8 Squadron's new memorial garden was visited by the Squadrons Air Cadet compatriots as 8F (1st City of Coventry ) Squadron stopped by during a visit to RAF Waddington.

Coventry's first Air Cadet Squadron experienced a moment of reflection during a fun-packed trip to the Waddington airshow on the 3rd July when they paid a visit to its namesake RAF Squadron's new memorial garden. There has been a long association between 8F Squadron ATC and 8 Squadron RAF, with representatives of each attending various events of importance to the other. This association has been marked over the years by a number of gifts to 8F Squadron from its RAF namesake, something which the cadets have never taken for granted.

Sgt Hill spoke for the ten cadets who attended. “We're really proud that 8 Squadron acknowledge us and we know we're really lucky to have that link with an active Squadron, not all the Cadet Squadrons do, so we appreciate it. Doing things like visiting the memorial garden is the least we can do.”

After they had spent some time in the newly created memorial garden, reflecting on its significance and posing for a photograph around the memorial stone, the cadets were allowed into the shop to purchase 8 Squadron souvenirs.

The rest of the day was spent, in fine airshow tradition, perusing the many stalls and gazing up at the sky as the various displays went past.

Commanding Officer, Amanda Hobbins, explained the significance of the visit. “Maintaining links as important as ours with 8 Squadron RAF takes continued effort on both parts and an acknowledgement that the link is important. Our cadets taking time out in the middle of a fun and exciting trip to visit 8 Squadron's memorial garden is a sign of how seriously we all take this connection.”

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