Haworth 1940's Weekend

During the weekend of 18/19th May, the band of 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron took part in the Haworth 1940's weekend.

The band played both static and marching routines during the event which also featured a Hawker Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast. The band entertained the large crowds as they marched down Haworth High Street in front of hundreds of 1940's re-enactors as well as the general public.

The band also featured Cadet Sergeant Tom Smith (trumpet) from 2431 (Keighley) Squadron and Cadet Joanna Kelly (clarinet) from 264 (Skipton) Squadron, two regular performers with the band.

The Cadets enjoyed both days, though the weather was significantly better on the Sunday!

Nikki Carro - event organiser Haworth 1940's/ Dambusters event said - 'Your squadron should be commended, they were absolutely superb and a genuine honour to have them perform at our event, Thankyou so much...Your participation in the church service and to hear the band play in conjunction with the Hurricane was emotionally overwhelming! Having spoken to the veterans later, they were very pleased.'

Wing Training Day Success for Wharfedale

On Sunday 12th May, a team of cadets and staff from 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron made the journey to RAF Linton-on-Ouse to take part in Central & East Yorkshire Wing's Annual Wing Training Day.

The day started bright and early as the first event that 1224 had to take part in was the First Aid competition at 09:30!

The Squadron entered a host of other competitions during the day including Drill, Media and Communications, Aero Modelling, Aircraft Recognition, Volleyball and the Balsa Model competition.

The band was also involved in the day, taking part in both the Full Band and Ensemble competitions.

The day was ended with the final parade during which it was announced that the Squadron had won both the Full Band and Ensemble competitions. There as a surprise when it was announced that Cadet Sam Shaw had won the Category B Aero Modelling competition.

Other results for the Squadron included Sergeant Raabe placing as the third best overall Drill Team NCO i/c, a second place in the Media Comms, Balsa Model and Air Rifle Shooting competitions.

All cadets did very well during the day and the Squadron hopes to do even better at next years event.

Cadet Brave the Sun for Ilkley Carnival

On Monday 6th June the Cadets and Staff of 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron braved the baking sun to take part in the annual Ilkley Carnival.

The Squadron paraded with the procession watched by a crowd of thousands - the biggest in the carnivals history - through the centre of Ilkley to East Holmes Playing Field to the carnival.

At the Squadrons stall on the field there was the usual tombola - run by the Squadrons civilian committee - as well as recruitment display boards set up by Cadet Corporal Lisa Whitaker and a cake stall run by Mrs Whitaker.

The Squadron also held a collection for RAFA during the day with a 'name the bear' competition as well as selling pin badges.

Another fundraiser was the 'Guess the weight of the rucksack competition'.

As with last year three cadets were asked to accompany Cllr Heathcliffe Bowen, Chairman of Ilkley Parish Council as his equerries for the day.

Overall the day was a huge success and the cadets, staff and civilian committee were a huge credit to the Squadron.

More pictures can be seen on the Squadrons Facebook page: fb.me/1v8KLtVri