BASSSINGBOURN CADETS GET TO GOLD
Five air cadets from 2484 Bassingbourn squadron are in high spirits after joining with a range of young people across Cambridgeshire to celebrate achieving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s (D of E) award.
The Gold Award presentation was held at Hinchingbrooke School and had a range of honorary guests including the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire. Flight Sergeant Claire Kelly was among three other participants who gave an account of what they had done in order to achieve their award, she said: “It was great to share my experience of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme with others and in return to see what they had achieved as part of their awards”. Martin Goddard, the D of E officer at 2484 squadron also commented: “The evening gave all the Gold participants a chance to reflect on all the hard work and effort they put into achieving their award and they should be proud of what they’ve accomplished.”
The prestigious D of E award is highly valued at the squadron and 2484 encourages all of its cadets to partake. In the last few years alone, cadets at Bassingbourn have achieved around 45 bronze and 35 silver awards. The total number of Gold awards on the squadron is 10, with 20 cadets participating in this higher level of the scheme in 2012/13.
Every cadet at Bassingbourn joins the D of E scheme at the age of 14 and is encouraged to reach the highest level. Not only is the scheme great in developing the skills and abilities of young people, but it is also recognised by many employers and universities. Bassingbourn Squadron is hoping to help many more young people achieve this award; giving them great experiences and helping them with their future.