Over 100 guests attended Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing's annual Ladies' Night Dinner at Drayton Manor, Tamworth , Staffordshire recently.

During dinner guests were entertained by music from the band of 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron and cadets from 163 (Coventry-Phoenix) Squadron assisted the waiting staff acting as Mess Stewards.

The guest of honour was His Worship the Mayor of Daventry, Councillor Malcolm Adcock who has been very supportive of the Wing and 497 (Daventry) Squadron. During his speech he said "I have been most impressed with what I have seen tonight and on the Annual Cadet Sunday Parades held in Daventry each February. The young cadets are always so smart and well turned out. They are indeed a credit to our town and the wing".

After the dinner Wing Commander Pravin Ladwa Officer Commanding Warwickshire Wing presented Defence Council Letters of Appreciation (DCLA) to two members of the Wing in recognition of their outstanding service.

The first DCLA presentation went to Mr John Binsted. John who is the civilian committee chairman at 194 BSA Squadron has been involved with the Air Cadet movement for more than 51 years. Wing Commander Ladwa said, "John's contribution has been invaluable to his squadron and to the Corps in general".

The second DCLA went to Mr Alistair Cave who sadly passed away in October 2007. Alistair was the civilian committee secretary and treasurer at 194 BSA Squadron and had been involved with the unit for more than 56 years. Wing Commander Ladwa said, " Alistair's contribution to the squadron and the Wing has been impeccable. Alistair sponsored the Wing banner, Wing spots kit and the IAC trophy, which is presented to the best academic squadron every year on the wing training day. These are just some of the contributions made by Alistair Cave ".

Following the presentations and speeches guests had the opportunity to mingle and catch up on news from colleagues they had not seen for a while.

The Mess President Squadron Leader Martin Harrison said "Another successful dinner that was made all the more enjoyable because of the 495 Squadron Band and its excellent music. The cadets from 163 squadron also add a certain special touch and it is good experience for them to see the ACO from a slightly different perspective. The food and service at Drayton Manor was as always first class"