he ‘ages out’ at the end of April, said “This evening was really special, it was brilliant to be a part of this celebration of the Queen’s 90th Birthday and I was proud to be in charge of the Cadets on my last formal parade”.