Central and East Region Archive for October 2007

BTEC Success at Dunstable

Nine Cadets from 460 (Dunstable) Sqn have become the first in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire to achieve the BTEC Certificate in Aviation Studies.

The BTEC Certificate, equivalent to 2 GCSE A*- C, is gained through academic study and examination over a period of 3 years and is awarded to the cadets who gain the highest grade of Staff Cadet. To achieve Staff Cadet, as well as passing exams, the cadets have to undertake regular project work, community service, and attend a residential camp.

The BTEC Certificates were awarded to Cdt Flt Sgt's Lauretta Matthews and Jonathan Price, Cdt Sgt's Christopher Featherstone, Dale Poole and Louise Crawford, Cdt Cpl's Sean Madigan, John Stanbridge and Daniel Curran and Cdt Samuel Cox.

Flt Lt Mick Bell, Officer Commanding Dunstable Squadron, said: “These young people have worked extremely hard over a number of years to gain these certificates. The academic syllabus taught within the Air Cadet Organisations is wide ranging but with an emphasis on aviation. As well as the examinations set each year, the cadets undertake practical work including of course their flying training.”
 

Image: L – R (Back Row) FS Lauretta Matthews, Sgt Dale Poole, Cpl John Stanbridge, Sgt Christopher Featherston, (Front Row) Cpl Sean Madigan, Cadet Samuel Cox after receiving their certificates

by Flt Lt Michael Bell RAF VR(T) OC 460 (Dunstable) Sqn - Beds & Cambs Wg
 

31 Oct 2007                                                                                               Back to top of page

'Student Tayside 2HG ready for Departure’

Cdt Sgt Alex Taylor-Gates (18) of 795 (Harpenden) Sqn, has just completed his Air Cadet Pilot Scheme (ACPS), which saw him receive the necessary training to take control of a Grob Heron. Alex, who had already flown solo in a glider with the ATC, was picked to take part in the scholarship scheme up in Scotland.

The following is Alex’s personal account of his experience taking part in the ACPS.

In October on arrival at Dundee’s Tayside Airport the two week course seemed very well laid out, organisation was pristine from the start and you knew when you were flying in advance. Lessons were easy to understand and with the books that are lent to you, studying for the exams was easy. You are shown around the aircraft and led through the start up and checks around the aircraft, and these you have to revise too. You are given a checklist of your aircraft to do this, in my case a Grob Heron, a very similar aircraft to the newer Grob Tutor.

My first flight was on my third day, and I completed 3 hours of the 12, being allowed to take off and land and going over stalls. Learning why stalls happen and how to avoid them is a very interesting experience. I finished all my lessons and started circuits after 9 hours in the air, getting myself into a routine. I felt that I learnt more about the aircraft, I learned my radio procedures by heart and could do a circuit by myself after about half an hour and landings were getting easier and easier the more I tried.

I eventually proved myself on my pre-solo flight, starting with a perfect take off and ending with a ‘greaser’ landing (one where you can barely feel the wheels touch the ground), I was then told jokingly that one good landing doesn’t make you a pilot and I was sent on my way, given nothing but a call sign - ‘Student Tayside 2HG’. It was my time to solo, I was very nervous, shaking in fact. I went through all the cockpit and power checks to cool my nerve, I radioed in, ‘Student Tayside 2HG ready for departure’. After being told my runway and my taxi point to which I was to enter the runway I made my way up to the big stretch of tarmac.

Two commercial planes landed and one in front took off. Inside the Grob I was tiny in comparison; it really gives you the shakes. Authorisation to take off at runway 28 was given. I lined myself up on the white centre lines and put power to full. The build up of speed was far greater without the extra body and the push of right rudder needed to keep it straight was far greater with the higher acceleration, the world around me was blurred, 60 knots was achieved and I was flying - I was flying!

A climbing speed of 70 knots, 200 feet, and the first turn was initiated, flaps raised and at 300 feet and an 80 knot climb, the bank was increased to 15 degrees. I levelled off at the circuit height of 1,000 feet and then finally I got to see the surroundings. I was 1,000 feet up, the runway was a thin line on the ground at 8 o’clock, the orange afternoon sun was lighting up the river below me sending thousands of little sparkles up into the sky. I was free.

But moments like that you don’t get to appreciate for long, it was time to initiate my downwind turn, calling in ‘Tayside 2HG, downwind to land’. I started to do my downwind checks when a reply saying ‘Tayside 2HG, you are number 4, circle at end of downwind leg’ sent my mind into overdrive. I’d never heard of that before, and it took a while for it to click in my mind what that meant. I initiated a circle at the end of my downwind leg, and was stuck doing that for probably 6 rotations.

It’s easy to get confused and overwhelmed up in the air, constantly looking out, holding a turn, airspeed, height and thinking what you’re about to do next in advance, all the while hanging onto Air Traffic Control’s every transmission in case they are talking to you. I actually started to break into a sweat over the amount of mental effort I was putting in, and when I finally received transmission from Air Traffic Control I was so relieved. I was now number one, but had to be aware of 2 commercial aircraft that were also on their downwind, I turned onto my baseleg as fast as I could, the wind had pushed me a good 200 feet downwind, thus I had to totally change the circuit I was used to and improvise. It was all very taxing, I hit my 500 foot point heading towards the runway at 400 feet, which was not good at all. Using the throttle I decreased my rate of decent and called ‘Tayside 2HG, finals to land’.

The next 15 seconds I don’t even remember, I landed, it was a very shallow angled landing, I rounded out, and flew along the runway at about 10 feet, slowly and lightly settling the wheels on the ground, my heart was in my throat and the pounding in my head would just not go away. It was probably the biggest adrenaline rush I’ve ever had.

Braking, taxiing to point Charlie, and stopping at the double yellow lines I actually felt sick. I could feel the blood pumping through my eyes, and it took a couple of seconds to calm down. I did my after landing checks, radioed in requesting taxi instructions to Tayside and was met with a roar of congratulations from the Air Traffic Control staff and some of the instructors, all I could do was grin.

Flt Lt Tim Hatton, Commanding Officer of Harpenden Squadron, said: “A place on the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme really is one of the top honours in the Air Training Corps as there are only a limited number of places each year. It’s great that one of our Harpenden cadets has got this brilliant opportunity and completed the training to fly solo.”

Cdt Sgt Taylor-Gates said: “Flying solo in the Heron was probably the largest boost of confidence I have ever had. The feeling is almost indescribable. All I can really do is thank the ATC for giving me the experience of now having flown solo in two aircraft types, the Grob Vigilant glider and now the Heron, quite a rare achievement.”

Cdt Sgt Alex Taylor-Gates 795 (Harpenden) Sqn - Herts & Bucks Wg
 

31 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                Back to top of page

Best in the Corps

A former Cadet Warrant Officer from Loughborough has been awarded the Dacre Sword for being selected as the best male cadet in the Air Training Corps.
 

Now a Pilot Officer in the RAF VR(T), Alistair Best was awarded the Dacre Sword by Air Commodore Gordon Moulds, Commandant Air Cadets, at a presentation held at No 2229 (Loughborough) Sqn’s headquarters. Assisting the Air Commodore was Gp Capt J. P. Dacre, the nephew of the late Air Commodore Dacre who bequeathed the sword to the Corps.

The short outdoor ceremony was attended by around thirty guests who, after a short prayer by the Wing Padre, and the presentation watched a march past by the squadron with the Commandant Air Cadets taking the salute.

Other notable guests included Central and East Region Commandant, Gp Capt Jon Ford, Wg Cdr Nigel Dickinson, Officer Commanding South and East Midlands Wing and the Worshipful the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Joe Tormey.

Since joining the squadron in February 2001 Alistair has had a distinguished cadet career reaching its pinnacle this year with his selection as the Best Male Cadet in the Corps. Very much outdoor orientated, Alistair has taken part in eighteen expeditions around The Peak District, Wales and the Lake District. In May last year he completed the expedition to the Everest Base Camp with Gp Capt Cross.

No stranger to foreign travel, Alistair visited Canada on an International Air Cadet Exchange last year and also, the same year, went to Singapore on a cadet exchange. In addition there were two overseas camps at Gibraltar and Rheindahlen and winter skiing in Germany and Switzerland.

Other achievements include:
Flying and Gliding Scholarships
Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
BTEC 1st Diploma in Public Service (Distinction)
Junior Leader’s Course
Community Sports Leader
Basic Expedition Leader

When asked how she felt, Alistair’s Mother, Sylvia said: “Proud, but not surprised” and she explained: “Alistair has always been so focused and has the capability to maximise on any opportunity”

Squadron Commander, Flt Lt Kath Lane in her narrative to the Dacre Sword Nomination said: "I was impressed by his commitment to the squadron especially through periods of upheaval. Without his continued support, his fellow cadets would have suffered, no matter what demands are placed on him, whether from the Corps, work or personal commitments, he has supported myself and the staff faultlessly.”

Currently working as a floor manager in a fast food outlet, Alistair is awaiting entry into the Royal Air Force.

Plt Off Lyndsay McGregor, an ex CWO with St Ives squadron, winner of the Dacre Brooch for the Best Female Cadet was also in attendance.

Images: 1. From L to r Gp Capt Jon Ford, Plt Off Alistair Best, Gp Capt J P Dacre, Plt Off Lyndsay McGregor, Air Commodore Moulds. 2. Presentation of Sword by Air Commodore Moulds

by Flt Lt Allan Munns RAF VR(T) Deputy WMCO South & East Midlands Wg

31 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                         Back to top of page

Proud First for Aylesbury

There have celebrations at 1365 (Aylesbury) Sqn, as for the first time in its history three former cadets are undergoing their Initial Officer Training with the regular Royal Air Force at the same time.

Alan Rose (21), Philip Clements (22) and Gary Butler (24), all of whom were cadets at Aylesbury squadron, have been going through their 30 weeks of initial training at Royal Air Force College Cranwell together.

Alan, who was with the squadron until last year, and Phil, who was with the squadron until earlier this year, are training to be pilots. Meanwhile Gary, who left the ATC in 2001, will be joining the RAF Regiment, which is responsible for defending airfields around the world.

Flt Lt George Fitch, commanding officer at 1365 Sqn, said: “Although there have been many examples of Aylesbury air cadets going on to enjoy successful careers in the RAF in the past, this is the first time in the squadron’s history that three of our former cadets have gone through Cranwell together. There really could not be a better endorsement of what we do here – preparing young people for their future careers, be they military or civilian, and giving them the skills and outlook to succeed in whatever they do.”

Image (L-R) Gary Butler, Philip Clements and Alan Rose outside RAF Cranwell’s famous College Hall Officers Mess.

by Plt Off Ben Wilkinson RAF VR(T), Wing MCO Herts and Bucks Wg
 

30 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                         Back to top of page

NiteEx Reigning Champions Prepare

The current holders of the winners’ title for Herts and Bucks Wing’s overnight exercise, 1365 (Aylesbury) Sqn, have been on their first practice walk in their bid to retain the trophy.

The 12 cadets, all potential team members, were led by Cdt Sgt's Luke Hughes and Richard Williams, on an overnight walk around the Aylesbury area. Setting off at 8pm, the hopefuls followed a route that took them down the grand union canal, through the Chiltern Hills and back into Aylesbury, covering a distance of just over 25km.

The walk was aimed at introducing the younger cadets to what the ‘Nitex’ involves, and to make sure the experienced cadets night navigation was still up to scratch. It took cadets through some challenging terrain, and tested their determination and fitness, both physically and mentally. The harsh weather conditions made things that little bit harder, but the cadets rose to the occasion in a bid to stake their claim for the first team in the competition which takes place on 24-25 November around RAF Halton.

Aylesbury Sqn team I/C, Cdt Sgt Luke Hughes, said: “It was important to hit the ground running, as the cadets needed to appreciate just what it takes to win the Nitex. It’s a hard event, and we need to be prepared, but I’m pleased with the standard this first practice has set and picking the final team will certainly be a challenge.”

