₤35m Wildcat Helicopter makes a flying visit to Merchant Taylors School

PUPILS at Merchant Taylors' School in Crosby welcomed a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter to its playing fields, on Friday, 27 April 2018, as it celebrated its 103rd Annual Combined Cadets Force (CCF) Inspection.

The day was attended by 38 senior North West military professionals from the RAF, Army and the Royal Navy and consisted of a formal inspection of the Schools' Guard of Honour, followed by a review of its cadet's activities and performances.

Merchant Taylors' Combined Cadet's Force was founded in 1915, just a year after the outbreak of World War 1 and is 1 of the largest contingents in the country.

The Royal Navy Wildcat is the latest generation of multi role helicopter, specifically procured to operate from the frigates and destroyers of the Royal Navy. It measures 15.2 metres in length, with a nautical range of 420 miles and a top speed of 157 knots.

It was flown in by Royal Navy Air Squadron, Lt Cdr. AJ Thompson, a former Merchants Taylors' pupil whose younger brother, William, also attends the School and is in the CCF Guard of Honour.

After its arrival, the day kicked into action with a host of activities for the cadets, including an assault course, section attacks and the chance to view the ₤35m Wildcat helicopter.

This was followed by lunch at the Boys' School and then a review of the Schools' CCF Guard of Honour, by Inspecting Officer, Group Captain John Lawlor, Chief of Staff for the RAF Air Cadets.

Group Captain Lawlor was accompanied throughout the inspection by the Headmaster of Merchant Taylors' Boys' School, Deiniol Williams and the newly appointed Headmistress of the Senior Girls' School, Claire Tao.

After the inspection, he met with parents and cadets and visited the various stands before watching the final parade march by the 270 cadets.

Commenting on the Inspection, Group Captain Lawlor, said:- "For me, it was a fantastic day. The cadets battled through challenging weather conditions and made the most of the opportunities that were on offer. Regardless of the rain, their determination and enthusiasm shone through. The number of parents who came to support their children brought an added extra to the day, along with the helicopter which was a fantastic highlight, made even more exciting by seeing old boy Lt Cdr. AJ Thompson fly it in. Having former cadets attend demonstrates the resilient loyalty they still feel towards the School, as they still wish to return to the place their military journeys began and be part of special occasions such as this."

Lt Cdr. AJ Thompson said:- "It's been 20 years since I left Merchant Taylors', so it was a real privilege to bring an aircraft back to the School, as I spent so many years being part of its Combined Cadet Force.  I was especially proud to be able to share this moment with my younger brother, Will, and see him in the Guard of Honour. The connections to School are so important and I hope we can continue these links in the years to come."

To complete the day, there was a full military dinner held at the Boys' School for all the Non-Commissioned Officers and special guests. The guest of honour was former Merchant Taylors' teacher Col. Paul Irvine, Commandant of Greater Manchester Army Cadet Force.

Special praise was also given to year 11 student and cadet, Gabrielle Foster, who presented money she had raised for the Poppy Appeal to representatives of the Royal British Legion, who were also in attendance.

Mr Deiniol Williams, Headmaster of Merchant Taylors Senior Boys' School, said:- "Pupils opt to join the Combined Cadet Force from Year 9, as they can see the opportunities which are made available to them from outdoor pursuits to survival skills. Some will continue with the CCF throughout School, entering a career in the Armed Services.  Inspection Day marks the culmination of all that has been achieved by the MTS contingent since the previous September and it has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm and professionalism of the cadets involved. Huge credit is due to Contingent Commander Helen Irwin and all of her staff for making it such another successful inspection for the School."

Claire Tao, Headmistress of Merchant Taylors' Girls' School, said:- "This was another highly successful annual inspection for Merchant Taylors' Combined Cadet Force and my first as Headmistress at the Girls' School, which was incredibly special for me. To see pupils, rise to the challenge of all that CCF entails and to observe the senior cadets lead with such aplomb is a real honour."

For more information, visit:- MerchantTaylors.Com.

RAF Burtonwood Association to hold reunion to celebrate return of US Veterans

ON Saturday, 26 May 2018, the RAF Burtonwood Association will be holding a Reunion Dance to celebrate the return of its US Veterans and their families. They are inviting guests to 'dress to impress' in their finest vintage garb to dance the night away, from 7:30pm.

U.S. Veterans and their family and friends are travelling from America to the UK to visit, with some staying at the Gulliver's Hotel for the duration. There is a lot planned for the week for the veterans, with the reunion dance taking place on the final day and open to the public.

The dance is being hosted by Gulliver's World Theme Park. As well as The Discoveries making an appearance with their fabulous, foot tapping tunes, GI.Jive will be there playing all the hits. As with previous years, the nostalgic get together is set to be a sell out, so we encourage people to buy tickets as soon as possible.

Admission is by ticket only. Tickets costs:- ₤11 for admission to the dance, or ₤14 including food. A fully licensed bar will be open until midnight.

John Cotterill of the RAF Burtonwood Association said:- "RAF Burtonwood and Gulliver's World enjoy a happy relationship that sees us partner on key events throughout the year. We're grateful to them for providing their theatre as a venue for our Reunion Dance. The evening will bring people an evening of unmissable fun, a lot of laughter, great music and good food and we are really looking forward to it! As spaces are limited, we encourage people to book soon."

Party goers will also have the option to make a night of it by booking in to the Gulliver's World Hotel, staying in 1 of the 50+ contemporary rooms on offer.

For more information about the Gulliver's Hotel visit:- GulliversFun.Co.UK.

To book your tickets for the RAF Burtonwood Reunion Dance call John:- (+44) 0 1925 227157 call or Bob:- (+44) 0 1925 223943.