The events of 2010
4 Jan - Top Gun
The new year started with the now traditional showing of Top Gun (in surround sound and big screen). While the cadets enjoyed the film the staff plotted a range of activities for the forthcoming year.
29 Jan - Civ Comm Meal
Another tradition was continued with the staff, NCOs and civilian committee meeting for a meal at a local restaurant. A very enjoyable evening once again.
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The NCOs |
The family |
7 Feb - ATC Sunday
For only the second time in living memory the squadron didn't parade in Market Harborough but the band led a parade of Leicestershire Squadrons organised by 1181 Syston Squadron as part of their official opening of the new flight simulator. The band performed to its usual high standard in front of the Commandant Air Cadets and other dignitaries both military and civilian.
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The Band |
The Parade |
March Past |
Feb 13 to 20 - Concert Band Camp
Cpl Gemma Dixon and Cdt Theo Mast attended the ACO National Concert Band Camp held at RAF Cranwell and took part in the concert on the Friday evening.
Feb 15 - Works starts
Work started on building the new room between the two buildings. This will provide much needed space and will be particularly useful for band practices. The work is expected to take 8 weeks (depending on weather) so there will be a spell where the normal training programme may have to be curtailed.
11 March
Flt Lt Valerie Smith Commanding Officer of the Squadron was nominated for a 'Pride in Harborough Award.The awards are supported by the Harborough Mail and Flt Lt Smith has been shortlisted for the category - People who Help Young People to Fulfil their Potential.
The nomination, submitted by FS Conor Monk on behalf of the cadets, mentions that in the 14 years she has been with the Squadron, 12 of which have been as CO, she has helped hundreds of young people to fulfil their potential and help raise the profile of Market Harborough itself. The band particularly has brought great credit to the town with its success in band contests and participation in major events both at home and abroad. Through her hard work, determination and dedication the cadets that join 1084 squadron have access to the best opportunities the ATC can offer. Flt Lt Smith has always encouraged cadets to grasp the chances that present themselves and follow them through to the highest standard they can achieve.
Flt Lt Smith commented 'it was a real surprise to read the nomination in the newspaper. It is always nice to be considered for an award but this gives me particular pleasure as the nomination came from the cadets themselves'
Flt Lt Valerie Smith Commanding Officer of the Squadron was nominated for a 'Pride in Harborough Award.The awards are supported by the Harborough Mail and Flt Lt Smith has been shortlisted for the category - People who Help Young People to Fulfil their Potential.
The nomination, submitted by FS Conor Monk on behalf of the cadets, mentions that in the 14 years she has been with the Squadron, 12 of which have been as CO, she has helped hundreds of young people to fulfil their potential and help raise the profile of Market Harborough itself. The band particularly has brought great credit to the town with its success in band contests and participation in major events both at home and abroad. Through her hard work, determination and dedication the cadets that join 1084 squadron have access to the best opportunities the ATC can offer. Flt Lt Smith has always encouraged cadets to grasp the chances that present themselves and follow them through to the highest standard they can achieve.
Flt Lt Smith commented 'it was a real surprise to read the nomination in the newspaper. It is always nice to be considered for an award but this gives me particular pleasure as the nomination came from the cadets themselves'
15 March
Flight Sergeants Sophie Weston, Joe Tomlinson and Conor Monk were presented with their BTEC Awards in Public Services while in Belgium. All three passed with credits.
Flight Sergeants Sophie Weston, Joe Tomlinson and Conor Monk were presented with their BTEC Awards in Public Services while in Belgium. All three passed with credits.
12 - 15 March - Belgium
The 14th visit to Poperinge saw 32 cadets and 5 staff board the coach in the early hours of Friday morning. After a stop at the motorway services where some of the staff were pleased to see a full English breakfast on offer after the disappointment of last year. Arriving early at the Chunnel we boarded the train expecting a quick ride but not to be. There was a problem with the train and we sat for over an hour waiting for movement.
Driving into Belgium we came on snag number 2. Our guide had learned of road works in Kemmel and had an alternative route planned but that proved impassable as the roadworks extended out to Westoutre. Eventually arrived at De Lork and there was a flurry of unpacking, band practice and lunch before setting off on a couple of cemetery visits. Evening meal in Poperinge was as tasty as ever then snag number 3 - the police escort for the Sunset Ceremony outside Talbot House were 30 minutes late arriving and then only after a phone call.
