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16th Dec 2013

Night Of Awards

Achievements by Bedford Air Cadets were recognised at the Squadron Annual Awards Evening held on Friday 13th December.

The award ceremony was held at the Defence Intelligence Security Centre, Chicksands in Bedfordshire. This allowed the Squadron to show the audience of parents and VIP’s what the cadets have been doing in the previous twelve months as well as recognising individuals for what they have achieved.

In a change from previous years, it was decided to hold the evening in a more formal style. The first half of the evening was spent with the cadets presenting the high points of the year, covering topics such as camps, shooting, flying, community work and sports. This format allowed most of the cadets of the Squadron to have an opportunity to present to their parents. The talks were interspersed with videos showing some of the events and activities the Squadron has carried out on the evening.

During the second half of the evening, the cadets were assembled with the audience, and it was now time for the staff and VIPs to present the nine awards

The Media and Communications trophy was presented to CWO Jonathon Bell for producing press releases, taking award winning photographs to creating short films and videos, including many seen on the night.

CWO Bell receiving the award from Sqn Ldr Wiggins

The Squadron Marksmanship trophy was awarded to Cpl Beddoe For showing continual interest in shooting over the past year. Cpl Beddoe has been a regular attendee on the Squadron ranges and Wing shoots. He also won a recent Squadron shooting competition.

Education does not stop when a cadet leaves school at 3:30. Within the Air Training Corps, progression through the academic syllabus plays a key role in the development of our cadets. The Squadron Academic Shield went to Cdt Josh Purcel who achieved the highest academic qualification - Master Cadet, and assisting staff in administering the online exams.

The Squadron Commander presented a couple of commendations, the first was presented to CWO Bell for his outstanding efforts in selecting, training and leading both the Wing Field Weekend and Drill teams to success at the Wing Field Weekend Competition in June. Jonathon lead the Squadron to win “The Double”, a feat hasn’t been achieved in 8 years. The second commendation went to staff member FS James Tye for his commitment, hard work and enthusiasm on the Squadron.

The Squadron Commander’s Shield, which is awarded to an individual who deserves recognition for efforts that don’t necessary fit into any of the other awarded categories was awarded to Cadet Mann who it showed tremendous commitment to the Squadron. He can be relied on and without hesitation gets involved in all of the activities we have to offer. Not only that, he has the attitude that inspires and motivates others around him.

The best new recruit was presented to Cdt Nimah Lennox for her excellent turn out and bearing. She has attended the Folkestone Cadet March, Invicta field craft weekend and Barnham training weekend to name but a few. She is keen, eager to learn and always has a good approach to the evening. This year she was selected to lay the wreath at Remembrance Day parad and represented the unit well.

The Leadership trophy was awarded to FS Denham for leading the Wing and Regional Rugby teams. He individual has demonstrated practical leadership in a sporting environment. Off the pitch, FS Denham displays all the qualities expected of a good leader.

FS Denham receiving the award from Lt Col Duckworth

The most hotly contested trophy each year is the Cadet of the Year trophy, with a number of strong candidates it was awarded to Sgt Robert Goates. Who had undertaken a vast selection of activities, encompassing flying, gliding, shooting, adventure training, Camp, first aid, radio communication, drill and field craft training. As well as showing incredible commitment to the Squadron, regularly arriving early on parade nights to assist and prepare for the nights activities and are usually last to leave after all of the jobs are done.

Sgt Goates receiving the award from Air Cdre Ayee

Cadets of the Squadron have also been busy on the sports field. FS Luke Denham was awarded the Squadron Sports Cadet of the Year. FS Denham has represented the Squadron at all sporting events the Corps offers. This year FS Denham played in both the Wing and Region rugby teams. He captained the Regional team to success at the inter region competition. For the second year, Luke has been selected to represent the Air Training Corps in the New Year.

The new format of the evening was well received by the audience, with many positive comments from those watching as building on the previous awards evenings to be the best one so far.