Air Cadets from London Wing and the rest of the United Kingdom kicked off the launch of Cadet150 on the 17 February to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the cadet movement.
Cadet Flight Sergeant Alex Dutch (holding "0") with other Air, Army and Sea Cadets outside 10 Downing Street
Her Majesty The Queen is Patron of Cadet150, and a programme of over 150 events is taking place all over the country during the course of the next year, reflecting the spirit of adventure, excitement, fun and community service at the heart of the cadet movement.
Cadets from the wing were involved in a number of high profile events all over the capital for the launch.
Her Majesty The Queen and the His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, who is Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Cadets, received 26 specially-selected Cadet Ambassadors at Buckingham Palace on 17 February in support of the launch. The cadet ambassadors (7 Air Cadets, 7 Army Cadets, 6 Sea Cadets, and 6 Cadets from the Combined Cadet Force) have been drawn from every corner of the UK, specially selected for individual outstanding achievements.
Cadet Flight Sergeant Alex Dutch of 241 (Wanstead and Woodford) Sqn who is one of the specially selected Cadet
Cadet Flight Sergeant Helen O'Keefe who gave a Radio Interview to Time 107.5FM Radio
Ambassadors commented “I feel honoured to have represented the Air Cadets for such a special event. I have benefited great as a result of being a member of the Cadet Forces, enjoying trips to locations like the Falkland Islands, undertaking my Gliding and Flying Scholarships, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as well as having new challenges and experiences which I may not have had the opportunity to do if I was not part of the Air Cadets.” Alex is also undertaking the Air Cadet Junior Leaders course, which is a test of both mental and physical abilities promoting leadership skills and qualities.
The day also involved a visit to Downing Street where the cadets met the Minister for Young Citizens and Youth Engagement, Dawn Butler MP and the Under Secretary for Defence and Minister for Veterans, Mr Kevan Jones MP as well as lunch at the Ministry of Defence with a number of invited guests including Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Ian Stewart.
London Wing Cadets in South Africa 2009
In the evening the cadets enjoyed an evening reception at Lancaster House hosted by the Ulysses Trust and the Council of Reserve Forces and Cadet Associations. The Ulysses Trust has been a strong supporter of challenging expeditions by members of the Air Cadets. Flight Lieutenant Dan O’Mahoney RAFVR(T) of 338(West Ham)Squadron gave a presentation of the London Wing Expedition to Lesoto, South Africa which took place in July 2009.
Meanwhile in Romford, Cadet Flight Sergeant Helen O’Keefe of 2324(Chigwell)Sqn and Flight Lieutenant Peter Gourri of London Wing, were interviewed by Peter Stremes of Time 107.5 FM Radio about what the Cadet forces do and the type of activities which Helen has enjoyed during her time with the Air Cadets.
Wing Commander Sylvia Silver, Officer Commanding London Wing Air Cadets said: “The Cadet 150 events are a wonderful opportunity, not just to celebrate 150 years of our fantastic movement but also the valuable work which thousands of Adult Volunteers do to help young people in the Air Cadets and other Cadet Forces today. There are great opportunities for young people across the UK to experience by joining the Air Cadets and I would encourage any young person looking for fun and adventure to visit their local Squadron today.”
Find out more about Cadet150
The Radio Interviews with Time 107.5FM can be heard by clicking on the links below.
Cdt Flt Sgt Helen O’Keefe speaks to Time 107.5FM Radio about being an Air Cadet.
Flt Lt Peter Gourri of London Wing speaks to Time 107.5FM Radio about the Cadet 150 Celebrations.
