2397 (Devizes) Squadron ATC recently held their AGM and awards presentation ceremony. In his report, Flight Lieutenant Commanding Officer B Wiles outlined some of the activities that the cadets had participated in over the last 12 months, which included: Wing Training Day at Boscombe Down, Armed Forces Day Parade in Trowbridge, Remembrance Day Parade in Devizes; various sports events with cadets representing Dorset/Wiltshire Wing and South West Region and Corps at football, hockey, netball, swimming and athletics. The cadets have had the opportunity to fly in the Grob Tutor powered aircraft and Viking gliders and attended the Royal International Air Tattoo camp at RAF Fairford, camps at RAF Valley, HMS Bristol and RAF St Mawgan. During the school holidays they had the opportunity to go climbing and have a go at archery. They entered a float in the carnival (and won first prize in their category). They have been active in the Duke of Edinburgh's award scheme and have run Bronze practice expeditions. The Squadron also entered a team into the Ten Tors event, held in Dartmoor. In addition, the cadets have participated in many community activities, included assisting with the Lions May Fayre, MVT events and RAFA collections. They have assisted at the Devizes Street Festival and provided marshals and collectors for Devizes Carnival.

He then went on to thank the Civilian Committee, which has provided sterling support over the last year, raising funds to enable the Squadron to buy new IT equipment and funded staff training, to enable them to do more activities. They have also funded various activities such as ice skating. and money has also been raised to keep the minibus on the road. The committee also came to the fore in organizing the Dining-In Night, presentation evening and annual inspection. these events could not happen without their help and it is greatly appreciated by the cadets and staff.

Prizes were then awarded to:

Cadet of the Year - Cdt Arthur Carson

Best Female Cadet - Cpl Rhiannon Owen

Best Male Cadet - Cpl Benjamin Cockrem

Best Cadet Sports Person - Cdt Arthur Carson

Best Shooter - Cpl Jack Gilbert-Stone

Best Cadet on Camp - Cdt Oliver Trowbridge

Best Community Contributor - Cdt Tayte Cooper

Most Improved Cadet - Cdt Byron Amor

Best Newcomer - Cdt Grace Lockwood

The Air Cadets is open to any young person between the ages of 12 1/2 to 20. If you are interested in joining, or would like to come along and see what is all about, they meet twice a week, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7-9.30pm, at the Cadet Centre, Franklyn Road, Devizes, 01380 738659.