A member of 196 (Walsall) Squadron RAF Air Cadets received a top award at Walsall Town Hall from the Mayor and Mayoress of Walsall, Councillors Paul Bott and Chris Bott,  during a special audience in the Mayor`s Parlour and a guided tour of Walsall Town Hall.    

Corporal Sophie Narbett, who has been with the Squadron for 5 years and who has now turned 18 years of age, was presented with the special trophy by the Mayor and Mayoress of Walsall (pictured courtesy of Narbett Photography) with the Squadron badge bearing the bear with the ragged staff from the Walsall coat of arms.    

"from that first night I attended 196 (Walsall) squadron" said Corporal Narbett "I knew I was going to enjoy it here very much.  I made friends very quickly and settled straight in to cadet life.  I put myself forward for every camp and activity that there was on offer!  One of my proudest moments was when I got to fly for the first time and my biggest achievement was completing the 5 day SLC Leadership Course held at Swynnerton. I thoroughly enjoyed this course even though it was one of the hardest courses to complete.  However, it was all worth it when I got to run through those gates on that long final run! I would love to do it again.  I am very sad to have to "time out" now I`m 18 years of age but would recommend RAF Air Cadet life to anyone.  I have done and achieved so many things, more than I could ever have imagined during my 5 years and I will take with me some great memories and friends for life".    

The RAF Air Cadets offers young people from all walks of life a chance to get active, learn new skills and make new friends in an inspirational and safe environment.  The Walsall Squadron is just one of over 1,000 squadrons across the UK run by volunteer staff who want to make a positive difference to their communities by providing a  modern, dynamic, sustainable air-minded youth organisation of choice which offers fun and challenging opportunities for both young people and  volunteers.  The Air Cadets is parented by the Royal Air Force and exists to provide adventurous opportunities and good citizenship to young people in their communities.     

"Walsall is our home town" Flight Lieutenant Richard Hartland said "and our Squadron is named after Walsall.  We are grateful to the Mayor and Mayoress for showing us around Walsall Town Hall.  It is important for our young people to understand the history of their town.  Our Squadron bears the badge of the bear and ragged staff which is part of the Walsall coat of arms.  We are Walsall and Walsall is our home."    

The volunteers who give up 2 nights a week and their weekends for young people are not interested in anything but young people`s potential.  Equality, diversity and inclusivity are a central part of the Air Cadet`s ethic.    

"I have never met the Air Cadets before" explained Councillor Bott "but I have met lots of other uniformed youth organisations before in Walsall like the Sea Cadets.  I am impressed with what I have seen tonight at the Town Hall.  The Walsall Squadron is organised and I am impressed with the young people and the adult volunteers.  I am happy to support Walsall squadron anyway I can in the future".    

For further information: www.196walsallsquadron.btck.co.uk