Adventure Training News from Central & East Region

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Operation 'Weekend Warrior'

Operation 'Weekend Warrior' was an advanced field craft exercise based at RAF Wittering for current Cdt NCO's and those cadets with future Cdt NCO prospects from 1461 Wigston Sqn.

On day 1 (Friday), the cadets arrived at 7pm prompt and were taken by minibus to the Vigilant Cadet Block within RAF Wittering to get their kit ready for the following 2 days. After completing their personal admin, they changed into DPM uniform and our SAC Technician member of staff took them for a PT session in the base gym. After completing the PT session they went to bed and prepared for the following 2 days.

On day 2 we tabbed up to an area near Vigo woods where they were taught basic hand signals which they would need for the days patrol practise. Afterwards, we made our way to an area of Vigo woods which would be our Forward Operating Base for the weekend. Here we set up our temporary accommodation which consisted of Bashas and our personal Bergen's.

The cadets were taught how to secure the FOB by creating an All Round Defence procedure and how to patrol the surrounding area using tactical manoeuvres and noise and light discipline.

Throughout the second day, the cadets prepared for the following day by repeating patrols and learning how to get into defensive position, if the FOB were to come under possible attack, by issuing the command 'STAND TO!'.

On day 3 the cadets were once again dropped off at the FOB and were immediately taught how to stop and search vehicles safely and routinely. This involved how to react if something were to go wrong, how to search a vehicle and how treat the driver and/or passengers. They then used the combined knowledge they had learnt over the weekend to patrol, stop vehicles and search them. To end the weekend, the cadets were shown military grade night vision and its effectiveness in the dark.

Image: Cadets in front of a military Land Rover Wolf for their camp photo

by: Cdt FS Jordan Harding 1461 Wigston Sqn - SEM Wg
 

13 May 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Rutland Scale New Heights in The Derbyshire Peaks

Recently cadets from 2248 (Rutland) Sqn threw themselves into a demanding Adventure Training camp near Matlock over a long weekend.

Cadets and staff from the squadron camped out in the wilds of Derbyshire to undertake a busy and demanding AT programme. After pitching camp on a windy hillside late on the Friday night, the adventurous cadets were ready for two days of non-stop action. The programme started early Saturday morning when the cadets met their instructors from ‘Focus Activities’ they then split into two groups and embarked on their respective activities.

The first group climbed onto a rocky escarpment and started ‘Weaselling’ , which was described by one of the instructors as ‘Pot-Holing above ground’. The idea is to move across the rocky features by crawling through as many nooks & crannies as possible. Most cadets decided that they could not get through the holes when they first saw them, but were amazed to discover just what is possible when you give it a go!

After the weaselling, the cadets moved onto abseiling down the rocks. The abseiling started on gentle slopes to master the techniques required then the group moved onto steeper and steeper slopes, eventually resulting in the group abseiling down a vertical cliff face. Cdt Jordan Adams (15) said: "There is no way I’m going down that cliff, I hate heights." But within the hour Jordan was abseiling down the cliff to the cheers and applause of the rest of the group.

The other group meanwhile was scaling another rock face, learning how to rock climb. The cadets soon realised the importance of teamwork as they all had a role to play just to get one of them safely up the rock face. One of the most important jobs was the person operating the Belay which ensured the climber did not fall if they slipped.  After lunch the groups swapped over and tried the other activities. At the end of the day the exhausted groups went back to camp for a hot meal and an early night!

On day two, one group headed off to Carsington Water to spend the morning canoeing while the other group headed underground to explore an abandoned lead mine. On the water the cadets learned how to handle a two-man Canadian canoe which most found tricky at first but soon got the hang of it. They progressed so quickly that they were soon chasing balls thrown in by the instructor, playing a game similar to water polo, in canoes.

The pot-holing group started by walking up one of the steep Derbyshire hills before going underground. The cadets learnt that the abandoned lead mine was dug out completely by hand a couple of hundred years ago which amazed everyone that something so big could be created by hammer and chisel.

The cadets explored the many shafts and tunnels and had to use their ‘weaselling’ skills to get through some very tight gaps. They each took it in turn to lead the rest of the group through the cave systems, under the supervision of the instructor. Cdt Yasmin Makinde (14) said; "The most exciting part of being underground was leading everyone else down the tunnels in the dark, I didn’t know what was in front of me, it was completely black."

After a full day of activities the cadets headed back to camp to pack everything away before going home. Everyone agreed that it was a really busy and exhausting, but fun weekend.

by: Flt Lt Jackie Lawrence RAF VR(T) OC 2248 (Rutland) Sqn - SEM Wg

13 May 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Walking On For WARMA

Seven cadets from 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn have completed the RAF WARMA road march held at RAF Cosford. CWO Jess Bradshaw, Cdt Sgt Adam Brown, Cdt Cpls Robbie Neal and Cameron Gibson and Cdts Ellie Hennessey, Hugo Barker and Tom Ellis-Daish completed the event as part of the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing team.

RAF WARMA is a fifty mile team march which sees cadets complete twenty five miles each day over a weekend. The event is used as a qualifier for the Nijmegen marches in Holland in which teams complete a one hundred mile march over four days.

The Wing entered three teams into the march, one of which was led by 104 Squadron’s CWO Bradshaw who was completing it for the second time. During the event the teams sung songs to keep up levels of morale and at the finish of each day saw teams applauded home by Officers, members of other teams and bands, the end gave teams the opportunity to rest their feet and weary muscles.

At the end of the event Cdt Sgt Adam Brown, Cdt Cpls Robbie Neal and Cameron Gibson and Cdts Ellie Hennessey, Hugo Barker and Tom Ellis-Daish were presented with their Cosford medal by Sqn Ldr Paul Thomson-Clark and CWO Bradshaw was presented a pin badge with the number 2 on signifying how many marches had been completed. This now means the cadets are eligible to go for the Wing team in Holland for the Nijmegen march in July.

Cdt Hugo Barker said: “This amazing weekend was a great test of physical and mental endurance along with teamwork, working as a team is a key element to being part of the Air Cadets. During the weekend I picked up one small blister but it didn’t bother me and was forgotten about by the time I collected my medal.”

Flt Lt Marian Watson added: “What these seven cadets have achieved is phenomenal; there is a physical and mental challenge and we are extremely proud they all completed it.”

by: CWO Jess Bradshaw Sqn MCO 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

03 May 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadets Complete Gruelling Road March

Two cadets from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn, were put through their paces last weekend as they endured a 50 mile road march through the Shropshire countryside. Cdt FS Jordan Ash (17) and Cdt Rowanne Barfield (16) have been training since November to participate in the RAF WARMA 2 day annual march.

Held over the weekend of 27th and 28th April at DSAE Cosford, the cadets joined with other cadets from the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing. The two day march consisted of over 1400 cadets, regular forces personnel and international teams competing.

There were three teams from the Beds and Cambs wing that participated, with 35 cadets making up the teams. All three teams were looking to complete the weekend to qualify for the next stage of their adventure – Nijmegen, the Vierdaagse four day international march in the Netherlands, covering 100 miles in four days in July.

The first day was a 26 mile march, taking in part of the Grand Union Canal and surrounding areas. The Sunday was a shorter march, 24 miles, a total of 50 miles across the weekend.

FS Ash said: "I was really happy to have finished the course, it was mentally and physically draining. In effect, we completed two marathons in two days, which is a huge strain on your body. We have been preparing for several months, attending training marches to build up our stamina and get the training miles clocked up. With all of the preparation, it was still a gruelling challenge but as a team we supported and motivated each other to complete the march."

Cdt Barfield said: "I did not expect it to be so tough but it is a great achievement and a great sense of pride when I was awarded with my RAF Walking and Road Marching Association 2 day medal."

Image: Cdt Barfield receiving her medal from Sqn Ldr Paul Thomson-Clark who is in charge of the Beds and Cambs Wing Nijmegen Team.

by: CI Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg

02 May 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Bury Cadets Tackle Snowdonia

Twenty two cadets from 301 (Bury St Edmunds) Sqn have just returned from a week long training camp in Wales, stopping in a hostel deep in the Snowdonia National Park at Betws-y-Coed.

The six day long annual camp which was thoroughly enjoyed by all, saw the cadets participate in activities all over the area. Activities included trial cycling, kayaking, navigation and low rope activities.

The cadets benefitted by having the access to bikes and used the resource well. Two cycle routes were planned over the week with the cadets participating in a cycle ride from Colwyn Bay to Llandudno, a twenty five mile route in total. Another ride saw the cadets join a twelve mile trail through the Beddgelert Forest.

A trip to the National Mountain Centre was enjoyed by all. The cadets were split into two groups, one group kayaked on Llynnau Mymbyr whilst the other half took on the low ropes course at the centre. Great Ormes Head acted as the setting for the cadets orienteering exercises, with them learning about the surrounding environment and the history of the Great Orme.

The trip to Snowdonia also allowed six cadets to participate in their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. Three cadets were participating in their final expedition and three were using the weeklong camp to qualify for their practice expedition.

Images: 1) Bury cadets enjoy weeklong Snowdonia camp. 2) Six cadets participate in the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

by: CI Dan Garlick Sqn MCO 301 (Bury St Edmunds) Sqn - N&S Wg

How Did You Spend Your Easter Break?

Rather than sitting in front of the television, playing games on the X-Box, or updating your status on Facebook, why not look at what 18 youngsters from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn did in their Easter holidays?

The youngsters, all aged from 13 through to 18 took part in a weeks long camp at Wathgill, Yorkshire. They joined forces with cadets from all over the Beds and Cambs Wing to spend the week learning fieldcraft skills, camping, shooting, orienteering and leadership skills. They also formed new friendships.

Easter Camps are popular ‘Greens’ camps, which sees the cadets donning their CS95 uniform and experiencing the field craft element of the Air Cadets. They learn how to build emergency shelters out of bivvy sheets, how to conceal and camouflage both themselves and their equipment, even how to cook using emergency ration packs.

The week long exercise cumulated in a 36 hour exercise where the cadets put their new found skills to the test, sleeping outdoors under make shift shelters and living on ration packs.

For some of the younger cadets, this is their first experience of a ‘greens’ camp and for some, their first time away from home. One cadet from the squadron only joined in September last year and this is her first time away with the cadets after completing her basic training. Cdt Bunn said: "I was extremely excited to have been selected for the camp and it was a challenging week. We did not stop at all, you were going from one activity to another. The best bit was when we camped out overnight to put in to practice all the skills that we had learnt. It was a great way to spend the Easter school holidays."

by: CI Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg

26 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadets Conquer Frozen Wastes

Following a year of dedicated fundraising, and not realising that Norfolk would in fact this year see snow, eight cadets and two officers from 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn recently returned from an eight day trip to Iceland that included a four day hike across the countries Langjokull glacier.

