Page 40 - Cadet Review Autumn 2024

CEY Wing ATC
THE RED BARROWS
By Flying Officer Wayne Cobbett
Ripon Air Cadets took part in the annual St Wilfrid's Procession in the city, where a day of fun filled floats processed around Ripon behind "Saint Wilfrid"
on his horse and accompanied by his monks. The annual event dates back to 1108 AD to celebrate Ripon's patron saint and founder of Ripon Cathedral.
These days it's a carnival atmosphere with Ripon City Band playing, the Mayor and Mayoress in an open top car and a lot of floats and walking groups. These included the clergy of Ripon Cathedral, staff of Bishopton Vets, Ripon city Swimming Club, Boroughbridge Hightimers, Morris Dancers, Your Harrogate radio and several floats made up of groups of friends.
886 (City of Ripon) Squadron are also celebrating its 40th year since receiving squadron status in the
The theme of the squadron’s entry remained
a closely guarded secret until the day
city and entered a walking entry as part of its 40th anniversary events. The theme of the squadron’s entry remained a closely guarded secret until the day with preparations and training taking two months!
On the day, the big reveal as we arrived at the meeting point was... The Red Barrows!
A team of nine red wheelbarrows manned by red coverall clad cadets and berets. The wheelbarrows provided a handy place for water bottles and bubble machines to emulate the famous Red Arrows smoked displays. The cadets did a great job manoeuvring the streets of Ripon as part of the procession whilst also changing formations.
The day was great fun and a wonderful example of cadet’s teamwork and spirit of adventure. The squadron has already started plans for 2025.
40 CADET REVIEW AUTUMN 2024