2516 (Droitwich) Squadron

Throughout April, to mark the centenary of the RAF, four of the squadron staff participated in a fundraising event to each cycle a total of 100 miles with the proceeds being split between the squadron and the RAF Benevolent Fund. Part of this event involved the four staff members visiting the Wyre Forest to cycle a 25 mile route for a combined 100 miles in a day. A total of £150 pounds was donated by cadets’ parents and friends of the squadron, along with donations made to the Benevolent Fund by the four participants. The staff had a great time participating in this event and managed to cycle over 560 miles in total. For more information on the RAF Benevolent Fund and the work that they do, visit rafbf.org.

The Squadron held its annual dinner on 13^th May at St. Andrew’s Town Hotel. Members of the Squadron were joined by family and friends to celebrate the achievements of the cadets over the past year. As part of the evening, some of the cadets were awarded for their hard work thoughout the year.

The following awards were presented to cadets:
Best Newcomer Trophy: Cdt McGivney
Dependability Trophy: Cdt Guest
Smartest Cadet Trophy: Cdt Radford
Best Cadet under NCO rank: Cdt Farrel
Best Cadet Trophy: Cpl Gittus

The following promotions were also made:
Promotion to Corporal: Cdt Radford
Promotion to Corporal: Cdt Wilson
Promotion to Corporal: Cdt Coats
Promotion to Sergeant: Cpl Gittus
Promotion to Flight Sergeant: Sgt Robbins

Sunday 7th May saw the Squadron attend the Wing Athletics event at RAF Cosford. Our cadets represented the Squadron in a range of events including 200m, 1500m, Javelin, and High Jump. We came away with Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals, and Cpl Gittus will go on to represent the Wing at Regional Athletics later on in the year. A huge well done to all who attended.

Cadets from 2516 (Droitwich) Squadron competed at West Mercian Wing’s annual Training Day. The squadron had a successful day scooping trophies for Smartest Cadet, Best Squadron in Worcestershire and Best Squadron in West Mercian Wing. The cadets also came a close second in the Drill competition.

Flight Lieutenant Peter Booth said: “It’s a great achievement for the cadets to have come second in the drill competition with such an inexperienced team. The trophies won reflect the the grit, determination and enthusiasm shown by both the cadets and staff. I am exceptionally proud of their accomplishments.”

The Squadron’s Annual Dinner took place at Droitwich Spa Community Hall. Members of the Squadron, parents and honoured guests came together to celebrate the cadets’ achievements over the past year.

The Squadron was privileged to have Councillor Lynne Duffy and Captain Andy Black as honoured Guests.

The following awards were presented to cadets:

The Dinedor Camp Shield: Sgt Yates (Red Flight)
Best Newcomer Trophy: Cdt Gittus
Dependability Trophy: Cdt Billington
Smartest Cadet Trophy: Cdt Gurr
Best Cadet under NCO rank: Cdt Sparkes
Best Cadet Trophy: Sgt Hudson
Most Improved band member: Cdt Robbins

The following promotions took place:

Promotion to the rank of Corporal:
Cpl Sparkes
Cpl Knight

Promotion to the rank of Sergeant:
Sgt Winter

Promotion to the rank of Flight Sergeant:
Flt Sgt Law
Flt Sgt Hudson

The Sqn also recognised the service of CI Richard Bowden & Rev. Rachel Wheeler who will both be leaving the Squadron.