News Releases
27 Mar 09 - Harrogate Air Cadets Celebrate High Flyers
Outstanding achievement in aviation, sports and activities by the air cadets of 58 (Harrogate) Squadron was acknowledged last Friday evening in the annual Squadron Awards Evening at the Cairn Hotel in Harrogate, hosted by Sqn Ldr Shirley Tune, Commanding Officer of Harrogate Squadron.
Amongst the many guests, parents and friends helping to celebrate the cadets’ success over the past twelve months were Phil Willis, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, the Mayor and Mayoress of Harrogate, Cllr John and Mrs Maggie Fox, and USAF Base Commander Rep Major Katherine Barber from RAF Menwith Hill. Each guest spoke warmly of the commitment shown by each prize-winner, as well as the dedication and responsibility demonstrated by each and every cadet of Harrogate Squadron. Also in attendance were regional representatives of the Air Training Corps including Wing Cdr Wiggins, Sqn Ldrs Ayre and Quinn and former Commanding Officer of Harrogate Squadron and present WSO, Sqn Ldr David Walker, RAFA Chairman Mr Wilkie and Sqn Ldr Derek Walker, 58 Squadron’s President.
It has been a busy and productive year for Harrogate air cadets. Cpl Michael Gilbert spoke of his recent Gliding Scholarship and how he had gained the distinction of having won his Gold Wings, a brilliant achievement gained in record time at RAF Linton on Ouse. Cadets Foster and Skelling amused everyone with their heartfelt description of the blisters raised by road marching towards their goal of participation in the annual Nijmegen March in the Netherlands, and Cpl Amy Fuller described how she had helped to start the Marching Band, a new joint venture with Knaresborough and Wetherby Squadrons that has proved to be a runaway success. The Band then performed their first ever ‘gig’ and wowed the audience with a medley of such favourites as ‘The Great Escape’ and ‘Dad’s Army’.
After the presentation to deserving cadets of certificates accrediting ATC examination success, the year’s trophies and cups were awarded by the Squadron’s guests. One of the prize giving highlights had to be the presentation of the Guy Gibson Cup for Cadet of the Year. This went to Cdt Lawrence Pender, who was also awarded the Air Defence Trophy for Most Improved Cadet. The RAFA Young Person of the Year (Region) Award was awarded to Sgt Joanne Gibson, whilst Sgt Richard Doherty’s prowess as Sports Cadet of the Year was acknowledged in the Meldrum Sports Cup. Other worthy prize winners included:
Cpl Rebecca Williams- Aero Modelling Trophy
Cpl Sebastian Tyler- Aircraft Recognition Trophy
Cadet Thomas Carter- Terry Trophy for Most Promising Cadet
Cadet Charlotte Hall- Vulcan Globe Trophy for Best Fundraising Cadet
Sgt Adam Bending- Pegasus Blade for best NCO
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF ACRILLS MEDIA GROUP.
