Bristol air cadets win south west region drill competition

Cadets from the Filton-based 2152 (North Bristol) Air Training Corps Squadron are elated after winning the 2012 South West Region Drill and Best NCO competitions.

The team, fresh from their win at the Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing Activities Day, were confident that they could mount a successful challenge to win the 2012 title after narrowly missing out in 2010. Preparation for the 2012 Drill competition season started many months before, with selection and training for the members of the team.

After more intensive preparation, including a boost of confidence from the Wing Warrant Officer, the cadets travelled to Boscombe Down early on Sunday 7th October. This gave them the opportunity to have one final run through ahead of the competition. Although it was difficult to say who was more nervous – staff or cadets, the team composed themselves. Taking to the square to perform the all important sequence that had been first and foremost in their minds for weeks, they left the staff to watch closely from the sidelines!

After a long day of competitions, the whole team nervously awaited the all important result, which when read out, proved the staff’s confidence in the ability of the cadets to succeed beyond doubt – being clear winners by 43 points. As a result, the cadets will now go on to represent South West Region at the National Drill competition in November, with preparations already well underway.

In addition to winning the Drill competition, Cadet Warrant Officer Jenny Simmons also scooped the Best NCO Trophy for her command of the team. The result clearly demonstrated not only the excellent level of drill and strong discipline, but also the dominance of the Drill team over their competitors from the other Wings in the Region.

Cadet Sergeant Ben Rogers summed up how delighted the whole team were with the results, saying:

“The whole team have worked really hard over the past months, using evening parades and free time to ensure that our drill and uniform were at the highest possible standard ahead of the competition.”

Flight Lieutenant Jim Brimble, Officer Commanding added:

“The cadets certainly showed their commitment to succeed by stepping up their preparation to meet the increased level of competition. We are all immensely proud of how they performed on the day and will be cheering them on at the Nationals.”

The success also helped Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing take first place honours overall for the South West Region Activities Day.

The Squadron would of course like to thank all those that helped prepare the team, including Rolls-Royce’s continued support in providing a suitably large area for the Drill team to practise on.

Photo 1: CWO Jenny Simmons is awarded the Best NCO Trophy by SW Region Commandant – Group Captain Mike Remlinger.

Photo 2: The 2152 (North Bristol) Squadron Drill Team comprising of CWO Jenny Simmons, Cdt FS Dan Nelson, Cdt Sgt Matilda Parry, Cdt Sgt Ben Rogers, Cdt Sgt Tom Wollacott, Cdt Cpl Daniel Rogers, Cdt Cpl Charlie Bakos, Cdt Cpl Ben Jenkins, Cdt Cpl Tom Dash, Cdt Yusef Yarmohamed, Cdt Lauren Iles, Cdt Asia-Nicole Fellowes, Cdt Hueson Wong, Cdt Chathurya Manchanayke, Cdt Declan Woodhouse and Cdt Joe Tiley proudly displaying the Trophies.