On Saturday 19 October 2013, Didcot First organised an Oscar-style Business and Community Awards Ceremony, sponsored by local businesses, at the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot. The Awards are designed to recognise the best of business and community organisations in the Town, over the preceding year. 2410 (Didcot) Squadron were announced as winners of the Youth Community Award. The announcement was made by way of a pre-recorded video by Matt Richardson, the Didcot born, young stand-up comedian who is currently hosting ITV2’s X-Factor Extra programme. The Award was collected by Squadron Leader Paul Haines, the Squadron Treasurer, and Civilian Instructor Barry Wicks, who nominated the Unit. The majority of the Squadron Staff, doing what they do best, were busy with a weekend Adventure Training Activity!
Squadron Leader Haines, whose day time job is Thames Valley Wing’s Executive Officer said: “This is tremendous recognition for the Squadron as the Town’s premiere Youth organisation. It recognises not only the effort in making our cadets active members of their community but also the tremendous support that cadets and staff of 2410 Squadron have given to a very wide-range of events in the Town over the last year”.