DURING a formal evening to recognise the important contribution made by uniformed and civilian members of the regular service and cadet organisations, Richard Phillipson, chairman of 1011 (Amesbury) Squadron Air Training Corps’ civilian welfare committee, received a Lord Lieutenant’s certificate of merit from the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Troughton.

Mr Phillipson, a former member of the Royal Air Force, joined the committee in 1995 and soon moved up to the executive positions of treasurer, secretary, chairman, and occasionally all three at the same time.

He has been pivotal to the continued success of the squadron, with his considerable knowledge, service background, and focused ‘cadets first’ and nononsense approach.

He has organised and participated in a vast spectrum of fundraising and welfare activities in all weathers, ensuring the squadron has invested in equipment to guarantee that cadets from all backgrounds have access to many opportunities which they could not get otherwise.

Mr Phillipson is also a key member of Salisbury Royal Air Force Association and has always ensured that help is afforded to other charities, ensuring cadets have been actively raising funds for Poppy and Wing appeals.