This weekend saw a whistle stop tour of Central and East’s Regions top Squadron’s for Regional Commandant Group Captain Nigel Gorman and Warrant Officer Mark Giddings.
In previous weeks each of the Regions Six Wing Commanders had nominated their best Squadron to compete in The Morris Trophy Competition for the best Air Training Corps Squadron.
The Lees, Morris and Marshall Trophies given to the best and most improved ATC squadrons in the UK.
The Lees Trophy is presented to the best small ATC squadron with 45 cadets or less, and the Morris Trophy is awarded to the best large ATC squadron with 46 cadets or more from over 900 Squadron’s.
The Marshall Trophy is awarded to the most improved squadron in the Air Training Corps.
After completing the final Morris inspections this weekend The Regional Commandant commented that this years’ standard had been incredibly high and each of the four finalists should be very proud to have represented their Wing so well.
1094 (City of Ely) Squadron were judged by the Group Captain to be worthy representatives in The National Competition and will now join the five other Region Representatives from every corner of the UK and Overseas Air Cadet Squadron’s.
Officer in Charge Flying Officer John Donoghue said:
” We were humbled just to be selected by Wing Commander Kelly as his best Squadron as we know just how high the standard is in Beds and Cambs Wing, but to now go forward as one of the top Six Squadron’s in the Corps is a dream come true for any Squadron but particularly poignant as last year we tragically lost our OC Flight Lieutenant Steve Johnson to cancer. Steve was a freind to all and he took command when our OC of three decades service -Flight Lieutenant Nick Wilson RAF VR(T)- retired from uniform service to become a Civilian Instructor.
Sector Warrant Officer Tabitha Robelou then stepped in as OIC until I could attend OASC and regain my commission and as the Regional Commandant said in his letter of congratulations, success at this level of competition doesn’t happen overnight and I’m very much aware that we are here today because of a fantastic legacy and team effort from cadets and adult staff and committee members all working for the good of our young people.”
The Cadets, Staff and Civillian Committee were all joined on parade last night by the Cadets parents to hear the announcement and a huge cheer went up as The Squadron OIC read the letter of congratulations from Group Captain Gorman.
The whole squadron committed last night to do their very best on behalf of Central and East Region to represent every Squadron in The Region to the best of their ability.
To the Fore 1094