Airdrie girl wins award from Air Training Corps

Oct 7 2009 by Ian Bunting, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

AN Airdrie girl has received a prestigious award from the 1001 (Monklands) Squadron, Air Training Corps.

Leading cadet Zoe Booth (16), who attends Caldervale High School, received the inaugural Gordon Cushley Memorial Shield.

She was honoured because of a love of adventure training, an eagerness to be involved in a wide range of activities and participation in swimming and track and field events at squadron and wing level.

Zoe enrolled in this year’s Duke of Edinburgh Scheme and the 1001 (Monklands) Squadron were also keen to highlight her application, selfless behaviour and popularity among fellow cadets.

The award ceremony was a night of mixed emotion as there was sadness at the loss of Gordon Cushley, a young Civilian Instructor at the Squadron who died from illness in January of this year. There was also pride, though, in the knowledge that Gordon’s efforts had left a lasting legacy, with his name being used on this new prize.

Speeches were made by former Squadron Commanding Officer Dave Mackay and Cadet Sergeant Ross Barton.

Wing Commander Jim Haley dedicated the trophy.