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2nd Jul 2014

Bedford Squadron Raises The Banner

After a busy weekend, which tested the cadets of 134 (Bedford) Squadron in a wide variety of activities, the Squadron returned triumphant with four awards from the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing Field Weekend.

In the first of a series of presentations, the Squadron banner team marched onto the drill square and proudly marched off with the banner drill cup, the fifth year in a row they have won this trophy. Soon after learning of this success, they were also pleased when it was announced they had come a very respectable second place in the Beds and Cambs Wing Drill competition, being pipped at the post by the highly-regarded team from 2331 (St Ives) Squadron – a reverse of the last year’s positions.

After taking part in a series of contests over the weekend, testing many aspects of cadet training, the cadets were elated when it was announced they had won the overall Wing Field Day shield for the 2nd year running. The team, who had been trained and led by CWO Jonathon Bell went out and fought through the challenging weather conditions. They remained focused on the goal and overcame everything that was thrown at them, pulling together as a team.

CWO Bell said "It was a great honour to lead the team to victory for a second time, and in this, my final year. All the parade evenings and weekends spent training leadership, teamwork and communication have paid off and I hope all the skills the cadets have learned will stand them in good stead in later life."

FS James Tye was chosen as Best staff member in the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing being awarded the Gibson Goblet. On the Squadron, James holds many roles. As the SNCO on the Squadron he is responsible for drill, dress and discipline, Squadron security and NCO development. In addition to these roles James has taken on additional responsibilities such as organising bi-monthly range days to which other local units are invited. annual Squadron camps, the Folkestone cadet march, fieldcraft weekends, Wing Field Day Drill and Banner Training, the Squadron awards night and air experience flights to name but a few.

Fg Off Lyndsay McGregor, Officer in Charge said "FS James Tye is a uniformed member of staff at 134 Squadron, who currently holds the role of squadron SNCO and is without doubt one of the most dedicated, hardworking, selfless and devoted staff members I have had the pleasure of working with. Since I took command James has supported me in my new role of CO and has provided stability to the unit with the staff changes over the last 18 months. His commitment to the unit and the organisation is beyond reproach and there is very rarely a weekend that goes by without a squadron event run by or being assisted by James."

Last but not least, Civilian Instructor Chris Wiggins was awarded the staff photographic award, for entering this year’s competition, which had the theme “remembering the centenary of World War 1”, with a photo taken at last years remembrance parade.

Cadet Mann said of the whole event "It was a fantastic weekend. The highlight was receiving the awards that we worked so hard for. We all really enjoyed the events and working together as a team."