561 (ARDWYN, Aberystwyth & District) Squadron, RAF Air Cadets, recently held its annual presentation evening which was attended by Wing Commander Mike Stones (OC No 3 Welsh Wing), Cllr Steve Davies (mayor of Aberystwyth), Flt Lt John Wall RAF VRt (Ret’d) (honorary president of 561 Sqn) and LAC Sion Hopkins (a former cadet of 561 Sqn).

The squadron welcomed three new Civilian Instructors to the squadron, Alecia Jackson, Richard Jefferson and Gareth Jones, who were presented with their certificates of appointment.

Wing Commander Stones then presented Flt Lt John Wall (Ret’d) with his certificate of appointment as Honorary President to 561 Squadron. John is as ex-commanding officer and cadet of the squadron.

This was also made more special as both the Civilian Committee chairman, Iwan Davies, and the present squadron commander, Sgt Eifion Parry, were both cadets when John was Commanding Officer.

Two of the squadrons’ senior cadets, CWO Llyr Evans and CWO Jac Parry, were rewarded for their hard work and dedication when Wing Commander Stones promoted them to the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer, the highest possible rank to be attained by a cadet.

The evening then went on to mark the cadet achievements in 2017. Trophies and awards were presented for achievements within the community, first aid, drill, target shooting, academia and sports.

Other trophies that were presented included, Best Recruit, Best NCO, Cadets Cadet and Best Cadet.

These trophies were awarded by a combination of points amassed throughout 2017, competition, and some which are voted for by the cadets and staff.

Sgt Carwyn Lloyd-Jones was the big winner of the evening and amassed a good haul of trophies for himself and as OC of his flight.

Cpl Lowri Scott was voted the Best Recruit 2017, which was in recognition of the high standards and hard-work, only joining in April 2017, Lowri was promoted to Corporal only six months later.

Cpl Lowri Scott, along with her sister Cdt Cerys Scott and Cdt Sophie Jones, were rewarded for their work in the community, on behalf of 561 Squadron, winning the community trophy.

Other winners included Sgt Owain Wilson (Best Sporting Cadet) and Sgt Luke Webbon-Thomas (Academia) and also the (Cadets Cadet) which he shared with Sgt Carwyn Lloyd-Jones.

Squadron Commander Sgt Eifion Parry said: “This was a special evening for me as the new Squadron Commander.

The cadets themselves have worked hard all year, whether in the community, on the squadron or at sports or some other activity. Seeing them honoured was a special moment for me and the staff.”

If anyone is interested in joining the squadron, see www.561.sqn.ac or phone 01970 626677.

See more pictures from the presentation evening in this week’s Cambrian News, on sale on Wednesday