Driving into Belgium we came on snag number 2. Our guide had learned of road works in Kemmel and had an alternative route planned but that proved impassable as the roadworks extended out to Westoutre. Eventually arrived at De Lork and there was a flurry of unpacking, band practice and lunch before setting off on a couple of cemetery visits. Evening meal in Poperinge was as tasty as ever then snag number 3 - the police escort for the Sunset Ceremony outside Talbot House were 30 minutes late arriving and then only after a phone call.
Panic began to set in as we thought we would be late for the Menin Gate, but we arrived in time.
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| Marching off after Sunset at Talbot House | Playing in the Menin Gate |
Saturday included visits to Arras, the grave of Albert Ball VC and Vimy Ridge. While the cadets had lunch in Arras the staff went to the zoo the check on the local girafes.
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| Cpl Parks at Flying Memorial to the Missing | Cdt Nichols at Albert Ball Grave |
Saturday night saw snag 4 - the coach suffered a broken window, fortunately the drivers, with the help of the De Lork staff were able to effect temporary repairs which meant we could continue with the trip.The disco was voted 'the best ever' by the cadets but this saw snag number 5 - the CO was bowled over by an enthusiastic cadet and fell heavily against a table suffering sever bruising and suspected cracked rib - but being the stalwart she is she carried on.
Sunday saw snag number 6 - yet more roadworks this time between Langemark and Poelcappelle which lost us an hour so the Zonnebeke museum had to be left. The Last Post was played at Tynecot as usual. The carnival in the afternoon was as much fun as ever although the cadets did seem to be more serious than usual.
Monday went relatively quietly, loads of 'special offer chocolate, but not the speakers on the top shelf! It was then last visit to Lijssenthoek and the Chunnel home arriving back at 1930, tired but another successful trip.
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The group at the De Lork |
26 March - CO Wins Top Award
Flight Lieutenant Valerie Smith Commanding Officer of 1084 (Market Harborough) was presented with the award for 'Hard Work and Determination' at the 'Pride in Harborough Awards evening held at the Three Swans Hotel on March 25th. The awards are supported by the Harborough Mail newspaper and Flt Lt Smith believed she had been shortlisted in only one category - 'People who Help Young People to Fulfil their Potential' so to win this category was an even a greater surprise to her.
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Flt Lt Smith receiving the Award from Jill Hope, Company Secretary of Regent St Wrought Iron Works who sponsored this award category. |
In announcing the award Mr Brian Dodds, editor of the Harborough Mail praised 'her hard work and determination which had helped hundreds of young people to fulfil their potential. Her determination and dedication enabled all the cadets that join 1084 squadron to have access to the best opportunities the ATC can offer. Flt Lt Smith has always encouraged cadets to grasp the chances that present themselves and follow them through to the highest standard they can achieve'.
Flt Lt Smith commented 'the real reward for me is that the cadets nominated me for this award, to win is the icing on the cake. I would like to thank my family and all the staff at the squadron without whose support I could not have won this award.
27 March - Corps Champion
Cadet Pippa Ball became Corps Junior Girls Cross Country Champion at RAF Cranwell. Running against strong teams from all the other ATC Regions as well as teams from Lincolnshire and Nene Valley athletics clubs Pippa captained the Central & East Region team Junior Girls Team to victory as well a winning the individual race.
10 April - RNA Coffee Morning
Cpl Becky Tomlinson, together with Cadets Jason Dagley, Peter Wisher and James Hardman helped the RNA raise a record amount of money at their coffee morning. The cadets ran the tombola stall and the RNA wrote 'the cadets upheld the highest tradition of your Corps with their politeness, efficiency and smart turn out'
Sgts Chloe Finlay and Kirsty Dagley together with Cadets Pippa Ball, Alex Ball, and Peter Wisher, manned the tombola stall at the coffee morning organised by the Market Harborough Armed Forces Committee. The event was held to raise funds for the committee to help organise the towns Armed Forces Day to be held on July 4th.
Cadets with local MP Edward Garnier