Awards Night 2011
Monday 19th December was the Squadrons Annual Awards & Enrolment Evening and it was made much easier this year with the dramatic onset of snow and ice!
Over 200 people attended the event at the brand new Maltings Academy School in Witham for presentations from Cadets and Staff from the Squadron. The evening outlined the Squadron’s key achievements throughout 2011 with presentations from Officer Commanding, Flight Lieutenant Mat Moakes, a piano performance from Corporal Alex Benham, a presentation about completing a gliding scholarship and the expedition to the Pyrenees. There was also a raffle which helped to raise over £200 for Squadron funds. Thank you to those who donated prizes and bought tickets.
The proceedings were then handed over to our recent intake of new recruits who began in September to present what they’ve done since joining the Corps. After a short presentation and drill display they were formally enrolled into the ATC by Squadron Chaplain, Revered Michael Child. The recruits of ‘C Flight’ have now only 4 weeks to go until they will achieve their ‘First Class’ classification enabling them to go flying and gliding. During their initial three months training they’ve covered everything from basic drill, RAF knowledge to fieldcraft and weapons training.
There were a number of awards presented to the intake on the evening and they were presented by Wing Warrant Officer Kevin Cottee and Warrant Officer David Shelton:
Best Cadet of the Intake: Cadet Matthew Childs
Best Drill of the Intake: Cadet Harry Boon
Most Improved Cadet: Cadet Mollie Rushen
The evening ended with awards and promotions for the main Squadron. Awards were made by representatives of Essex Wing ATC, RAFA Witham Branch, RBL Witham Branch and friends of the Squadron.
Sports Cadet of the Year ~ Presented by Squadron Leader Debbie Robinson, Deputy OC Essex Wing ATC
Corporal Alex Benham
Marksman of the Year ~ Presented by Mr Terry Ridley, Chairman, RAFA Branch 327
Cadet James Walkinton
Best New Recruits 2011 ~ Presented by Squadron Leader (Ret’d) Jeff Carpenter, Chairman Essex Wing CWC
Cadet Amelia Johnson
Cadet Francis Lewis
NCO of the Year ~ Presented by Mrs Peggy Joslin, widow of our Squadron President Mr Richard Joslin
Sergeant Rebecca Baker
Most Improved Cadet, the Harry Robinson Memorial Trophy ~ Presented by Flight Lieutenant (Ret’d) Bob Stratton
Cadet Toby Day
Cadet of the Year, The Sweetman Cup ~ Presented by Squadron Leader (Ret’d) Richard Sweetman
Cadet Frazer Simpson
A commendation from Officer Commanding Essex Wing ATC, Wing Commander Glenn Mayes was presented to Mr Terry Ridley and Mr Des Bright for their hard work and meritous service in support of the Squadron over a number of years. This was presented by Deputy OC Essex Wing, Squadron Leader Debbie Robinson.
Following an NCO selection cadre in November 2011 the Squadron also announced the following promotions:
From Cadet to Corporal:
Corporal Ellie Shipley
Corporal James Walkinton
Corporal Frazer Simpson
Corporal Abi Graves
From Corporal to Sergeant:
Sergeant Kris Baker
Sergeant Alex Benham
From Sergeant to Flight Sergeant:
Flight Sergeant Tom Wells
The following awards were also voted for by the Cadets:
Best Member of Staff voted by the Cadets: Flying Officer Sean Purcell
Best NCO voted by the Cadets: Sergeant Tom Wells
Best Cadet voted by the Cadets: Cadet Amelia Johnson
Parents, Guests and Cadets then joined Staff members a for light refreshments to celebrate the Squadron’s achievements.
See our video review of the year below:
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