Thursday 17 December is the night of the Annual Presentation of Awards and Trophies to the cadets of 99 (Folkestone) Squadron Air Training Corps.
Cllr Susan Carey, Chairman of Shepway District Council, presenting awards
I’ve seen members of the squadron’s band at many of the events I’ve attended this year including the Step Short march on 04 October (there’s a post for this event) but this is my first visit to their HQ in Ship Street, Folkestone. I am there as guest of honour to hand out all the certificates, badges and trophies that the cadets have won. And there are plenty.
The trophy for Smartest Cadet
The Best Overall Cadet award is in the shape of a propeller and is nearly as tall as the cadet who wins it but my favourite award is the one for Smartest Cadet which is the shape and weight of an iron.
The evening starts with several of the new cadets making their pledges among which is one to be a ‘good citizen’. The drill display has had to be called off because of the bitter cold and the display by the band which rounds off the evening is brought indoors. As the squadron has reached its 70th anniversary the band plays an air themed piece from every decade since the 1940s.
The band
I am really impressed by the achievements of these young people and pleased to learn that the number of cadets is growing. The cadets appear to love every moment of their activities, including 100 mile walks in the Netherlands, gliding, music and sports. Shepway District Council has awarded the squadron a grant towards the cost of instruments and I can see it will be put to good use.