After their first night sleep in a hostel in Reykjavik they were met by their local expedition guides and following safety briefings and equipment checks set off by 4 X 4 on the two and half hour drive to the base of the glacier. Langjokull is Iceland’s second largest glacier and covers an area of 950 Square kilometres.

For many of the group it was their first time on skies and on top of this they had to carry their own 60 litre day packs and pull sleds known as Pulkas, containing all the equipment and food required on the trip, which each weighed around 60 kilograms. The first day was a real challenge as, having arrived at the glaciers eastern slopes they had to climb 500 metres to its plateau. Night camp required the pitching of tents, constructing metre high snow walls as protection against the wind and further modesty walls and deep holes for the toilet. This was very quickly becoming 'really wild camping', and the night time temperatures of minus 12 didn’t help.

During the following three days of the hike their Icelandic guides, Gisli and Svavar taught the expedition many of the survival skills required for these arctic conditions. These guides became keen to understand more about the Air Cadet Organisation. They openly talked about how impressed they were with the discipline, organisation and teamwork shown by the cadets. Before the end of the trip they would both go on to say that the cadets were one of the easiest and best groups they had led across the glacier. If there was ever another Air Cadet group booked to complete the expedition they would without hesitation volunteer to be the guides. A great testament to the Air Cadet Organisation.

At the conclusion of the glacier hike the cadets returned to Reykjavik for three days of more leisurely activities which included sightseeing of waterfalls and a geyser, swimming in the Blue Lagoon and Icelandic pony riding.

Images: 42F’s Glacier Hike.

by: Mike Lister Sqn MCO 42F (King’s Lynn) Sqn - N&S Wg
 

24 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Wisbech Cadets Enjoy Easter Camp

Six cadets and one member of staff from 272 (Wisbech) Sqn joined a contingent of some 300 cadets at the successful week long Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing Easter Camp.

Held at Wathgill Camp, Catterick Garrison in the Yorkshire Dales, the cadets took part in abseiling, orienteering, bridge building and raft building as well as field craft training. For many of the cadets it was their first camp and their first chance to experience what it is like to be away from home and spend time in a communal environment.

Main event of the week was the 24 hour field exercise cadets spent the entire period out in the training area living on ration packs and sleeping under bivouacs while undertaking a series of initiative and leadership exercises. Spilt into flights containing cadets from across the Wing they had to gel quickly and work together to achieve their goals.

"This camp was awesome, it’s one of the best that I have been on," said Cdt Cpl Josh Garner (16). “I’m looking forward to next year already.”

Image: Easter Camp Group

by: CI Laura Nixon Sqn MCO 272 (Wisbech) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

22 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Sleaford Cadets Learn To Rough It

Cadets and staff from 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn spent three days of the Easter break braving the elements at Beckingham training camp in Lincolnshire.

Using a semi - derelict farm and basic shelters for accommodation, some of the cadets took part in field craft exercises whilst others completed Duke of Edinburgh’s award practice expeditions. All braved the cold and at times the less than clement weather that prevailed at the start of the month.

Cdt Sgt Antoinette Brindley, who was heavily involved in the field craft exercise, recorded her thoughts of the three day event thus:

During the Easter weekend, I went along with a group of cadets from Sleaford to the Beckingham Training area. Top Covert House is an abandoned farm with no electricity, heating or windows which made it very cold inside. This was to be our Headquarters for the three days of the exercise.

On the Friday, I joined a group who were looking at micro-navigation around Stapleford Woods, whilst the other groups were completing Bronze Duke of Edinburgh practices. The micro-navigating became very interesting and I really enjoyed the experience because it gave me the chance to increase my confidence when map reading and working out bearings.

During the evening, whilst the staff were being briefed on the weekend’s exercise, the Corporals and I brought the cadets together and started to do some team-building exercises which incorporated a little bit of fun also. This enabled the newer cadets who have recently joined the squadron to bond with the other cadets and make new friends.

Very early on Saturday morning, after eating breakfast, we were all split into 4 groups: Logistics group, Force Protection group, Medical group and the Incident Command Post (ICP). The corporals and I were put into the ICP where we were in charge of radio communication. As I was the most senior NCO at the weekend, I was made the ICP commander, whose role was to watch over the 3 groups when they were out in the field.

Using the SMEAC system I briefed my group commanders. When I received new injects I would further update the groups and check their current progress.

During the time the exercise took place (from Saturday lunchtime to Monday lunchtime), there were some points that I was stretched out of my comfort zone. At times it became chaotic, especially when we received word that a helicopter had crashed (simulation) and we needed to alert the groups and send them there. We only had one radio, which meant that we had to look at the current situation and prioritise which group commander communicated with their group first. Fortunately, my team and I were able to handle the situation and that particular mission was a success.

The rest of the exercise continued in the same vain, challenges at every touch and turn. This weekend taught me the importance of being able to communicate clearly; not only with my corporals, but to the other groups also. Furthermore, it has allowed me to look at myself as a leader and identify what my weaknesses are in order to work on making those weaknesses into strengths.

I really enjoyed the weekend and experiencing something that was a challenge for me. I would seriously recommend cadet wanting to test their leadership and team member skills to have a go the next time we run one of these events.

The exercise Commander, Flt Lt Mel Walker OC 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn said: “This was an exercise designed to challenge our cadets whilst offering the opportunity to bond as a team. For many of the junior cadets this was the first time they had participated in such an event and we have already seen tangible results from the training they received. I would like to thank my staff team and Service Instructors from RAF Coningsby, Digby and Cranwell for giving so freely, and cheerfully, of their time. I know like me, the cadets appreciate all effort they put in to making this weekend so enjoyable”.
 

Images: 1. Sgt (ATC) Hokins conducts debrief; 2. Cammo at Beckingham

by: Wg Cdr Steve Hullott RAF VR(T) (Retd) Sqn MCO 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn - Trent Wg
 

21 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

A Week of Adventure for Sawston

Action and adventure was the order for the week as cadets from 2461 (Sawston) Sqn joined cadets from across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing for the annual Easter Camp.

The camp, held at Wathgill near the Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, saw cadets learn and develop various field craft skills such as camouflage, concealment, tactics and shelter building. They were also able to take part in climbing, abseiling, bridge building, sport and raft building. Cadets were also instructed in first aid, leadership and communication skills.

The highlight of the week for many of the cadets was the 36 hour exercise which tests the cadets physical and mental endurance along with seeing them live and survive in the field eating from military ration packs.

Cdt FS Sam Long (19) said: “This was my last camp with the Air Cadets before I reach the upper age limit in May. It was a demanding week in which I led a flight of twenty cadets which tested my leadership and management skills, all of which I have learnt during my time with the cadets.”

WO Tim Barker added: “The week saw cadets and staff work together to ensure everything ran smoothly. The cadets made new friends and got to experience new activities.” At the end of the week the flight led by Cdt FS Sam Long was adjudged to be the best flight on camp.

Image: Cadet Edred Whittingham (15) on the bridge building exercise.

by: Fg Off Chris Cox RAF VR(T) OiC 2461 (Sawston) Sqn - B&C Wg

21 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Wisbech Weather Wintery Windermere

Two members of 272 (Wisbech) Sqn recently returned from a week long adventure training expedition in the Lake District. This was the coldest Windermere camps in a long time with sub-zero conditions and heavy snow.

Based at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre at Windermere, WO (ATC) Les Wardle and Cdt Cpl Ross Chadney (16) attended the week long course taking part in activities such as Rock Climbing, Hill Walking, Abseiling and Orienteering.

The course is a real team building exercise for the cadets not only whilst out in the mountains but at base they are expected to take turns in cooking for the others. The camp is limited to 30 cadets so gaining a place on it is an achievement in itself. The cadets completed a number of mountain peaks during the week including Loughrigg, Catbells and Wansfell Pike.

Cpl Chadney also completed the National Navigation Award Scheme to Bronze level. This is awarded to people that can show a basic understanding of map work and in the case for Cpl Chadney, his practical test was in the hills – as striking contrast to the flat Fens.

"Despite the extreme weather conditions the cadets coped extremely well," said WO Wardle, a qualified Mountain Leader. Later in the year there will be an opportunity to attend the ATC’ other centre in North Wales
 

Image: Cdt Cpl Chadney abseiling

by: CI Laura Nixon Sqn MCO 272 (Wisbech) Sqn - B&C Wg

18 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cranfield's Easter Camp

For the last 20 years Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing have organised an adventure training camp during the Easter half term break. What started out as a reasonably small camp has grown and grown over the years and this year, on the 20th anniversary of the initial ‘Easter Camp’, 300 cadets and over 50 staff assembled in North Yorkshire at Catterick Garrison’s Wathgill Camp for the latest activity-packed week.

10 cadets and 4 staff from 207 (Cranfield) Sqn were amongst the number making the annual pilgrimage to take part in myriad activities.

After arriving on Saturday, the cadets were divided into flights and given time to get to know each other before a briefing on the week ahead. Each flight would then undergo field craft and pre-deployment training such as shelter building, navigation, first aid, and communication systems training before a final kit check.

From then is was out onto the vast Catterick Training area for a 36 hour exercise putting into practise not only the skills taught through the week but also in their cadet careers so far. This included a night under the stars in the shelters they had built for themselves.

Interlaced between all this field craft training were additional activities such as rock climbing and abseiling, orienteering and command tasks (initiative based teambuilding and leadership tasks).

This year’s camp was also unique for two other reasons: Firstly, it was the scene for the dining out Wg Cdr Brian Lang who had served the Wing for many years as the Executive Officer; and second as it was the last mass assembly of Wing personnel before the impending retirement of Wg Cdr Paul Bower, Officer Commanding the Wing.

A parade was held on the Friday evening during which the Wing Banner was paraded and handed from Wg Cdr Bower to the newly promoted Wg Cdr Tony Kelly to symbolise the handover of command of the Wing. Although it was a long and tiring week, a good time was had by all and was widely acclaimed to have been the best Easter camp yet.

by: Flt Lt Matt Dolton RAF VR(T) OC 207 (Cranfield) Sqn - B&C Wg

18 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

A Week of Fun For All

Cadets and staff from 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn have enjoyed a week away on the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Easter Camp held at the Wathgill military training area in North Yorkshire.

The nine cadets and three members of staff were able to experience activities such as climbing, abseiling, raft building, sport, orienteering, communications, first aid and leadership tasks in addition to the main element of the camp which was field craft training and a 36 hour exercise. The training involved cadets receiving instruction in various elements of field craft such as movement in the field, camouflage, concealment, shelter building and cooking.

