Sandy cadets celebrate a year of success

On Thursday 16th December, Air Cadets from 22 (Sandy) Squadron celebrated a year of achievement in front of parents and special guests at their annual awards evening.

The evening started with an introduction, followed by a continuity drill routine, performed by a small group of cadets. After a number of presentations from cadets, about the activities they have done in the last year, there was a short break in which the parents and guests could look around a number of displays of first aid training, radio communication and many more activities.

The first award was the Citizenship Award, which went to Cadet Ben Kilby (14), in recognition of his effort at events such as the RAFA wings appeal, bag packing and many more.

The Drill Cup was awarded to Cadet Corporal Joshua Bruce (16), for excelling in the area of drill and uniform. Joshua was also awarded the Education trophy, for achieving the most academically, as well as doing a BTEC in Public Services with cadets.

The Sports Cup was this year awarded to both Cadet Corporal James Day (17) and Cadet Sergeant Kim Coates (17), who have both excelled in the field of sport, on occasion representing their wing at various sports. The Buccaneer Trophy, which is awarded to best new recruit, was awarded to Cadet Lauren Barton (13).

The Media & Communications Trophy was awarded to Cadet Corporal Simon Parsons (15), who over the year has contributed to squadron PR activities, and also undertook in a radio interview for the squadron. The Modelling Trophy went to Cadet Sam Neighbour (15), for his depiction of a First World War trench scene, which won gold at this year’s Wing modelling competition.

Certificates of Commendation were awarded to Cadet Haydn Rout (16), and Cadet Corporal William Phoenix (14), in recognition of their effort and hard work to the squadron. Civilian Instructor Jeffrey Henshaw also received a Commendation for his efforts during the year.

Corporal Phoenix also received the Tempsford Trophy, which is awarded by the cadet to the cadet they feel has contributed the most to the Squadron over the year.

The CO’s Shield, which is awarded by the Squadron Commanding Officer, went to Cadet Sam Keeble (14) for his hard work and enthusiasm since joining the squadron five months ago. As an extra reward, Sam was also given an RAF Branded watch, with a built in compass.

The Cadet of the year, this year was awarded to Cadet Sergeant Kimberley Coates (17). Over the last year Kim has been an active member of the Squadron, taking part in most activities, and was selected to take part in the Cadet 150 parade at Buckingham Palace. As part of the award, Kimberley will also receive a Microlight flight at the Bedford Microlight Company near Sandy.

At the end of the evening, the staff took the opportunity to present Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Mark Robinson with a set of engraved glasses, as a sign of appreciation for all he has done since joining the squadron.

Flight Lieutenant Mark Robinson said, “The cadets can be very proud of how the night has gone, with most of the night being run by them. The cadets have worked tremendously hard over the last year, so choosing who would receive awards has been difficult, so everyone can be proud of their own achievements”.