Cadets and Adult Staff from 162 (Stockport), 236 (Bollington) & 1804 (Four Heatons) Squadrons in East Cheshire & South Manchester Wing have taken part in the Cadet 150 Royal Review & Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

The cadets and staff set off from Manchester early on Mon 5 Jul 10 to arrive at RAF Northolt to meet up with cadets from all over the country and then the all important practice. The practise took place under the watchful eyes of Drill Instructors from the Royal Air Force Regiment. They were put through their paces to ensure that they were ready for the parade the next day.

 

The next day they were transported to Wellington Barracks along with 1400 cadets & staff from the Combined Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps. They then made their way down to Horse Guards Parade and formed up ready to March to Buckingham Palace.

They marched down the Mall with each Cadet Force being led by its own band. HRH The Prince of Wales took the salute and The Red Arrows performed an excellent flypast. The route itself was lined with thousands of guests and spectators.

Cadet Corporal Cameron White from 1804 (Four Heatons) Squadron said. “Marching from Horse Guards was an amazing moment. I’ve seen Trooping the Colour on television so many times and didn’t think I was going to have the opportunity to actually be on a parade there myself.”

After the parade some of the cadets were chosen to line the route from Buckingham Palace and await the arrival of members of the Royal Family. The Royal Family and senior officers from all three forces, including Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of the Air Staff, made their way along to the line speaking to the cadets.

Cadet Corporal Jessica Wright from 162(Stockport) Squadron said “I can’t believe that Prince Charles stopped to speak to me and he was so nice to speak to. The whole day was brilliant and I feel so lucked to have been selected to attend this once in a lifetime event.”

 

The Parade and Garden Party was one of the key events in “Cadet 150”. Cadet150 is a celebration of 150 years of the cadet forces and there have been numerous events up and down the country throughout 2010. 

Officer Commanding 162 (Stockport) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Lee Moore, remarked: "It was an honour to be part of such a prestigious event. The memories of the day will last forever."