Cdt Hugo Barker said: “I really enjoyed my week away at camp. During the week I was part of a flight of twenty five cadets of various ages and was supported by a strong team of individuals who I had never met before.”

CWO Jess Bradshaw added: “Easter Camp provides cadets with an opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends whilst being tested physically and mentally for the week. The young cadets that have attended this camp can look forward to further camps this year and throughout their time with the Air Cadets.”

by: CWO Jess Bradshaw Sqn MCO 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

17 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Oakley Cadets Climb and Descend in the Yorkshire Dales

Nine cadets from 2462 (Oakley) Sqn joined with three hundred cadets and staff from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing, who travelled to the Yorkshire Dales to spend their Easter holiday participating in Outwards Bound activities and Field Craft Training.

The Cadets ranging in age from 13 – 18 all from the Bedford area, travelled to Wathgill Camp, part of Catterick Garrison. Over a seven day period they took part is various outwards bounds activates including; rock climbing, abseiling down a 50 foot cliff, building rope bridges, orienteering and leadership training.

With snow still on the ground the cadets then went on to be taught field craft and camp craft skills, by past and present members of the armed forces and joined a 24 hour exercise testing the skills they had learned, staying on the military training area, where they slept under improvised shelters and cooked their own meals from military ration packs.

Fg Off Steve Tyrrell said: “It’s great to see all the cadets having fun while learning life skills. Even with the low temperatures and snow still on the ground the cadets all pulled together exceeding the expectations of the staff and had a fantastic time.”

by: Fg Off Steve Tyrrell RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 2462 (Oakley) Sqn - B&C Wg

15 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Nottingham's Sub Zero Weekend

Cadets and members of staff from 138 Sqn, basked in warm days and endured sub zero temperatures to complete the first of the seasons Adventure Training weekends at Calverton Scout Camp.
 

The camp after being rescheduled due to the bizarre weather conditions over the winter months finally happened. Fourteen cadets and five members of staff packed their sleeping bags and rucksacks and headed out into the wilds of the scout camp at Calverton. It was an ideal opportunity to tryout the squadrons latest assets 4 brand new tents, provided by the committee after marathon bag packs during the last year.

The cadet’s itinerary for the busy weekend included map and compass work, sports, orienteering exercises, DofE practice walking and team building. The weather was one of the warmest to date; with cadets enjoying the activities. However, with the onset of the evening the cold descended on the camp, but did not deter the cadet enthusiasm for the weekend.

CI Brian Layton said: “The cadets behaved and endured the cold weather extremely well; they are a credit to themselves, I am really proud of them all.” Cdt Cpl Sam Smith said: “A great chance to do fun activities you can't do at the squadron, an all round fun weekend.”
 

Images: 1. Team racing; 2. The orienteering exercise

by: CI Brian Layton Sqn MCO 138 (1st Nottingham) Sqn - SEM Wg

14 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Suffolk Squadrons Hit the Top Spot

Two Suffolk Squadrons have achieved 1st and 2nd places in the annual Norfolk and Suffolk Wing Field weekend. 432 (Woodbridge) Sqn were worthy runners up to a delighted 356 (Felixstowe) Sqn, who came out on top in what was a hard fought competition, in extremely challenging weather conditions with sub-zero temperatures and at times driving snow.

Twenty eight cadet teams from Norfolk and Suffolk Wing took part in the two day competition at Bodney Army camp in Norfolk. The competition consists of different disciplines including shooting, air recognition, first aid, archery field craft skills, and obstacle course. The result was the reverse of last year when Woodbridge came out in first place and Felixstowe were runners up.

CI Rob Spindly from Woodbridge Sqn said: “Both teams trained together using instructors from both units, so again this year to hit the double top is a fantastic achievement.” Woodbridges’ Cdt FS Sam Whalesby said: “Our team worked really hard over the weekend and to finish second was a great effort, hats off to our mates at Felixstowe Sqn!”

by: CI Kevin Oxford Sqn MCO 432 (Woodbridge) Sqn - N&S Wg

14 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Navigation Awards For March Cadets

The National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS) is a personal performance, non-competitive, incentive scheme for all ages to learn navigation skills and gain confidence to get out and enjoy the countryside. 1220 (March) Sqn has recently conducted this award at Bronze level for seven air cadets.

The award consists of two parts: A theoretical part teaching them the map-reading and navigating skills required, and two practical parts to put into practise what has been learned in the classroom. For the practical elements the cadets first planned a route around the outskirts of March. They then walked the route practising how to identify features, orientate the map and use a compass in conjunction with the map.

The final assessment took place with the cadets completing a short walk around Ramsey. On the day of the assessment it was quite foggy, this meant they had to be especially careful with their navigating as their visibility was quite limited.

The successful cadets were: Ellie Greenwood (14), Calum Brownlie-Wood (15), Callum Moore (14), Macauley Milnes (13), Aretino Charalambos (13), Ewan MacRae (13) and Frasier Casson-Rennie (14).

Flt Lt Kirsty Burnham said: “The Bronze Navigation Award is one of the first courses the air cadets at 1220 Squadron complete. It provides a good basis for them to build on when they progress through their air cadet career and is particularly useful for the expedition section of the Duke of Edinbugh’s Award.”

Cdt Sgt Katie Dickson 1220 (March) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

10 Apr 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

If It Ain't Snowing We Ain't Going

The weekend started at 08:30 on a cold and windy Friday morning, with cadets from 2286 (Arden), 198 (Hinckley), 84 (Coventry Airport) and 121 (Nuneaton) Sqns, meeting at the cadet gate at Bramcote Barracks.

The cadets then patrolled to their accommodation on the camp, which to their surprise were mainly single rooms and nicely warm. Once they had settled in, the cadets then met in the impromptu lecture room in which they would be spending half the weekend, eager to get started, and with the staff eager for a brew.

After a safety brief and the camp brief, the cadets were then briefed on the events for the weekend. The camp was aimed at Cdt NCOs and potential Cdt NCOs and was designed to teach them the basic skills of a section commander and 2ic, this involved patrolling skills, setting up and defending patrol harbours, looking after the troops in a patrol, camp craft skills and several other skills that were new to them.

To the cadets surprise one of the first things that happened is that they were given a number instead of a rank which was aimed at levelling the playing field. Then the work started with a lecture on the skills required of a section commander and how to organise a patrol. The cadets were then taken out and one was nominated as section commander for a practical exercise in patrolling skills. This was how it was set for the weekend, classroom work followed by a practical exercise to hone the cadets skills, each day finishing with a night time consolidation exercise for the skill they had learned that day. Due to the very low temperatures these had to finish quite early. The cadets were not too disappointed though, as they got to enjoy time in the impromptu cinema set up in the lecture room.

Saturday evening the cadets received another surprise, CHIPS, which didn’t last long and were “tastier than the rat packs” which they had been given for the weekend. Sunday saw the cadets on one final exercise which combined everything they had learned during the weekend. This went very well and was rounded off with one final meal in the field, before they then patrolled back to the barracks for a final clean up, a debrief and the camp photo. During the debrief the cadets were asked how they thought the weekend went: “Can it be four days next time,” was one comment: “We really enjoyed it and it was very intense but we learned a lot,” was another.

by: FS (ATC) A Mockett 2286 (Arden) Sqn - W&B Wg
 

09 Aor 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Windy Windermere

Four cadets from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn spent the week in a wet and windy Windermere completing adventure training activities.

Cdt FS George Hodgkin, Cdt Sgt Jordan Ash, Cdts Becca Schofield and Karl Fletcher travelled up to the Lake District on Saturday 09th March and spent a full week out in the fresh air with 23 cadets from the Beds and Cambs Wing.

Throughout the week, they took part in activities such as hill walking, rock climbing, abseiling and orienteering. They even got the opportunity to complete their Bronze Navigational Award by learning new navigational skills and tips to enjoy hill walking safely. During the week, the skills of the cadets were being improved upon through each activity and new skill that they learnt.

Staying in the national air cadet adventure training centre located in the town of Windermere, the centre holds similar courses all year round for both cadets and staff. When they weren’t walking across hills and around lakes, the cadets were able to spend some free leisure time in Ambleside.

Cdt FS Hodgkin explained: "My best moment was definitely reaching the summits of Catbells, Maiden Moor and High Spy as it was hard work it was worth it for the views and sense of achievement."

Image: One team who made it to the top of Maiden Moor Summit, including Becca Schofield and George Hodgkin.

by: CI Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg

26 Mar 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Beccles' Wing Field Competition

Over the weekend of the 22nd to the 24th March, 759 (Beccles) Sqn participated in a ‘Wing Field Competition’ held at the Stanta Battle Training area in Thetford. The weekend included Shooting, Archery, Orienteering, Aircraft Recognition, Field Craft and Leadership exercises.

The team endured appalling weather conditions throughout the weekend with temperatures including wind chill reaching approximately -6 degrees. The team was led for the first time by Cdt FS Chloe Smithson (18) with Cdt Sgt Ross Wright (17) her second in command.

Out of the 28 teams, Beccles Squadron was placed 3rd overall and 1st in the Leadership competition, winning a trophy and medals for the team members, Cdt Cpls McGregor (17), Cpl Willis (16) and Cdts Adams (13), Dennington (15), Elliott (16) and Thoppil (14). The squadron also took CWO Fryer who acted as one of the qualified first aiders for the weekend and Cdt Boyd who was part of the communications team.

Cdt Flt Sgt Smithson said: “The team bonded extremely well and did a brilliant job. All cadets had a thoroughly good weekend and enjoyed the experience.” The Officer in Charge of the squadron, Plt Off Martin Dobson said: “This is the highest place the squadron has achieved since I have taken command and it is a testament to the whole teams determination that they achieved such a high place in the competition. The team was battling against much larger squadrons and challenging conditions. It just shows the calibre of the cadets in the squadron.”

The team would like to thank all members of staff involved in the training as well as those who helped within the weekend.

by Cdt FS Chloe Smithson Sqn MCO 759 (Beccles) Sqn - N&S Wg

25 Mar 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Snowy Spring Camp for 126

126 (City of Derby) Sqn's Spring Camp at Blidworth in Nottinghamshire felt like a winter wonderland this weekend as heavy snow arrived on camp on Friday evening along with the cadets. Not to be deterred by the snow, the Derby cadets decided to keep calm and carry on camping.

126 Squadron were lucky enough to be housed in a new scout centre on Friday and Saturday night. However, during the weekend, the cadets decided to make as much use of the unique weather conditions and continued with their outdoor training program.

