The 2443 (Okehampton) Squadron padre attended his final parade recently before moving on to adventures new.

In a fitting final flourish padre Simon Bourne bowed out after officially enrolling eight cadets into 2443 (Okehampton) Squadron and the RAF Air Cadet organisation.

Simon originally joined 2443 Squadron as a cadet in 1991 and left in 1997, having attained the rank of cadet warrant officer, the highest rank achievable as an air cadet.

He then returned to the squadron as padre in 2013 and during his time with the squadron watched both of his sons, Caleb and Reuben as they progressed through the squadron, finally achieving the ranks of flight sergeant and sergeant respectively.

Both Caleb and Reuben left the squadron last year in order to concentrate on their higher education.

‘I think I can speak for all members of the air cadet organisation, both past and present, when I say that we wish Simon, Caleb and Reuben all the very best in their future endeavours,’ said flying officer Dave Wilkinson from the squadron.