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19th December 2006

Awards Evening

While most people are thinking about wrapping presents at this time of year, 134 (Bedford) Squadron is busy considering stage presence, because, on 14th December 2006, the squadron hosted their spectacular Annual Awards Evening at the DISC Chicksands theatre.

The evening featured its usual mix of humour and celebration, with the first half consisting of sketches produced almost entirely by the cadets, to give the parents and invited guests an idea of what Bedford get up to during the year. 

Media & Communications Award: CWO Otulakowski

 

This year the sketches ran along a television theme; the hosts were ‘The Two Ronnies’, while ‘Little Bedford’ and the ‘Generation Game’ received many laughs from the audience. Also appearing was the one-night-only, live ‘Stomp’ band, and the Banner Party unfurling the squadron’s Banner to the National Anthem. Half way through the sketches was a commercial break with spoofs of the ‘Marks & Spencers’ advert, ‘Shake ‘n’ Vac’ advert (starring Cadet Warrant Officer Otulakowski), and a plug for the squadron’s fund raising Car Washes. 

Despite the rushed costume changes, prop movement, and general hurry backstage, the presentation to the audience was flawless. The IT and multimedia support, provided by CI Wiggins on the evening was an excellent success, and enhanced the comedy and performances by the cadets.

After the sketches were completed, there came the section of the evening that everyone was waiting for: the Awards presentation. Chief of staff at Chicksands, Group Captain Haywood, kindly presented the trophies to the cadets, with introductions from the Commanding Officer of 134, Flt Lt Mark Robinson.

The Awards were presented:

• Best New Recruit: Cadet April Hobden
  Marksman Cup: Cadet Jake Riches
  Aeromodelling Trophy: Cadet Scott Pickering
  Clark Shield for Sports: Cadet Leah Gilbert
  Academic Shield: Cadet Nnoruka
  Media & Communications Award: CWO Otulakowski
  CO’s Award: Flight Sergeant Russell

Commanding Officer’s Commendations went to Corporal Denham for dedication to commanding the Drill Team, Mr and Mrs Pickering, and Mr Dipper and Miss Guyanendra for catering for cadets in the field.

Then came the announcement of the Cadet of the Year Flight, which this year is a flight in a Royal Navy Hawk on 7th March 2007. 

Cadet of the Year 2006 - Sgt James Tye

The Squadron’s Cadet of the Year 2006 Trophy was awarded to Sergeant James Tye.

Commanding Officer of 134 (Bedford) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Robinson said of the night: ‘The Squadron has had an excellent year, and this was a perfect end to it. All the preparation by staff and cadets alike made for an excellent show; a very good show. The selection of winners this year was especially hard because of the very high standards of all of the cadets. Congratulations to the winners, and those who just missed out. Well done everybody.’

Many thanks are due to DISC Chicksands for allowing the squadron to use the venue for another year, to Group Captain Haywood, Wing Commander Bower, and Squadron Leader Lang for taking time out of their schedule to attend the evening. Also the Sergeant’s Mess for providing the vital cups and saucers, the Civilian Committee for catering for the event, the parents for attending, and, of course, the cadets for putting together a fantastic show once again.

Cadet Warrant Officer Otulakowski