On Saturday morning the cadets took part in several training exercises that included first aid, navigation, leadership and survival skills. The cadets learnt how to build shelters, evacuate casualties from difficult locations, perfected their leadership and motivation skills and mastered the art of radio communication.

In the afternoon the group were trained in field craft skills such as field signals, manoeuvres and camouflage. They also tried their hand at observation skills which was not easy as the whole landscape was white over.

Flt Lt Kevin Bissell who organised the camp decided not to let the unique weather conditions pass by without adding an extra competition to the program. He said: “We couldn’t complete the weekend training programme without introducing a snowman building competition. In the end, the cadets joined forces and built a life size snowman who they quickly named, Corporal Frosty.”

After a busy and tiring day, the cadets tucked in to a home cooked hot meal, washed down with a comforting mug of hot chocolate. Evening activities arrived in the form of a quiz night. The cadets were tasked to create and act out a television advert. They also set about creating captions for some of the amazing photographs that had been taken during the day.

CWO Taisiya Marsh was sad to leave Blidworth camp. She said: “This is my last ever camp as an Air Cadet as I turn 20 next week. The snow has made this the most memorable and enjoyable camp I have ever taken part in over the last 6 years. I never thought we could get so much training packed into a weekend and have time to build a magical snowman as well.”

by: Fg Off Jackie Glover RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 126 (City of Derby) Sqn - SEM Wg

24 Mar 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

A Weekend's Adventure Training

A weekend of training recently took place in the local area for the cadets of 2500 (St Neots) Sqn.

They were taught camouflage and concealment, harbour areas, how to build a bivvy, movement in the field and rope exercises, as well as having to cook rat packs.

Although they came back muddy, thankfully the forecast of rain did not appear and they all thoroughly enjoyed the activities.

Image by CI Hanson and Cdt Sgt Curtis: Rope exercise

by: Flt Lt Margaret Bell RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 2500 (St Neots) Sqn - B&C Wg

17 Mar 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Nordic Skiing 2013

Cdt Luc Manning of 2425 (Nottingham Airport) Sqn recently returned from a week long Nordic Skiing expedition with the ACO in Bavaria Germany.

His account continues;
After arriving and being accommodated with cadets from all over the UK we were kitted out with our skiing equipment and split into groups depending on our skiing ability and experience. My groups first session was Sunday morning, where we were taught basic skills, such as stopping using the plough and also played football and rugby, this helped us get used to the ski’s. After this we went swimming with cadets from our Region to help stretch off and relax the muscles. The pool had an ice pool, which was -3 degrees Celsius, a sauna, a hot pool and a normal swimming pool.

For the rest of the week we started skiing at 10am and we practiced several techniques such as the snow plough turn, We then went onto the tracks, where we learned diagonal skiing. We had lunch at around 12pm-1pm, then in the afternoon, we first went along the short purple/pink tour, to practice our skills again, after going around that tour a couple of times, we went onto the yellow tour which was slightly longer. After skiing I went swimming and then had dinner.

On the Thursday we took the ski tour up to the top of mount Arber, right the way up to the top, this took around 6 hours to get there and back, it was made longer and harder by the fact that it had snowed that night, so the snow was really deep. When we got to the top of mount Arber, there was an old watch tower, which was used to observe the Russians during the Cold War and WW2.

On the Friday we did our Langlauf award, in which you achieve a bronze, silver or gold just like on the Duke of Edinburgh Award. We then had an inter-region race, in which each region chose their fastest skiers to compete against the other regions. Scotland and Northern Ireland Region won this.

We then had dinner and the presentation of the awards we had achieved throughout the course of the week. Everyone got their Bronze, including myself, some got Silver and two got Gold. We were also presented with the awards from the time trail event, in which there was slowest and fastest in each group, I got slowest in my group but I was still proud of my achievement as we don’t get much snow in Nottingham where I live.

I really enjoyed the trip, as I got to meet new people and also I got to have lots of fun learning a new sport in which I had never done. I hope that I am able to go on the trip again next year and would highly recommend it to any one.

by: Cdt Luc Manning 2425 (Nottingham Airport) Sqn - SEM Wg
 

17 Mar 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Bury Tackle Snowdonia

Last weekend fifteen members from 301 (Bury St Edmunds) Sqn endured a 500 mile round trip to Snowdonia National Park, to participate in their annual adventure training weekend to Wales.

Using a bunk barn in the village of Penmaenpool as a base the cadets took to the peaks on the Sunday morning. The excellent weather conditions provided a great opportunity for navigation practise, which will aid the cadets with their Duke of Edinburgh. The cadets enjoyed their lunch at the peak of the 900 meter high Cadair Idris, before returning back to the bunk barn.

The Monday saw the cadets participate in a twenty two kilometre bike ride, which took them along the Mawddach Trail, an old railway which has been turned into a cycle route. The cycle continued down the River Mawddach to Cardigan Bay at Barmouth. This tired many of the cadets before their long journey back to Suffolk.

Image: Cadets earn well deserved break at Llynnau Cregennan.

by: CI Dan Garlick Sqn MCO 301 (Bury St Edmunds) Sqn - N&S Wg

12 Mar 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Building Bridges in Horizontal Hail
 

Cadets from 209 (West Bridgford) Sqn braved horizontal hail at an adventure training camp held at Sherbrooke near Calverton. Fortunately they were accommodated in permanent building so had somewhere warm to sleep but the rest of the time they had to brave the elements!

The weekend began with a camouflage and concealment exercise. The cadets were shown how to apply camouflage cream and then how best to conceal themselves in the woods. They then put this into practice in several exercises. Well done to Cdt Freddie Filz who was the only cadet not to be found despite everyone else being within a few feet of him.
The next activity was a casevac exercise where the cadets had to find casualties hiding in the wood, treat them and then evacuate them to a place of safety.

After lunch the cadets had an archery lesson from one of the centres qualified instructors. He explained the safety procedures and how to use the bow and then it was the cadets turn. After becoming proficient at 10 metres the cadets then moved back to 15 metres. A special mention must go to cadet Beth Dodd who managed to knock over the heavy wooden target with a single arrow!

The next activity was also provided by the centre. They have their own tunnel maze which saw the cadets and staff crawling on their hands and near in the near dark up and down the different levels of the maze. I for one was glad to finish it!

The second day of the camp was spent on a pioneering exercise which was led by the centres Deputy Warden. He explained to the cadets how to build two large tripods which where then joined by planks to make a bridge. Everybody involved with the construction had a feeling of pride when the bridge was finally assembled.

Cdt Beth Dodd (15) who was on her first camp with 209 Sqn said: “It’s been a fantastic weekend with lots of activities. My favourite was the tunnelling.”

Images: Cdt Beth Dodd and Cdt Cpl Navraj Boughan on the archery range.

by: Sgt (ATC) Richard Vincett Sqn MCO 209 (West Bridgford) Sqn - SEM Wg
 

12 Mar 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Sandy Cadets Learn Field Craft

On Friday 8th March, cadets from 22 (Sandy) Sqn took part in a field craft training weekend, along with cadets from 73 (Huntingdon) and 2331 (St Ives) Sqns.

The weekend held at RAF Barnham in Suffolk, taught cadets new to field craft, the skills they would need living outdoors, including cooking from ration packs, building shelters, camouflage and concealment, and much more. For the cadets already with field craft experience, the weekend also allowed them to put their skills to practice.

On arrival at the camp on Friday night, the cadets were busy setting up campsite, and the experienced cadet setting up their shelter they would be using for the night.

Saturday the cadets were up early for the day’s lessons, starting importantly with cooking in the field, which also served as breakfast. The cadets with experience of field craft, undertook a number of activities during the day, including making small shelter out of branches.

The weekend ended with an exercise Saturday evening, with the skills learnt by the cadets being put to practice in finding and recuing a downed pilot, being portrayed by a member of staff. Cdt Peter Hessey (14) said: “I’ve had an amazing time, despite the weather. I’ve learnt a lot this weekend, especially cooking in the field, and the exercise was definitely the best part of the weekend.”

Image:  Cadets being taught how to cook in the field

by: CI Jeffrey Henshaw Sqn MCO 22 (Sandy) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

12 Mar 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Adventures at Llanbedr

Last week two cadets from 864 (Watton) Sqn took part in an adventure training camp at the National Air Cadet adventure training centre at Llanbedr.

Over the weeklong event the cadets got the opportunity to take part in lots of physical outdoor events such as climbing rock faces, hill walking, kayaking, dry slope skiing and the chance to climb to the top of Snowdon, as well as the chance to earn a Bronze Award in the National Navigation Award Scheme.

The two cadets from Watton had an incredible time and came back with big smiles on their faces although they were both exhausted, but both vowed to return next year.

Cdt FS Steven said: “This is the second time I have been to Llanbedr and I have enjoyed it as much if not more than last year, it’s an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone in the ATC, you get to meet cadets from all over and you build some lasting friendships and take away great memories.”

As well as all the adventure training activities the cadets get to work together to prepare the food for all the other cadets, spend some down time socialising with each other and even get to go shopping in the local town to buy souvenirs.

Cdt Rudd said: “This was my first camp with the cadets and it has been brilliant I have really, really enjoyed all the activities and I have made some great friends, I hope I can go again next year.”

by: CI Daniel Fishlock Sqn MCO 864 (Watton) Sqn - N&S Wg

04 Mar 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Tough Bury Cadet Raises Money For Charity

Last weekend, Cdt Sgt Samuel Jackson (18) of 301 (Bury St Edmunds) Sqn joined 4358 crazy competitors to take on the most demanding one-day survival ordeal, in a bid to prove they were ‘tough’.

The Tough Guy Race is widely regarded as the toughest of tough assault courses. It is held annually at the end of January on a 600-acre farm in Perton near Wolverhampton, often in freezing winter conditions. Competitors are challenged with a 15km course consisting of knee deep mud, freezing cold pools of water, electrified barriers, 40 foot climbing frames, flooded tunnels, barbed wire, and a whole host of other obstacles designed to induce as much fear and pain as possible upon anyone who dares take on the challenge.

According to the tough guy website: “You will need every last ounce of mental and physical strength you can muster to rise to this challenge. Your fear of heights, tight spaces, fire, water and electricity will be tested to the max. Everyone bar the very toughest will be beaten!”

Samuel ran the race to raise money for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. A charity which was established in 2008 to honour the memory of John Thornton, a young Royal Marines Officer and ex-air cadet who was tragically killed at the age of 22 whilst serving in Afghanistan. The charity supports young people from a wide range of youth organisations providing them with scholarships and bursaries to support their personal development and the pursuit of their ambitions.

