Local Air Cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron joined with veterans and dignitaries from across North Tyneside last week as part of the events for Armed Forces Week. The events provided an opportunity for the nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.

 

 

The cadets helped to raise the Armed Forces Day Flag with the Mayor of North Tyneside, Mrs Linda Arkley at the start of the week before performing a musical repertoire at the Forest Hall Ex-Serviceman’s Institute later in the week.

 

The cadet’s were proud to be on the parade having recently welcomed home from Afghanistan ex-cadet Shaun Warren who is now a Coldstream Guard, and also recently being awarded a Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate for raising almost £3,000 for last year’s Poppy Appeal – the most by any cadet unit in the North East of England. 

 

 

Cadet Connor Price, 14 who attends St Mary’s Comprehensive School, said that “It was an honour to be part of the ceremony and meet with the men and women who have risked their

 lives for us.”                                                    

 

 

Squadron boss, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson, said “The events brought a number of generations together from our community and allowed the youngsters to show their respect to the older men and women and pay tribute to them and to those that paid the ultimate sacrifice. “I am very proud of the cadets who performed to a very high standard.”   

 

 

The squadron band also performed as part of the occasion. Cadet Jonny Vickers, 15 of Killingworth, who sings in the squadron ensemble said “It was great that we had an opportunity to perform for the men and women who live near us and thank them for what they did and we got to thank some serving personnel too – I’m pleased they liked our performance.”

 

If you’re interested in Longbenton Squadron, then you can visit www.2344.org.uk or email 2344@aircadets.org.