On Thursday the 15 th December 2011 Cadets, Staff and members of the Civilian Committee at 2028 Squadron were joined by relatives and friends to celebrate 2011 in perhaps a different way from normal. A few months ago one of the Cadets came up with the idea of a raffle with parents and staff donating prizes. A ‘win win' situation everyone thought and no one was disappointed. Each evening Cadets returned with both prizes and the money for the raffle tickets so as the 15th approached everyone had clearly got into the spirit of the evening.

Soon after 1900 hours the relatives and friends began to arrive and were all able to witness the first parade and the Corps Ensign being raised, before everyone moved into the Squadron Headquarters where drinks, mince pies and cakes were on offer. This was the first time many of the parents had seen inside the Squadron HQ and many of them remarked on how smart it was and how proud they were of their sons and daughters achievements.

Flight Lieutenant Moreton, CO of 2028 Squadron gave a short speech of welcome and briefly mentioned the ‘highlights' of 2011. Cadet Sergeant Hazel Mann had prepared a power point presentation to show the guests how the year had gone for the Cadets at 2028 and CI Carroll Dyer called the numbers for the raffle prizes. Flight Lieutenant Moreton then led an auction assisted by CI Dyer and CWO Callum Brown. The first item was a cake made by Mrs Lynda Scriven, the Civilian Committee Secretary followed by three bottles of Champagne . The parents and relatives really entered into the spirit of the auction and the cake and champagne were quickly snapped up! Mrs Scriven had also made a special 12 month Calendar with pictures of the highlights of the year at 2028 which was also auctioned.

The CO then surprised 6 of the Cadets by presenting them with their First Aid Certificates; they had recently taken and passed their St John Youth First Aid on Squadron. Three more Cadets were also presented with their Senior Certificates before Flight Lieutenant Moreton thanked everyone for being there on what was a really cold night outside. Everyone then moved out on to the Parade square so the parents and friends could witness final parade.

Flight Lieutenant Moreton remarked when everyone had made their way home, ‘Corporal Ethan Dyer came up with the idea of the raffle and Sergeant Hazel Mann prepared an excellent presentation on 2011, ably assisted by Cadet Sergeant Alex Caves . The parents and relatives really entered into the spirit of the evening demonstrating great support for the Squadron and we raised a great sum of money for the Squadron.'

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