1094 Ely Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets celebrated our annual dining in night at the historic Monastic Barn, Kings School Ely on Friday night.
Last summer, the Squadron was invited to visit Royal Air Force Lakenheath, where fifty cadets and escorting staff were treated to what can only be described as an annual summer camp squeezed into one day. The cadets were taken on a round robin tour of the base and its fascinating departments and teams that support flying operations as well as visiting the flight line to get up close to the F15’s, F35’s and F22’s.
On Friday night, three quarters of the Squadron gathered at The King’s School Ely to repay the compliment by inviting guests from the United States Air Force at RAF Lakenheath to join us for a wonderful dinner.
The guest of honour was Major Peter Daigle USAF Officer Commanding Logistics and Operations, as well as Captain Otha Stone and his partner Brooke and Master Sergeant Cody Patters and his partner Erin. Master Sergeant Patters was pivotal in organising our visit assisted by Captain Stone along with Master Sergeant Garcia USAF.
Also joining us were Mr. David Martin (RAF Retired) the chair of the Ely Branch of the Royal British Legion and Caroline Sandford and her husband Martin. Mrs Sandford is the daughter of our late Squadron President Mr. Norman Green who kindly donated a new Squadron Banner to Ely’s Air Cadets before he passed away last year.
As well as the photos below, we have decided to include a few observations on the dinner from those in attendance to add a little flavour of the evening.
Thank you to all those guests, staff, cadets and committee members who attended the dinner but especially to our Squadron Secretary Mrs. Natasha Talbott for organising the dinner so perfectly and so ably supported by our Squadron Treasurer Mrs. Kathy Munday.
A special mention has to go to the wonderful team at Kings School, Ely for what can only be described as seven star service.
“We would like to say a very Big Thank You for being kind enough to include us in your Dining in Evening, it truly was a fantastic night.
From the moment we walked through the door we made to feel very welcome and it was wonderful to meet so many interesting people.
We leaned a lot more about the Squadron and what activities take place and it is easy to understand why Dad supported the organisation so passionately.
The references you made about Dad were very moving and brought many a tear to my eyes, in a very good way I hasten to add.
We are delighted that his memory will live on within the 1094 Ely Squadron and I know he would be pleased that things are moving forward and that you have found a suitable candidate for the role.
Thank You All So Much for Everything
Best Wishes
Caroline Sandford”
“A truly amazing evening.
The food was brilliant along with the hard work of the catering staff. The guests were a great addition to the night, bringing all their knowledge and experiences to share with us. The speeches were highly moving and motivating and the general aura of the night was high in spirit and just wonderful. It was truly lovely.
The behaviour of all the cadets was of extremely high standard and it was delightful to be able to spend an evening talking to the cadets in a formal but social way.
In my opinion, these dining in evenings are a great addition to the training programme as they allow us to interact with some amazing people who have first hand experience on topics on which we cadets are very interested in. Also they allow us to discover more about each other and really get closer as a squadron, helping to build up that bond with each other even further, maximising our potential as a squadron and individuals.
What an oustanding evening!
Corporal Logan Constable 1094 ATC”
“Having joined in March last year, this was my first Dining In Night, the experience was more than I had anticipated. The venue was beautiful and enormously added to the atmosphere. The guests and staff in their uniform, as well as adults in kilts, dinner jackets and evening dresses was amazing. Following the etiquette and rules of the night was a new experience too. The food was exceptional and beautifully presented. The speeches inspiring and it was great to see everyone relaxed and enjoying themselves.
Cadet Anna Munday”
“An amazing event as always,
the food was brilliant and the atmosphere and service were second to none. The speeches were genuinely motivational and everyone seemed to thoroughly enjoy the night.
This event is a Great way for the whole squadron to socialise and get to know one another better in a formal setting as demonstrated by those in attendance.
Corporal Oliver Bennet”
“It was a delightful evening, as the food was top-notch and the speeches were incredibly motivating. It left me feeling immensely proud to be an Air Cadet.
Cadet Max Hatton “
From 1094 Ely Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets
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