Hard work pulling a Landrover.
Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell, played host to Nottingham’s fourth Inter Cadet Service Competition on Saturday 21st April.
In the absence of representatives from the Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force, the Nottingham units of the Sea Cadet Corps and Royal Air Force Air Cadets competed to become Nottingham’s best Cadet Service in the Cadet 18 Competition
Reassembling the “gun” on the gun run
The cadets, aged 15 to 18 years of age, completed in a number activities, a “Gun Run”, a vehicle pull, climbing wall, and initiative, leadership and teamwork exercises
All activities involve teamwork, leadership, physical ability and discipline. All these elements were assessed and marked to find which of Nottingham’s Cadet Forces are this year’s Champions.
The competition was fierce and the inter Corps rivalry was evident as the cadets battled hard in all the elements of the competition.
The competition was the brainchild of Warrant Officer Dan Haywood of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and his drive and enthusiasm has ensured the event has continued into it’s fourth year. Backed by a team of appropriately qualified adult volunteers from all the involved organisations, the safety of the competing cadets was assured.
During the afternoon, the competition was honoured to have the retired Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Andrew Pulford, as guest of honour. Sir Andrew toured the site and took a keen interest in all the activities spending considerable time talking to both the cadets taking part and the supervising volunteers
Also visiting were various other VIPs from the cadet forces, the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association and armed forces veterans
Air Cadet Joshua Sherwin of 2418 (Sherwood) Squadron said; “ the competition was great fun but hard work. It was a great opportunity meet and work with other cadets and I have learnt a lot. It’s been a great day”
After all the points were added up and for the fourth year running, the Air Cadets were declared the overall winners being again crowned best cadets in Nottingham.
Sir Andrew was on hand to present the medals and trophy. Having driven up from
Air Chief Marshal (Rtd) Sir Andrew Pulford presents the winning team with their medals
London specifically to attend, the Air Chief Marshal spoke of his admiration for the cadets drive, enthusiasm and competitive spirit. He also gave his heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers without whom events like this could not take place, indeed, the whole cadet organisation relies on these wonderful volunteers that give so much to the cadet organisations.
Warrant Officer Dan Haywood thanked all who took part, all the staff that helped, Chilwell Garrison for the use of the excellent facilities, the East Midlands Ambulance Service for the use of the specialist vehicle and to Major Bruce Spencer from 162 Royal Logistics Corps for providing the Gun Run competition.
Sponsorship for the event was provided by Green Frog Promotion and Chemring Defence who kindly provided the cadet’s T Shirts. All concerned are immensely grateful for their generous support.