BRIDGNORTH’S air cadets have won their way into the finals of the Corps National Band Championships at their first attempt. The 63 (Bridgnorth) Squadron Air Cadets will be competing for the top honour at RAF Halton on November 16.
They were selected from bands in Wales, Staffordshire, Merseyside and West Mercian regions.
“This is a great achievement in their first year of performing,” said bandmaster, Flight Lieutenant Su Briggs. “To think that we only took delivery of our instruments less than 12 months ago and carried out our first public performance at Civic Sunday 2008.
“It is testimony to the hard work and dedication that the cadets have put in to make the band so successful in its first year. The band staff had planned to take senior players to the 2009 competition to get a taste of the event in preparation for future years.
“It was never imagined that they would be selected so early in their development. The young people are air cadets first and bands-people second — they carry out all cadet activities, including academic training, sports, Duke of Edinburgh Awards, flying, gliding and shooting, as well as a number of training weekends and camps.
“This honour justifies the plans to take the band to Florida in 2009 to parade at Disney World,” she said.
But Flight Lieutenant Briggs said that this project could not go ahead without the support of the community and anyone wishing to donate should contact her on 07958 273976 or (01952) 216766 or email su.briggs@btinternet.com
The squadron parade at Oldbury Wells School on Tuesdays and Thursdays (7-9pm). Young people aged from 13-17 are welcome.
