As some of you already know I will be retiring from the post as your Wg Ad O on Fri 23 June next and wished to take this opportunity to wish you all farewell.

Having served in this role for the last 5 ½ years I leave the office with more than a little sadness at parting with a group of people of all ages for whom I have a great affection and admiration. It has been my privilege to serve you and I hope that my efforts have achieved at least some of your expectations. I have been in post just long enough to see a complete cadet cycle, those of you who were starting new and inexperienced as I was back in Jan 2001 are now much further forward in your ATC careers and much better prepared for adulthood. The experiences gathered during an ATC cadet career are an invaluable starting block for success hereafter, your efforts, and the care and guidance of adult staff have achieved something which cannot be bought. In congratulating cadets on their achievements I am going to repeat that which I take every opportunity to express elsewhere, to all adult staff I offer my sincerest thanks on behalf of our community for the excellent voluntary work you selflessly carry out regularly rain or shine, year in year out; on my own behalf, I have been proud to play a small part in your success and I thank you for your friendly acceptance of me.

To you all I wish every success wherever life may lead you.

A J PHILLIPS
Sqn Ldr
Wg Ad O

13Jun06