One member of the team, Cdt Ahmed Mohammud, has recently joined the squadron having moved to the UK from Canada said: “I didn’t know much about the Nitex, but this practice has definitely shown me what sort of things the ATC do, and I’m very keen to do Nijmegen and the Death March next year.”

The team will complete another practice march shortly, where the distance and pace will be significantly increased to decide the final team.

Image: Sqn Ldr Steve Atkinson presents the trophy to Aylesbury Sqn back in 2006.

by Cdt Sgt Luke Hughes, 1365 (Aylesbury) Sqn - Herts & Bucks Wg

30 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

National Pathfinders

The presentation of Pathfinder Trophy and individual awards was recently made to Cadets of 1406 (Spalding) Sqn by the Commandant of the Air Cadets, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds, MBE RAF, in the Rotunda of College Hall Officers Mess, Cranwell.

The Pathfinder Trophy is presented annually to the top performing ATC Squadron Nationally in the sport of Orienteering, Spalding Squadron being the winners for the second year running.

The ‘Pathfinder’ name forges a link between orienteering and the WWII activities of 8 (Pathfinder) Group, RAF Bomber Command. For both, the key to success lies in accurate navigation. The splendid Trophy being presented was kindly donated in 2006 by Mr Robert McNab, Managing Director of Pathfinder Training Ltd, who also serves as a CI with 1406 Squadron.

The ‘Pathfinder’ competition enables ATC Squadrons to compete against others in a number of British Orienteering Federation (BOF) regulated civilian events to national set standards. The achievement of 1406 Squadron in 2007 has not just been relative to other ATC Squadrons but at national levels, as witnessed by no less than eight Spalding squadron cadets winning the prestigious BOF Gold Award in their age/gender category. Indeed the BOF East Midlands Region Junior Squad is trying to sign up several talented Spalding cadets!

Awards in the ‘Pathfinder’ competition are decided on the best 5 scores in however many events attended. Individual top scorers for 2007 were:
 

Boys                                                                    Girls
1 Cdt Cpl C Nell                                      1 Cdt L Tunnard
2 Cdt Cpl P Hoey                                    2 Cdt Cpl S Byrd
3 Cdt Cpl T Savidge                                3 Cdt Sgt L Nell

Special mention for outstanding effort went to Cdt D Richardson for attending no less than 24 events over the season and amassing a very creditable total of 1012 points.

Orienteering is a new sport to the ATC, but is particularly appropriate in demanding in a single activity: navigational skills, physical stamina and individual decision-making. As far as is possible, short of real airborne operations, it imposes the sort of time and mental pressures on navigation that are only otherwise found in the air.
 

To find out more about orienteering and the Pathfinder Orienteering League, email: 1406Sqn@BedsCambsWgATC.org for details. More info from Michael Nell, CI 1406 Sqn: 01775 769938 or 07785 586527, e-mail: michael@nellbrothers.co.uk
 

Images: by Flt Lt Philip Jones RAF VR(T) Corps Photographer South

by CI Michael Nell – 1406 (Spalding) Sqn - Beds & Cambs Wg
 

30 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                        Back to top of page

'Triple Triumph'

Central & East Region enjoyed a triple triumph at the Corps Swimming Championships held at RAF College Cranwell this past weekend.

Not only did the Region walk away with the 2007 Overall Swimming Championship cup, but the Terry Eyre Trophy was presented for the 6th consecutive time to Central & East Region for amassing the most sporting points throughout the past year.

Last but not least, the 550 Sqn Trophy was awarded to the Corps Female Sports Cadet of the year, Cdt Cpl Elizabeth Tunley of 2313 (The Chalfonts) Sqn, Herts & Bucks Wing.

The Swimming competition proved as always to be close fought competition, with several of the Regions in the running for the individual team trophies, often only a handful of points separating the top 3 teams.

 However 1st places in the Junior Girls and Senior Boys team competitions allowed the Region to once again be presented with the Overall Swimming Championship Trophy.

The presentation of the main awards including the Terry Eyre, 550 Sqn and team trophies was carried out by the Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds MBE RAF, who took time to praise the hard work and efforts of all the competitors.

Images: 1. The Terry Eyre Trophy being presented to L-R Flt Lt Kevin Bunn Dep Regn Sports Officer, Air Commodore Moulds, Sqn Ldr Wendy Truman Regn Sports Officer, Flt Lt Sue Turner Dep Regn Sports Officer. 2. Air Commodore Moulds presenting the 550 Sqn Trophy to Cdt Cpl Elizabeth Tunley. 3. Air Commodore Moulds presenting the Overall championship cup to Cdt Flt Sgt Mathew Vickers Team Captain.

by Sqn Ldr Alan Wiggins RAF VR(T) RMCO Central & East Region

29 Oct 2007                                                                                     Back to top of page

Cadets Join Forces

Cadets from two local squadrons joined up to take part in a successful Duke Of Edinburgh’s Award Silver expedition over the October half term.

Cdt Sgt Toni Arnold, Cdt Cpl's Hannah Foad and Luke Goodall from 1220 (March) Sqn were joined by Tom Scrivener from 2331 (St Ives) Sqn, on the three day expedition across the Yorkshire Dales.

Using film and TV as their theme they planned a route that took them to places used for filming the likes of Emmerdale, Robin Hood and the Calendar Girls. One particular stop took them into the village of Kettlewell, home of the original Calendar Girls.

Despite very cold overnight temperatures the daytime conditions were almost perfect for the 55 km walk starting at Clapham, in the shadow of Ingleborough and ending in Buckden, Wharfedale.

Monitored by a local Duke of Edinburgh’s Award assessor they were all pleased to have successfully completed one of the toughest parts of the award.

by Plt Off Colin Arnold RAF VR(T) SMCO 1220 (March) Sqn - Beds & Cambs Wg
 

29 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Flanders Fields

On 22nd October, 49 Cadets and staff from 126 (City of Derby) Sqn were honoured to take part in the Menin Gate Ceremony in Ypres, Belgium.

This ceremony takes place every night of the year at 8pm to commemorate the soldiers who died in World War One. Around 3000 people looked on as the Squadron took part in the ceremony. The Cadets marched into position behind 3 Buglers and stood to attention while The Last Post was played. The crowd was silent as Flt Sgt's Danielle House, Elodie Marsh and Cpl Adam Fraczek laid a wreath on the steps of the Gate, while a British choir sang hymns.

"The ceremony was very moving and all Cadets from Derby were extremely proud to take part," CWO Stephanie Marshall said: “It was a great honour to take part in the ceremony and remember those who died. The atmosphere was amazing and the memory will stay with me forever.”

126 Squadron were in Belgium from 21st to 26th October on an educational trip to learn about World War One. The Squadron camped just outside the town of Ypres and visited historic sites in the area such as Yorkshire Trench, Sanctuary Wood and Tyne Cot. On the Wednesday, the Squadron ventured further a field to the Somme where they visited Passchendaele and Thiepval.

The Squadron also spent a day touring the Waterloo battlefields where they climbed Lion Mound. As a break from the historical trips, they passed a few hours in Bruges – collecting souvenirs and trying out the delicious Belgian chocolates.

This is the fourth year that the Squadron has spent a week camping overseas. Previous years have seen the Squadron visit the World War Two sites of Normandy. The first trip to Belgium was very successful despite freezing temperatures at night. Fg Off Barker who helped arrange the camp said: “This year’s overseas trip has been the best so far. The Cadets have learnt a lot about The Great War. It was an honour to represent the Air Training Corps at the Menin Gate ceremony and I hope we can repeat the experience next year.”

by Fg Off Jackie Barker RAF VR(T) 126 (City of Derby) Sqn - South & East Midlands Wg

29 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Confused?

A good editorial should inform its readers of Who, What, Where & When, but when four senior cadets from 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn found themselves as extras on a film shoot they were hard pressed to remember who they were, what they were, where they were or when it was!

Luckily their CO, Flt Lt Pauline Petch, was on hand to record their activities and to remind them that it was Thursday 25th October 2007 and they were at a location in the village of Middleton near King’s Lynn. They were assisting Flashback TV in the production of a film for the Discovery Channel.

42F’s cadets, Cdt Warrant Officer Ashley Ironside, Cdt Sgt's Dean Flanagan, Carl Walters and Andrew Wetherall had to be quick change artists as the filming required them to play a number of different roles which included Israeli Commandos, French Foreign Legion, German Troops, British Commandos and WWII British Engineers.

All four agreed that the day had been very hard work but great fun as well. Sgt Dean Flanagan elaborated further saying that: “It was a brilliant day and a fantastic experience, I would definitely do it again if we, (42F), were given the opportunity.”

Image by Flt Lt Pauline Petch

by Mike Lister SMCO 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn - Norfolk & Suffolk Wg
 

29 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

10K Hospice Challenge

A beautiful morning on Sunday 14th October saw over 2000 competitors in the Harpenden countryside for the second annual 10K Challenge.

The challenge is organised by Grove House Hospice, who support and care for patients, families and friends affected by cancer or a life-threatening illness in Harpenden, St. Albans, Hemel Hempstead and the surrounding areas. The hospice has had all government funding withdrawn and so they work with all their patients through charitable donations alone.

As part of the Service section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award, cadets from 795 (Harpenden) and 220 (St Albans) Sqn's have been helping Grove House over the past year. Previous efforts have involved the first ever 10K Challenge last year, and the midnight walk for women around St Albans earlier this year.

The race this year was attended by Cdt Philip Elliott of 220 Sqn along with Cdt Crispin Taylor Gates, Cpl Lewis Farrimond, CI Alan Wood and Flt Lt Hatton, all from 795 (Harpenden) Sqn. The mission for the team was to man a water station at the 7km mark, and with the 2000 runners passing through it was quite chaotic, with water flying everywhere caused by the quick hand-overs.

With many of the runners slowing down for a chat, and lots of praise for the cadet’s work, the day was a great success, helping Grove House on their way to reach the target of £100,000 from the race. The cadets are looking forward to helping out the hospice again at next year’s race!

by Cdt Cpl Lewis Farrimond 795 (Harpenden) Sqn - Herts & Bucks Wg
 

28 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                      Back to top of page

Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing Ball

Over 150 Guests attended the Annual Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing Ball which took place on Saturday 27th October at Mitchell Hall, Cranfield University.

Following the dinner, the Officer Commanding Beds & Cambs Wing, Wg Cdr Paul Bower, listed the achievements for the Wing during the year. Cadets and individuals that have achieved notable successes included CWO Lindsay McGregor from 2331 (St Ives) Sqn for being presented with the Dacre Brooch for being the best female Cadet in the Corps, the WMCO Flt Lt Margaret Bell for winning the best Wing Media Communications Officer in the Corps and CI Chris Wiggins of 134 (Bedford) Sqn for winning the best Squadron Media Communications Officer award. In addition, 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn for winning the Wing Field weekend and 134 (Bedford) Sqn for winning the best Squadron website in the Corps

The Wing Commander welcomed retired Wing Staff Officer Sqn Ldr Stan Bussetil and his wife, former Commandant Air Cadets Air Commodore Chitty and his wife who were guests of one of the Squadrons, and he thanked all the Staff, Civilian Committee members and Staff in the Wing that have dual roles for their efforts during the year, as well as the organiser of the Wing Ball, Flt Lt Jayne Treutlin and her team.

Wg Cdr Paul Bower said: “It was a superb evening, a chance for members of the Wing to relax and enjoy themselves”.

Cadets acted as stewards during the evening forming a Guard of Honour on arrival and the Cadet Warrant Officer’s attending assisted with the raffle. The evening concluded with a Disco.

by Flt Lt Margaret Bell RAF VR(T) WMCO Beds & Cambs Wg

28 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                      Back to top of page

‘Auf Wiedersehen UK'

Fourteen cadets and staff from Norfolk and Suffolk Wing made up the largest group when 54 cadets and staff from all over the UK attended the first ever Autumn Camp at Rheindahlen Garrison in Northern Germany.

