Local cadets turn out in full rig in the hottest weather this year to show their support for the troops.

Coventry Cathedral was full of military uniforms and pride on Saturday, as members of all the cadet forces, members of the regular forces, citizens and other local organisations turned out to celebrate Armed Forces Day. The day was of particular note for 8F (1 st City of Coventry ) Squadron, as they turned out to watch one of their own perform his duties as the Lord Mayor's Air Cadet for the first time.

Flight Sergeant Richard Hulm had only been notified on the Thursday that he had been elected to perform this role, so it was greatly to his credit that he did so well reading out a prayer in St Michael's Cathedral in front of a large and prestigious congregation on the Saturday!

The Commanding Officer of his Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Amanda Hobbins, was very pleased with how the parade went. “It is so important that the Air Cadet Organization turns out to support events like this and shows the forces that we're thinking of them. I am immensely proud of all my cadets who showed up in this heat and performed their role so well and I thought that FS Hulm did an excellent job and I am looking forward to his next engagement.”

After the church service and the parade through the town centre FS Hulm was invited back to the Guild Hall, along with the Lord Mayor's cadets from the other two Cadet organisations, to meet the Mayor and other dignitaries over a drink. The Lord Mayor made a special point of posing for photographs with all the cadets and shaking their hands, speaking to each of them about themselves for a few minutes.

FS Hulm admitted he was relieved when the event was over. “I was a bit nervous about speaking in front of everyone and leading the parade with the standard bearer, but it all went really well. The other two cadets were very nice and it was an honour to speak to the Lord Mayor.”

All in all it was a busy weekend for Flight Sergeant Hulm, and 8F Squadron as a whole, as they were to spend the next day marshalling and taking part in the Coventry Fun Run!

Article Submitted by:-
Camilla Preece SMCO- 8F (1st City of Coventry) Sqn
02 Jul 10