Trent Wing Celebrates Outstanding Achievement at Annual Presentation Evening

Last night, Trent Wing proudly hosted its annual Presentation Evening. We were honoured to welcome Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Lewis, as our guest of honour, adding prestige to what was already an exceptional night for our Cadets and Adult Volunteers.

The evening highlighted an impressive array of achievements, showcasing the breadth of opportunities within the RAF Air Cadets and the remarkable commitment of those who take part.

OC Trent Wing, Wing Commander Simon Dunn, was pleased to reflect on an exceptional year of Wing successes, recognising high-level achievements across the Wing. Highlights included:

• 204 (Lincoln) Squadron winning the highly coveted Lees Trophy, recognising them as the top Squadron in the Air Training Corps.

• Presentation of The Roger Austin Memorial Sword, for the highest number of DofE Awards achieved across the RAF Air Cadets.

• A Trent Wing Cadet reaching the final six candidates nationally for the Lees/ATC75 Sword, demonstrating outstanding leadership and contribution.

• 331 (Chesterfield) Squadron securing the Sustainability Award for their innovative and environmentally conscious initiatives.

• Trent Wing also being named the winners of The Shackleton Trophy, for the best overseas expedition.

• Flt Lt Dave Hill being awarded the Outstanding Service Award by the Ulysses Trust.

Recognising Remarkable Cadet Achievement

A total of 42 Cadets received their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, marking the culmination of months of hard work, community service, skills development, physical activity, and adventurous expeditions.

Eight Cadets and two CFAVs were presented with Gold Road Marching Certificates for completing the Nijmegen Marches — a feat that demands physical endurance, teamwork, and unwavering determination.

Shooting excellence was strongly represented, with 24 Cadets earning Gold Shooting Badges and Certificates for their success at both the Inter-Services Cadet Rifle Meeting (ISCRM) and the Cadet Inter-Services Skill at Arms Meeting (CISSAM). The Wing also proudly recognised one Cadet’s exceptional accomplishment in achieving the coveted Cadet 50 Badge, placing them among the top shooting performers in the organisation.

Cadet leadership at the highest cadet level was honoured with the presentation of six Cadet Warrant Officer Appointment Certificates.

Celebrating our Adult Volunteers

Long and loyal service within the organisation was celebrated through the presentation of Cadet Forces Medal Clasps:

• 1st Clasp (18 years of service) – Flt Lt Roxanne Taylor

• 2nd Clasp (24 years of service) – WO Ady Kirk

• 3rd Clasp (30 years of service) – Sqn Ldr Simon Beal

The evening also showcased outstanding individual contributions:

• Royal Humane Society Award for lifesaving first aid – Sgt Ellie Mott

• Regional Commandant Commendations – Mrs Julie Blackman, CI Jim Forrester, Mrs Carol Tokley and CI Martin Tokley

• 1* Commandant Air Cadets Commendations – Mr Steward Hyde and Flt Lt George Crampton

The 2025 Trent Wing Presentation Evening was a proud reminder of the extraordinary achievements made possible through teamwork, perseverance, and the shared commitment of both Cadets and adult volunteers. Congratulations to all award recipients — you continue to inspire excellence across the Wing and beyond.

Photos courtesy of CI S Hullott (2160 Sleaford Sqn)