Double Celebration For 1181 Squadron

On Sunday 7th February cadets and staff from 1181 Squadron began arriving at 7.30am to erect marquees and get the headquarters ready for the arrival of some very special dignitaries who would be attending the opening of their flight simulator, then march through Syston to celebrate the founding of the Air Training corps 69 years ago on 5th February 1941. This day was a culmination of months of planning and hard work in organising all the visiting ATC groups as well as redecorating the headquarters. The day began with 1181 squadron and the band from 1084 Squadron assembling on the parade ground behind the head quarters and being inspected by the Air Commodore Ian Stewart. He then returned to officially open the Flight Simulator before enjoying a good lunch with other members of the ATC and 1181 Squadron. A stylish cake had been made for the occasion and he cut this after lunch. The cadets enjoyed a lunch in the marquees before reassembling on the parade ground with the other ATC groups which swelled the ranks to nearly 300. They marched from Wreake Valley to St Peter and St Paul’s Church were the dignitaries awaited the arrival of the squadrons and included Air Commodore Ian Stewart, Mrs Stewart, Aide De Campe Flight Lieutenant Barney Jones, SAC Craig Hunter, Lord Lieutenant Leicester Lady Gretton, Station Commander RAF Cottesmore Group Captain Guy Waterfall, Air Chief Marshall, Retired, Sir Jock Kennedy, Lady Kennedy, Wing Commander Nigel Dickenson, Squadron Leader John Hill, Squadron Leader Mark Richards, Squadron Leader Adrian Utting, Mayor And Mayoress Councillor Roy Brown and Mrs Gillian Brown, Charnwood, Syston Town Council Chairman Howard Midgley. After the service the Squadrons marched back to the headquarters and the salute was taken by Air Commodore Ian Stewart with Lady Gretton and Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Roy Brown. This was followed by a visit to the parade ground where the Air Commodore spoke to the Squadrons and congratulated them on their conduct and said they should be proud of their achievements on such a special occasion. He said that they should take advantage of the opportunities offered by the ATC as they are only teenagers for a short time and so should enjoy it. After dismissal everyone enjoyed a piece of the celebration cake.
Andy Houghton Pilot Officer RAFVR(T) and Squadron Adjutant, 1181 (Syston) Squadron said that the day had gone very well and that he was very pleased with all the cadets but in particular the Syston cadets for the work they had done to get everything ready as well as all the civilian staff and helpers as they had provided the food for the day. He also wanted to thank the local Police Special Constables for their assistance on the National Special Constables Weekend. These individuals gave their spare time for free to assist local officers and we are grateful for the assistance that they gave us.
If you are aged 13 to 17 and are interested in joining the Air training Corp Syston 1181 Squadron, please contact Andy Houghton 0116 260 3948 between 7.00pm and 9.30pm Monday and Thursday evenings. Also see page 27 clubs and societies section.