Chris, 18, ‘blows away’ the competition for top award
A LEEK teenager has won a top national RAF award.
Chris Mulroy, aged 18, has beat off all challengers to take the National Sole Bugler Award.
To reach the final, which was held at RAF Honington near Bury St Edmunds, Chris had to qualify initially for the regional events.
He said: “I am really proud to become the national winner.
“The country was split into six regions and the first three from each region qualified for the finals, which were held at RAF Honington in front of about 200 people, including many top officers.
“We all had to play The Last Post. in front of so many people.
“I was shocked when they read out the top three names and even more when they announced that I was the winner. It was a lovely surprise and very pleasing.”
Chris, who is studying at St Joseph’s College in Trent Vale, has been playing the cornet and trumpet for 10 years, but only took up the bugle approximately three years ago.
He presently plays for the Staffordshire Wing of the RAF Air Cadet Band.
He added: “I won a gold medal and a trophy, which is a bugler on a mount. It now proudly sits on the mantle shelf.
“I am now studying for my exams and hopefully I’ll go on to join the RAF for my full time career.
“I am hoping to take part in the National Sole Bugler Award again next year, when hopefully I can try and defend my title.” It was very nervewracking