Community Engagement and Awareness Highlighted at Annual General Meeting

On Friday 31 May 2024, we hosted our Annual General Meeting (AGM), welcoming parents, carers, and friends of the squadron. The evening was a great success, with the re-election of key committee members and an insightful workshop on gaming and gambling harms.

The AGM was an opportunity for attendees to hear about how the squadron has progressed over the last 12 months and to exercise their right to vote in our Chairperson, Treasurer, and Secretary for 2024/25.

We are pleased to announce the re-election of Robert Parry as Chairperson. Robert has been a dedicated member of the committee since 1989, first serving as Treasurer in 2012 and then as Chairperson in 2018. Sarah M was also re-elected as Secretary. Sarah joined the committee in 2016 and has served as Secretary since 2021. Ryan Phillips was re-elected as Treasurer. Ryan has been part of the committee since 2017 after being a cadet for seven years and has held the Treasurer position since 2021.

“This has been a very successful year for the squadron in terms of numbers of cadets attending, a wide range of activities, and a number of events organised and supported by the Civilian Committee.”

Robert Parry, Chairperson

During his Chairperson’s report, Robert Parry also expressed gratitude to all committee members, volunteer staff, and especially Ryan Phillips for their dedication and hard work. He also touched on the squadron’s challenges, including the sad loss of their President Don Rhodes and the temporary closure of the squadron building at Cosford due to safety concerns.

During the evening, Ryan Phillips delivered a compelling session on gaming and gambling harms. In his professional capacity with Ygam, an award-winning charity, Ryan highlighted the mission to prevent children and young people from experiencing gaming and gambling harms through awareness, education, and research. The session received positive feedback from attendees, with one parent commenting:

“I thought the workshop was very interesting, well delivered, and thought-provoking. I certainly feel better equipped to spot the signs of gaming harms and know where to turn if in need.”

Parent in attendance

If you’re interested in volunteering with the RAF Air Cadets, find out more here, or find a squadron near you.