W Company

Thirty five cadets from W Company took part in the now annual Armed Forces Day celebrations in Alnwick.

The cadets from Alnwick, Amble, Belford, Broomhill and Rothbury Detachments marched along Bondgate Within to the Market Place, before being inspected by the Mayor of Alnwick, Councillor Eileen Blakey. The banners of Alnwick and Broomhill Detachments were also paraded through the town.

Local ATC Squadron Commander, Flt Lt Dave Gamlin RAFVR(T), acted as Parade Commander and our own SMI Lynne Bannister took the important role of Parade Marshall, making sure the event ran smoothly.

A Sea King helicopter from 202 Squadron at RAF Boulmer flew over the parade, which basked in the uninterrupted June sunshine.

The Company also ran Northumbria ACF's recruiting trailer in the Market Place all day. Some of the adults involved with manning the trailer are seen above enjoying a quick ice cream in the hot midday sun.

The day culminated with a short church service in the shadow of the Northumberland Hall, which included the lowering of the Union Flag and Last Post.

The OC W Company, Major Mark Ewart, said: "It was heartening to see so many of the people of Alnwick line the streets in support of our Armed Forces. The cadets of W Company are privileged to be associated with the fine work our Armed Forces personnel do overseas on operations."

The 2IC, Capt Tom Jackson, added: "We're grateful to all the cadets and adults of W Company for their enthusiastic support this Armed Forces Day. We look forward to making an even bigger contribution next year."

We hope to publish further images of the parade shortly, so stay tuned for updates.