Newbury Air Cadets held their annual Open Day on Sunday 4 February at the recently opened Forces Cadet Centre at St Michaels Road. Over 80 parents and friends were able to see what the thriving Squadron get up to on their Parade Nights each week and also the variety of activities that are on offer to cadets almost every weekend on the calendar.

Visitors were able to see stands showing flying and gliding, target shooting, radio & communications, sports, adventurous training including climbing, and also Fieldcraft & survival training.

Also on show were the Squadrons photographic archives which not only record recent events but also date back to the seventies and beyond.

Another stand popular with visitors was the extensive display representing the Squadron’s many overseas visits to the battle sites and Commonwealth War Grave cemeteries of World War I and II. Cadet Corporal George Martin displayed information on last years Summer Camps, including last year successful trip to RAF St Athan, RAF Henlow, and overseas camps to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus in Rheindalen in Germany.

After an impressive display of continuity drill by the cadets, the day concluded with the presentation of trophies and certificates. Roger Cartwright, son of the squadrons former Chaplin, John Cartwright, who died last year, presented two trophies; one to Flight Sergeant Richard Hobbs for Public Speaking and a trophy for Morale to Sergeant Luke Pepperell.

Further presentations and awards included a Gliding Scholarship to Cdt Andrew Penna who flew solo earlier this year, the “Best first year cadet” which was presented to Cadet Thomas Kingham, and “Best Overall Cadet” which was presented to Sgt Luke Pepperell.

The Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Simon Cragg said “The day was very successful; it was good to see so many people attending. The cadets always enjoy showing their families and friends exactly how they spend their time on the Squadron and the variety of opportunities that are open to them within the Cadet organisation”