ASHTON CADET SOARS WITH SUCCESS

It has been a busy month for Tameside cadet, Richard Carter which has seen him pick up a national award, take part in a Royal Review in front of HRH The Prince of Wales and gain a promotion.

Richard (16), who is from Dukinfield, was recently awarded his certificate after completing the BTEC First Diploma in Public Services, achieving the highest grade possible, Distinction Star.

The qualification, mixes theory and practical elements with an emphasis on leadership, teamwork, communications, problem solving and fitness. This internationally respected qualification is equivalent to four GCSEs at A* level. The syllabus has been designed to improve valuable life skills. Richard has learnt professional CV preparation, interviewing techniques, communication, first aid, adventure training, health and nutrition.



Earlier this month, Richard was one of a few lucky cadets selected to attend the Royal Review for the Cadet 150 Celebrations at Buckingham Palace. He joined cadets and adult volunteers from around the UK and from the MOD's sponsored cadet forces.

Almost 1700 individuals from the MOD's 4 cadet forces, the Combined Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps converged in the early afternoon at Horse Guards Parade and set off for Wellington Barracks via The Mall. Each cadet force was led by its own band and were followed up by a combined Pipe band.

HRH Prince Charles took the salute outside Clarence House whilst the Red Arrows, each carrying a cadet, flew over the parade and Buckingham Palace.



On arrival at Wellington Barracks the cadets were marshalled by Garrison Sergeant Major Billy Mott ready for the march to Buckingham Palace where all the cadets had been invited to attend a garden party.

Most recently, Richard has undergone a competitive assessment against other cadets and has been promoted to the rank of Cadet Corporal, the first stage of a Non-Commissioned Officer. He will now undertake duties in training new cadets and showing them the ropes.

Summing up the last month Richard says, “I’ve been with the Squadron for over three years now, and this has been the busiest and by far the best month so far. I can’t wait to see what’s next on the horizon.”

Talking about his BTEC award, Richard says, “I’m really pleased that I finished my BTEC and I will be encouraging the other cadets to enrol this year. It gives you a bigger perspective of the public services, especially the Armed Forces.”

About the Royal Review, “I was so pleased to have been selected, and immensely proud to take part. There were over 900 Air Cadets and staff alone, and marching down the Mall toward Buckingham Palace, about to salute Prince Charles when the Red Arrows flew over made everyone grin”.

Flight Lieutenant Mike Dawson, Richard’s Commanding Officer says, “I remember the day Richard joined the cadets. In the last few years he has really developed some strong potential and shown excellent skills that will benefit him in the future. He was a credit to the organisation, and the Tameside area, when he took part in the Royal Parade. Combining that with his BTEC award and promotion have really made it a busy and challenging month for him.”

You don’t have to want to join the RAF to be an Air Cadet. Anyone aged between 13 and 18 can take part.

If you have a sense of Adventure and want to take part in Flying, Gliding, Sports, Expeditions for example why not get in touch to find out more.

For more information, call the Squadron on (0161) 344 1177 or you can also visit www.247ashtonatc.org.uk for more information.