Every cadet and volunteer can be justifiably proud of their magnificent achievements which raised our profile to the roof tops and beyond.

Communities across the UK and abroad followed our custom-made glistening torch as it travelled across water, land and through the air ensuring it touched every ATC Wing in a memorable and historic journey. The media covered our story at the highest levels – often with national and global publicity and we showed the world what we were made of – the crème de la crème by any other name.

From our Royal launch in February with HRH The Duchess of Cambridge to the sports challenge at squadrons, the flight for cadets with the Red Arrows, the parade at the Royal International Air Show, the delicious bespoke anniversary cakes, the English Channel swim and the anniversary tree planting we showed our mettle – the grit, resolve, the vigour and determination which makes us one (if not the) best uniformed youth organisation in the world. The finale - or the icing on the cake to me - will always be the flagship parade and musical extravaganza which showcased what we are. With 350 smart cadets on the prestigious parade square at College Hall Officers’ Mess at RAF Cranwell delivering precision drill whilst the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier took the salute and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows flying over it was utterly memorable.

When we put together our embryonic plans for the 75th we wanted to do things that would offer choice.

In so doing we were constrained by resource challenges but we knew that if we constructed a 10-month programme involving lots of different things then we stood a chance of capturing imaginations.

Well, pretty much everything ATC75 is now in the rear view mirror and what a journey it has been.

Whether you were an event organiser (a volunteer or permanent staff) and sweated blood and tears to make it happen or a participant I’d like to say thank you, the memories will be with us forever. Personally, I’m beaming from ear and ear and punching the air with pride. You were awesome!

(Taken from Autumn 2016 edition of Air Cadet Magazine)