As the festive season embraces us, we gather to reflect on the accomplishments and joys that have marked the year for 2497 (Cosford) Squadron.

As this cadet year draws to its festive close, we can reflect with pride and positivity upon all that we have achieved as a squadron over the past 12 months, and with 2024 just around the corner we can look forward to the opportunities that the New Year brings.

This year’s activities and successes have only been possible thanks to the outstanding volunteer staff team that we have, whether squadron staff or Civilian Welfare Committee, your hard work and enthusiasm have ensured our continued position as one of the Corps’ premiere squadrons.

At the heart of Cosford squadron are its cadets, a unique blend of individuals who all bring something to the squadron, your involvement in cadet activities and the standards you set are the benchmark for other squadrons to aspire to, and I thank you for your continued support.

Next year, as well as our usual activities we plan to reintroduce our annual Presentation Evening, where parents and guardians are invited to attend a formal awards evening to celebrate cadets’ achievements with trophies being given according to a series of criteria and subjects. We will start planning this in the New Year, however current squadron involvement will already count towards these awards.

There has also been discussion about introducing more social events for cadets, and staff will be working with the Cadet Non-Commissioned Officer team to develop these in the near future.

As this year draws to its close, I certainly look back with pride at what we have achieved, and I look forward to working with you all in the year ahead, we certainly have a great future ahead of us.

Thank you to all of you for everything you do. I wish you all a very happy Christmas and I know you will have a fantastic New Year.

At the end of a very successful year for the squadron, may I take the opportunity to say a genuine thank you to everybody who has made that possible.

Firstly to the cadets themselves, old and new, senior and junior. They are always a credit to the squadron and themselves, particularly at events where they are visible to the public.

Secondly to all the staff who give so much of their time and effort in providing the activities and training which create the cadet experience. I am also grateful to the Civilian Welfare Committee trustees who support the squadron through attendance at meetings and overseeing squadron funds and expenditure.

But last and by no means least a very big thank you to parents and guardians for the support and encouragement you give to cadets, not to mention the many miles that have to be travelled transporting them to regular parades and special activities.

Looking to the New Year, one of our main projects is to raise funds for a second flight simulator. We purchased the first one earlier this year. It has proved so popular with cadets, that numbers now require we need a second one. The total cost will be almost exactly £5,000, of which half can be funded through squadron reserves, built up through cadet subscription payments and other income. The other half will need to be funded through grant applications, fundraising activities, or donations. Ideas for fundraising would be very welcome. As would donations, which can be made on our JustGiving campaign page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/flightsim.

So may the New Year be full of opportunity for all of those involved with 2497 (Cosford) Squadron.