Samuel Jackson said: “The race certainly lived up to its name in being truly tough to complete. There were times when I felt so cold and exhausted I thought I wasn’t going to finish! I kept thinking to myself, what would John Thornton have done, would he have given up so easily? That’s what kept me going. When I finished, my celebratory hot chocolate ended up everywhere apart from my mouth as I shivered uncontrollably. Overall, I now have a huge sense of achievement for finishing the race and a few cuts and bruises to match. I feel incredibly proud to have raised more than £200 for a fantastic cause.”

Samuel is currently completing the Junior Leaders Course, a course on which John Thornton himself was named top student. Not for the faint-hearted, the Air Cadets Junior Leaders Course is physically demanding and requires real commitment and determination.

Sgt Jackson finished in a time of 2 hours and 50 minutes placing him 1482nd out of the 3706 who completed the race.

Image: Cdt Sgt Jackson - cold, wet, muddy and exhausted.

by: CI Dan Garlick Sqn MCO 301 (Bury St Edmunds) Sqn - N&S Wg

05 Feb 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Through a Cadets Eyes

Cdt Sophie Scowen (15) from 2484 (Cambourne) DF recently attended a weekend camp being held at RAF Henlow.
 

“I arrived at RAF Henlow with fellow Cadets from 2484 (Bassingbourn) Sqn and 2484 (Cambourne) DF, after being assigned our accommodation, we attended a meeting to be given the brief for the weekend and to be assigned to a flight. At this meeting we met cadets from 2065 (Biggleswade), 22 (Sandy), 73 (Huntingdon), 2462 (Oakley) and 2500 (St Neots) Sqns.

"Once in our flights we were given a paper plane challenge, we had to construct paper planes of various designs and sizes using only the equipment that was issued and I am happy to say that my flight was the overall winner.

"Saturday started early with some PT, I found it challenging but enjoyable, after PT we enjoyed a well-deserved breakfast before forming up for an inspection and drill. After a quick uniform change we gathered to collect equipment needed to build a bridge, the objective was to erect a wooden tripod frame on one side of a river and then attaching a rope around a big tree on the other side. We were then shown a technique to get over and one by one we made our attempt to cross. It was terrifying and not all of us made it.

"Sunday was another early wake up and after PT we had our room inspected before attending a session of drill and after another quick uniform change we gathered to do some leadership exercises. I found the weekend to be difficult but well worth it, met new people and learnt some new skills.”

by: Cdt Sophie Scowen 2484 (Cambourne) DF - B&C Wg

16 Jan 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadet Weekend Camp at RAF Henlow

Cadets from 22 (Sandy) Sqn recently were among 29 cadets attending a weekend training camp at RAF Henlow, Bedfordshire.

The cadets arrived at Henlow on the evening of Friday 11th January, along with cadets from 73 (Huntingdon), 2065 (Biggleswade), 2462 (Oakley), 2484 (Cambourne) DF, 2484 (Bassingbourn) and 2500 (St Neots) Sqns.

On Saturday the cadets started the morning with a short exercise session, followed by room inspections. After breakfast, the cadets had uniform inspections and a session of drill to prepare for Sunday’s drill competition. The main activity of the day was a bridge build over a stream at Arlesey.

The cadets spent the first part of the afternoon being taught how to assemble a tripod, tying knots, and how to correctly climb across a rope. After lunch, the cadets constructed the bridge of the river, with many cadets deciding to have a go at climbing across, all of which reached the other side feeling a sense of achievement. After returning to base for dinner, the cadets had a sports session, undertaking the bleep test, and taking part in games of hockey and dodge ball.

On Sunday the cadets undertook a number of initiative, teamwork and communication tasks, the drill competition in which the flight performed a drill sequence they had created themselves. Six cadets also got to go gliding at 616 VGS, based at RAF Henlow. The camp ended with a paper plane design competition, and presentation of awards and camp photographs.

Cdt Sgt Laura Dorrell (16) commented: “The weekend was really challenging, but very rewarding. I’ve meet a lot of new people, and really enjoyed the camp.”

Image: Cdt Callan Whitbread climbing across Rope Bridge

by: CI Jeffrey Henshaw Sqn MCO 22 (Sandy) Sqn - B&C Wg

14 Jan 2013                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Christmas Camp

Twenty five Cadets from 209 (West Bridgford) and 1279 (Melton Mobray) Sqns started December with their annual Christmas Camp at John’s Lee Wood campsite on Leicestershire.

The weekend long camp included many physical challenges which saw the cadets using ropes to construct walkways, swings and finally a rope bridge. They also took part in First Aid exercises, orienteering and a confidence course.

Cdt Bronwen Pole said she enjoyed the First Aid exercise because of the excitement of being in a realistic situation with Staff Cadets being made up to have injuries. Cdt Adam Davis picked the rope crossing exercise as his favourite activity saying: “It was really good even though I’m scarred of heights, but I conquered my fears.”

The last exercise of the camp involved all the cadets working together to build a rope bridge. The cadets had been split into two Flights for the weekend. The leader of each Flight was briefed by the staff who in turn briefed their Flights. Each Flight had to build an ‘A’ frame which was positioned oN each side of a ‘river.’ The Flights then had to add a rope for a walkway and two ropes for hand rails. Cdt Sgt Barnaby Taylor of No1 Flight said: “We had to use all the skills gained over the weekend to build the bridge and everybody got across safely.”

The final activity of the weekend was Christmas Dinner which was prepared and served by the staff. The tables were laid out with Christmas Crackers and party poppers and the chicken dinner was most welcome after two days of outside activities in December.

At the end of the Camp Flt Lt Steve Richards, OC 209 Sqn, held a final parade and told the cadets: “I was very impressed with the rope bridge and how excellent it was. I would like to thank you for your efforts and your good moral and enjoyment was obvious.” Flt Lt Richards then presented the following awards.

Best Female Cadet – Cdt Bronwen Pole
Best Male Cadet – Cdt Jordan Hayden
Winning Flight – No1 Flight, I/Cdt Sgt Barnaby Taylor
Best Achievement – Cdt Adam Davis
Most improved Cadet – Cdt Freddie Filz
Lovey Dovey Award – Cdts Eddie McManus and Laura Toplass

Image: 1. Camp Photo with the Rope Bridge. 2. Cadets about to enjoy their Christmas Dinner.

by: Sgt (ATC) Richard Vincett Sqn MCO 209 (West Bridgford) Sqn - SEM Wg

07 Dec 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Beeston at Beckingham

Cadets and staff from 1359 (Beeston) Sqn, recently spent a weekend at the MOD’s Beckingham Training Camp near Newark. The focus of the weekend was to teach 1359’s latest recruits various field craft techniques as well as provide leadership experience to the squadrons newest NCO’s.
 

The weekend commenced early on Friday evening to load up the equipment required for the weekend into two minibuses and a trailer followed by an hour’s drive to Beckingham. Following room allocation and settling in a health and safety brief was given by WO Gary Tinsley and then the squadron’s training officer, Plt Off Marie Grant, gave a presentation to the cadets on the timetable for the weekend. The cadets were spilt into two flights for the weekend and flight commanders were assigned to each. The rest of the evening was spent playing bingo and a general knowledge quiz was held to start the weekend competitions off.

An early PT session on a frosty Saturday morning for the cadets was followed by breakfast at 0650 and despite the early hour they were all in good spirits. Various sessions were held during the day, including camouflage, concealment and movement and ration pack cooking. These sessions were all aimed at providing the newer recruits with a taste of what happens on a cadet camp to prepare them for future expeditions both with the squadron and the wing.

The highlight of the weekend was the night exercise on the Saturday evening. WO Tinsley had devised a scenario that saw the two flights acting as downed aircrew who had to recover four pieces of specialist equipment before it fell into the hands of the enemy. The flights were briefed on the scenario and the flight commanders, along with their second-in-commands (2IC), were provided with maps of the training area and rough co-ordinates of the location of the equipment. Their task was to safely recover the equipment before it, or their flights, were spotted by the enemy who were patrolling the area.

The winning flight led by Cdt Cpl Lawton and his 2IC Cdt Cpl Gibson, managed to recover all their items within the allotted time. Cdt Cpl Bates, 2IC Cdt Ruffin and their flight recovered one item due to having to take evasive action to avoid enemy patrols. The main aim of the weekend was achieved though, to provide leadership and field craft experience to 1359’s future leaders.

Image:

by: CI Mike Hill Sqn MCO 1359 (Beeston) Sqn - SEM Wg

05 Dec 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Exercise Jubilee

When five cadets from 1181 (Syston) Sqn got the chance to go to Nescliffe for 'Exercise Jubilee' with 29F (Rugby) Sqn, they jumped at the chance.

The five cadets were apprehensive of the weekend ahead and unsure of what was going to happen... but soon realised it was a brilliant opportunity that they were lucky to get on. Cdts Adkin, Beard, Hopkinson, Rickman, and West set off for Nescliffe DTC on the evening off Friday 12th October.
 

A Cadets Account
As we got to the camp we quickly unpacked our equipment for the weekend in our barracks; before heading to our brief with our fellow cadets from the other squadrons. We collected our 'ration packs' for the weekend at the end of the brief, looking for the renowned Oreos that were in some of the ration packs.

We woke up very early for a Saturday morning, packed our equipment which we needed in our rucksacks and filled our webbing with our necessities and headed to the 'South Side' training area. After a quick breakfast in the mess, we were put into our sections for the weekend and moved into the training area with our respective 'Sections'- Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie- in a staggered formation. We patrolled to a warehouse where we set up a defensive position while waiting for our additional brief.

We then had to retrieve our day packs/webbing, and then we got our equipment that was needed throughout the weekend. We got to our harbour area, where we were staying the night, where we then put up our bashers, our beds for the night! We then tucked into our lunches from our ration packs.

Later that day we patrolled around our harbour area, set up sentries, did intelligence gathering on members of an opposite force (the staff), and did reconnaissance again on the opposite force. Furthermore we got taught how to set up a Vehicle Checkpoint. We then got our Hexi-stoves out again to cook up the culinary delights that you receive in MOD ration packs; as the temperature started to drop all around us.

Unfortunately we then had to depart the training area to go back to the barracks to get a good nights sleep due to the deteriorating temperatures. In the morning we found out that during the night the temperature dropped to -2 degrees Celsius.

The following morning we set off again for the training area. On the way there all three sections were confronted by a herd of cows in one of the fields much to the amusement of everybody. Luckily no cows came close to any cadets...* We then carried on doing the exercises that we didn't do all together. This included setting up a two defensive positions one with CI Rickman in charge of the three sections.

