Kingston Cadets Win Poppy Awards

Air cadets from Kingston upon Thames have been rewarded for their fundraising by the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Dame Sarah Goad DCVO JP.  For the first time since its inception in 2001 an Air Cadet unit has won the Duke of Connaught Cadet Cup for raising the most money for the Poppy Appeal in Surrey during 2011.  Between them the cadets from 328 (Kingston upon Thames) Squadron of the Air Training Corps collected an amazing £13,079.78p towards the Poppy Appeal total in Surrey of just over one million pounds.



Canon Peter Bruinvels of Surrey Royal British Legion said, “This has been a really remarkable year for the cadet competition.  Despite rising inflation and the economic downturn the people of Surrey have once again continued to be so generous with a record £134,000 raised by the cadets.”  “The cadets have worked so hard for our poppy appeal keeping it to the forefront and ensuring we made £1 million again!”
It was truly a “light blue” evening, with the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, present to see this historic win for the Air Cadets.  He also saw 219 (Sutton and Cheam) Squadron win the most improved unit award after increasing the amount raised in 2011 by £5,000 over their 2010 total to £6,273.59.  Cadets from 11F (Brooklands) Squadron were honoured as well, for raising the most money individually.  Cadet Matthew Vaughan topped the Air Cadet totals with an impressive £900.67; over £50 more than second placed Cadet Ella Macoll of 328 Squadron, and third placed Cadet Daniel Stone, also of 11F Squadron.

This year the cadets from Surrey Wing were joined by compatriots from just across the border in Crawley.  The cadets from 19 (Crawley) Squadron were presented with a best newcomer award for raising £973.49 in their first year entering the competition.

But the night belonged to the Air Cadets from Kingston.  Cadet D’Arcy of 328 Squadron commented proudly after the event, “The Poppy Awards Evening was indeed somewhat of a historic day for 328 Squadron. Not only did we retain best overall ATC unit, but managed to take home the trophy for best unit overall, never before obtained by the ATC.  With a speech from the V.I.P guest Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, we learned the importance of charity and unity, as well as more importantly to have fun!”
Flight Sergeant Les Worthington, Officer in charge of 328 Squadron, added, “It fills me with pride to see the cadets recognised for their efforts.  Too often young people are in the press for all the wrong reasons, but tonight we have seen what good they can do.”