The recent Presentation Evening of 194 (BSA) Squadron was held at the TA Centre in Sparkbrook, Birmingham . Guests of Honour were the Lord Mayor of Birmingham , Councillor CA Rashid, Wing Commander PP Ladwa, OC Wing, and Mrs Anne Pearmain, Wing Chairman.  WSO Squadron Leader Pat McCarroll was also present.

The evening set some new milestones.

Firstly, 33 of the Squadron's 37 cadets (the highest strength for some years) were presented to the Lord Mayor. All cadets were presented with the certificates they had earned during 2007, and two new trophies, for Cadet and Recruit of the Year, were presented to the winners.

Secondly, 5 of the Squadron's first ever female cadets were present.  We believe the Squadron was the last in the UK to welcome female cadets (yes, we CAN hear visitors to this website saying - "and about time too!!"), and as in all other squadrons they are proving to be an enthusiastic and motivated addition to the Squadron.  Cadet (f) Seetal Rupra, who was the first girl to join the Squadron last July and has already passed the Leading Cadet exam, was presented with her Corporal's rank slides by the Lord Mayor, thereby becoming the Squadron's first ever female NCO.

Thirdly, the Squadron had an excellent year in Cadets' personal achievements: a record number (4) of gliding scholarships completed during the year with three more in the pipeline;  9 Bronze DoE awards with (hopefully) five Golds to come; 

4 Staff cadets, its first for many years, with 4 more in the offing; and 79th out of 120 participants in the Army's Green Howards shooting competition, a creditable performance for a first-time entry.

The Lord Mayor complimented the cadets on their achievements and emphasised the need for hard work, determination and self-discipline to achieve personal and team objectives, both in the Air Cadets and in personal life. He also paid tribute to the staff on their commitment and efforts in helping the cadets achieve their goals.

Wing Commander Ladwa gave a brief outline of the Air Cadet Organisation to the 100+ family members and guests present, and reiterated the importance of the staff in realising the cadets' aspirations, and of the families in supporting their sons and daughters in their Air Cadet activities.

An excellent informal buffet, prepared by cadets' mothers, was available after the presentations, and the Lord Mayor stayed until the end, talking to cadets, parents, and staff.