Dereham Air Cadets Remember

Cadets from No 1249 (Dereham) Squadron Air Training Corps Squadron represented the Corps and honoured the fallen at 3 separate Remembrance Day services.

Hundreds of people arrived early on Sunday morning to get a good view of the service being held at the War Memorial in Dereham town centre. For some of the Dereham Air cadets this was their first parade and although a bit daunting they found the experience hugely rewarding and it enabled them to reminisce on the sacrifice of others. Cadet Anna Currington (pictured below), who has only been at the Dereham squadron for 6 months, was chosen to lay the wreath on behalf of the Air Training Corps; she said “I was a little nervous to start with, especially when I realised how many people would be watching me, but I felt really honoured to be chosen to represent the Dereham Squadron and the Air Training Corps” Flight Lieutenant Tracey Burlingham, Officer Commanding No 1249 (Dereham) Squadron added “I was so proud of all the cadets that paraded today. They were well turned out and they were a credit to both the Air Training Corps and the young people of Dereham. After the parade, a number of the veterans told me how well they thought the cadets had done – it was a tremendous compliment.”

Cadet Warrant Officer Bethany Nimmock, who has been at the Dereham squadron for 5 years, spent Remembrance Sunday at the service at City Hall, Norwich. She was there with the Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk Richard Jewson, helping the veterans lay their wreaths. Cadet Warrant Officer Nimmock was nominated as one of the Lord Lieutenant’s cadets last year and has accompanied him on a number of his ceremonial duties. Cadet Warrant Officer Nimmock said “It was a great privilege to be chosen to be the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and also to assist at such an important event as the Norwich City Hall Remembrance Day service. It meant a lot to me. Both the veterans and serving personnel in our Armed Services have given so much for us so I’m honoured to be here.”

In addition, Cadets Joshua Jenkins and Jamie Robinson joined Flight Lieutenant Jason Allan of Headquarters Norfolk & Suffolk Wing, Air Training Corps, at a service of Remembrance at Honingham Church. Joining the Air Training Corps cadets, were representatives from the Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps, Dunkirk Veterans, and the Light Dragoons. The Principle Chaplain from Royal Air Force Marham gave a sermon which helped all present to remember those brave men and women from all three services who had sacrificed their lives.

Flight Lieutenant Burlingham concluded by saying: “We had been invited to participate in all of these events and I felt it was important to do whatever we could to assist. So many young men and women in past wars, and during recent conflicts, have paid the ultimate sacrifice and I feel it is our duty to remember them.”

Dereham & Swaffham Area Remember the Few

Cadets from four squadrons joined together to help mark the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain parade in Dereham and support Dereham and Swaffham branch of the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA).

Locals lined the town centre streets as cadets from 1249 (Dereham), 2354 (Fakenham), 864 (Watton) and 1894 (Swaffham) Air Training Corps Squadrons joined with other military based organisations. The parade was led by Dereham Town Band, and included local war veterans, members of the Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association, the Dereham and District branch of the Royal Naval Association, and Dereham Army Cadets. A Church service was held at St Nicholas Church by Chaplain Alan Barrett, who was delighted with the support for the parade. During the service he emphasised the importance of supporting RAFA and its work to support serving and former RAF personnel and their families.

After the service, the parade returned to the streets of Dereham, and all eyes turned to the sky as the unique sound of the Spitfire filled the air. Doing three flypasts of the town, all onlookers watched the iconic fighter with awe. The parade finished with Wing Commander Paul Lloyd from RAF Marham taking the salute near Dereham’s War Memorial. Commenting afterwards, he said “There is always a fantastic turnout in Dereham and it is especially important on the 70th anniversary that we remember the selfless brave people in the air and on the ground who maintained our freedom. As we speak, we have 13 Squadron flying over the skies of Afghanistan and the turnout shows that the public appreciate what is being done.” After the parade; Cadets, staff and their families enjoyed a fun afternoon where they raised money for RAFA and ATC Squadron funds. With a barbeque lunch, an inflatable assault course, surf challenge and a bouncy castle, it provided a great time was had by all. Through sales of burgers and raffle tickets, £150 was raised, of which £50 was donated to RAFA and their work. Chairman of the Dereham and Swaffham branch of RAFA, Peter Sheldrake was very grateful for the donation saying “this donation will go towards Wings Appeal, which helps facilitate welfare support for RAF and former RAF personnel and their families in need.”

No 863 (Thurston) Squadron Band, Air Training Corps Remember’s the Few

No 863 (Thurston) Air Training Corps Squadron band made a great impression at the Festival of Remembrance, hosted by the Royal British Legion at the Apex in Bury St Edmunds on Thursday 11th November. The festival commenced with the band of the Royal Air Force, Honington, which involved some hilarious audience participation and some ginger wigs with tartan caps, followed by Fiona Harrison with a repertoire of 1940’s songs to entertain the audience. The Thurston ATC band then stunned the audience with their skill and timing, highlighted by the ultraviolet lamps lighting up their gloves, drumsticks and ropes, and the festival came to a close with the remembrance service.