TRIBUTES have been paid to a community-minded Droitwich man who played a key role with the town’s Air Cadets corps for 22 years.
Brian Watkins, who died last month, will be forever remembered by the group and all who knew him for his contribution.
Brian his wife Ann joined the Air Cadets Civilian Committee in May 1984 after his son Chris became a cadet in the squadron.
After three years Brian then took over as the Squadron chairman in 1987. Brian suffered a personal tragedy when Ann passed away in 1997 but he was determined to carry on their great work and stayed in this position until 2006 when he retired from the squadron.
When Brian retired the Squadron staff wrote the following tribute: “You have served on the committee for 22 years and 19 of these in the capacity of Squadron Chairman.
“Your enthusiasm and commitment have been commendable. The cadets have greatly benefited from the financial support you have generated, enabling them to take part in a huge number of activities and experiences.
“You have been an integral part of the squadron and your drive, sense of humour and friendship has enriched us all.
“We are in fact unable to thank you enough for all you have done but hope that your reward is the satisfaction of knowing of the tremendous impact you have had on the cadets and staff during your time with us.”
Brian was also described as ‘a brilliant friend who would do everything he could to help anyone who needed it’.
In both Brian and Ann’s memory the squadron will be naming a trophy that will be presented to a cadet annually who has shown great commitment to the squadron over the previous year.
