On Saturday the 1 st November 2008 and Saturday the 8 th November 2008 Cadets and Staff from 2028 (Southam) Squadron were in Southam Town Centre collecting on behalf of the British Legion Poppy Appeal.

Eight Cadets accompanied by the CO Flight Lieutenant Moreton and CI Halford helped with the Appeal on the 1st and nine Cadets accompanied by Flight Lieutenant Moreton, the Adjutant, Officer Cadet Preece and CI Halford attended on the 8th November.

This year on both days the weather was very cold, damp and at times wet, so the Cadets did exceedingly well to stand around from 0900 hours until 1330 hours. However, the generosity of the local people once again made the time spent well worth it.

Flight Lieutenant Moreton, the CO of 2028 Squadron who spent both days with the Cadets, commented, "The Cadets never fail to be surprised by the reaction they get from the people of Southam on these special days, particularly when the weather was very cold for all concerned. It was equally impressive for me as a number of our recently joined recruits joined us for the Appeal. Once again the Cadets made me feel very proud of them."

On Saturday the 8 th November 2008 CI Preece and a number of Cadets took part in the annual John Turner Exhibition at Southam College . Each year local organisations in the Southam join together to demonstrate the wide variety of leisure opportunities there available to old and young alike.

It was a great opportunity for the Squadron to find new recruits. A recruiting 'stand' was set up in the School. A number of both parents and potential Cadets took details of the Squadron, its web site and Face book site. The hope now is that they will visit the Squadron HQ and see the Air Training Corps 'in action.'

The Squadron Training and Media Officer, C I Preece, commented, "We have recently gained a number of recruits from Southam College so having a stand at the Exhibition was a golden opportunity to reinforce the message about the Air Cadets in Southam."

2028 (Southam) Squadron lead Remembrance Day Parade

On Sunday the 9th November 2008 23 Cadets and 8 members of Staff from 2028 Southam Squadron took part in the Annual Remembrance Day Parade in Southam. The Parade which was under the command of the Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Daryll Moreton, marched from the forming up point in Wood Street to the Parish Church where the Service was to be held.

The Parade consisted of the British Legion, the Town Mayor, local councilors and representatives of all the local youth organisations led by the Air Training Corps.

This year all Uniform members of Staff were present on parade, Flt Lt Moreton, Officer Cadet Preece, WO Docker, WO Storer-Rogers and Sgt Caine. CI Rogers, CI Halford and CI Wildman also marched with the Parade.

A wreath was laid during the service on behalf of the ATC and prayers read by one of the Cadets

This year was all the more poignant as we remembered a Parachute Regiment Soldier from Southam who had been killed in action in June.

After the service the Cadets from 2028 Squadron lined the path away from the Church together with the Standards and banners of all the organisations present.

Flight Lieutenant Moreton said afterwards, "The parade is an important part of the year for us; it is our way of demonstrating to the people of Southam that those who gave their lives both in two world wars and more recent conflicts will always be remembered for their sacrifice in the name of peace. It is a privilege for me to lead the parade each year."