Remembrance weekend is a very
busy time for 1220 and this year was no exception with cadets on duty Friday,
Sunday and Monday.
On Friday 16 cadets joined the Army cadets and Royal marine cadets in a morning service at the Neale Wade Academy.
Sunday saw 1220 take part in 2 parades and 1 service. An 07:45 start at squadron for breakfast before marching into town to lead some 500 military, ex-military and civilians on the parade through the town to St Peter’s Church. It was then back to the war memorial for 11am and the 2 minutes silence followed by wreath laying. Cdt Amy Brownlie-Wood laid our wreath this year.
Having returned to squadron a
small contingent made their way to Eastwood Cemetery where crosses were placed
on the war graves there including one RAF.
Lunch back at squadron then the band along with small contingent of cadets headed for Chatteris where we lead their afternoon parade. Cadet Samuel Gowler laid our wreath.
Monday and 14 cadets attended the Cromwell Community College for their Service of Remembrance.
1220 (March) Squadron Air Training Corp recently held its Annual Review and Presentation of Awards at the Neale-Wade Academy. In the presence Wing Commander Dave McMillan, Officer Commanding Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing and the Mayor of March, Councillor Jan French, Flight Lieutenant Colin Arnold covered the activities and achievements of a Squadron already holding the title of best squadron in the Wing.
1220’s activity list in 2018 was impressive. Seven cadets completed their bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, another 4 their silver and 4 achieved the coveted gold award. Fourteen cadets completed the Heartstart emergency first aid course with 11 others going on to do St John Youth First Aid.
Cadets grabbed every opportunity to go away on camp with 6
attending UK RAF Stations and 8 to the Nescliffe training area. On an aviation
theme 4 cadets undertook air experience flying and 8 went on a day trip to RAF
Coningsby.
Leadership and knowledge training were well represented. The
squadron based training saw 24 cadets passing their classification exams with 3
cadets achieving the top level Instructor Cadet.
March are well known for their sporting prowess and cadets
took part many of the sports that were available.
Target shooting was as popular as ever with shooting on
squadron, at RAF Honington. 7 cadets
gained marksman badges through the year
1220 continue to support our town and local area with attendance at all the major events and well as helping in the background such as bag packs, Christmas Lights, Festival of the Forties.
Highlight of the evening was the announcement of the awards.
These were presented by Wing Commander McMillan and Councillor Jan French.
Main award winners were:
Gold Award Pin Badges
FS Joshua Mayes FS Callum Manze Hana Howsam Liutaurus Puckorius
Former 1220 cadet Lauren Arnold has been awarded the prestigious RAF100 Centenary Apprentice of Year. SAC Lauren Arnold (25) was presented with her trophy by Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Steven Hillier. The event took place at the RAF Museum, Hendon, where winners and guests dined under the Lancaster bomber. There were 24 winners across all the trade groups in the RAF. Lauren spent almost 7 years at 1220 before joining the RAF in 2013.
She is a Logistics Driver currently based at RAF Coningsby and alongside being able to drive almost every vehicle the RAF operates she is currently responsible for ensuring that 3500 military and civilian personnel are provided with the required driver training courses and that currency on MT orders and licensing is maintained.
Lauren has also maintained contact with her cadet roots as a Service Instructor at March Squadron and assisting with cadet visits to Coningsby.
