2516 (Droitwich) Squadron

Saturday 14^th October saw the eagerly awaited return of the squadron’s Annual Dinner. Cadets, staff, family, and friends came together to reflect on the activities that the cadets have taken part in over the past year, and to celebrate the achievements that have been made.

We were delighted to welcome Councillor Kate Fellows, Mayor of Droitwich, as the guest of honour for the evening. As one of the Mayor’s chosen charities, it was a fantastic opportunity for the cadets to share some of their experiences with her.

Awards were presented to a few lucky cadets to celebrate certain achievements over the past 12 months.

• Best Newcomer Award: Cdt Title
• Dependability Award: Cdt Allen
• Most Improved Band Member Award: Cdt Harris
• Smartest Cadet Award: Cdt John
• Best Cadet Under NCO Rank: Cdt Banham
• Best Overall Cadet: Cpl Sohna

The evening also saw a number of promotions. Cpl Howard, Cpl Rogers, Cpl Sohna, and Cpl Weinans were promoted to the rank of Sergeant, and Sgt Parker was promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant.

Flt Lt Les Bratt Rtd was presented with a gift of appreciation for his years of dedication to the squadron following his recent stepping down as the Civilian Committee’s Chairman.

Cpl Katie Rogers and Cadet Beth Banham were among 2,000 from across the Midlands to attend the Air Cadets Muster at RAF Benson.

They participated in RAF-related activities, including a journey above the Oxfordshire countryside in an RAF Chinook helicopter.

Several aircraft involved in the Trooping of the Colour flypast in London for King Charles III’s birthday routed over Benson and the cadets were treated to displays by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, F35 Lightning fast jets, RAF training aircraft and Chinook helicopters.

The day culminated with an address to all the cadets present, from Air Marshal Richard Maddison, the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff of the Royal Air Force, followed by a low-level helicopter flypast.

Speaking about the event, Cadet Banham said “it was one of the best experiences of my life”.

On Sunday 29^th January, 13 of our cadets attended the West Mercian Wing cross country competition. Following a fantastic effort by all involved, we came away with trophies for the Under 15 and Under 17 Male categories, as well coming 3^rd overall for male runners. In the individual times, Cpl Howard came 4^th in the Under 17 Male event and will be part of the team that will go on to represent the Wing in the Regional competition.

A massive congratulations to all of the cadets from the squadron who attended, you did us proud! Good luck to Cpl Howard and the other cadets throughout the Wing in the Regional cross country competition in March.

Ex member of the squadron, Paul Humber, sadly died 31^st December 2022 at the age of 75.

Following a career as a Naval Aviator, Paul joined the squadron around 1995, initially as a member of the Civilian Committee then later as a Civilian Instructor. Throughout his time with the squadron, Paul’s wealth of knowledge proved invaluable for the cadets who he taught a range of aviation related topics.

Paul’s commitment to the squadron and passion for aviation wasn’t only applied in the classroom, he also had an enormous hand to play in ensuring cadets were afforded the opportunity to attend flying and gliding as much as possible. He organised flying and gliding allocations on the squadron, delivered briefings to the cadets, and also gave up many weekends to take cadets on these flying and gliding days.

Paul always had a story to tell, and he also provided much entertainment to the staff on the squadron through his humour and great wit, not to mention his comical rants! He will be greatly missed by all who knew him in his more than 25 years with the squadron.

On behalf of the people of Droitwich and surrounding areas, we have launched an appeal for donations of shoe box gifts for the people fleeing from the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. We aim to collect as many “Friendship Boxes” as possible containing items that can be utilised by families escaping hostilities, and bring some small comfort to their children.

If you’re interested in helping out, please refer to this document for a list of items that can be donated to fill your shoe box “Friendship Box”, and instructions of how to package it. Boxes can be dropped off at the Cadet Center on Heritage Way Tuesdays and Thursdays between 19:15 and 20:45. We thank you for any donations you are able to make.