Parade in Sandy to celebrate ATC Sunday                               3 Feb 08 

Over 150 Air Cadets and Staff from the Western Sector of Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing Air Training Corps (ATC) celebrated the 67^th year of the formation of the ATC in 1941 with a special Parade last Sunday hosted by 22 (Sandy) Squadron. They were also joined by 460 (Dunstable) Squadron from the Southern Sector.

 Squadrons from 22 (Sandy), 73 (Huntingdon), 134 (Bedford), 2065 (Biggleswade), 2462 (Oakley), 2500 (St Neots) paraded from 22 Squadron HQ through Sandy Town Centre led by the RAF Wyton Voluntary Band for a Church Service which was held at St Swithun’s Church at 2pm. Following the Parade there was a March past with the salute being taken by Sqn Ldr Paul Tuite RAF representing the Station Commander RAF Henlow, Wyton and Brampton.

 Banners from all Squadrons led by the Union Flag carried by Cdt F/S Tom Jackman, formed a Guard of Honour at the Church before laying up the Banners at the altar. Cadet Robert Hubbard from 22 Squadron undertook a reading from Matthew during the Service, and the Squadron President, Wing Commander Anthony Smith DFC AFC read from Galations. 22 Squadron Cadets Kim Coates, Jason Filby, Laura Jones, Alice Ward and Cpl Jade Mullens took the collection during the Service for Keech Cottage Children’s Hospice and the Church funds and Wing Staff Officer Sqn Ldr Tim Brain commenced the Cadets Promise. Prayers were said during the Service for the Armed Forces and the ATC. The Service was taken by the Rector of St Swithun’s, Rev Derwyn Williams and 22 Squadron Chaplain Rev Sheila Morton. The organist was Mrs Florence Bignell.

 Guests included the Town Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Colin Osborne MBE and Mrs Diane Osborne, Air Cdre Dawson RAFA, Wg Cdr Graham Fordham and Mrs Fordham President of the Royal Air Force Association Bedford Branch, Royal Air Force personnel, parents and families.

 Following the Parade refreshments were served at 22 Squadron HQ.