The civilian committee of 42F (King’s Lynn) Squadron Air Cadets was on hand to greet parents and VIP guests as they arrived for the Squadron’s Annual Presentation Evening at the Town Hall on Monday 19th November.
The historic Stone Hall and imposing Georgian Assembly Room is always the venue for this most important event in the Squadron’s calendar. As they arrived in the Stone Hall parents, staff and invited guests were able, with a welcoming drink in hand, to mingle and talk before moving into the Assembly Room for the presentation of awards to cadets.
Following the entry of the Squadron’s Standard and the invited guests into the Assembly Room, the Squadron’s newest member of the uniformed staff, Adult Sergeant Alex Stapleton took on the role of Master of Ceremony introducing the individual award winners and the persons presenting each particular award.
The individual awards were as follows.
Best Cadet. Cdt B. Naish. Presented by Mr. Mac Tucker, Chairman King’s Lynn & District Branch RAFA.
Best NCO. Cdt Sgt J. White. Presented by the Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk Councillor Nick Daubney.
Best New Recruit. Cdt A. Runyard. Presented by 42F Civilian Instructor Gary Walker.
Geoff Bullen Award for Flying. Cdt Cpl H. Pink. Presented by Sir Michael Oswald KCVO, Hon President of 42F Squadron.
Richard Spooner Award. For Diligence & Consistent Effort. Cdt G. Richardson. Presented by Mr. Richard Spooner.
George Cole Community Award. Cdt Cpl D. Hillard. Presented by Mr. Michael Lister Chairman 42F Civilian Committee.
David Whitby Award for Excellence in Leadership Skills. Cdt B. Naish. Presented by RAF Cpl Farrar, 42F Service Instructor based at RAF Marham.
Sports Award. Cdt S. Ruddleston. (Not present at the Awards Evening).
Sgt Harden Award for Endeavour. Cdt A. Sanderson. Presented by Flt Lt Pauline Petch RAF AC, Officer Commanding 42F Sqn.
Harry King Formal Training Award. Cdt Cpl H. Pink. Presented by Wing Commander Stuart Geary, Officer Commanding Base Support Wing RAF Marham.
Having presented his award, the Mayor seized the opportunity to speak and tell all present how much the Squadron was held in high regard within the community.
The Squadron’s second in command, Flying Officer Chris Barrett, then spoke about the Squadron’s cadets activities and achievements over the preceding twelve months including the Heritage Lottery funded RAF 100 Airfields of Norfolk project and also their memorable trip to the WWI battlefields and memorials of Belgium.
Presentations over, all present then retired back into the building’s 15th century Stone Hall for a buffet and fund raising raffle which was well supported by all and raised over £345 for Squadron funds.