The following are reports about cadets from the Central & East Region who took part in the St George’s Day Parade at the Cenotaph in London:
A seventy strong Air Cadet Band provided the Music for the St George’s Day Parade at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, Central London on Saturday.
The Air Cadet National Marching Band had players from across the country and played a range of music for the parade. Last Post & Reveille was played by Cadet Sergeant Isobel Hughes from 1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron, and received much praise for the standard of her playing.
The parade consisted of two flights of cadets found from Middlesex and London Wings and smaller contingents of Army Cadet Force and Sea Cadet Corps cadets. Appropriate marches were played each service passed the dais where Air Vice Marshall Lindsay Irvine CB RAF, head of RAF Legal Services, took the salute. AVM Irvine later took time to talk to the cadets, particularly the saxophonists as he, too, plays that instrument.
As the band marched off at the end of the parade it was met with spontaneous applause from the public for a job very well done.
From 1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron:
Swadlincote Air Cadet Plays at London’s Cenotaph
As part of the St Georges Celebrations one very talented Air Cadet from Newhall travelled to London with the National Marching Band Team in order to take part in a ceremony at the National Cenotaph. Cadet Sergeant Isobel Hughes from 1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron played the last post as the wreath was laid as a mark of respect to all those soldiers’ sailors and airmen who have been lost in war.
Squadron Leader Sue Leighton the Air Cadet Project Officer for Music Services said “The National Marching Band led the St Georges Day Wreath Laying Ceremony in Whitehall where The Last Post and Rouse were played by Cadet Sergeant Isobel Hughes from 1211 Swadlincote Squadron. This is one very special enthusiastic young lady and it is a pleasure to work with her.as her playing was faultless.)
Here are some of the comments from staff at the ceremony:-
Outstanding Last Post – well done. Former Chief Technician Harding who served with the RAF Music branch
Well done. Lovely sound and brilliant composure – Flight Lieutenant Harris who teaches the brass section of the Marching Band
Excellent – Very Professional – Squadron Leader Bell – Director of Music, Training
One word – Fantastic – Squadron Leader White, Director of Music, Marching Band
Swadlincote’s own Director of Music Matt Leedham told us, “Our Cadet’s band are one of the leading Marching Bands in the UK and we are particularly proud of Cadet Sergeant Hughes who is now acknowledged as the leading trumpeter within the Organisation”
Squadron Commander Alyn Thompson added, “South Derbyshire can be very proud of this young lady who has played at this most important location, the main focus of every national moment of thanksgiving, where Royalty and Prime ministers pay their respects. As her Squadron Commander I can only say that she has represented both the Squadron and Community with dignity and professionalism.”
and from 422 (Corby) Squadron:
Corby Air Cadet Performs at The Cenotaph
On Saturday 23rd April 2016, Cpl Hannah Eden of 422 (Corby) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets spent the morning with the National Marching Band of the Air Cadet Organisation performing at the St. George’s Day Parade at The Cenotaph, London.
She travelled to RAF Halton on Friday afternoon, and had an intense band rehearsal that evening in preparation for the parade the next morning.
After an early start on Saturday morning and travelling into London, the band then prepared themselves on King Charles Street and played a few static pieces entertaining the hundreds of people watching.
Cpl Eden said “It was such an amazing experience performing at The Cenotaph. I loved every minute and it was such a proud moment for me. I can’t wait to perform again with the band later in the year – we have some great events coming up.”
Additional Reporting and photographs, Squadron Leader Philip Jones RAFVR(T), Corps Photographer (South)