Tree-mendous Moment for Corby Air Cadets

On Saturday 19^th March 2016 cadets and staff of 422 (Corby) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets took part in a mass tree planting event to mark the 75^th Anniversary of the Air Training Corps and to support the Woodland Trust tree planting initiative.

After various meetings with Corby Borough Council, in run up to the day, it was agreed that East Carlton Country Park would provide the perfect setting for this unique event.  But before anything could be put into action the application for trees had to be submitted.  So under the expert guidance from Mr Peter Floody, the bid for the sapling trees that would best suit the parks current surroundings was submitted to the Woodland Trust.

Confirmation of the successful application soon came through and the plan could then be put into action.

Joined on the day by Officer Commanding South and East Midlands Wing, Wing Commander Nigel Dickinson OBE RAFVR(T), Central and East Region Assistant Regional Commandant, Squadron Leader Nathan Wilks RAFVR(T) and Central and East Region’s new Training Safety Adviser, Warrant Officer Mark Giddings, the team of cadets and staff ventured; with spades in hand, to the planting site to begin work.

Starting with the planting of three ceremonial trees by the VIPs and Officer Commanding 422 (Corby) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Kev Ritchie RAFVR(T), the cadets soon got to work planting the remaining 419 trees, making the event very unique to the Squadron with 422 trees being planted in total.

Showing teamwork, determination and great camaraderie the cadets put in an outstanding effort planting the trees in under 2 hours.

Flight Lieutenant Kev Ritchie said, “What the cadets have done here today is truly amazing and what a fitting way to mark the 75^th Anniversary of the Air Training Corps.  They should be extremely proud with what they have achieved today.  Planting 422 trees is no easy task”.

The Squadron would like to thank the Region and Wing for supporting them in this project.  They would also like to thank the Civilian Committee and parents that joined them on the day and also those that provided the refreshments – the chocolate brownies certainly went down a treat.

But huge thanks must go to Peter Floody and Corby Borough Council for providing the expertise, tools and beautiful setting of East Carlton Country Park to make this 75^th anniversary project truly special and something that will be remembered for decades to come.