Third Time Lucky For Sheppey Squadron at National Band Competition
Cadets from 2316 (Sheppey) Squadron, assisted by Flight Sergeant Michael Odd from 1404 (Chatham) Squadron represented London and South East Region at the Air Training Corps National Band Competition, held at RAF Halton on Sunday. The Squadron was the Region representative in the Fanfare Section, having won the Region Competition in October.
Sheppey Squadron have made the national finals twice previously, in 2004 and 2006, coming second on both occasions. The team were particularly keen to do well this year as for two of the cadets, Cadet Flight Sergeant James Crane and Cadet Sergeant Kelly Strudwick it would be the last opportunity to compete as they will be too old next year.
The Competition consists of the winners of each of the 6 Regional Finals from all around the UK. The standard is therefore extremely high and in order to improve on last years second place the team devised a new drill routine and decided to take advantage of a change in the rules to play two pieces, rather than just one.
The alterations had the desired effect with the Judges, who awarded them first place. The team were presented with Gold medals and the Championship Shield by the Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds RAF.
Officer Commanding 2316 (Sheppey) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Robin Harris RAFVR(T) said “I am so proud of what this team has achieved in the last 4 years, they have never been beaten in the Kent Wing Competition, have won the Region Competition 3 times and have never been placed lower than second at the Corps event. This latest result is the culmination of 4 years practice and dedication.”