The programme at Rheindahlen has been running very successfully for many years but this is the first time that an autumn camp has been organized.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Wing party consisted of Flt Lt Janet Brown and Sgt Smith from 1334 (Manningtree) Sqn, Flt Lt Pam Chart and two cadets each from 2356 (Caister) and 1018 (Downham Market) Sqn's. Flt Lt Michael Edney, Camp Commandant, and six cadets from 864 (Watton) Sqn.

The week offered a packed and varied programme of cultural, historical and military visits in Germany and the Netherlands and amongst the highlights were a visit to the Airborne Museum ‘Hartenstein’ and the Bridge at Arnhem, the scene of the heroic stand of the Parachute Regiment in 1944.

The cadets and staff also remembered the fallen at the Commonwealth War Graves at Arnhem and Overloon and also visited the Army at Javelin and Ayrshire Barracks where shooting and a close up look at some very heavy metal was on offer in the form of Challenger 2 tanks.

There was still plenty of time for fun though with cadets having the opportunity to go mountain biking, go-karting, archery and ten pin bowling, as well as climbing, confidence ropes and a day spent at an indoor water park.

Camp Commandant and OC 864 (Watton) Sqn, Flt Lt Michael Edney, said: “What a fantastic week, everyone enjoyed themselves and the facilities and welcome by the garrison at Rheindahlen were second to none.”

Cpl Matthew Hipperson of Watton Squadron said: “It was a brilliant camp and it was great to have six cadets from Watton Squadron there as well.”
 

Images: 1. The N & S cadets on the steps of The Big House. 2. A Watton cadet and Flt Lt Brown, OC Manningtree on low ropes

Flt Lt Michael Edney RAF VR(T) OC 864 (Watton) Sqn - Norfolk & Suffolk Wg

28 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                      Back to top of page

Bomber Command Veterans Honour Trent Wing

Over the last 18 months Trent Wing has continued to build a growing association with veterans of Bomber Command.

It all began in August 2006 with a parade at Lincoln Cathedral for the dedication of the Memorial for Bomber Command which was attended by squadrons from Trent Wing.

Following that cadets of Trent Wing competed in a ‘Bomber Command Memorial Essay Competition’ and the first winners of this now annual competition were from 1265 (Horncastle) Sqn, who were awarded a solid silver Lancaster model, and a pewter Lancaster model – generously donated to the Wing by the Bomber Command Memorial Committee at the Wing Field Day in June.

Since then, the members of the Bomber Command Memorial Committee have overwhelmed the staff and cadets of Trent Wing with their further outstanding generosity.

The original idea was thought up by Sqn Ldr Alistair Scott RAF, who is the son of one of the members of the committee, Scotty Scott. Together with Douglas Hudson DFC and Sylvia Watt they have donated a total amount of £22,000.00 to Trent Wing to be used as a fund to provide financial assistance to allow all cadets to be able to attend Annual Camps in the UK and overseas. It is intended that the fund will last for more than 10 years and that it will benefit a large number of Trent Wing Cadets.

The members of the Bomber Command Memorial Committee recently attended the Trent Wing Officers’ Training Day held at RAF Digby, where Wg Cdr David Speed MBE, Officer Commanding Trent Wing and Scotty Scott both signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the funds donated. Sadly, Sylvia Watt was unfortunately unable to attend as she was recovering in hospital from a recent fall.

They also presented pewter Lancaster models of Mr Hudsons wartime aircraft to Trent Wings’ Dacre Sword representative, CWO Oliver Bere from 1803 (Hucknall) Sqn, and Dacre Broach representative, CWO Claire Stevens from 303 (Worksop) Sqn.

There were also surprise awards of the Lancaster models to Mr Hudson and Mr Eric Moss-Wright, treasurer of the memorial committee, for all their hard work and dedication, by Mr Scotty Scott – who in turn was surprised by an award to him by Wg Cdr Speed on behalf of Trent Wing of a tankard with the Wing crest on it.

All in all a unique and historic ‘hands across the generations’ event.
 

Images: 1. Mr Eric Moss-Wright presenting the award to CWO Claire Stevens. 2. Mr Douglas Hudson DFC presenting the award to CWO Oliver Bere.

by Flt Lt Linda Donaldson RAF VR(T) WMCO Trent Wg

26 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                      Back to top of page

Around the UK Via France in 10 Days

We all know that Phileas Fogg went around the world in 80 day’s, but who would have thought that Cdt Sgt Craig Boyfield of 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn, would have gone around the Isle of Wight to France and back to the Bearshead challenge in 10 days.

Having boarded the good ship TS Royalist on Saturday the 13th October at Portsmouth, he and his crew mates ably assisted by the course instructors sailed the ship around the south coast. Leaving Portsmouth they sailed to Sherbourg via the Isle of Wight and with cry’s of land ho still ringing in their ears did an about turn and sailed back to the Isle of Wight.

After a brief stay it was a case of whey anchor and head back to a port near Fareham. For the duration of the journey Cdt Sgt Boyfield was put in charge of the cadet group and received praise from all concerned.

By now you are probably wondering where the 10 days mentioned in the title comes in?

Well on his return home he was to repack and head off to Swynnerton to captain the Squadrons Bearsheads 2007 Team, and take them up against 24 other assorted teams from around the country, in a series of challenges ranging from First Aid to the construction of a working egg launcher.

After three months of solid training on the squadron, the hard work and effort put in by the team, and Cdt Sgt Boyfields leadership ability paid off, with the team finishing in a very impressive 9th place, especially as three of the members had never taken part in this challenge before.

Image: 1. Cdt Sgt Boyfield takes the helm of the TS Royalist and 2. looks on as he realises that he may have launched the teams egg into outer space.

by Kath Boyfield Vice Chairman Civilian Committee 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn

25 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                      Back to top of page

First Steps to the Top

Three cadets from 1451 (Haverhill) Sqn have taken their first steps on the promotion ladder after being promoted to the rank of Cadet Corporal.

Cdt's Darren Davis (16), Rhiannon King (15) and Daniel Samuels (16) have all been promoted after completing both Wing and Squadron run Non-Commissioned Officer Courses.

Whilst doing this they have shown an excellent attitude to training and the aptitude to progress further within the Air Training Corps rank structure. The Courses have covered topics including drill instruction, navigation, presentation skills and teamwork.

Squadron Training Officer, Sgt Chris Cox said: “The Cadets should be very proud of what they have achieved, they have demonstrated their abilities well and will now help to develop the Cadets around them.”

by Sgt Chris Cox ATC 1451 (Haverhill) Sqn - Beds & Cambs Wg
 

25 Oct 2007                                                                                     Back to top of page

Silver Gliding Success

Cdt Cpl Naomi Boyfield of 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn, has successfully completed and gained her Silver Gliding Wings at DCAE Cosford.

This is a record achievement for 163 Squadron, as Cdt Cpl Boyfield achieved her wings with only 7 ¾ hrs flying time, this being the quickest time achieved by someone from the squadron.

With gliding scholarships usually taking anything upto 10 weeks, Cdt Cpl Boyfield achieving hers in four weeks is another first for the squadron.

Image: Cdt Cpl Naomi Boyfield with Fg Off Steve Rayner of 163 Squadron

by Kath Boyfield Vice Chairman Civilian Committee 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn - Warwick & B'ham Wg

25 Oct 2007                                                                                     Back to top of page

In Tune with the Fellowship

On Thursday 18th October, 121 (Nuneaton) Sqn Cadets headed the line-up of entertainment at a local 'Fellowship of the Services' evening.

The 'Fellowship of the Services' Chairman’s evening is an event, which attracts ex-service personnel and their families from across the Nuneaton and North Warwickshire area and the Band of Nuneaton Squadron had been invited to start the evening off in style with their renditions of many classic service favourites.

The drum section treated the enthusiastic audience to the display drumming which had earned them second place in the percussion section of this years Central and East Regional band competition. The full band also played a medley of marches before moving on to lead a sing along selection of War Time classics.

The sing along was, as Flt Lt Ian Crewe who was directing the band put it: “Not Optional.” The audience didn’t need much encouragement to join in once they found out that Ian had a cunning plan to deal with anyone who didn’t enter into the spirit of things.

In spite of the fact that everyone joined in Flt Lt Crewe still had his plan, which he put into action when he selected an unsuspecting member of the audience to leave the safety of his seat and join the band by taking the place of the base drummer whilst the percussion section beat out their manic version of the Naval Hornpipe.

Flt Lt Ian Crewe Officer Commanding 121 (Nuneaton) Squadron said: “We are always keen to be invited to the Fellowships functions. It gives the cadets an opportunity to show of their musical talent as they bring back a touch of tuneful nostalgia to the ex-service members of the Fellowship of the Services. All things considered, an excellent evening for everyone. ”

Images: 1. The percussion section at the Fellowship of the Services Chairman’s evening, 2. The brass section at the Fellowship of the Services Chairman’s evening.

by Flt Lt Paul Hincks RAF VR(T) SMCO 121 (Nuneaton) Sqn - Warwick & B'ham Wg
 

24 Oct 2007                                                                                Back to top of page

Duke Of Rutland ‘Joins the Ranks’

His Grace the Duke of Rutland has agreed to show his support to the staff and cadets of Trent Wing Air Training Corps by becoming the Wing’s Honorary President.

He recently attended Trent Wing’s annual Officers’ Training Day held at RAF Digby, where he had the opportunity to meet the delegates and spent a good part of the day with the Wing Civilian Committee.

Image: His Grace, the Duke of Rutland with Wg Cdr David Speed MBE RAF VR(T), Officer Commanding Trent Wing, Mr Ken Smith, Trent Wing Civilian Committee Chairman and other members of the Wing Civilian Committee.

by Flt Lt Linda Donaldson RAF VR(T) WMCO Trent Wg

24 Oct 2007                                                                                     Back to top of page

Expedition Escapades for St Albans cadets

A group of cadets from 220 (St Albans) Sqn are a step closer to gaining their Duke of Edinburgh's Awards after completing the 'expedition' phase over an intense two weekends.

The 17 cadets have now achieved this important part of their bronze award, having first taken part in a two-day practice expedition in Bedfordshire last weekend and then this weekend completed their assessed expedition around rural Hertfordshire.

In the most recent, assessed walk, the cadets split into three groups to navigate their way from Nomansland Common near Wheathampstead to the Harmergreen Wood campsite near Welwyn Garden City where they spent the night. They then took a different route back to Nomansland the following day.

The expedition required them to carry all of their kit and organise their own meals. It will go towards their Duke of Edinburgh bronze award which also requires assessment in physical recreation, community service and a chosen skill.

220 (St Albans) Squadron's commanding officer, Flt Lt Paul Reardon, said: "The age of the cadets taking part ranged from 13 up to 18 and for some of the younger ones these two weekends were a totally new experience for them. Nevertheless they did extremely well and the practice and assessed expeditions proved valuable and educational for them."

One of the cadets who took part was 14-year-old Chloe Smart, who has only been a cadet for a few months. She said: "The two weekends were hard going, not just because of the distance but also for having to carry all the weight with the tent, stoves and other kit that you need. But I really enjoyed it - even with the aches and sore feet - and I'm looking forward to completing the other parts of the award. Before I joined the ATC I had no idea these sorts of opportunities were open to people of my age."

by Plt Off Ben Wilkinson RAF VR(T) SMCO 220 (St Albans) Sqn - Herts & Bucks Wg

22 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Air Cadets Turn to Water

Cadets from squadrons across Leicestershire assisted at the Leicester Marathon, which returned to the city after a 20 year break – and thousands of people took to the streets to welcome it home.

