209 Squadron ATC - Current and ex- cadets

The 2007 Reunion 

65th Anniversary Reunion

The 209 Squadron (West Bridgford) Air Training Corps rolled back the years once again with a gathering of ex-cadets and current cadets. The Royal British Legion, Lady Bay , West Bridgford provided the setting for the  squadron's annual presentation awards event, combined with a reunion of old pals who have played their parts in putting the West Bridgford ATC on the map. More than 90 people attended the function including founder members , who were among a gathering of comrades, some meeting up again for the first time in many years.

 

The evening commenced with the official blessing and formal handover of the Squadrons New Ceremonial Banner. It replaced the Squadron Banner which had been stolen in 2005

 

The Banner was blessed by Bishop McFarland (the Squadron Chaplin) and then the formal handover ceremony was conducted by the Deputy Mayor of Rushcliffe, 

 

The Deputy Mayor handing over the Flag to the cadets.

 

Then the annual awards presentation ceremony began with the  The Squadron Commanding Officer, Pilot Officer Dan Milek, announcing the awards, which were presented by the ATC Regional Wing Commander, Nigel Dickinson ,  from the South & East Midlands Wing.

 Wing Commander Dickinson presenting awards to

  

 

 

 

Cadet Warrant Hughes (Sports Cup)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Corporal Hammond

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cadet Willets (Awarded by NCOs)

 

 

 

 

After the presentation, a curry supper was provided by our hosts The Royal British Legion. Cadets, both old and new chatted throughout the evening and the 65th anniversary party was notable for its fun, reminiscing  and renewal of old friendships.

 Memorabilia, including photographs and newspaper cuttings spanning six decades, evoked special memories among those present. A special slideshow of photographs recounting cadets both old and new played throughout the evening and the present day cadets were amazed at the 'antics' the ex-cadets got up to!

 

Ex - Commanding Officers : The Cass Brothers

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The Cass Brothers - all three were at one time Commanding Officers in the ATC.  Bill Cass, on the left, was the C.O. of 209 Squadron, while at the same time, his 2 brothers were also C.O.s at other ATC Squadrons

 

THEN and NOW

The picture below is (from left to right) 4 ex-cadets during the summer of 1950 on a visit to Weston-Super-Mare.

Everyone was pleased to see 3 of these ex-cadets on the evening from the picture below.

On 'parade' again after 46 years! all now aged 73 - from left to right (above and below)

Corporal Dave Kenton             Corporal Norman Lacey                      Cadet Arthur Ward.