Don’t rain on our parade!

May 27, 2016
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Inverness was buzzing with activity on 21 May when 114 ATC Cadets and 30 staff from Highland Wing attended the annual Highland Wing Parade and Inter-Squadron Athletics competition at Queen’s Park Stadium. 

Despite a dull start and light drizzle the parade formed up ready for the arrival of the reviewing officer, Group Captain Phil Dacre MBE DL RAF Retd.

Group Captain Darce was escorted through the flights by Highland Wing’s Wing Commander Christine Copsey RAFVR(T). During the review air Cadets from the Combined Cadets Forces and RAF Air Cadet Pipes and Drums band entertained the crowd.

At the end of the parade Squadron Leader Dobson RAFVR(T), Highland Wing’s Media officer, had a challenge for Cadets and staff to form up in the shape of ATC75, in celebration of this 75th anniversary year. Following some toing and froing a shape was created and the image snapped!

The athletics competition followed with events including high jump, long jump, javelin, shot, discus and track. Unfortunately this started in rain, which soon progressed to thunder and lightning and a torrential downpour, bringing a sudden delay to events.

Squadron Leader Woolfson RAFVR(T) kept the cadets, and staff, entertained with his tannoy announcements regarding the diving and freestyle swimming events that would now replace track and field!

Before long, it was fairly dry and for a brief moment, sunny. A safety check was conducted and events were given approval to continue and the remainder of the meet took place in near dryness.

After all events had been completed, it was time for the Cadets to change back into uniform for the final parade and award presentations.

It was good to see that the results were close and spread throughout the whole of the Highlands. Medal winners will now represent Highland Wing at the Scotland and Northern Ireland Inter-Wing Athletics on 5 June.