On Sunday the 2 February 2025, 141 cadets and 44 volunteers from across 25 Squadrons of West Scotland Wing of the Air Training Corps attended a church service in Hamilton Old Parish Church to commemorate their 84th anniversary.
The day began at 10am as the cadets assembled, and having passed inspection, they marched from Hamilton’s Lamb Street and filed into the church for a commemorative service celebrating the achievements of the past 84 years. The banner parties proudly marched the Wing Banner and the King’s Colour down the aisle to be displayed on the altar.
Members of West Scotland Wing were involved in the service with Cadet Warrant Officer Eva McLachlan and Cadet Xephyra Moos from 2166 (Hamilton) Squadron conducting readings. Corporal Maya Cochrane was the banner bearer, and said,
“I'm so proud to be picked for this role to represent Hamilton squadron at the parade. Joining cadets was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, I’ve experienced so many things I never even thought I would be able to. I’ve been able to improve my confidence and leadership skills, as well as skills I can use in everyday life."
Cadet Corporal Cochrane
Thirty-one RAF Air Cadet adult volunteers were also awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal with presentations made by HM King’s representative, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mr Louis Munn alongside the Provost of South Lanarkshire Council, Provost Margaret Cooper. These medals, awarded to mark the coronation of King Charles III, celebrate the commitment and dedication of these volunteers as they spend years, and in many cases, decades, helping the young people of West Scotland to develop valuable skills and attributes.
Volunteers come from all walks of life, with various backgrounds both civilian and military and their involvement is invaluable in the running of the organisation. Full training is provided with volunteers choosing to specialise in teaching aviation, first aid, leadership, target shooting, radio or adventure training amongst other things. Volunteers provide this training at squadrons on weekday evenings and at weekend camps throughout the year, delivering opportunities and training which allow Cadets to gain qualifications from the Scottish Qualifications Authority, St. John’s Ambulance, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and many other organisations.
Cadets travelled from all over the West of Scotland, as far as Girvan, Lanark and Ardrossan to join the cadets from Hamilton, at the church service.
For Wing Commander Jim Haley, it was a special moment,
“It’s amazing to think that this fine organisation has existed for 84 years, and I feel immensely proud to command these remarkable young people, and their volunteer leaders, today. They are a credit to themselves and their families.”
Wing Commander Jim Haley