Cadets from 1461 (Wigston), 1947 (Birstall), 2070 (Glenfield), 2229 (Loughborough), and 2502 (Hamilton) Sqn's set up and manned several water stations along the route. Runners and senior members of the race committee highly praised the efficient and enthusiastic way the cadets conducted themselves throughout the day.

Over 2000 runners took part in both the marathon and half marathon with money raised going to support two Local Charities –LOROS and Rainbows Hospices.

Race Director Christian Weikert-Picker said: “It’s been really good to see people coming out and showing their support for a charity event like this.”

Jason Mcaleer half marathon runner from Leicester said: “A BIG THANK-YOU to all the water cadets en route, especially at the Walkers Stadium when the sun started shining.”

Half Marathon Runner, Flt Lt Steven Mayoh-Smith OC 2070 Sqn said: “This was my second half marathon which I completed in 1hr 45 mins which was a Personnel Best, It was great to see so many familiar faces on the route cheering and clapping me on.
It's good to see so many squadrons working together for one common goal. The professionalism of the cadets has already been noted and they have been asked to return to their duty next year which will be on a larger scale."

by Sqn Ldr Sarah Mayoh-Smith RAF VR(T) WMCO South & East Midlands Wg

22 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Commendations for Councillors

For their support of the Air Cadets in Stapleford, Councillors Brian and Christine Wombwell of Broxtowe Borough Council and Stapleford Town Council have received Commendations from the Regional Commandant of the Air Training Corps in a very unusual setting.

Flt Lt Allan Munns, Commanding Officer of 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre) Sqn,has been trying since the beginning of the year to find an occasion when the two busy councillors would be together at a suitable location. Thanks to retired Wg Cdr Phil Giles, the eventual and unusual venue for the presentation turned out to be the Henry VIII Wine Cellar which is preserved beneath the Ministry of Defence Building in London.

Phil had organised a Heritage Day in London for SaBRE, an organisation that supports those employers that give Armed Service Reservists the time to perform their duties within theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan. Although Flt Lt Munns and his wife Helen were last minute replacements on the trip, Phil suggested that the occasion would be ideal for the presentation.

The Certificates of Commendation were presented to the couple by Brig Greg Smith, Deputy Inspector General, Territorial Army accompanied by Gp Capt Chris Markey, Deputy Director, Employer Support Policy at Directorate Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.

The Commendations were to mark the support Brian and Christine have shown to the Stapleford based Squadron over many years. In their various roles as Town and Borough Mayors, Deputy Mayors or councillors they have attended many of the squadron’s events and have been present for the enrolment of countless cadets who they have seen mature and eventually leave as adults to pursue their careers. They have also promoted the Squadron and the Corps during their work with the various councils and to local charity groups such as the Rotary Club.

Said Flt Lt Munns after the presentation: “Brian and Christine have supported the Squadron for many years and have always held the Corps and the cadets in high esteem. They promote the Corps when ever and wherever they can and are great ambassadors for the Air Training Corps.”
 

Image: Left to Right Brig Greg Smith, Deputy Inspector General Territorial Army, Brian Wombwell, Christine Wombwell, Gp Capt Chris Markey Deputy Director, Employer Support Policy, Directorate of Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, Wg Cdr Phil Giles RAF VR(T) Rtd of SaBRE.

by Flt Lt Allan Munns RAF VR(T) OC 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre) Sqn - South & East Midlands Wg
 

22 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Stevenage Red Letter Day

The 13th October was a red letter day in the history of 955 (Stevenage) Sqn. The occasion was the official opening of the newly refurbished HQ by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, The Countess Verulam.

Other VIPs in attendance included the Mayor and Mayoress of Stevenage, Councillor and Mrs Graham Clark, the MP for Stevenage, Mrs Barbara Follett, Commandant Central and Eastern Region, Group Captain Jon Ford RAFR and the Chairman of the Wing Committee, Gp Capt Glyn Parry RAF (Rtd).

Having inspected a Guard of Honour, commanded by Plt Off Tara Baker, the Countess viewed the displays showing the breadth of activities of both the ATC and the Army Cadet Force, who share the facilities and and then chatted to the cadets. The displays set up by the Air Cadets included photo boards showing activities of the Squadron from 1953 to the present day.

Photographs showed activities as diverse as the opening of the original Squadron HQ in 1957, cadets from the Squadron forming the Guard of Honour for the Queen visiting Stevenage in 1959 to this year’s annual camp at RAF Halton and the recent Squadron expedition to the Peak district. The Countess was particularly surprised to find that Air Cadets get regular flying details and can learn to fly a glider solo!

Stevenage Sqn CO, Flt Lt Ray Kerr, said: "That the new HQ building gives 955 squadron an excellent new base from which to develop the Squadron in the years to come.”

Having toured the impressive new facilities, the Countess unveiled a commemorative plaque, bringing to an end a memorable afternoon.

Image: Countess Veralum inspecting the ATC's Guard of Honour.
 

by Flt Lt Philip Jones RAF VR(T) Corps Photographer South

20 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Henlow Cadets celebrate 90th Anniversary of RAF Henlow.

Cadets from 2482 (Henlow) Sqn assisted RAF Henlow celebrate its 90th Anniversary by attending a charity Hangar Dance. The event, held in aid of the Royal British Legion and the Salvation Army, relived the era of the 1940’s.

The cadets assisted with car parking and collecting donations as well assisting guests with food service. Entertainment was provided by the RAF Squadronnaires and singer Fiona Harrison, to the music of Glen Miller and Vera Lynn. Although the music was not to the taste of the cadets it did not stop them from entering into the spirit of the event and dancing the night away.

Event organiser, Flt Sgt Braithwaite, said: “The Cadets have been brilliant and really helped make the event a big success, the Cadets thoroughly enjoyed supporting this important event in the stations history."
 

Image: Cdt's Eliman, Hill, Sharpe, Zimmerman and Cairns with singer Fiona Harrison.

by Plt Off Paul Nelson RAF VR(T) 2482 (Henlow) Sqn - Beds & Cambs Wg

18 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Ready for your Inspection Sir!

Officer Commanding South & East Midlands Wing, Wg Cdr Nigel Dickinson, recently visited 1947 (Birstall) Sqn for their Annual Inspection.

With the squadron stood in open order, the Wing Commander inspected each cadet, chatting to many of them as he progressed through the ranks. He was accompanied by their Wing Staff Officer, Sqn Ldr Sarah Mayoh-Smith, and escorted by the Flight Commander, Sgt Roxanne Ameer-Beg.

After the parade, the Wing Commander inspected the squadron headquarters and commented on the high standard of information for the cadets and that projecting a professional image was important for the organisation as a whole.

After chatting to the staff and reviewing performance for 2006, the Wing Commander addressed all of the squadron during final parade, presenting a variety of certificates and awards earned by the cadets during the year.

The Wing Commander spoke positively about the changes that had taken place at the squadron and praised all the cadets and staff for the transformation.

Image: Wg Cdr Nigel Dickinson talking to Cdt Culey with Flt Lt Ian Rose & Sqn Ldr Sarah Mayoh-Smith Wing Staff Officer

by Flt Lt Ian Rose RAF VR(T) OC 1947 (Birstall) Sqn - South & East Midlands Wg

17 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                   Back to top of page

Training Visit to HMS Excellent

Cadets from 422 (Corby) and 1101 (Kettering & District) Sqn's recently visited HMS Excellent in Portsmouth.
 

HMS Excellent is a Naval training establishment with other Squadrons from South and East Midlands Wing. The cadets were accommodated aboard HMS Bristol, the cadet training ship permanently docked at HMS Excellent. During their trip they visited various naval attractions such as HMS Victory, Fort and the Submarine Museum at Gosport.

In addition, the cadets and staff were given the opportunity to visit HMS Nottingham. The Type 42 Destroyer was in dock at Portsmouth and the duty Chief Petty Officer made time to give the cadets and staff a tour around the ship showing them how the crew live and work. HMS Nottingham is making preparations to sail on the 22nd October to the Falkland Islands.

Cdt Cpl Thomas Hoier (14) said: "It was great, we got the opportunity to sit in the Captain’s Chair and look out over the Bridge."

Cdt Cpl Julie McKenzie (16) commented: "We have been staying aboard HMS Bristol which meant we could relate to life on board for the crew. The Operations room was fascinating and shows that teamwork is essential to the Navy and all the Armed Forces. We learn about teamwork at the Squadron and on visits like these where we work with cadets from other Squadrons."

1101 Squadron Commander, Flt Lt Liz Kerr, who organised the trip remarked: "This was an ideal opportunity for the cadets to learn about the Navy and life aboard ship. One of the aims of our organisation is to provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life."

Image: Cadets and Staff aboard HMS Bristol

by  Flt Lt Liz Kerr RAF VR(T) OC 1101 (Kettering & District) Sqn - South & East Midlands Wg
 

17 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                   Back to top of page

'Apache'

Tracer fire from heavy machine guns, Warrior armoured fighting vehicles and Challenger 2 tanks lit up the afternoon sky as they  pounded enemy positions directly in front of ten cadets from 134 (Bedford) Sqn.
 

The cadets were watching the Combined Arms Firepower and Manoeuvre Demonstration held at the Army's Land Warfare Centre, Warminster, Wiltshire on Tuesday 9th October 2007.

The day commenced with a Combined Arms Manoeuvre demonstration by elements of the Royal Tank Corps and Yorkshire Regiment involving Warrior armoured vehicles and Challenger 2 main battle tanks. The purpose of this display being to show how an Army battle group would locate and attack an enemy position using armoured fighting vehicles.

During the lull between displays the cadets formed up on a dais in front of the viewing gallery for what they thought was the customary team photograph. However the staff had arranged something special to capture the spirit of the day. With the support of the Army Air Corps an Apache Longbow attack helicopter flew in behind the cadets and hovered directly behind them so that the perfect picture could be taken.

Before the live firing demonstration the cadets were given the opportunity to climb over a Challenger 2 tank and met the crew who did an excellent job in explaining how such an impressive piece of equipment is used. The cadets were even more impressed to learn that the tank was commanded by a Corporal and the crew were not that much older than them.

Ear protection was essential for the afternoon Combined Arms Firepower demonstration. Working through all of the weapons systems available to an Army Battle Group the cadets witnessed the live firing of small arms, anti tank missiles, artillery and armoured fighting vehicles. Air support was on hand as well and a Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 strafed targets with its Mauser cannon, Harrier's fired rockets and dropped a parachute-retarded bomb against enemy positions.

To finish off the Apache returned and laid down accurate fire directly in front of the cadets using its 30mm cannon.

Whilst it rained throughout the day the event was a complete success and much enjoyed by all those who attended and witnessed the impressive firepower that is available to the Army.

WO Paul Taylor who organised the cadets' attendance at the event said: "The cadets have thoroughly enjoyed themselves and have been privileged to witness a stunning display of firepower. Our hosts, the Army have been excellent and we cannot thank enough the Army Air Corps for providing an Apache attack helicopter as the backdrop for our squadron photograph."

by WO Paul Taylor ATC 134 (Bedford) Sqn - Beds & Cambs Wg

17 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                   Back to top of page

Market Rasen Presents

Eleven cadets from 2292 (Market Rasen) Sqn recently went to the White Peaks in Derbyshire, where 7 cadets completed their Bronze Expedition and 4 cadets their silver.
 

On Tuesday 9 October, the two groups used the opportunity of the annual unit inspection to give their D of E presentation on their weekend to Sqn Ldr P Naylor, who is the Trent Wing Duke of Edinburgh Award Officer as well as Flt Lt M Lewis, both of whom were carrying out the Squadrons Annual Inspection.

During the inspection, whilst Flt Lt Lewis carried out the Admin Inspection, Sqn Ldr Naylor inspected the cadets on parade. This was followed by presentation of certificates to cadets, these ranging from classification certificates to First Aid, Navigation, Humber Night Challenge, Wing Camp and Leadership.

