Nuneaton Air Cadets scoop first place in two prestigious competitions as more than 500 Cadets converged on Bramcote Barracks near Nuneaton for a day of spectacular activity and competition.

On 15 June 03 cadets from 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron Air Training Corps together with contingents from 26 other Air Cadet units within the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing assembled at Bramcote for the Wings annual training day and review.

The Training Day, possibly the largest event of the year for the Wing, attended by hundreds of cadets and staff from all over the region, is a day of inter squadron competition and an opportunity for cadets to take part in a variety of training activities. It's also a fantastic opportunity for cadets and staff to get together with all their friends and colleagues from other squadrons and catch up with all the latest happenings on their units.

The day's competitive events included the band competition, drill, first aid , public relations, shooting, aircraft recognition, modelling and sports such as football and netball.

In addition to the competitive events cadets had the opportunity to qualify for their RAF swimming proficiency certificate, visit various uniformed service careers displays and even put their training to the test in the Laser Quest arena.

The 121 Squadrons first aid, aircraft modelling and aircraft recognition teams performed well in their events. Our drill team put on a magnificent display, something to be proud of. The highlight of the day for the Nuneaton cadets came as they took first place in the band and public relations competitions.

Flt Lt Ian Crewe Officer Commanding 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron said "For the past two years our band has been pipped at the post by the narrowest of margins but this year we managed to beat off the opposition with an outstanding display".

Flt Lt Paul Hincks the Squadrons Training Officer added, "It's the first time that we've entered the public relations competition. Our success in this event is partly attributable to the support and coverage we have received from local press over the past year".

Following their success, the Squadrons band and Public Relations team will be representing the Warwickshire and Birmingham wing later on in the year at the regional competitions at RAF Wittering.

The Training Day ended with a parade during which the reviewing officer, Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Jon Chitty, presented awards to competition winners and adult staff. Cadet Warrant Officer Gareth Bradbury collected the trophy on behalf of the 121 Squadron band and Cadet Corporal Canning received the award on behalf of the Squadrons public relations team. This year the wing was particularly privileged to be able to have the Corps Banner on parade. The 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron band, as this years competition winners, provided the music as the wing marched past with the salute being taken by Air Commodore Jon Chitty.

Flt Lt Ian Crewe said, "All the training and effort that our cadets and staff have put in over the past few months in preparation for the Wing Training Day came to fruition as they took part in the competitions. Every cadet should be justly proud of his or her performance on the day I hope we can repeat our success when we compete at regional level".

We would take this opportunity to thank the Officer Commanding 30 Signals Regiment for kindly permitting our wing to hold it's Training Day at Bramcote Barracks.

View Additional Wing Training Day photographs