HITCHIN SCOOPS VAMPIRE TROPHY

By FLT LT ERICA VEY

and FG OFF BEN WILKINSON
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1066 (Hitchin) Squadron are celebrating after winning the coveted Vampire trophy, for being officially the best overall squadron in Herts and Bucks Wing in 2007.

The result is all the more outstanding for Hitchin, coming on the back of a challenging year during which the squadron lost three staff members, mainly due to new jobs, saw its committee chairman Flt Lt Tony Farrell (Retd) sadly pass away, and its Commanding Officer Flt Lt Erica Vey forced out of action due to injury.

Runners-up in the toughly-fought competition for the Vampire Trophy were 220 (St Albans) Sqn, while in third place came 2313 (The Chalfonts) Sqn.

There have been celebrations also for 2(F) Watford Squadron. It has taken first place in Herts and Bucks Wing's Kelsey Trophy, which is awarded annually to the unit with the best academic performance, and has tied with 1239 (Broxbourne and Hoddesdon) Squadron in the Stan Stockhill Trophy, which recognises the most improved squadron in the Wing.

Runners up in the Kelsey were 1239 (Broxbourne and Hoddesdon) and in third place were 220 (St Albans). In the Stockhill Trophy, runners up were 2370 (Denham) Sqn.

For Hitchin, which knocked long-standing Vampire Trophy holders 2409 (Halton) Sqn off the top-spot and into fourth place, 2007 was very busy year which saw cadets achieving great things such as Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards at all three levels, young lifesaver plus awards, Btecs in Aviation Studies and First Diplomas in Public Services.

In addition to cadets gaining numerous qualifications, 1066 won the 2007 Wing Aviation Day overall and music trophies for the second year running. They also won the competition's Art trophy and came 2nd in the drill competition, only losing out to the eventual Corps drill champions 220 (St Albans) Sqn. 2007 also saw 1066 take the Wing junior female swimming and senior female cross country trophies. FS Lewis Stockwell (17) was announced as the best Drum Major in the Region.

Other successes for the year included Cpl Emilie Pearson (17) completing an Air Cadet Pilot Scheme course, Sgt Samuel James (17) attending the Rheindahlen camp in Germany, and FS Christopher Moore (18) experiencing a flight in a Hawk aircraft. The squadron's band led numerous parades including the Wing's Corps Banner Parade and the unit's Commanding Officer Flt Lt Erica Vey was the first staff member in the Wing to achieve the Licentateship in Youth Leadership & Training. 1066 have little time to stop and celebrate as preparations are well under way for its Lees Trophy inspection, which takes place on 3rd April. There is a lot of preparation to do and a march past to perfect. The inspection is being managed by Fg Off Liz Fox who is the Acting OC whilst Flt Lt Vey remains off sick following an accident at a 2007 summer camp.

There are currently over 40 cadets at the squadron and only three 1066 staff members able to attend. The squadron would like to thank staff from around the Wing who are helping the squadron prepare for the Lees inspection – Fg Off Tara Baker and Flt Lt Ray Kerr from 955 (Stevenage) Sqn and Plt Off Claire Bull of 1239 (Broxbourne and Hoddesdon) Sqn, in addition to Sqn Ldr Paul Mimpress, the Wing Staff Officer for Hitchin squadron.