The importance of family, friends and community was a big part of the annual awards ceremony for the Alexandra 50 Squadron Air Training Corps in Clyde on Sunday.
Squadron leader Jill Checketts said the unit had the privilege of being in a town that had given them great support over the years, and she had the privilege of commanding an amazing squadron.
‘‘Each year I say I have a great bunch of cadets, and each year it gets better.’’
She thanked the cadets’ families for all they had done to help the squadron, particularly the parent support committee.
Sqn Ldr Checketts became emotional when presenting Flying Officer Tony Fowler with the Anderson Memorial Trophy for outstanding contribution to the squadron. She said he kept the unit functioning when ‘‘the custard hit the fan’’.
A surprise award was presented by retired Air Vice-marshal John Hosie to Tina Lake, who is a patron of the squadron alongside her husband John.
Mrs Lake said they first joined the parents’ committee when her son became an air cadet ‘‘and he loved every moment of it’’.
