The last parade of February was a fantastically successful parade for 8F (1st City of Coventry ) Squadron, as it underwent its annual inspection by Wing Staff Officer, Squadron Leader Martin Harrison.  Sqn Ldr Harrison made the full tour of the building, observing with interest the spaghetti and marshmallow tower-building contest taking place in the main hall. He then spent some time with Commanding Officer, Flying Officer Amanda Hobbins, going over the Squadron's paperwork.

Formalities completed, Sqn Ldr Harrison inspected some of 8F's latest media projects, due to be launched on approval from the Regional Media Communications Officer Sqn Ldr Wiggins, finishing the evening with a number of presentations.

Cadet Smith and Cadet MacDonald were promoted to the rank of corporal by Sqn Ldr Harrison, making a notable night even more special for the corporals in question.

Both Corporals have been with the Squadron for some time now, and it was with great pleasure that they received the news of their promotions.

Cpl MacDonald couldn't stop grinning as the other cadet NCOs attached her rank tabs to her epaulettes. “I was so surprised when I found out I'd been promoted, but it's really nice to know that the CO and other staff members think you're ready for the responsibility.”

Sqn Ldr Harrison was pleased to be asked to make the presentation. “I always enjoy making presentations like this and to be involved in aiding the Cadets' careers through the Air Training Corps. I look forward to watching these two young women progress further.” 

It was with great pleasure that Fg Off Hobbins informed the staff that the Squadron had achieved a high ‘6' in the inspection.  After last year's ‘6' it seems as if 8F is following a steady upward trend, so watch out for that ‘7' next year!

Fg Off Hobbins finished the evening by thanking the staff for all their hard work over the previous year.  “When the Squadron succeeds like this it really is due to the team's effort.”

An added thanks should go to the cadets who worked so hard to get the building clean and tidy for the inspection, especially when it came to scraping marshmallows off the floor after the tower-building exercise!

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