The annual presentation evening for 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron cadets and celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Air Training Corps was held at the Kings Hall, Ilkley.

Warrant Officer David Wood and his wife Jan took on the challenge of organising the event for 206 guests who included Deputy Lord Lieutenant Roger Whittaker and Mrs Elizabeth Whittaker, Air Commodore Colin Smith, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff based at High Wycombe, the Lord Mayor of Bradford , Councillor Peter Hill and the Lady Mayoress Mrs Gillian Hill and Wing Commander Steve Wiggins, Officer Commanding Central and East Yorkshire Wing and his partner Rachel. Guests from the Royal Air Force Association and the Royal British Legion joined together with cadets families and former cadets to make the evening very special. Unfortunately, two guests were unable to attend as they had been deployed to the Middle East with the Royal Air Force that morning.

Individual training certificates were formally presented to cadets and staff by Wing Commander Wiggins. All guests were then invited to stand and remember former cadets who were no longer with us, and Cadet Corporal Rhys Leighton played the Last Post. Grace was then said by Cadet Flight Sergeant Fran Cunningham.

Individual awards were presented to cadets by Air Commordore Colin Smith, Assistant Chief of the Air Staff.

Air Commodore Smith praised the cadets and their success in the local community. “I was asked to promote the Big Society by my advisers, but there is no need here in Ilkley – its happening already with these excellent young people”

Promotions were also announced for Flight Sergeants Alex Chambers and Tom Smith, Sergeants Ben Connor, Jamie Partovi, Rhys Leighton and Chris Cavaliere and Corporals Alex Raabe and James Cowley.

A special presentation was made to Squadron Leader John Hitchin, who, after 22 years dedicated service as Commanding Officer of 1224, took up the post of Sector 5 Commander of Central and East Yorkshire Wing in September 2010. Following speeches, the nine snare drummers demonstrated their difficult drum routine and stick work and then the whole band played the traditional marches. As always, the second half of the event had a different mood, starting with Sergeant Jamie Partovi playing Maple Leaf Rag on the piano, Highland Cathedral with Ken Pickles on the bagpipes (Wharfedale Pipers), In The Mood, featuring a fantastic solo by Cadet Danny Stainton, and Diamonds on the guitars led by Flight Sergeant Sam White in tribute to the late Jet Harris.

The event concluded with Evening Hymn and Sunset played on the balcony by Sergeant Rhys Leighton.

Flight Lieutenant Sue Leighton, Officer Commanding 1224 (Wharfedale) Sqn said: “We’ve had a fantastic evening. We have a lot of young cadets who have never experienced a formal evening and having so many guests has made it very special. “I would like to thank the staff and cadets for their continued support and dedication to this squadron which continues to drive our success and provide new and exciting opportunities.”

AWARD WINNERS:

Best new cadet: Cadet Jorgen Moore Best Intermediate: Cadet Sean Silverwood Best Senior Cadet: Corporal Chris Cavaliere Cadet of the Year: Corporal Jamie Partovi (presented by Mrs Pauline Stead, mother of Flight Lieutenant David Stead who died in 2005).

The Commanding Officers Cup was awarded to Cadet Jack Croft for his determination to do well and always complete tasks.

Attendance Trophy: Sergeant Alex Chambers Royal Air Forces Association Salver: Corporal Chris Cavaliere Sports Trophy: Corporal Ben Connor Bandsman of the Year: Cadet Oren Chew White Rose Shooting Trophy: Cadet James Cooper Best turned out NCO and Cadet: Sergeant Alex Chambers and Cadet Alex Raabe Ian Clarke Memorial trophy for Community Service: Corporal Chris Cavaliere