Image: Back Row; Flt Lt Lewis; FS Tim Cushnie; Cdt Tom Fussey; Cdt Megan Guilfoyle; Cdt Zak Berko; Cdt Harry Guymer; Sgt Dave Perry
Middle Row Cdt's Emma Tattershall & Sian Perry, Sgt Mike Willcox, Cdt's Amber Bentley & Elizabeth Brown, Cpl Kurt Murfin, Sqn Ldr Naylor
Front Row Cdt George Cooper, Cpl Dean Martin, Cdt's Rory Guilfoyle, Sam Goffin & Ashley Ward

by Flt Lt Lorna Fish RAF VR(T) OC 2292 Market Rasen Sqn - Trent Wg

16 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                Back to top of page

Past Trent Chairman Honoured

On Friday 5 October 2007 Sqn Ldr Al Watt, the Trent Wing Administration Officer presented Sqn Ldr Alan Price RAF VR(T) Rtd with a certificate of commendation from the Central and East Region Commandant, for the work he did whilst Chairman of Trent Wing Civilian Committee.

Sqn Ldr Price has been involved with the ATC for 40 years and following an offer by the Officer Commanding 2292 Market Rasen Sqn, Flt Lt Lorna Fish, has now accepted the position of The Honoury President of Market Rasen Squadron.

This position enables him to still be involved with the ATC and also pass his experience and knowledge as a Staff Officer with Trent Wing and lastly as Wing Chairman, to the Market Rasen squadron staff.
 

Image: Sqn Ldr Alan Price with Sqn Ldr Al Watt

by Flt Lt Lorna Fish RAF VR(T) OC 2292 Market Rasen Sqn - Trent Wg

16 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                Back to top of page

5F Go For First In First Aid

5F (Northampton) Sqn entered the Central & East Regional Field Day First Aid Competitions and walked away with the first place trophy. The cadets competed against 5 other teams in the Region at RAF Wittering.

The cadets in the team, Cdt Flt Sgt Damian Lord, Cdt's Megan Scotney, Andrew Willis, Luke Vanderhoven and the reserve, Cdt Ilia Sumnall, all worked very hard training for this event and competed to a very high standard on the day of competition.

The scenario involved two parachutists who had a collision just before landing one with neck / spine trauma with an open fracture of upper leg and the other with neck / spine trauma with a fractured skull, and then a bystander had a cardiac arrest.

The cadets and staff from the Squadron hope this is the start of a very successful future in First Aid Competitions!!

by Flt Lt Carol Haynes RAF VR(T) OC 5F (Northampton) Sqn - South & East Midlands

15 Oct  2007                                                                                                                                                                                           Back to top of page

Cadet Champions

Cadets from 51 (Orton) Sqn represented Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing this month in the 10th National Cadet First aid Competition held at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on 13 October 2007.
 

The event which saw teams from the ATC, ACF and CCF, compete in very demanding team and individual tests with very realistic injuries.

This year The Young Adult team competitors comprised of Cdt Flt Sgt's Charlotte Bone and Lois Durrant and Cdt Sgt Gemma Healy, obtained an outstanding result that saw them winning the event for the first time.

The Youth team comprising of Cpl Luke Smith, Cdt's Jess Bradshaw, Jamie Cornwall and Edward Moore, achieved a fantastic 3rd in the ATC competition. After adding further scores achieved throughout the day, the team also managed to better that result and came second in the Combined Services Competition out of 24 teams. All this in only their first year of competition.

As a result of these exceptional results, both teams now enter the National Young Grand Prior First aid competition to be held this year at Scarborough on the 27-28 November. This will test their First aid abilities even further, as they will compete against teams from Schools, voluntary aid societies, youth organisations and teams from industry.

All cadets were presented with their individual medals by Major General Hawley, Director General Army Medical Services.

The Grand Prior Trophy was founded by St John Ambulance in 1950 as a competition for the winners of national competitions from industry and the public services. The Young Grand Prior competition was founded in 1998, with the support of ACFA, for winners of National youth first aid competitions.

Image: From left Cdt Jamie Cornwall, CFS Bone, Cpl Luke Smith, Cdt Sgt Gema Healy, Cdt Edward Moore, CFS Lois Durrant and Cdt Jess Bradshaw.

by WO Chris Bone ATC 51 (Orton) Sqn - Beds and Cambs Wg
 

15 Oct  2007                                                                                                                                                                                            Back to top of page

Amy Takes Control

Cdt Cpl Amy Ng (18) from 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn recently gained her 'wings' following her successful solo flight in a microlight at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.

Arriving at Halton, and meeting up with the other five students on the two week course, Amy found that she was the only one to have gained a place from Norfolk and Suffolk Wing. She readily admitted that at first she was actually quite frightened of feeling alone and of what lay ahead.

In addition to giving cadets the opportunity to learn to pilot a microlight the course also aims to help the student’s personal development and self reliance through teamwork, building upon their communication and leadership skills.

Back with her Squadron, having completed the course with her solo flight in a Thruster Spirit microlight, it was obvious that besides gaining her wings Amy had also defiantly found her feet. Recounting her experiences to her friends she had nothing but praise for the course. “I have enjoyed every minute of it” she said: “I have learnt a lot of new skills and also things about myself. I have built up the confidence to take control and it feels good. Also I now have new friends, not just the other cadets on the course, but the instructors as well."

"However the highlight of the course was definitely the flying. It was very enjoyable and surprisingly relaxing. Once you were airborne the view was wonderful. One memorable flight you could see rain pouring down over the nearby town, but where I was and the other side of the town there was no rain at all. This might not sound much but from up there it was amazing.”

Asked about the future, Amy said: “I am planning to go back and get a Private Pilots Licence (PPL) for a microlight, after that I don’t know what will happen, we will have to wait and see.”

by Mike Lister SMCO 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn - Norfolk and Suffolk Wg
 

15 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                       Back to top of page

Waddington News

The Region Media Training Team has just completed it's inaugural 2 day Media Training weekend at RAF Waddington, to staff attendees from across Central & East Region.

The previous media courses had been of 1 day duration, but it was generally felt by both previous candidates as well as directing staff, that it would be worthwhile covering more subjects as well as go more thoroughly into some of the delivered subjects.

Using therefore the additional time to cover both theoretical and practical topics from Maintenance of the Corps Image through to television and radio Interview Techniques the directing staff and attendees also took time to discuss and debate a wide ranging number of topics and issues that could improve or jeopardise the Corps.

As this was the first 2 day training weekend, candidate feedback was considered very important, and although the directing staff had made personal note of areas that they would wish to amend and improve, the attendees course critiques were unanimous in the worth of the delivered programme and training material supplied.

Region MCO, Sqn Ldr Alan Wiggins said: I was pleased both with the standard of the delivered material as well as the enthusiasm and quality of course work produced by the delegates. In particular, the ingenuity displayed by the candidates in producing meaningful and well structured press releases and relevant photographs from the evening exercise, made the whole experience worthwhile. I wish them all the greatest success within their individual units."

It is therefore intended to hold the second 2 day training weekend  at RAF Brampton in January 2008. For information on this course, please refer to your Wing MCO.

Image: The course attendees and directing staff

by Sqn Ldr Alan Wiggins RAF VR(T) Region Media & Communications Officer - Central & East Region

15 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                  Back to top of page

March Celebrates the Year

Cadets, Staff and Civilian Committee members celebrated another successful year at the annual Dining in Night. Some 40 members of 1220 (March) Sqn sat down to a formal dinner at the Conservative Club.
 

As well as dining in all the new cadets, staff and committee members it was a chance to formally dine out and thank those were departing for pastures new, particularly Fg Off Adrian Garraway who has moved out of the area, CWO James Hankins who moves from cadet to staff and Civilian Committee Chairman Caroline Clarke who has handed over the reigns but remains active on the committee.

Commanding Officer Flt Lt Kirsty Burnham reflected on a very successful year where the squadron had gained awards for community work and well as sport. Cadets had individually gained awards in both sport and modelling with some going on to represent the Wing and Region. Cadets were taking up all the opportunities open to then with full attendances at both Easter Camp, Annual Camp, Llanbedr and Windermere adventure training establishments. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award featured heavily again with more cadets completing Bronze, several on the verge of completing Silver and two well on the way to achieving the Gold award having recently completed their tough 50 mile expedition. Two cadets attained their gliding scholarships.

In a break from normal Dining in Night tradition a number of promotions were made: Cpl Toni Arnold became Sgt while Cdt's Alexa Ferguson, Luke Goodall and Jack Stiles were promoted to Cpl.

The opportunity was taken to celebrate the most recent successes. Toni and Lauren Arnold attended the Region Swimming championships on the previous weekend with Toni bringing back two silver medals and Daniel Woods was part of the Wing Hockey Team who managed a creditable 5th place at the Region Hockey Championships.

by Plt Off Colin Arnold RAF VR(T) SMCO 1220 (March) Sqn - Beds & Cambs Wg

15 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                    Back to top of page

Hykeham Cadets Aviation Experience

It must have been more than twenty years since Plt Off Pete Bates visited the RAF Museum at Hendon, and he now thought that maybe the 1237 (North Hykeham) Sqn cadets would gain something from the experience as well.

In conjunction with RAF Sgt Alan 'George the Porsche' Anderson (an aircrew member based on 8 Sqn RAF at RAF Waddington), the idea blossomed into a two day event covering aviation aspects of the past and present day. The ball was off and rolling with calls being made to an excellent point of contact in the form of Glen Palmer, who is employed at Heathrow by BAA as an Operations Safety Manager. Mr Palmer is also a Civilian Instructor with 14F (Northolt) Sqn and was keen to help in organising a successful excursion. With all the inspiration of aviation flying around the team also decided to tag on a visit to the Battle of Britain Bunker situated at RAF Uxbridge. An eventful two days was certainly programmed in to provide the North Hykeham Cadets with an all round historical and current appreciation of Air Power.

The first day of visits arrived with a departure time of 0800 hours from the Squadron Headquarters for the journey to the RAF Museum Hendon. The cadets were afforded the opportunity to wander the host of exhibits in their own time, ranging from the RAF’s earliest aircraft, right up to the Tornado and even a model Typhoon aircraft. There were many ‘war birds’ to learn about, including the famous Avro Lancaster and the only surviving Wellington Bomber. There was also the chance to walk through a Shorts Sunderland flying boat with a running commentary. On departure from the Hendon Museum en route to RAF Uxbridge, the Hykeham Cadets also stopped off to pay their respects at the Polish War Memorial.

The evening at RAF Uxbridge was filled with a tour of the Battle of Britain underground bunker. The curator provided an exceptional and comprehensive commentary, describing how the system worked and told stories of the many VIPs who visited during the war. Plt Off Bates commented: “The whole place is a living museum and you get a real feel of what it must have been like when fully operational.”

Up early the next morning it was time to beat the traffic and head to Heathrow Airport. For this visit the cadets even needed to have a passport as well as the issued passes, to be permitted airside. With the formal administration over it was time to start with a brief on the role of various staff at Heathrow. With some of the cadets having never been on an airliner, the next stop was to a BA Boeing 747 which had recently arrived from Tokyo. Here Mr Palmer guided the group around the cockpit and also allowed them to test the first and business class areas of the aircraft.

After living the life of riley in first class, or at least having a nosey there, it was off to the new control tower where the Hykeham cadets were advised that they were the first Air Cadets to visit. Here the cadets were able to witness the essential and important role of the Air Traffic Controller. Up at the balcony near to the top of the tower a fantastic view could be seen, where it was even possible to pick out landmarks such as the London Eye, Wembley Stadium and Windsor Castle.

