On Friday 15th March over 120 people gathered at the Belgrave suite in Nottingham for 2425 Squadron's annual presentation evening. Guests of Honour included Wing Commander Dickenson OBE Officer Commanding South and East Midlands Wing and Mrs Dickenson, Lt Col Clarke Contingent commander CCF Nottingham High School, Sqn Ldr Mcneill MBE HQ Air Cadets, Tony Porter Bishop of Sherwood, Councillor Mason of Rushcliffe Borough Council and Mr and Mrs Wells.
Other guests included representatives from Ruddington Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association and Rempstone Country Fair committee.
The night was a great success celebrating the many achievements that the cadets had strived for in the last 12 months. Notably some 6 BTEC certificates were presented to cadets in Aviation Studies and Public Services and 16 St John Youth First Aid Certificates. As well as welcoming some new cadets and staff it was a said farewell to a long standing member of staff Mrs Parker who has retired from the ACO to take up an executive role in the Ruddington Branch of the Royal British Legion. The 'Venture Adventure Trophy' is awarded to the cadet that takes the plunge and goes for a opportunity to seek adventure in ACO, this years recipient was cadet Manning who had recently returned from a week long Nordic Skiing Expedition in Bavaria Germany with the ACO. This years Best Cadet award went to Cadet Hayward who has impressed the staff throughout the year with her commitment and attitude towards training. As well as the trophy cadet Hayward was presented with a limited edition print of a Wellesley aircraft that was based at Nottingham Airfield by the artist Tim O'Brien by Wing Commander Dickenson OBE.
Well done to all the cadets for a very successful year. The awards are already heaping up for this year!
Flt Lt R Frost
OC 2425 (Nottingham Airport) Sqn
