Cadets from London Wing showed their true team spirit during the RAF Two Day March which is organised by the Royal Air Force Walking and Road Marching Association  and over two days the teams have to walk over 50 miles.

This year the London Wing team excelled with 51 walkers and the lead London Wing Cadets achieved the title of best group. The cadets use the RAF Two Day March as a practice for the Nijmegen Marches in the Netherlands, which takes place in July and consists of the Cadets walking as a squad for 100 miles over 4 days. A feat of endurance, dedication and discipline by excellent young people.    

Warrant Officer Adrian Munday of London Wing commented” We have always had a strong team from London Wing as part of the RAF Two Day March and this year was no exception. The team have been fantastic and I am looking forward to attending the Nijmegen Marches in July.”

Air Cadets from London joined with Army and Sea Cadets to mark the 150th anniversary of the cadet movement with the annual St George’s Day parade in Whitehall. More than 100 cadets took part in the parade, led by an Air Cadet marching band which was followed by a moving ceremony at the Cenotaph.

The parade was organised by the Society of St George and pays homage to England’s Patron Saint.

Squadron Leader Phil Pidgeon RAFVR(T), who was the Parade Commander for the Air Cadet contingent said: “As usual, the cadets did a fantastic job on parade, celebrating not only St George’s day, but also 150 years of the cadet movement.” Cadet Warrant Officer Millie Celeste (from 444 Shoreditch Squadron) along with Cadet Sergeant Brendan Quinlan (from 282 East Ham Squadron) spent the morning in Trafalgar square where they were interviewed by Jim Wheble for BBC Radio London.

CWO Celeste said: “It was a great experience to be interviewed for the radio, I was nervous as it’s not something I’ve done before but the presenter was very nice.” Cdt Sgt Quinlan added: “It was actually a lot of fun – but also important for us to represent the cadet forces for the 150th anniversary of such an important movement.”

A series of events will continue to take place throughout the UK during 2010 to mark the 150th anniversary of the cadet movement. Each will aim to reflect the spirit of adventure, excitement, fun and community service at the heart of the orgainisations.

London’s Air Cadets was among the many cadets and adult volunteers who gathered this week at the Guildhall in the City of London as guests of the Lord Mayor to enjoy a Big Curry Supper laid on for them by the Army Benevolent Fund, the Soldiers Charity.

The event brought together Marine, Navy, Army and Air Cadets from all over London as well as members of the Scouts and St John Ambulance.

In recognition for their hard work, the cadets were treated to an exciting evening of curry and entertainment whilst learning more about the Army Benevolent Fund (Now known as the Soldiers Charity) and how the charity helps soldiers and their families.

 Among the many exhibition stands on show, CVQO were also represented by a number of cadets who are CVQO students including Cadet Flight Sergeant Alex Dutch of 241(Woodford and Wanstead)Squadron  who was available to explain to visitors how they can gain vocational qualifications through their hobby.

The Big Curry initiative invites everyone across the UK and overseas to host  a curry for family, friends and colleagues in return for a donation to the ABF. The cadets’ curry evening followed the ABF Big Curry lunch, which is now in its fourth year at the Guildhall.

 The Lord Mayor of the City of London, Alderman Nick Anstee, attended giving a speech about the significance of the Cadet movement and and their role in society as well as specifically praising the work of Adult Volunteers in the Cadet Forces.

To find out more about the ABF and their great work, visit http://www.soldierscharity.org/   or to be involved in the Big Curry Initiative visit http://www.bigcurry.org/get-involved/