On Saturday the 21 st May 2011 in the presence of the High Sheriff of Warwickshire and the Mayor and Mayoress of Southam, 2028 Squadron held their 70 th Anniversary Awards ceremony. The ceremony took place at the Grange Hall, Southam and other Guests included the Headmaster and Year 10 Head of Southam College, Squadron Leader Coats and Squadron Leader Foster.

Together with their parents, relatives and friends the Cadets enjoyed a fantastic evening of awards recognising both 2009 and 2010. Some 126 people including the Staff and Civilian Committee attended the celebration. The Buffet had been prepared by Mrs Lynda Scriven, the Civilian Committee Secretary and by the end of the evening, absolutely nothing was left! There was also a 70 th Anniversary cake which was ‘cut' by the High Sheriff, Mayor and the CO, Flight Lieutenant Moreton.

Awards presented on the evening were for both Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh's Award Certificates, 5 First Diploma in Public Services BTEC's and the 7 Annual Squadron Awards. Also by way of a surprise two of the Cadets received their Leading and Senior Badges, together with 17 Swimming Proficiency Certificates which the Cadets had been awarded as a result of their attendance at Easter Camp in April this year. There was also a surprise for Mrs Lynda Scriven when she was presented with a Bouquet of Flowers for preparing the Buffet.

Squadron Leader Foster kindly presented the Swimming Certificates.

Squadron Leader Coats reminded everyone of the recent achievements by the Cadets both in the D of E and the Millennium Volunteers and more recently the V-Involved Scheme. He also made it clear that 2028 was ahead of the game with their Easter Camps at Saint Martin 's Plain and congratulated Warrant Officer Storer-Rogers on his commitment to the Camps.

The 11 Duke of Edinburgh 's Award Certificates were presented by the Mayor of Southam.

The Annual Squadron Awards presented by the High Sheriff were for –

• Tryer of the Year – Cadet Jamie Bennett
• Most Improved Cadet – Cadet Jonathan Rackham
• Best Turnout – Cadet Abigail Ognjanovic
• Best at Sport – Sergeant Alex Caves
• Services to the Squadron – Corporal Hazel Mann
• Best Recruit – Cadet John Van Kesteren
• Best Cadet – Flight Sergeant Callum Brown

The Mayor of Southam, Councillor Mike Gaffney remarked during his speech, “The Cadets should be very proud of what they have achieved, I and the Town Council very much appreciate what they do for the Town. You have the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet and as some of you may be aware, Flight Lieutenant John Egging an ex Southam Cadet who is now ‘Red 4' in the Red Arrows. I wish you all good luck for the future.”

The High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Mr Tim Cox commented, “Your CO, Staff and Civilian Committee do a fantastic job, they, the Cadets and everyone should feel extremely proud of the Squadron. This event this evening will be a lasting memory as one of the highlights of my term as High Sheriff.”

After the event Flight Lieutenant Moreton remarked, “This evening has been a total success, we filled the Grange Hall. To have such distinguished guests attend and present the awards was amazing; my heartfelt thanks go to my Staff, my Service Instructor, Corporal Forrest, and my Committee but more importantly to all my Cadets, for their hard work, dedication and commitment to 2028 Squadron.”

View More Images of the Awards Evening