209 Squadron ATC

West Bridgford - Nottingham

The 2001 Reunion 

Diamond Jubilee Dinner - a look back 

The 209 Squadron of the West Bridgford Air Training Corps rolled back the years with a nostalgic look at its impressive history during celebrations marking its diamond jubilee year. The Notts County Banqueting and Conference Centre provided the setting for the  squadron's annual awards event, which appropriately coincided with a reunion of old pals who have played their parts in putting the West Bridgford ATC on the map. More than 200 people attended the function including founder members Stan Abbott and Dennis Brewer, who were among a gathering of comrades, some meeting up again for the first time in 45 years.

Special guests

The 6Oth anniversary party was notable for its fun, friendship and camaraderie with the 209 Squadron's Commanding Officer, FIt Lt Stuart McNeill, extending a warm welcome to those present including special guests Wing Commander Phil Giles and Bill Cass, who was in charge of the 209 Squadron in the 1970s.  

Cadets dressed in uniforms from times past to present day, along with slides to reflect the changing face of the West Bridgford ATC, which was first formed from the Air Defence Cadet Corps in February,1941. 

At the time it served as a direct recruiting organisation for the wartime RAF. Sixty years later, its ideals are similar: "To promote and encourage among young men and women an interest in aviation and the RAF and to provide training which will be useful both in the services and civilian life, to foster the spirit of adventure and to develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship," still holding good.

Among those accepting awards were Demetri Solominski (Best Cadet), FIt Sgt Mark Keetley (Best NCO), Catherine Ball (Sports Cup), Samuel Dickens (Best New Cadet), Ashley Wain (Award for Endeavour), Kyle Shelton (Duke of Edinburgh Progress) and Jenny Street (First Aid Service Shield). A special award of a general service medal for time spent in Northern Ireland went to Jim Dennis, while Stuart McNeill was caught unawares when the squadron presented him with a framed print, acknowledging his outstanding leadership.  Memorabilia, photographs and newspaper cuttings spanning six decades, evoked special memories among those present.

 Jim Dennis (left) with his general service medal and Flt Lt Stuart McNeill

 

Barry Vernon attending the get-together from his home in Southampton, was a member of the 209 Squadron in 1948. "It is great to be able to come back to Nottingham and see that the West Bridgford ATC is thriving all these years later, said Mr Vernon.

"Being a member of the squadron is character building, sets behavioural standards, and teaches respect and good manners.

"It is marvellous to have been associated with this squadron which is second to none."

Old Boys Stan Abbott and Dennis Brewer (pictured above) , attending with their wives Eileen and Joan (also in the picture above), said: "We are proud of the squadron and all it has done to shape the lives of young people. "Our time in the ATC was a happy one and we recommend the organisation to anyone out there looking to broaden their outlook on life."

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Current Commanding Officer Flt Lt Stuart McNeill (back row second left) with some of the squadron's oldest members

Founder members of 209 Squadron Stan Abbott and Dennis Brewer join in a salute with newest cadets Sean Gibson (left) and Samantha Vallance.  

Cadets dressed in uniforms from times past to present day

 

A congratulatory message from the Queen set the seal on a sparkling occasion.