With many other airfield sections visited and time rapidly moving on, it was time to depart for the long journey back home. The cadets and staff alike all had a thoroughly enjoyable and educational experience, Pilot Officer Bates further added: “It was a very full and worthwhile two days which I believe that those who attended enjoyed, I certainly did. For those who couldn’t make it, we intend to do the same again next year.”
 

by Service Instructor Cpl Vicky Sharpin RAF SMCO 1237 (North Hykeham) Sqn - Trent Wg

12 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Stapleford Sunday Stroll

Cadets from 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre) Sqn joined other cadets and regular Air Force personnel to take part in the Royal Air Force Walking and Road Marching Association’s Winter Walk.

Seventeen cadets led by CWO Ashley Rudd, marched the thirty kilometre course through Lincolnshire. The march, an annual event, caused a few blistered feet, but all the cadets completed the course in a highly respectable six hours.

Ashley has also completed the Nijmegen March and a 100 km march in Belgium this year.

“It was hard work but really satisfying” said Cadet Beki Hogg (14), “I will certainly be doing it again”.

To attain the required level of fitness the CWO took the cadets on several practice walks around the Stapleford and Sandiacre area.

To mark their achievement the cadets are awarded a commemorative medal and a certificate that were presented to the cadets by the Officer Commanding 1360 Squadron, Flt Lt Allan Munns.
 

Image: The 1360 team during a rest stop

by Flt Lt Allan Munns RAF VR(T) OC 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre) Sqn - South & East Midlands Wg

12 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                 Back to top of page

Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing Dinner

Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing held another of its successful Dinner and Dances at the Village Hotel in Coventry last weekend. 167 guests from 21 Squadrons of the Wing attended and enjoyed a three course meal followed by dancing until 0200h.

In addition to Wing members ex cadets who are now in the regular Armed Forces also dined including a Royal Marine, a Sapper, a Private from the Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers, a Flight Lieutenant, Chief Technician and a Sergeant. Members of 637 Volunteer Gliding Squadron also came along to show support.

The guests of Honour were Commander James Hayward who is the Commanding Officer of HMS Forward Royal Naval Reserve in Birmingham and Sqn Ldr Brian Shorter, Central & East Assistant Regional Commandant.

Sqn Ldr Shorter responded to the toast The Guests and paid tribute to the retiring Regional Commandant Gp Capt Jon Ford. He also recognised some of the Wing achievements in the field of Millennium Volunteers and Duke of Edinburgh.

The Wing Commanding Officer Wg Cdr Pravin Ladwa presented the Cadet Forces Medal to Wing Warrant Officer James Sinfield and a Regional Commandant’s Commendation to the Chairman of 8F (1st City of Coventry) Sqn for her unstinting efforts towards the cadets of the squadron and the raising of funds for the unit.

Wg Cdr Pravin Ladwa’s final presentation of the evening came as a bit of a surprise to one member of the Wing staff. Sqn Ldr Martin Harrison, who was presented with the Commandant’s Certificate of Meritorious Service in recognition of his outstanding work within the Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing as Wing Training Officer. Wg Cdr Ladwa said that he was delighted to be able to present the award and that so many cadets and adult staff had benefited from the excellent training given by Martin and his wing training team,

Cadets from 163 (Coventry-Phoenix) Sqn were also present once again ,to assist during dinner as stewards and to help sell raffle tickets. After the meal guests enjoyed a chocolate fountain in the bar and danced to the music of Celebration Disco.

The President of the Wing Mess, Sqn Ldr Martin Harrison said: “From what I have been told this was another successful and most importantly enjoyable evening. I think it is important to try and strike the right balance between formality and enjoying yourself and I hope we achieve that with our Mess functions. It is also of course an excellent opportunity for staff from across the Wing to mix and socialise in a relaxed atmosphere.”

by Flt Lt Paul Hincks RAF VR(T) Warwick & B'ham Wg
 

12 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

A Blue in the hand!

Three of 864 (Watton) Sqn's Bush sisters have just been awarded Wing Blues for their Wing entry into the Region Media Competition.

Watton Squadron thrives on sibling rivalry and none more so than amongst the four Bush sisters. They all play a very active part in all the activities the Squadron offers and between Flt Sgt Keely (18), Sgt's Ria and Ellice (16) and Cdt Neola (13) they have already amassed 13 years service to the Air Training Corps.

Squadron Training Officer Mr Nigel Kerr said: “The Air Cadet Organization and our Squadron in particular encourages competition and achievement. The ACO recognizes how important this is and rewards Wing, Regional and National representation with the award of a representative Blue.”

Flt Sgt Keely Bush received her coveted Wing Blue a couple of years ago for representing Norfolk and Suffolk Wing in the Regional aero modelling Competition. However, even with all their national success with projects such as Just Smile, BeSecure.net and winning the National Crimebeat award, until now a Wing Blue has eluded the other three sisters.

The sisters have all just been awarded their Wing Blues for representing Norfolk and Suffolk Wing in the Regional cadet media competition. The girls devised, produced and recorded a 30 second radio advert which as well as winning the Wing competition went on to win jointly with cadets from 134 (Bedford) Sqn at Region. Cdt Sgt Ria Bush said: “It was great that we all received our Blue for the same event at the same time.”

Officer Commanding Watton Squadron, Flt Lt Michael Edney said: “Well done to the Bush sisters, they really have great skills in dealing with the media. I wish them luck with the start of their own radio show addressing teenage issues on Wayland Community Radio this Friday.”

by Flt Lt Michael Edney RAF VR(T) OC 864 (Watton) Sqn - Norfolk & Suffolk Wg

12 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Hykeham Cadets ‘On Target’

Recently three cadets from 1237 (North Hykeham) Sqn along with three other cadets from Immingham and Horncastle travelled to the Lord Roberts Centre in Bisley, Surrey, to represent Great Britain in the 15th Junior International Air Rifle Match against Germany, USA, South Africa and Ireland.

Twin brothers, Cdt’s Jack and Lewis Chambers along with CWO Jack Crane made the following report on the event.

It was an early start on a Sunday morning setting off on the journey to Bisley at 06:45 hours. Flt Lt Mark Wood, OC 1237 Squadron and WO Bryn Williams, shooting coach were the escorting members of staff. Four hours later and the cadets arrived to be given a copy of their shooting programme, along with their individual competition numbers.

The actual competition shoots began on the Monday, but the cadets were fortunate enough that their first match was on the Tuesday, giving them time to practice and get used to their surroundings.

Tuesday arrived and it was the first match ahead. The first shoot consisted of 40 shots standing to be carried out in a relay format, and a time constraint of one hour and 15 minutes. Whilst each individual was shooting, all the other team members remained providing strong support and encouragement to their team mates. Later that evening, a medal ceremony was held for the first part of the championships where all six members of the team were awarded with Personal Best Certificates, an excellent achievement!

The next event in the Championship was the Three-Positional shoot, and the team were feeling optimistic having shot so well in the standing shoot. Again the team was divided into two relays with three shooters on each. With a time constraint of two hours per relay, they knew they would have to be spot on with their drills and organisation in transferring between the prone and kneeling positions. Cadet Jack Chambers commented: “We all shot well again and once more, some of us achieved personal best scores which was great.”

The final day commenced for the Grand Prix match. This time consisting of 60 shots in the standing position, and the team divided into three relays. Once again the cadets put in an outstanding performance, proving that they were a reckoning force alongside their competitors. Once the match was over it was time for the final Medal Ceremony to be held with all dressing up in their evening best before heading to the Championship Banquet. Here the cadets were afforded the opportunity to talk and get to know their counterparts from the other countries, exchanging hints and tips and learning about one another.

Cdt Jack Chambers said: “We were all very proud to have represented Great Britain and we are all truly grateful to our coach, Warrant Officer Bryn Williams for once again giving up a huge amount of his spare time. Not only in being with us all through the week but also in all the training he gives us throughout the year, to afford us this fantastic opportunity.” He further added, “We can’t wait until next year where, hopefully, we will be able to shoot for Great Britain once again!”

by Cdt Jack Chambers 1237 (North Hykeham) Sqn - Trent Wg

12 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Public Flock to Aylesbury Recruiting Stand

When 1365 (Aylesbury) Sqn were asked to provide car parking assistance and a stand at the ‘Courts Carnival’ in Aylesbury, the squadron as well as parking cars, set up a recruitment stand with a 1950’s ejector seat and a Land Rover 101 Ambulance.

The Squadron have been out to try and get their numbers up with a recruitment drive in the town and the stand, which also included boards full of pictures and leaflets, proved popular and was completely overwhelmed all day with people wanting to climb in the ambulance and have photos in the ejector seat, both children and adults alike.

The carnival, which was attended by thousands, had a number of stalls, a live band, a fairground full of rides, and to top it all off a flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which stunned the crowds.

It was a hugely successful day, with many parents and kids deciding that the ATC was something they wanted to join having spoken to the Aylesbury team. Since the event, several new faces have appeared at the Squadron.

Squadron event co-ordinator, Fg Off James Gilson said: “It’s been a great day and I’m very grateful to the cadets who took part. It says something about them as individuals that they were willing to give up a Saturday to help promote the ATC. It’s been a while since we’ve done anything like this, so it was good to get out in public and remind people who we are!”

Image: Sgt's Hughes & Williams, Cdt's Gallagher, Tirthdas and Heffer with the ambulance

by Cdt Sgt Luke Hughes 1365 (Aylesbury) Sqn - Herts & Bucks Wg

11 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Lord Lieutenant’s Northamptonshire Cadet

Cdt Flt Sgt Oliver Dedhar of 378 (Mannock) Sqn has been recently appointed as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Northamptonshire.

The role of Lord Lieutenant’s cadet will see Oliver accompanying the Lord Lieutenant, Lady Juliet Townsend, on ceremonial occasions and royal visits for the next twelve months. Lady Townsend held a ceremony at Newbottle Manor to meet Oliver and welcome him to his new role.

Eighteen year old Wellingborough Air Cadet Oliver, has recently achieved his silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and has completed both his gliding and flying scholarships.

His Squadron Commander, Flt Lt James Roberts, who promoted Oliver in June, said: “This is a prestigious achievement for Oliver and he will be an excellent ambassador for the squadron.”

by Plt Off Samantha Calton RAF VR(T) SMCO 378 (Mannock) Sqn - South & East Midlands Wg

10 Oct 2007                                                                                         Back to top of page

St Neots Opens its Doors

Cadets from 2500 (St Neots) Sqn recently held an open day for parents and guests, to enable them to experience what it is like to be an air cadet.

The day began at 9am with a briefing of the activities which cadets and staff would be involved in. They collected together the items of equipment they would need to put together their demonstration and displays for later on in the day. All went to plan in the morning, with the Civilian Committee on hand to supply a Sausage and Chips Lunch and can of Pop!

After the final tweaks to the displays and a practice of the Band and Continuity Drill Teams everything was set, all the cadets and staff needed to do was to change into their blue uniforms ready for the afternoon.

At 2pm the Guest of Honour, Gp Capt Gordon Bruce RAF, Station Commander of RAF Brampton, Wyton and Henlow arrived for the start of the afternoon session. He started by taking the salute and then inspected the cadets, talking to them about their experiences in the cadets. Once the inspection concluded the Static and Continuity Drill Display took place, followed by the Squadron Band playing various tunes.

Gp Capt Bruce then went on to view the various displays and demonstrations that had been set up, during which he took time to talk to as many of the parents, staff and civilian committee as he could. He rounded off his visit in the afternoon by presenting various awards and certificates and addressing the cadets and audience. Finally the squadron formed up and ‘marched past’ before he departed.

by Flt. Lt. David Webb RAF VR(T) OC 2500 (St Neots) Sqn - Beds & Cambs Wg

10 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                    Back to top of page

Hatfield on Show

A colourful exhibition of demonstrations and displays were on show this weekend as 2203 (Hatfield & de Havilland) Sqn held an open day at their headquarters in Woods Avenue, Hatfield.

Visitors were greeted by the Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Frank Liney, before exploring the elaborate stalls being run by both staff and cadets. At the leadership stand guests were invited to try their hand at a problem solving exercise, whilst in the field craft tent they were shown how to cook items from a 24-hour ration pack.

