Wings Appeal/Battle of Britain Parade 2003
Our cadets started today (13th September) by arriving in Corringham Town Centre to help the C.O. and myself collect money for the Royal Air Forces Association's Battle of Britain Wings appeal. Cadets also collected in Stanford town centre on the 20th.
Total raised (including sponsored walk donation): £774.22
Street collections in Corringham and Stanford raised: £424.22 Cadet raising most: Cdt Ellis £198.13
You have probably heard about or seen this appeal going on. The Wings Appeal provides money to help those who serve and have served in the RAF and find themselves in need of assistance, with welfare needs ranging from buying equipment to living in one of RAFA’s residential homes.
It also serves to help remember those who gave their lives most selflessly, to protect the nation and preserve the way of life we enjoy.
On Sunday 21st cadets from 1582 and 106 squadrons took part in the Battle of Britain of Parade at the War Memorial in Grays town centre. The two squadrons combined, with Cadet Nicola Kirk forming part of the colour party and Corporals Iain Gillan and David Robinson “sleeping sentries” around the war memorial with Cpl Saini and Cdt Fox from 106 squadron. Cpl Robert Bronze carried the squadron’s standard and Cdt Ben Ellis laid the wreath. The weather was kind to us and the parade was well attended with the Mayor and Thurrock’s MP joining representatives from the various veterans’ associations and organisations from around Thurrock.
After the parade the Branch hosted a BBQ and buffet lunch at their HQ in Southend Road, to which all who attended the parade were invited.
Sgt Kim Gardner (1582 squadron) presented a cheque for £150 on behalf of the squadron to the branch President Mr McCorkill as a donation towards the Wings Appeal, on top of the £200 presented earlier in the year.
Pictured below are the cadets before they went flying (click here for more details on the flying).