Cdt Rickman who was in charge of one of the sections said: "It was really fun! It was a great learning experience being in charge of other cadets." Cdt West said: "It was a fantastic experience, which I was glad to have a chance to do."  Like any other camp that cadets get the chance to go on nearly all off us fell asleep in the minibus for the journey home!!

A BIG Thank you to 29F (Rugby) Sqn for the invite and I would like to say how much all the Syston cadets enjoyed the weekend. Also a thank you for CI Rickman for the transport in the minibus. A very big thank you to the all the staff and NCO's that were there that weekend without them the camp would not have been able to go ahead.

** No cows were harmed during this weekend.

by: Cdt Daniel Adkin (15) 1181 (Syston) Sqn - SEM Wg

02 Dec 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Successful Field Craft Training Camp

New cadets from 504 (West Nottingham) Sqn took part in a field craft Training Camp at Drum Hill in Derbyshire, taking the opportunity to use some of the skills and knowledge they have developed during recruit training. The camp took place in the middle of October and was lead by the Cadet NCO Team of 504 Squadron.

The camp was designed to introduce the new cadets to life in the field, in readiness for other camps the cadets are likely to attend as they go through their cadet careers. As well as standard field craft training, which culminated in a full night exercise, the cadets also enjoyed sporting and teambuilding activities. Throughout the weekend, the cadets cooked their own meals using military ration packs, which added to the overall experience of the camp.

Squadron Commander, Flt Lt Jodi Hudson, said: “The camp was a great success and was enjoyed by everyone there, our NCO Team delivered an excellent training experience for the new cadets and provided them with an early insight on what they can look forward to in the future.”
 

by: Sgt (ATC) Mark Blacknell 504 (West Nottingham) Sqn - SEM Wg

30 Nov 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Mountain Leader For Long Eaton

Cadets in Long Eaton can now look forward to climbing to the top now that their Leader has gained a qualification allowing him to take cadets to the heights.

Flt Lt Jack Stepanian, OC 2195 (Long Eaton) Sqn, has qualified as a Mountain Leader after a gruelling week in the Lake District. The Mountain Leader (Summer) Award requires candidates to complete at least 40 days of personal experience in the British mountain environment as well as a 5 day training course and 5 day assessment. The award now allows Jack to take groups of all ages into the UK mountains.

The culmination of the award is the assessment which consists of 5 full days working in the mountains under assessment from multiple staff. Day 1 required Jack to demonstrate his party management and rope work skills in guiding a group across steep ground 600 m up a mountain.

Day 2 consisted of micro navigation skills and incident management working in poor visibility and heavy rain throughout the day. The group of candidates under assessment were then required to demonstrate a number of safe techniques for completing an emergency river crossing which involved all group members crossing a fast flowing section of water with and without a rope.

The final three days of assessment took the form of a group expedition. The first day of the expedition saw candidates travelling across an open mountain environment whilst constantly being able to locate themselves to within 10 m in poor weather. After a full day on the hills the group selected a wild camp site, cooked dinner and then proceeded to complete a night navigation exercise to reach a number of predetermined points in the pitch black during a storm. The second and third expedition days continued the assessment of group navigation as well as knowledge of plants and animals within the mountain environment as well as another wild camp.

Now a fully qualified ML, Jack plans to use his qualification to train cadets and staff at Long Eaton squadron as well as continuing to assist in the training and assessment for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at all levels across the South and East Midlands.

Image: Jack during his training high up in the hills

by: Flt Lt Allan Munns RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 2195 (Long Eaton) Sqn - SEM Wg

25 Nov 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Finding The Way

The newest cadets of 1220 (March) Sqn have started their navigation training and recently took part in their first practical training session to work towards gaining a Bronze Award of the National Navigation Award Scheme (NNAS).

The first part of the training took the form of classroom sessions learning about map reading. This included how to take care of maps as well as learning various map symbols and how to use grid references. Once these were mastered the final classroom session was to plan a short route and complete a route card.

Having planned the route it was then time to put on their boots and put the theory into practise. The route took them on a circuit around the outskirts of March. Whilst walking they practised orientating their maps and were shown how to use a compass to set their maps.

Cdt Kathryn Cobb said: “In the classroom it was making sense but when we stepped outside and put it into practise I was really confused. After a bit of practise I was eventually able to get it and I’m feeling a bit more confident now, I think I need to work on it before my assessment though.”

by: Flt Lt Kirsty Burnham RAF VR(T) OC 1220 (March) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

19 Nov 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Winter Warming

Cadets from 2484 (Cambourne) DF and 2462 (Oakley) Sqn, recently attended a weekend with 2500 (St Neots) Sqn for their Winter-Warmer field training exercise.

Five Cambourne cadets undertook initial field craft training under the expert guidance of staff and volunteers from the above mentioned squadrons. Training consisted of cooking in the field, camouflage and concealment, bivvi building, map reading and much more, finishing with a small exercise where cadets could put into practice their newly acquired skills.

Cdt Sophie Pinchen from Cambourne DF said: “Overall, although it was cold and we all had very little sleep, the weekend was great and we learnt a lot. We also made some new friends from other squadrons.”

Image: Cdts James Mckay (15), Connor Smith (14), Sophie Pinchen (15), Chloe Pledger (15) and Detached Flight Mascot STANS DAD
 

by: CI Sam Scowen Sqn MCO 2484 (Cambourne) DF - B&C Wg

17 Nov 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Success at National Orienteering Championships

Competing against 150 other entrants from the Army Cadet Force and Combined Cadet Force units, the enthusiastic orienteers from 1406 (Spalding) Sqn brought home an impressive haul of trophies from the Cadet National Orienteering Championships held at Warcop training area, Cumbria, over the weekend of the 3rd-4th November.

Navigating their way through courses up to 6km in length across tough Pennine terrain, the squad won through against stiff competition to bring back the ATC Senior Boys team trophy, the ATC Senior Girls team trophy and the ATC Junior Boys team trophy. Outstanding individual performances by Luke Fortune, Michael and Tom Theobald earned them 1st, 2nd and 4th overall Junior Boys places respectively, showing the high standards these young athletes have achieved.

Image: Back Row, Connor Phillips, Michael Theobald, Andrew Oxby, Rachel Goodacre, Steven Barnett, Tom Theobald, Nick Fletcher. Seated middle: Maria Lockie, Milly Beach (Sen Girls team capt), Kevin Kirk (Sen Boys team capt), Luke Fortune (Jun Boys team capt), Heather Stacey. Seated front: Ben Scott, Fred Beach.

by CI Michael Nell 1406 (Spalding) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

12 Nov 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Weather Forecast For Arden Cadets - Probably Rain!

Recently two cadets from 2286 (Arden) Sqn, Cdt Sgt Brandon Ballard and Cdt Ross Ballard took the opportunity to go to camp at Capel Curig in Wales.

They weren't sure what to expect but given that Capel Curig is the wettest place in the UK, they thought it would probably include rain. For Cdt Ballard this was a totally new experience and one he was both nervous about but looking forward to.

The cadets on camp were divided into groups with different activities on offer, including scrambling, a tough walking and navigating day and a slightly easier walk, all in the Snowdon area. The cadets also had the opportunity to do some indoor climbing on a climbing wall.

Whilst Saturday surprised the two cadets being sunny, Sunday proved their expectations correct and the cadets got wet - very wet! However the weekend was thoroughly enjoyed by the two with Cdt Ballard saying: "The weekend was fun but tested me to my limits, despite getting extremely wet in the progress, I felt I had really achieved something in the end.” Cdt Sgt Ballard also enjoyed the weekend, and found it well balanced, both enjoyable and challenging. This again was good experience for him as next year he hopes to undertake BEL training.

Flt Lt Lovell said: “Cdt Ballard enjoys navigation and is about to do his assessment for the NNAS Bronze Award so this was good experience for him.” The squadron would like to thank FS (ATC) Hudson for his work in arranging this camp for the cadets, and would like to encourage all cadets to think about trying some of the opportunities available to them, to get the most out of cadets you have to take up new challenges.

Image: Cdt Ballard contemplating the weather forecast for the weekend

by: Fg Off Julie Seymour RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 2286 (Arden) Sqn - W&B Wg

01 Nov 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadets Have Fun in The Field

Around thirty cadets and staff recently attended a field craft weekend at Home Farm on the STANTA training complex. The event organised by 864 (Watton) with cadets attending from 1986 (Wymondham), 1249 (Dereham) Sqns & 864 DF (Marham), took place from the Friday through to Sunday.

The cadets were taught all aspects of the field craft syllabus from movement and concealment to duties of a sentry and patrolling. The weekend was broken down to a 50/50 mix of practical exercises, and classroom based learning with cadets having to cook all their own food out of RAF issue ration Packs cooked on Hexamine stoves outside.

The weekend concluded with a final exercise where the cadets have to put into practice all the skills and techniques learned over the weekend with some of the staff acting as 'the Bad Guys' and trying to enter the camp undetected, testing the cadets on what they had learnt.

Cdt Virketyte said: “The whole weekend was really good I learnt a lot and then we got to try out everything we were taught in the woods, I really liked it when we had to hide in the woods and the other cadets had to find us, and I really enjoyed the ration packs too.”

by CI Daniel Fishlock Sqn MCO 864 (Watton) Sqn - N&S Wg

31 Oct 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Capel Curig in the Autumn

163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn organised it’s autumn camp at Capel Curig again this year, but this time inviting more squadrons from Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing.

In total 31 cadets and 7 staff from 8 Squadrons attended the camp for a opportunity to participate in Hill Walking in Snowdonia and an Indoor Climbing sesssion at Beacon Climbing Centre near Caernarfon.

The cadets and staff departed from different pick up points around the Wing on Friday evening and travelled to North Wales. On arrival at Capel Curig Army Camp and after brief period to settle in and unpack, everyone attended the camp safety brief, the introduction to the staff and to discuss the activities for the following day.

All breakfasted at 7am and by 8:30 everyone was in the minibuses waiting to depart. Two groups of 8 cadets departed with the 2 ML qualified staff for the Glyders, the first group went up Y Garn, and the second group went up Y Gribbon on to the Glyders ridge, taking in both Glyder Fawr and Glyder Fach. Both groups descended back to Llyn Ogwen via Devils Kitchen.

The rest of the cadets departed for Beddgelert, walking round the lakes back to the Pen Y Gwryd Hotel. We had nice weather, bright and sunny but windy on exposed sections of the ridge, everyone enjoyed the days walk and got back to Capel in time to shower before dinner.

