National Success for Cadets

Eight cadets from 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron have been selected and joined the Air Cadet National Marching Band for a weeks camp at RAF Halton.

The cadets joined 46 cadets from all over the United Kingdom for a week of music and drill. The first performance was a dress rehearsal for a passing out parade at RAF Halton. The parade went well with the cadets then being invited to join families and friends to watch the final parade featuring the Central Band from the RAF. The cadets then moved onto the Youth Music Festival and played outside the historic College Hall at RAF Cranwell. The final weekend was at the Royal International Air Tattoo at Fairford, where the cadets gave four performances including the sunset ceremony lead by a Wharfedale Cadet, Sergeant Rhys Leighton on the cornet.

The week concluded with awards presented by the Director of Music (Marching Band), Squadron Leader Nic Sermon. Two awards went to cadets from 1224 (Wharfedale) Sqn; Cadet Jorgen Moore - Best snare drummer and Cadet Sergeant Rhys Leighton- Best Cornet/trumpet. All the cadets were presented with the National Gold Music Badge.

Officer Commanding 1224 (Wharfedale) Sqn, Flight Lieutenant Sue Leighton said " Warrant Officer David Wood and myself had the pleasure of working with the National Marching Band Cadets this week. It was amazing to watch their performances. Each performance demonstrated the hard work they had put in all week. I am extremely proud of the Wharfedale Cadets. We now have ten cadets on Squadron with the National Gold Music Badge. Five of the cadets have learnt their instrument at Squadron".


If you are between 13 and 17 years old and would like further information then please visit www.ilkley-atc.co.uk or email adj.1224@aircadets.org

Addingham Gala 2011

1224 have been regular attendees at the Addingham Gala for the past few years providing musical entertainment during the parade to the field whilst also running a stall on the field itself.
2011 was no exception to this and the Squadron were there stronger than ever. The band played many of their signature tunes including 1224, Aces High and Highland Cathedral. The usual Drum Major, FS Alex Chambers, was unable to make the parade so Cdt Jonathan Forward took over the role instead. Despite only having been taught a little bit Cadet Forward did a brilliant job leading the band through the streets of Addingham.


On the field the Squadron held it's usual tombola stall which raised £120. In addition to this there was also a large selection of cakes and sandwiches made by Mrs Whitaker which went down a treat and also raised £237!

Cadets also collected for RAFA during the day and raised $### selling pin badges and a name-me claim-me teddy bear.


Thankfully despite some earlier concerns about the weather the rain held off and we even had some sun before the end of the day when 8 cadets along with Flt Lt Leighton and WO Wood travelled down to RAF Halton to take part in the National Air Cadet Marching Band.

Pictures by Cdt FS Sam White, you can see more in the Squadrons Picasa gallery @ https://picasaweb.google.com/1224sqn.atc/AddinghamGala2011