Double success for our affiliated Air Cadet band

The Company's affiliated unit, 31 (Tower Hamlets) Squadron of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC), has had a remarkable autumn.

At London Wing's annual Field Day, held at RAF Northolt on 20 September, the Squadron's band won both the Best Turned Out Band and Best Full Band competitions. It also took second place in the Drill competition.

The band went on to win Best Band at the Lady Mayor's Cadet Music Competition in Guildhall Yard. Cadet Warrant Officer Amelia Court was named Best Drum Major, a fitting finale for her, as she reaches the end of her cadet service this autumn. The Squadron was London Wing's sole representative, and its band was drawn entirely from its own cadets. By contrast, some of the five other bands competing were composites formed from a number of Units.

The Squadron's Officer Commanding, Flight Lieutenant Labib Khan, said:

"I am extremely proud to announce that 31 Squadron won the Full Band entry, as well as being awarded Best Drum Major. This is a fantastic achievement and a testament to the dedication, commitment and hard work of our cadets, who have put in countless hours of rehearsal and training to reach this standard. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to FS Darrell Kovac and CI Sophie Court for the monumental time and effort they have put into developing and supporting the band. This was a win not only for the Squadron, but for London Wing and the organisation as a whole."

The band's winning programme was:

• Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines
• Sarie Marais
• Eye of the Tiger
• El Gato Montés
• It's a Long Way to Tipperary / Pack Up Your Troubles medley

We are delighted to say that the same band members who played at Guildhall will perform at the Company's Nomination Dinner, where we look forward to congratulating them in person.