Parents and potential cadets learned much of what it means to be an Air Cadet. Flying, gliding, shooting, sports, adventure training, Duke of Edinburgh award and more were enthusiastically presented by the cadets. Younger children had their faces painted with camouflage paints and were allowed to explore a military Land Rover and an RAF police car.

Fg Off Tony Hall, event coordinator said: “The cadets did a fantastic job of promoting the corps, and the opportunities available to cadets at 2203 Sqn. The day was well attended, and our thanks go out to the schools and businesses in the local area that helped to promote it. Special thanks to 3 Sqn Tactical Provost Wing at RAF Henlow for providing some specialist equipment and vehicles to further enhance our display.”

by Sgt Graham Hadaway ATC 2203 (Hatfield & de Havilland) Sqn - Herts & Bucks Wg

10 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                  Back to top of page

Central & East 'Top' Cranwell Awards Ceremony

Central & East Region was once again the top Region at the CVQO Graduation Ceremony held at the RAF College Cranwell on 9th October 2007.
 

Out of a total of 22 ATC graduates, 12 were from Central & East (boosted by a tremendous total of 6 Licentiateships awarded to staff from Norfolk & Suffolk Wing).

City & Guilds Licentiateships in Youth Leadership & Training (equivalent to a level 4 foundation degree) were awarded by Home Office Minister and Chairman of CVQO, Admiral The Lord West of Spithead to: WO Mark Butler of S & E Midlands Wing, Flt Lt's Rob Bradshaw and Mark Williamson of Beds and Cambs Wing; and Flt Lt's Janet Brown, Ian Coalfield, Mike Edney, Rob Gardner and WO's Bruce Firth-Clark and Jackie Jeffries of Norfolk and Suffolk Wing.

The Norfolk & Suffolk staff all attributed their success to the support of their Wing VQ Officer, Flt Lt Gail Jupe, who was unable to attend the ceremony, but was commended on her work by OC Norfolk & Suffolk Wing, Wg Cdr Tony Hipperson, who was present with OC Beds & Cambs Wing, Wg Cdr Paul Bower.

Wg Cdr Steve Mills, Regional Training Officer (RTO) and Sqn Ldr's Andy Pass and Adrian Utting of S & E Midlands Wing received the Graduateship Award in Youth Management & Training, which is a level 6 Honours Degree equivalent.

CVQO have now opened the Graduateship Award to a wider range of staff with 10 years adult service (including CIs on a case by case basis) and have just announced the equivalent of a Masters Degree. All the details can be found on the adult qualifications pages of  www.cvqo.org
 

Image: The 12 staff from Central & East Region following the graduation ceremony.

by Wg Cdr Steve Mills RAF VR(T) RTO Central & East Region

10 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                    Back to top of page

Training the Adults
 

The South & East Midlands Wing Adult Training Team held another successful weekend of training for adults (the third this year) at 504 (County of Nottingham) Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, RAF Cottesmore.

Two courses are held on these training weekends, a Civilian Instructor Induction Course and a Pre Uniform course designed to help those wishing to enter uniformed service either as a VR(T) Officer or an Adult SNCO.

Both courses are intense as a lot of information is passed in a short time. However, the feedback is generally that the courses are enjoyed and fulfil the particular needs of the candidates.

Covering introductions to the Air Training Corps and the Royal Air Force, the CI Induction Course seeks to fill knowledge gaps for those with no previous experience either with the corps or wider service. Instructional Techniques are considered an essential part of the course and each candidate gives a ten minute presentation to the Directing Staff and the other members of the course.

The Pre Uniform Course builds on the knowledge prospective uniformed service candidates should have. As well as providing information, the course also sets out to test the candidates problem solving abilities by presenting them with scenarios of positions they could find themselves in at their squadrons.

Those wishing to become Adult SNCO’s sit a board on the Sunday, and if they satisfy the board members, walk away with their new status. Out of the five that took the board, four were successful and one was deferred.

Candidates for Commissioning take part in a Mock Board where they will be informed of any further training required. The four who sat the Mock Board were all recommended for a Wing Board later this year or early next year.

The two courses are designed and run with the intention of ensuring the quality of the Wing’s Adult staff is sufficient to meet the high expectation of the Wing.

Images: 1. The Adult Training Team WO Rob Phillips, Flt Lt Linda Wapplington, Wg Cdr Nigel Dickinsom (OC Wing), Sqn Ldr Andy Pass (OIC Adult Training) Sgt Sam Vincent, WO Guy Slack, Flt Lt Allan Munns.
 

2. The Pre-Uniform Course candidates, 3. The CI Course candidates.

by Flt Lt Allan Munns RAF VR(T) Deputy WMCO South & East Midlands Wg

9 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                       Back to top of page

Standards Raised at Downham

Cdt Cpl Sam Cotterell and Cdt's Matthew Duncalfe and Jesse Everitt of 1018 (Downham Market) Sqn, recently took 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively at the Royal British Legion Standard Bearers Competition.

In addition to this, it was Sam Cotterall and Jesse Everitt's first attempt at the prestigious competition and Matthew Duncliffe improved on his last years third place. Sam also followed in the footsteps of his brother Ben who had won previous 3 titles..

Even before actual event, competition was hot just to represent 1018 squadron and so many cadets wished to compete that an internal competition had to be organised. All training was given by past winners from 1018 and preparation was so thorough that in the end only 4 points separated all 3 of them.

On winning Sam Cotterell said: " Once I overcame nerves I settled in and really enjoyed competition." His brother Ben who trained them all said: "I am really proud he managed to win and the other two came 2nd and 3rd. It goes to show hard work and determination pay off"
 

Image: Cdt's Matthew Duncalf, Jesse Everitt and Cpl Sam Cotterell

by Mike Newman SMCO 1018 (Downham Market) Sqn - Norfolk & Suffolk Wg

8 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                    Back to top of page

RAFA First for Derby Shooting Team

Following on from their success at Bisley, 126 (City of Derby) Sqn shooting Team have won the RAFA Shooting Competition, held at The Stanton Range on 3rd October.

This is the first time in the history of the competition that Air Cadets have won the competition. The five Cadets from Derby beat the Army Cadet Force team from C Company, Derbyshire ACF, into 2nd place.

In addition to winning the competition overall, individual Cadets performed exceptionally well. Cdt Sgt Daniel Burke was awarded the top shot of the evening with a score of 98 out of 100.

Sgt Burke’s team mates also took second and third place ahead of the Army Cadets. Cdt Cpl Stephen Pym came second with a score of 97 and Cpl Matthew Chetwyn and Cdt Taizia Marsh came joint third with a score of 96. The fifth member of the team, Flt Sgt Danni House, also scored in the top 10 with 93 points.

All Cadets were presented with a gold medal by the Vice-Chairman of the RAFA Erewash Branch, Wg Cdr Phil Giles (retired). Sgt Burke and Cpl Pym also received a trophy.

Sqn Ldr Ian Marshall, Officer Commanding 126 Squadron said: “Our shooting team are performing to a very high standard at the moment. This is down to their hard work in training and the excellent guidance of our shooting staff.”
 

Image: Squadron shooting team with Wg Cdr Giles (Retd)

by Fg Off Jackie Barker RAF VR(T) SMCO 126 (City of Derby) Sqn - South & East Midlands Wg

8 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                       Back to top of page

Busy - Oh so busy!!

Cadets and Staff from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn have shown what community spirit is all about this past weekend, after being involved in a number of community activities.

Saturday 6th October saw the Cadets and Civilian Committee manning a recruitment stand at the Letchworth 'Get Involved'! fair at Plinston Hall. This is put together by the Heritage Foundation and is for those members of the community to have a look around and see what volunteer work they could be involved in.

On the same day the cadets were raising funds for the unit by Bag Packing at Sainsburys. The cadets were praised for their polite and mature manor by the shoppers and this was reflected in the donations they received.

Sunday 7th October was a very early start for 12 Cadets and Staff who made their way to Standalone Farm to help with the car parking at the annual 10km road race organised by Letchworth Road Runners.

Alongside the Road Runners event the second day of the Get Involved! fair was also going on. The stand attracted some very interested members of the public which included veterans who have offered to attend the Sqn and give talks to the Cadets on the regular RAF Sqn's they were once a part of.

The whole weekend has been an excellent opportunity for Letchworth Sqn to recruit, raise funds and raise their profile in the local community. OC 248, Flt Lt Wilton commented: "The cadets, staff and the civilian committee have worked extremely hard over the weekend to make it a success, they have done very well and should be proud of themselves."
 

Image: The cadets manning the recruitment stand at Get Involved!

by Sgt Teresa Fievez ATC 248 (Letchworth) Sqn - Herts & Bucks Wg

7 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                       Back to top of page

Padres’ on Parade

The winds of change continue to blow for the cadets of 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn. Having only just moved back into a new and larger building at their Loke Road Headquarters they now have a new Squadron Padre as well.

On Thursday 4th October, Wing Chaplain for Norfolk and Suffolk Wing, the Rev. Ron Tuck travelled across the county from Great Yarmouth to induct Lynn Squadrons new Padre, the Rev. Corin Child the vicar of St. Johns church.

The short induction service took place during the evening’s first parade in front of the assembled cadets when the Rev. Child received his certificate of appointment. The Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Pauline Petch, then presented him with his badge of office and said: “I am pleased that the Squadron will be continuing its long association with St Johns Church.”

Reverend Child replied: "That he was aware that the Squadron had a traditional link with St. Johns Church and that he was keen to continue those close ties.”

Image by Mike Lister shows Flt Lt Petch & Rev Child.

by Mike Lister SMCO 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn - Norfolk & Suffolk Wg
 

5 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Mountain Rescue Team Visit Stapleford

The Derby Mountain Rescue Team (MRT), recently visited 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre) Sqn and brought with them their new £50,000 support vehicle. This is their second visit to the Squadron and more visits are planned.

The MRT gave a short illustrated presentation of the work they do and the training they undertake. The cadets were then given a tour of the recently purchased vehicle and had demonstrations of some of the rescue equipment.

Donations and appeals ensured that the volunteer MRT have the very best in the latest technology to help in their specialist rescue role in the countryside around Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park.

The new vehicle and a recently purchased specially equipped Landrover, also present on the evening, will be used by the MRT primarily for the rescue of walkers and climbers in the Peak district. This is where the cadet’s interest lies as the Squadron uses the Peak District National Park when partaking of the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The MRT, which included Danny Carter, an ex cadet of the Squadron, also demonstrated the latest techniques and equipment for evacuating the injured from difficult terrain. The cadets considered the evening a great success and some interest was shown by older cadets in perhaps volunteering to either join or help the MRT.

by Flt Lt Allan Munns RAF VR(T) OC 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre) Sqn - South & East Midlands Wg

5 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page

Aviation High

On a recent visit to 496 (Balsall Common) Sqn, the Wing Training & Personnel Officer, Sqn Ldr Martin Harrison had the opportunity of presenting more BTEC Certificates in Aviation Studies to two cadets.

Cdt Flt Sgt's Samantha Lewis and William Dewey received the awards during the visit by the WTAPO, who took time to visit all the classes and speak to each cadet.

Of the awards, Sqn Ldr Harrison said: “Again it is great to see cadets on the Wing participating in this scheme. Anything that they can take away with them to help in their future careers has to be good and once again proves the benefits of belonging to the Air Cadet Organisation.”

Samantha Lewis is also the Head Girl of Heart of England School and the Head Teacher who happened to be in the school on the evening of the visit was pleased to see the award being made.

by Sqn Ldr Martin Harrison RAF VR(T) WTAPO - Warwick & B'ham Wg

4 Oct 2007                                                                               Back to top of page

Riding High

Central & East Region Media & Communication staff excelled at the Media Symposium Awards Evening held recently at the RAF College Cranwell.

