Page 33 - Cadet Review Spring 2023

GRIMSBY CADETS EARN THEIR STRIPES
By Flying Officer Royce Coates
Two cadets of 195 (Grimsby) Squadron, have recently been promoted and celebrated after receiving recognition for outstanding achievement. Cadet Sergeant Izzy Wilkins was promoted to Cadet Flight Sergeant, whilst Cadet Corporal Katy Murphy was promoted to the rank of Cadet Sergeant.
Promotions are awarded to cadets based on a number of criteria, including academic achievement, leadership and good citizenship. The Commanding Officer of 195 (Grimsby) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Rob Flint, said: “These cadets have really earned their stripes. They embody the cadet experience, having taken part in a range of cadet activities including flying, camps, shooting and sports,
leading the way following the return from the COVID pandemic. The rank structure helps to give our cadets some sense of purpose, with the senior cadets gaining promotion as they mature and become more experienced, then guiding the younger cadets. They will now take on more responsibility around the Squadron and really help to nurture our younger members. I would like to wish the newly promoted cadets the best of luck with their new roles.”
This is the second promotion for each of the cadets since the return to face-to-face activities last year, demonstrating that hard work really does pay off.
Cadet Flight Sergeant Wilkins was promoted following a week spent on camp at RAF Cranwell where she went gliding, learnt sword drill and toured the active RAF station. Whilst at the camp, FS Wilkins achieved the ‘Best Cadet Senior NCO’ award and her section of cadets won ‘Best Flight’ – two impressive accolades. The camp also saw her receive a glowing course report. Reflecting on her promotion, which
They embody the cadet experience, having taken part in a
range of cadet activities including flying, camps, shooting and sports, leading the way following the return from the COVID pandemic.
has reaffirmed her place as the most senior cadet on the squadron, she said: “I’m so happy to have been promoted. I’ve done a lot of work around the Squadron with new cadets since the return after the pandemic, trying to get things back to some sort
of normality. I can’t wait to hit the ground running with my new rank and continue to get stuck in with activities.”
Grimsby Squadron has trained local youngsters for over 70 years, with many former cadets going on to work in the aviation industry.
Cadet Sergeant Katy Murphy and Cadet Flight Sergeant Izzy Wilkins show off their new stripes
252 (Bridlington) Squadron
Cadet gains place at
Fashion Academy
A former 252 (Bridlington) Squadron cadet has secured a place at the prestigious Jimmy Choo Fashion Academy in London after impressing a selection panel.
Cerys Reece (ex-Cpl Reece), recently excelled in her A’ Level exams at Bridlington School, gaining two A*results in Art, Craft & Design and Textiles and a distinction in Law. Cerys, 18, was understandably excited about her place at the Mayfair-based academy.
“There are only 15 people each year selected for the course from thousands
of applicants in the U.K. and worldwide.” explained Cerys. Fortunately, I had an unconditional offer for the three-year course – but I am excited, but still nervous.”
Cerys, who has three sisters (two of whom are also ex cadets), will be studying the three-year Design and Accessories course, which will involve travel to the famous design houses in Paris and Milan in addition to other world capitals.
Jimmy Choo OBE is the world-famous pioneer of handmade luxury shoes and is the creative director of the newly opened academy based in central London with a satellite site to the west of the city.
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