After dinner we left for Beacon Indoor Climbing Centre, the cadets enjoyed 90 minutes of climbing and bouldering, The centre kindly opened the doors to the cadets before the centre officially opened to the public, as it was not due to open till the following month. All the cadets enjoyed the evening and the staff at Beacon commented on the behaviour, maturity of the cadets and thoroughly enjoyed the evening spent with the groups.

Sunday morning brought the cadets back down to earth. It rained and rained all day, the cloud was down and cadets walked in horrid conditions, this time we departed for the Moelwyns, in 3 groups walking from Hafoydd Brithon to Tanygrisiau. This gave the cadets an excellent opportunity to experience North Wales at its worst, and practice micro navigation in poor visibility under the supervision of very experienced staff. We all got back to the minibuses safely and departed Wales for Birmingham and Coventry. Everyone had a fantastic weekend and all enjoyed the experience.

Wg Cdr Stuart Iles commented: "It was a excellent achievement and thank you to the staff for organising the weekend. It was superb that so many cadets from across the wing got the opportunity to take part in Adventure Training in Snowdonia and I hope that a lot more cadets will get the same opportunity in the future."

Flt Lt Vile also commented: "How grateful I am to the staff from 8F (1st City of Coventry), 479 (Rubery), 485 (Harbourne & Quinton), 489 (Acocks Green & Olton) and 1459 (Heart of England) Sqns that attended the weekend and made it such a great success."

by: FS (ATC) Andy Hudson 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn - W&B Wg
 

22 Oct 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Snowdonia Challenge For March Cadets

Five Cadets from 1220 (March) Sqn joined others from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing to spend a week at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre at Llanbedr in North Wales. The course involved various adventurous activities including hill-walking and rock climbing.

The first challenge was to test their fitness and mountain skills with a route in Snowdonia climbing both Moelwyn Bach and Moelwyn Mawr. Later in the week some climbed the 3000 feet high Glyders while others traversed the Nantle Ridge.

Navigation was put to the test with orienteering challenges. After some classroom work a low level route was completed where they could practise their newly acquired compass skills including walking on a bearing.

The weather was particularly bad on a couple of days so climbing was conducted on an indoor wall. Here the cadets learned how to belay each other and then took it in turns to climb different routes. Choosing different coloured holds allowed them to grade their climb and increase the difficulty as they learned.

The hi-light of the week for many was completion of a high ropes course. This involves clipping in to a wire and the following it at a high level over and through various obstacles through the tree tops. At the end there is a controlled descent which involves having the nerve to trust the equipment and step off a high level platform.

While at the centre CWO Alex Ogden successfully completed the Summer Mountain Foundation Course. This course is provided by the Joint Service Mountain Training Centre and was instructed by 1220 Service Instructor WO2 James Burnham. The course provides the foundation skills required for a student to become a competent group member in summer mountaineering conditions and is open to military personnel and cadets.

Image: The cadets with Instructor WO2 James Burnham (left)

by: Flt Lt Kirsty Burnham RAF VR(T) OC 1220 (March) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

17 Oct 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadets Tackle Shark Infested Custard!

12 cadets from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn recently spent their weekend tackling leadership training exercises recently in a bid to learn new skills and aide in their personal development.

A huge part of development whilst the youngsters are enrolled within the ATC is to encourage team building and leadership within the cadets. Some cadets are natural borne leaders, however, others learn the skills needed in order to be able to lead a team.

The purpose of the leadership day was to encourage the cadets and get them exploring different solutions to scenarios whilst working as a team. The staff are also keeping an eye out for potential leaders to gain promotion through the ranks.
All of the cadets had tremendous fun during the leadership day as they attempted to get their team and equipment across an area of land without touching the ground and then building towers using spaghetti and marshmallows.

The cadets were split into two teams, with mixed abilities. Some of the teams included newer cadets at the Squadron and also the older, more experienced cadets who are starting their journey through the ranks of JNCO’s. The teams showed competitiveness and team work whilst trying to solve the task and think outside of the box.

The favourite activity of the weekend was to get two barrels of emergency aid across a pond of shark infested custard, without the team or the barrels touching the pond. Using only planks of wood and crates, the cadets kitted themselves out with safety equipment and plotted a way to complete the task.

Unfortunately, one team’s effort, made up of five cadets, ended in disaster after they all ended up being eaten by the sharks after falling in the custard!
 

by: CI Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg

11 Oct 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Gortex is no Match for the Rain in North Wales!

Friday 28th September saw a total of 31 cadets and 7 staff from across the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing travel to the Army Training Centre at Capel Curig in Snowdonia, for a weekend of adventure training, and what a weekend they were to have!

Following a good Army breakfast on the Saturday morning, the cadets and staff, were split into three different groups. Two of the groups went off to take part in strenuous walking at different levels in the mountains above Capel. The last group was split into two and completed a low level walk, however, this also proved to fairly challenging.

It wasn’t all about walking though, all the cadets were taught new skills such as how to carry out pacing, looking at bearings and also working out how timing can help you accurately judge the distance that you have walked. The day was warm and sunny and all the cadets and staff had had a great day.

On Saturday evening the cadets travelled to the Beacon indoor Climbing centre in Caernarfon. The cadets were a bit dubious at the start, however, after a full briefing given by the centre staff, the cadets were soon climbing right to the ceiling of the centre and then abseiling back down again! Two of the adult staff were also seen climbing on a large elephant, all very strange…..

Sunday morning loomed and what a change! To say it was wet was an understatement, but the cadets were soon getting organised again and they were soon out in the mountains walking across the Molwyns. The walking on Sunday was probably the hardest challenge that some cadets, and staff, had ever faced, and everybody was happy to see the site of the mini-buses waiting for them in the car park.

Flt Lt Simon Jennings, OC 485 Sqn commented: “Firstly, on behalf of all the cadets and staff who attended this weekend I would like to thank FS Andy Hudson for organising every element of the training, he did a fantastic job and I know that all the cadets and staff had an enjoyable time. We couldn’t have had two more differing days than Saturday and Sunday, but all completed the walks and everybody has come away having learnt a great deal about themselves.”

Flt Lt Simon Jennings RAF VR(T) OC 485 (Harborne and Quinton) Sqn - W&B Wg
 

05 Oct 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadet’s Success in Junior Leader Selection

Cdt Sgt Matthew Carré (17) of 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre) Sqn has just spent the weekend at Beckingham training area in Lincolnshire for the Air Cadets’ Junior Leaders course selection.

This is the organisation’s premier leadership course for senior cadets and takes place at weekends spread out over several months so is extremely challenging and a huge commitment.

Over the weekend he participated in a fitness test, a leadership test and an exam on navigation and field craft. He passed the selection and is due to return later this month to start Phase One of the course. The course runs through winter until Easter when a rigorous test phase takes place.

Fg Off Gareth Fowler, Commanding Officer of 1360 Squadron said: “Matthew faced stiff competition to win a place on this course so has done exceptionally well.”

by: Fg Off Gareth Fowler RAF VR(T) OiC 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre) Sqn - SEM Wg

04 Oct 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadet Excels on Strenuous Cadet Leadership Course

Cdt FS Abi Jones (17) from 1360 (Stapleford and Sandiacre) Sqn recently attended a week long leadership course at the Nescliffe military training area.

The course involved physical and mentally challenging activities which culminated in leading a platoon of cadets from all around the country. Abigail was also given the opportunity to fire blank ammunition with the army’s L85 A2 Rifle during the week.

Although the course included long tests of her physical ability, she was also tested on her mental ability too. Nights were spent sleeping out in a nearby forest under a ‘Basher’ where she had the chance to experience guard (or stag) duties. During her stag duty, the weather became unseasonable and snow began to fall heavily, continuing into a freezing cold blizzard with the temperature dropping to -5 degrees Celsius.

Abigail said: “I had the best week of my cadet career it was so helpful when it came to leading a team of cadets I didn’t even know. The field craft lessons were so interesting and I picked it up really easily. I have since taken back to my squadron and taught to the rest of the cadets in lessons. Camping out in the snow was a real test of my mental ability I’m not going to say it was easy because I wasn’t. it was extremely challenging to be able to keep going when your whole body was freezing. If I could do it again I would jump at the chance.”

Fg Off Gareth Fowler, Commanding Officer of 1360 Sqn said: “We congratulate Abigail on her brilliant achievement as it's not an easy course to complete.”

by: Fg Off Gareth Fowler RAF VR(T) OiC 1360 (Stapleford and Sandiacre) Sqn - SEM Wg
 

04 Oct 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Adventures at Drum Hill

Cadets at 138 (1st Nottingham) Sqn travelled to Drum Hill in Derbyshire for a weekend of activities which  included various sports, orienteering, air rifle target shooting, abseiling and rock climbing and an evening stealth operation which was based in the woodland area of the camp.

These activities help cadets and staff bond together and to educate them and enable them to obtain skills that will help them as civilians or servicemen. Many of the cadets were new and it was their first adventure training weekend and it did not disappoint them.

One cadet said: “This was a great experience for me I loved the activities and it was good to spend with the other cadets, I can’t wait to go again.” All in all many of the new cadets got were exposed to an array of activities and are already looking forward to the next adventure training weekend.

by: CI Amir Sharif Sqn MCO 138 (1st Nottingham) Sqn - SEM Wg

02 Oct 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Green Squirrel II

For 2286 (Arden) Sqn cadets the month started with a field craft camp held at Bramcote Barracks with cadets receiving training in cooking in the field, basic radio procedure, patrol and harbour routines, basic navigation, cam and concealment, patrolling, field movement and signals.

The training was then put into practice on a night ex. Sunday saw the cadets walk into an ambush from Sgts (ATC) Mockett and Hartshorn, along with some further training. The weekend then finished with fun sports. including land swimming and frisbee.

Cdt List, on his first squadron camp, said: "All the staff were amazing at teaching and my first camp was a really good experience with me learning lots."

This is the second Green Squirrel camp and with Green Squirrel III currently in the planning, the cadets will no doubt soon be out patrolling again soon.

The squadron would like to thank Sgts Mockett and Hartshorn for their hard work in planning and running this camp and CI Ellen Seymour of 485 (Harborne and Quinton) Sqn for her hard work during the camp, including giving radio and navigation training.

by: Fg Off Julie Seymour RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 2286 (Arden) Sqn - W&B Wg
 

01 Oct 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Arden Navigate Their Way Towards National Awards

Last month cadets from 2286 (Arden) Sqn headed off to a farm in Northamptonshire, with the aim of earning the Bronze NNAS award, as well as completing two sections towards the First Class classification and most of the training towards their Bronze DofE expedition.

The idea for the weekend had come about when staff were looking at the syllabus for the award and realised that it was already being taught on the squadron and that the NNAS Bronze Award would give that training added value.