Not only did 134 Bedford) Sqn win trophies for the best Corps website and the best Squadron Media & Communications Officer (MCO), in addition, Flt Lt Margaret Bell, Beds & Cambs Wing MCO,  was awarded the trophy for the Best Wing MCO in the Air Cadet Organisation, against 35 other contenders.

Her HQAC citation read: "She has remained a proactive force within Wing Media Communications and throughout 2006/07, produced copy that has reached local, regional and national press. This Media & Communications Officer's sterling work, commitment and support deserve official recognition."

Margaret's reaction was one of complete surprise. Following the ceremony she said: " I was only doing my job and didn't expect to be rewarded for that, I am pleased and thrilled to be judged as the best Wing MCO in the Corps."

The trophy was presented to Margaret by Air Commodore Gordon Moulds MBE RAF, Commandant Air Cadets.

Image: Air Commodore Gordon Moulds presenting the WMCO Trophy to Flt Lt Margaret Bell

by Sqn Ldr Alan Wiggins RAF VR(T) Region MCO Central & East Region

4 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                  Back to top of page

Sports Cadets of the Year

The 2007 Central & East Region Inter-Wing Swimming Championship held at RAFC Cranwell, was also the venue for the announcement of the Region Sports Cadets of the year.

This proved to be a double success for Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Wing, both Male and Female cadets coming from Squadrons in that Wing.

The Male Sports Cadet was awarded to Cdt Flt Sgt T Vaux of 795 (Harpenden) Sqn and the Female Sports Cadet was awarded to Cdt Cpl E Tunley of 2313 (The Chalfonts) Sqn. They will now be judged against cadets from other Regions in the Corps, for the award of 'Corps Sports Cadet' of the year. This will be presented at the Corps Swimming Championships held later in October. Our best wishes for the National Award as well as our congratulations for this stage go to them both.
 

Regarding the Inter Wing Swimming Championships, the results were as follows. The awards being presented by the Regional Commandant, Gp Capt Jon Ford.

Junior Girls:     Trent Wing
Senior Girls:     Trent Wing

Junior Boys:     Norfolk & Suffolk
Senior Boys:    Jointly awarded to Norfolk & Suffolk & South & East Midlands Wings
 

The Overall Cup was awarded to Norfolk & Suffolk Wing

Images: Taken by Wg Cdr David Henson OC Herts & Bucks Wg Image 1; The Region Sports Cadets of the year. 2. The Overall Cup presented to Norfolk & Suffolk Wing

by Sqn Ldr Alan Wiggins RAF VR(T) RMCO Central & East Region

3 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                    Back to top of page

Winter WARMA

13 Cadets and staff from 620 (Duffield) Sqn have recently completed the RAF Walking and Road Marching Association Winter Walk.
 

This year 12 cadets led by thee Officer Commanding Duffield Squadron, Flt Lt Austen Colledge, completed the RAF WARMA Road March, a one day march of 12 miles across the Linconshire Countryside. The team finished the course in 3 hours and 40 minutes and were the first Air Cadet team to arrive back at the finish stage.

A lot of the squadron are hoping to go on and complete the Nijmegen 100 Mile march next year.

Image: Flt Lt Colledge, Cdt's Blount & Balmer, Cdt Cpl O Connor, Cdt Flt Sgt Carlisle, Cdt Cash, Cdt Cpl Beddoes, Cdt's Poyner, Foster, Smith, & Bowler. 

by Fg Off Tez Cooling RAF VR(T) 620 (Duffield) Sqn - Trent Wg

3 Oct 2007                                                                                    Back to top of page

Wings Appeal 2007

With September and the Battle of Britain being the time that focuses the mind on the Royal Air Forces Association’s annual Wings Appeal, the members of 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn decided that it would assist the appeal as much as possible throughout the month.

On Sunday October 2nd, a 17 mile route march organised by Cdt Flt Sgt's Richard Booth and Carl Walters and undertaken by 15 cadets was turned into a fundraiser after a number of the squad obtained sponsorship for the event.

Saturday September 15th saw uniformed staff, cadets and members of the squadrons’ civilian committee assisting the King’s Lynn and District RAFA branch members with their street collections in the town shopping centre.

Parade night at the Squadron HQ on Thursday 20th coincided with the civilian committee’s monthly meeting so 'Team 42F' decided to raise yet more money for the appeal by holding a 'Brew for the Few'. Beside the normal purchases that could be obtained from the canteen at break time, tea coffee and juice were available for a “Wings” donation.

Although some sponsor monies are yet to come in, the Squadron knows that it has helped to swell the Wings Appeal by several hundred pounds.

Julie Lister, civilian committee Honorary Secretary, said: “I am so proud of our cadets. They are always willing to turn out and help others. Our Squadron is formally affiliated to the King’s Lynn branch of RAFA so it was particularly apt that we should support them at this time.”

Image: 42F’s Cdt Sgt Michael Gill collecting in King’s Lynn with Cdt Ryan Duncalf

by Mike Lister SMCO 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn - Norfolk & Suffolk Wg

2 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                      Back to top of page

‘Newsworthy’

134 (Bedford) Sqn was surprised to learn it had just won two top accolades in a National Air Cadet competition. Winning the trophies was especially unexpected as the awards were announced for the first time at a conference with Corps, Regional and Wing Communications staff at RAF Cranwell this weekend.

Bedford Squadron was pleased to learn that the two awards they have been honoured with were 'Best Squadron Website' and 'Best Squadron Media & Communications Officer'. The winners were announced by Air Commodore Gordon Moulds MBE RAF, Commandant Air Cadets.

Staff from Headquarters Air Cadets trawled through every squadron website, to produce a shortlist of websites for the competition. This shortlist was then put forward to the Air Cadet Organisation webmaster, Russell Neilson for judging. The elements that were used to judge the competition included information content, how up to date they were & website design.

The process for choosing the winning Squadron Media Communications Officer was a similar process, staff from the Headquarters Media Communications Department worked with the editor of the Air Cadet Magazine to look at past performance of press releases and media coverage gained by each squadron.

Squadron Media Communications Officer, Chris Wiggins, said: "All staff and cadets at Bedford Squadron understand the importance of our relationship with the media. It is a critical part of our public image. We work hard as a team to try to maximise our press coverage."

Flt Lt Mark Robinson, Officer Commanding, Bedford Squadron said: "Our website is used to help keep our current cadets fully up to date with the day to day goings on at the squadron, and as a vital recruiting platform for our squadron as well as helping to promote the squadron to people and companies that could be looking to donate funds or services to the squadron."

134 (Bedford) Squadron's website - www.134.org.uk has been built up over several years, using content provided by all the staff and many of the cadets. Rarely a week goes by without new content being added. There are also new designs currently under review, which when finalised, will give the website a fresh new look.
 

by CI Chris Wiggins SMCO 134 (Bedford) Sqn - Beds & Cambs Wg

2 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                 Back to top of page

Double Gold Success for 2438 Cadet

Cdt Flt Sgt James Parker of 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Sqn is celebrating a double gold achievement. James has just been awarded his Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award as well as his Gold Advanced Gliding Training (AGT) Wings. This is also a first for 2438 Squadron as James is the first Cadet on the Squadron to achieve either of these awards.

To complete his Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award James had to complete a number of key skill areas including 12 months of Physical Recreation and Service as a Cadet Senior NCO. He also under took 6 months of Marksmanship training. However the most enjoyable parts for James were his Expeditions and Residential Courses. He completed his expeditions at Llanbeder and Elan Valley in Wales, completing 50 Miles on foot in four days, sleeping under canvass for 3 nights and carrying everything required to complete the expedition.

The highlight of James' Gold Award was his 7 day Residential Course Sailing on board TS Royalist around the Channel Islands and the coast of France, whilst part of the crew and manning the ship.

If this wasn't enough to leave his head in the clouds James has also just completed his AGT Wings. This involved him completing 5 solo circuits of RAF Little Rissington in a Vigilant glider after completing 5 Hours 45 Minutes of training in how to control the glider in more advanced aspects of flight.

This is an extremely rare award with only around 120 Cadets in the country obtaining this standard each year. He has now been recommended to go onto complete his Grade 2 qualification, which will leave him as a competent Solo pilot. This will add to his experiences during a solo parachute course that James completed with the RAF last year.

Flt Sgt Parker said: "I am extremely proud of my achievements whilst being a member of 2438 Squadron. The wide range of activities I have been able to undertake, as well as the awards I have been able to gain, have made my time in the Air Training Corps extremely enjoyable. It just goes to show the wide range of opportunities available as a member of the ATC, experiences which I will never forget."

by Flt Lt Nathan Adams RAF VR(T) OC 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Sqn - Warwick & B'ham Wg

2 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                 Back to top of page

Dacre Brooch Winner – The Best in the Corps

Former CWO, now Plt Off Lyndsay McGregor has been awarded the title “The Best Female Air Cadet in the Corps”. She was presented with the Dacre Brooch by the nephew of the late Air Commodore Dacre, Gp Capt J P Dacre QCVSA DL RAF Ret’d, in a ceremony held at Brampton Park Officer’s Mess, RAF Brampton on 27th September.

Lyndsay from 2331 (St Ives) Sqn joined the ATC in June 2000, and during that time has shown an increased commitment and contribution, where others of the same age may have lost interest. Although she is a full time sports science student at the University of Hertford, she also still finds time to commit to two parade nights a week and numerous weekend activities. She has an all-round enthusiasm for cadets, from teaching pilot navigation to senior cadets to running induction evenings for probationary cadets.

As well gaining a distinction in a BTEC in Public Services, she also embraced further personal development by attaining the BELA award, which as well as acting as a supervisor for her own squadron has also stepped in to assist other squadrons in the Wing and on the Wings week at the Llanbedr Cadet Training Centre. As a member of the squadron, she organises many activities including field training and led the squadron team to a well deserved first place at the Annual Wing competition in 2006.

Lyndsay’s personal achievements during the past five and a half years in the Corps include:

Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Female Cadet of the year 2004 & 2005
Central & East Region Female Cadet of the year 2005
Pat Butler Award 2004 (awarded by the Spitfire Association) for her achievements in Aviation
Regional Dacre Brooch nominee 2005
John ‘Cat’s Eye’ Cunningham Scholarship 2005 by the De Havilland Foundation awarded to only three Air Cadets nationally             during the year (Best Female Pilot in ATC). Lyndsay completed her intensive flying training at Tayside Aviation, Dundee, in September 2005.
BTEC – Public Services – Distinction
Basic Expedition Leaders Award

In his speech Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds MBE RAF, remarked: “It was quite an achievement being presented with the Dacre Brooch. Lyndsay had to attend an in depth selection process in front of him at RAF Cranwell with the others that were short listed. She proved she is a dedicated, hardworking young woman, who is a role model to other cadets, and an excellent ambassador of the Air Training Corps and Cadet forces as a whole.”

In her reply Lyndsay said: “The pinnacle of her career has been the award of the Dacre Brooch, which had given her great personal satisfaction and sense of achievement and was recognition of her work, motivation and enthusiasm over the last seven years. Now in her final year in university, she wished to continue her involvement in the ATC as a uniformed member of staff in the RAF VR(T), and hoped she would be able to draw through all her experiences as a cadet and adapt them into a staff role. It would give her great satisfaction if her achievements acted as motivation for the next generation and she would endeavour to provide a challenging environment for them. Furthermore, on completion of her Sport and Exercise Science degree she would be applying to the RAF to satisfy her life long ambition of being a RAF pilot, with the ultimate goal of becoming the first female Red Arrows Pilot. She had many people to thank for her success, but especially the Officer Commanding 2331 Squadron, Flt Lt Jayne Treutlein, and her parents”.

by Flt Lt Margaret Bell RAF VR(T) WMCO Beds & Cambs Wg

1 Oct 2007                                                                                                                                                                                                     Back to top of page