A formal dinner of 300 invited guests, with Guests of Honour Air Cdre Dawn McCafferty, Commandant Air Cadets, and Cllr Val Haynes, Mayor of Blackpool, was held at the DeVere Hotel in Blackpool to celebrate 75 years of 177 (Blackpool Airport) Sqn ATC.
Current cadets and staff, their families, civilian committee members, former cadets and staff from other local squadrons enjoyed a four course meal with presentations and speeches.
A photographic display of the Squadron through the years was on show for all to enjoy, as was the Squadron’s latest purchase: a brand new 17-seat Minibus newly liveried in Air Cadet colours.
Presentations were made to cadets who had achieved BTEC certificates in Public Service and Aviation Studies, Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards and the Squadron’s annual Achievement Awards.
Cadet of the Year was awarded to CWO Patrick Lancaster, who has also recently recovered from a severe illness.
The prestigious Service to Squadron trophy was awarded to CWO Liam Boden for all his dedication to the Squadron. Liam will soon be leaving the Squadron to start his career in the Royal Air Force.
Air Cdre McCafferty said: “There was a lovely atmosphere of shared pride in achievement and it was particularly heart-warming to see so many young cadets demonstrating impeccable manners at a formal function of this scale.”
For more informtion about 177 (Blackpool Airport) Sqn ATC and how you can get involved, as a cadet or as an Adult Volunteer, visit http://www.177sqnatc.co.uk/
