Another Congratulations is in order on 226 (Brighton) Squadron as Flight Sergeant Louise Murray is promoted to Cadet Warrant Officer.
CWO Murray found out the good news following a long weekend of inter-wing competition and adventure training at Crowborough Camp, Sussex. The rank of Cadet Warrant Officer is appointed by Senior figures in Sussex Wing, and follows an interview with a Wing Staff Officer. There are only a handful of CWO’s within Sussex Wing due to the eligibility guidelines, which include having a long record of service, being over 18 years, and obtaining Staff Cadet status.
This news follows her recent success as she was nominated as East Sussex’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for 2010. This is awarded to one senior Cadet, whose role is to accompany the Queens military representative for the region (the Lord Lieutenant) at his public appearances and duties.
CWO Murray tells us of her good news:
“I feel so privileged to have been selected for the role as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet. I can’t wait to get involved with my duties, and hopefully gain some new experiences in doing so. As for my promotion, I feel happy to have my work and longevity with the Organization recognized and rewarded. I want to continue to contribute to my Squadron in all the ways I can.”
Whilst other Squadrons are licking their wounds from the recent Wing sports fixtures, 226 (Brighton) Squadron are continuing to celebrate their successes as the Senior Girls won first place at the Swimming Gala.
The team consisted of Corporal Alice Searle and Flight Sergeant Louise Murray, who shared the events at the venue in Horsham, and consequently won most of them! There to present their trophy was Wing Commander M Haswell, who was watching and supporting the event. Both were selected to represent Sussex Wing at the Competition at Guildford, where Sussex ranked 5th among the London and South East Regions.
Continuing on the theme of sporting fixtures, 226 Cadet Corporal K Cook stole ‘Player of the Tournament’ at the recent Inter Wing Junior Hockey match.
St Dunstan’s is a nationwide organisation, which aims to help ex-service men and women who are blind or visually impaired. 226 (Brighton) Squadron went along to their Ovingdean-based centre to lend their support.
The centre gives invaluable physical and emotional support to those it also offers a time out for carers. In addition to sea views, the residents enjoy enriching activities 7 days a week. That’s where 226 Squadron come in. Every week, the cadets help by partaking in the activities, helping serve refreshments and talking to the residents.
Cadet Katie Cook tells us what the volunteer work means to her:
“As Air Cadets we take pride in getting involved in the community and this is the perfect opportunity for us because it is the route of the Air Training Corps, being around and helping out ex-service men and women. It also makes a contribution to my Duke of Edinburgh Award.”
Last Week, Cadets of 226 (Brighton) Squadron were busy preparing their uniform in the wake of two special squadron visits. The first being an inspection from Sussex Wing’s Warrant Officer, WO Cordell. Warrant Officer Cordell spoke to the Cadets individually, and was pleasantly amused with their stance on the Squadron and was impressed with their standards of dress and discipline.
The visit was preceded with another Squadron inspection by Regional Commandant, Group Captain L Haikin. The Group Captain, who heads over 150 Squadrons in London and South East Regions was very impressed with the running of the Unit, and the interesting training programme on offer. He took time to answer questions with the Cadets, as well as asking the Cadets themselves on their experiences with the Corps as well as their future ambitions. Group Captain Haikin was pleased to learn how the Squadron had grown rapidly over the past 18 months due to the hard efforts of the recruit intakes. Well done to all those involved with the visits, another thumbs up for 226!
Thirty Cadets and Staff members from 226 (Brighton) Squadron donned their best uniform on Sunday as they marched alongside 500 members of other Cadet forces on Trafalgar Square to commemorate the 205th anniversary of Battle of Trafalgar.
226 Squadron led on the Parade in front of a crowd of thousands, taking their positions in the middle of the Square. Among them was Cadet Sergeant Verity Martin, who was appointed wreath layer on the basis of her impeccable standards over the weekend. This privilege follows two days of intensive Training at Longmoor Army Base, Hampshire where Cadets prepared for the Nationally celebrated and televised event. However, it wasn’t all hard work for the Brighton Cadets as they were invited to dine at Wellington Barracks following the Parade, courtesy of the Guards Division.
One Cadet describes their experience:
“It was a real privilege to be on Parade in such a well-known British landmark, and alongside such a huge number of Cadets! I was also lucky enough to escort the VIP guest, The First Sea Lord, which was an experience!”
Cadet Sergeant Kyle Crickmore
This year called for more celebrations for the Air Cadets as the event coincided with the Cadet 150 festivities, in addition to being the first time ever that any other Cadet force was invited to partake in the Parade. Overall, the weekend was a great success, and Brighton Air Cadets gave a triumphant show, waving the flag for the Air Training Corps and receiving praise from many senior members of the Cadet Forces.
