Squadron Achieve New Best

On Sunday 17th June, cadets and staff from 22 (Sandy) Squadron returned from the Squadron’s most successful annual Wing Field Weekend in its history.

The weekend, held at RAF Wyton, saw the cadets and staff arriving on the Friday to set up camp and preparing for the start of the competitions the next morning. The competition brings together all 29 Squadrons in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire to compete in a number of leadership and teamwork exercises, as well as drill, aircraft recognition, ensemble, and much more.

This year the Squadron achieved an astonishing 2nd place in the drill competition, led by Cadet Sergeant Tiffany Cotton (17), beating the Squadron’s previous best from last year of 8th place. The drill team also had the honour of being watch on by former Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds CBE RAF Ret’d, who took the time afterwards to commend their excellent performance.

The field team, which are tested on teamwork and leadership through a series of exercises, achieved a respectable 11th place, another new best result for the Squadron. Also the exercise run by Civilian Instructor Lucy Anderson, and Jeffrey Henshaw, was awarded 2nd best exercise overall of the weekend. The ensemble team also sung their way to 3rd place, just missing out on the chance to perform during the final parade.

The Squadron also saw success in the media communications competition, which this year was to design an Air Cadet display to be used at an event such as a fete, and shows. Cadet Corporal William Clubb (15), came second in the cadet category, with Civilian Instructor Jeffrey Henshaw winning the staff category, combined securing the Wing Communications Trophy.

Congratulation to Cadet Elliot Hall (15), in the aero modelling competition in both the Class 1 aircraft kit, and Class 2 scratch aircraft categories, gaining 1st place in both. Also to Civilian Instructor Jeffrey Henshaw for 2nd in the Class 5 staff open.

Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight lieutenant Mark Robinson commented, “The cadets can be extremely proud of what they have achieved. The results this weekend has taken months of hard work and commitment by the whole Squadron, something we hope to continue for next year”.

The Squadron would like to thank Sandy Upper School and Stevenage Leisure Limited, for allowing the drill team to practice on the School grounds, allowing the team to achieve their amazing result. We would also like to thank the Squadron Civilian Committee for their support and for providing the excellent food during the weekend.