A team of Air Cadets from Woodley have being celebrating their success at the National Drill Championships held at RAF Halton.
Whilst drill, or marching, is something that all cadets participate in, few squadrons will reach the standard achieved by the teenagers of Woodley squadron, based in Mowhawk Way, who qualified for the national championship following a resounding victory in the South West heats.
During the national competition the cadets, all aged between 13 and 18 years, were marked by professional drill instructors from the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton. The cadets were graded not only on their ability to march as a team, but also on their individual bearing and standard of dress. The cadets were also awarded first place for the smartest squadron.
In their first attempt on the national stage the team came a close second by only 3 points whilst their Drill NCO – Cadet Flight Sergeant Harry Mayne, 17, was awarded the coveted price for best overall instruction.
Squadron Commander Flt Lt Mary Houghton was impressed with the team’s results: “To reach such a high standard is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our cadets. Their ability to both maintain individual self-discipline and work together flawlessly as a team is an extremely valuable skill, which will serve every youngster well throughout their lives.“ During the competition, the cadets were marked on their ability to perform as a team, as well as on their individual bearing and presentation. Their recent result puts them at the top of pile amongst 1,000 other Squadrons!”
It isn’t all hard work, however – since their win the cadets from Woodley have also recently been Flying at RAF Benson, and participated in other activities such as air rifle shooting and bowling.