The weekend saw cadets learning to read a map and understand how to put all the available information together to build an overall picture, how to use a compass, how to set up and strike camp and look after themselves whilst camping. The cadets cooked two meals during the weekend, and looked at what food to take, from a number of perspectives. The course included a great deal of practical navigation, and an orienteering course. The cadets worked hard, really came together as a team and learnt skills which will see them well through their cadet careers and hopefully beyond.

Particular mention must go to Cdt Sheikh who, despite being registered blind, still participates fully with all squadron activities. Whilst map reading is difficult, he has passed most of the assessment and will be completing the Scheme with some additional work in the months to come. He is now looking forward to starting his DofE expeditions in the Spring and we look forward to watching him continue to achieve and succeed with us.

With just assessments to come for the group on a squadron walk to be arranged and planned by the cadets, the weekend was judged a complete success. Many thanks from 2286 to CI Ellen Seymour of 485 (Harborne and Quinton) Sqn, who instructed on the weekend, having become an NNAS Assessor for bronze.

by: Fg Off Julie Seymore RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 2286 (Arden) Sqn - W&B Wg

01 Oct 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Field Craft Training for March

The cadets from 1220 (March) Sqn recently spent a weekend on the training area at RAF Barnham in Suffolk and whilst there, they took part in basic field craft training. The instruction and program for the weekend was planned by CI Tim Kightly and CWO Alex Ogden.

For most of the cadets it was their first experience of this style of training so it was important to conduct some in the field training. Practical lessons were given in camouflage and concealment, building a ‘basher’, movement in the field and cooking food from a 24 hour ration pack using a hexamine stove.

Once the training was complete the cadets were split into two flights and took part in an overnight exercise. The exercise included receiving messages via radio communications, making their way undetected to different rendezvous points and completing various leadership exercises. In addition to the exercises they had various coded messages to decipher which gave them the locations for pieces of equipment they had to collect.

In the morning the two teams joined forces to complete a final exercise, one team creating a diversion while the others placed an object at a given location without being caught.

Flt Lt Kirsty Burnham said: “The training was progressive and the exercises were well thought through enabling the cadets to put into practise the skills they had been taught. It’s good to have junior staff and senior cadets that have learned from their time as cadets in the ATC and are able and willing to take on more of an organisational role for the benefit of the newer cadets.”

Image: The cadets get stuck in ration packs as part of their training

by: Flt Lt Kirsty Burnham RAF VR(T) OC 1220 (March) Sqn - B&C Wg

01 Oct 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

RAF Charitable Trust Gets Cadets Back On The Water!

Cadets at 2484 (Bassingbourn) Sqn were in danger of losing their kayaking opportunities when the RAF Charitable Trust stepped in to prevent this with a generous grant.

When the Melbourn Canoe Club closed they generously donated their boats, paddles and buoyancy aids to the squadron which provided many opportunities for the young cadets to partake in exciting summer paddling events. However this equipment reached the end of its safe life and the opportunity to learn new skills on the water looked to be coming to an end.

However, with at grant of nearly £3,500.00 from the RAFCT, together with funds which the cadets have raised, they will be able to purchase nine modern boats and safety equipment. These new boats will allow the cadets to make longer touring and overnight journeys, which means they can now complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s award by kayak.

Witjse Powell (a former Royal Signals Officer and one of the longest serving members of staff with the unit) who was instrumental in putting together the application, commented on the support the squadron received from local organisations when putting together the bid: Foulger’s Commercial vehicle services for repairing the kayak transporting trailer and Capt Rupert Gorman (of the Army Training Regiment at Bassingbourn) for the Army’s detailed statement of support which they gave to the bid. This support was greatly appreciated.

The cadets are very excited about the new equipment and getting a full paddling program in place for next spring.

Image: Cdt Cpl Martin Walls (16) tests out a kayak very similar to the ones the cadets are set to purchase

by: CWO Claire Kelly Sqn MCO 2484 (Bassingbourn) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

30 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Operation Gurkha Survival

On Friday 14th September, cadets from 121 (Nuneaton) Sqn abandoned their normal parade night, donned their DP uniform and cam cream and headed off to Gamecock Barracks near Nuneaton for some field craft Training.
 

The field craft Training and Radio Navigation Exercise code named Operation Gurkha Survival, involving cadets and staff from 121 Squadron and supported by service helpers, was held within the training ground of Gamecock Barracks, home of 30 Signals Regiment and was the culmination of weeks of training and preparation.

On arrival within the training ground the cadets received the pre-exercise briefing which set the scene for the operation including the need to avoid contact with the Gurkhas who formed the hunter force.

Following the briefing the cadets went straight into action with a demanding Night Radio Navigation Exercise designed to test basic radio communications skills and accuracy of message transmission in field conditions. As messages were transmitted between the 7 different mobile handsets, the cadet teams had to successfully navigate their way around the training area only to find themselves faced with multiple scenarios, each designed to give the cadets practical field craft training under field conditions.

Flt Lt Paul Hincks OC Nuneaton Squadron said: “The cadets always enjoy these field craft training Exercises, it's amazing how eager they are to get their disruptive pattern kit on, cover themselves and for that matter everything else in cam cream and get stuck into the tasks they've been given. For many of the cadets this was the first time they have had fieldcraft training under such conditions so it was a bit of an eye opener for them.

”This exercise was the first of many such activities that we are planning and thanks to all the help we had from service helpers and volunteers from the Nuneaton Veterans Contact Point, operation Gurkha Survival was a fantastic success, the cadets even managed to avoid capture by the elusive Gurkha hunter force.

“I would take this opportunity to thank 30 Signals Regiment for permitting us to use the Gamecock Barracks training area and would extend special thanks to S/Sgt Vinod Shrestha British Gurkha/Royal Signals, Sgt Mike Bennet RA, PO Paddy Garner RN, Signaller Alex Kelly, Cpl John Rodmill, Sgt Curless all of Royal Signals, Ms Kirsty Smith and all the squadron staff & cadets who helped to make the whole exercise such an outstanding success.”

Images: 1. The Nuneaton cadets all set for their field craft survival training; 2. PO Paddy Garner (RN) shows the cadets how to trap their dinner.

by: Flt Lt Paul Hincks RAF VR(T) OC 121 (Nuneaton) Sqn - W&B Wg
 

26 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadets Recognition!

Cadets from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn put on their Aircraft Recognition hats to compete in the Regional Aircraft Recognition competition.

Held at RAF Wittering, the cadets were battling it out for the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing after being selected during the Wing Field Competition which was held back in June. The team, which have been actively working on their aircraft spotting skills, came first in the wing competition and they were going on to the next round.

The two teams, which were made up of 6 cadets from the squadron, based in Saville Road, Peterborough were entered into the Junior and Senior competitions.

The Junior team (under 16) came second in their competition and the Senior team (over 16) came a well deserved third. The competition saw the cadets trying to recognise aircraft from across the world, both civilian, military and helicopters from photographs and could only view the pictures for 4 seconds before having to provide an answer.

Cdt Jakob Wright, who joined the squadron just nine months ago, has made a great start to his career in aircraft recognition. He joined the squadron team in June and was also on the team for this competition. He said: "It's a hobby of mine and it is great to put the skills that I have learnt into identifying aircraft from the pictures and help the squadron team in the competitions."

Alongside the Aircraft Recognition competition, there was also the Regional First Aid Competition. Cdt FS Aime Ash was selected to team up with 51 Squadron, also based in Peterborough to put together a fighting force in the First Aid Competition. Having only one week to practice working together as a team, their first aid skills shone through as they came second in the Young Adults Competition.

Overall, the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing Team came in second place in the Central and East Region competition.

by: CI Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg

16 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

March Complete Basic Expedition Training

The cadets from 1220 (March) Sqn camped overnight at the Scout Campsite in Gaul Road, March to complete their initial expedition training which forms part of the first class cadet syllabus. This was the final piece of training for this classification to be completed for the last intake of cadets taken on by the squadron.

During the Friday parade evening the cadets learned how to pitch the different style of tents owned by the unit that they will be using during their time as air cadets. They were also taught how to take care of the tents both during and after use. Then, after the parade evening, they made their way to the campsite.

After a campsite safety brief the cadets pitched their own tents, by torchlight as it was then dark, and then settled in. After a hot drink and a bit of free time it was then time to spend the night in their tent. For some this was the first time they had slept under canvas.

In the morning they cleared away their personal kit and then gathered around the cooking circle for the next part of the training. Sgt (ATC) Megan Saunders taught them how to safely operate the squadron’s gas cookers and then guided them through cooking their breakfast – sausages and beans.

After washing up and striking camp it was then time to make their way back to the Squadron HQ. At the squadron the tents were unpacked again and then hung out to dry as it was wet overnight.

Cdt Kathryn Cobb said: “Camping in a tent was better than I thought it was going to be. I’m looking forward to putting the training to the test when I do my practise Duke of Edinburgh’s award expedition later this year.”

Following completion of this final part of the training the following have been awarded with their First Class Cadet badges: Cdts Kathryn Cobb (15), Jessica Hancox-Wilkes (14), Alfie Butt (13), Callum Williams (13), Callum Moore (13) and Ellie Greenwood (13).

Image: The cadets with supporting senior cadets behind

by Flt Lt Kirsty Burnham RAF VR(T) OC 1220 (March) Sqn - B&C Wg

14 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Wisbech Reach New Walking Heights

Recently one cadet and one member of staff from 272 (Wisbech) Sqn returned from a week long expedition in Wales. The cadets undertook adventure training activities at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre at Llanbedr.

Cdt Cpl Ross Chadney (15) along with WO (ATC) Les Wardle attended the week long course and took part in various activities such as Rock climbing, Abseiling, Orienteering and also a high ropes course.

This course is one of the few that the cadets take most of the responsibility for themselves such as taking it in turns to cook for the group. This week long course is quite difficult to get a place on, as only 30 cadets can attend throughout the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire area.

Whilst there, the cadets completed a number of mountain peaks including the famous Nantille Ridge also the orienteering was done in Coed-Y-Brenin and also at Near Beddgelert.

"It was the best camp I have taken part in during my cadet career. I really enjoyed the week," said Cdt Cpl Ross Chadney.

There will be further opportunities for the cadets of Wisbech squadron to take part in further adventurous activities over the next few months including Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and more camps.

Image: Cdt Cpl Ross Chadney and WO (ATC) Les Wardle

by: CI Laura Nixon Sqn MCO 272 (Wisbech) Sqn - B&C Wg

13 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Nottingham's Germany Camp

Thirteen cadets and four staff members from 138 (1st Nottingham) Sqn recently travelled to Sennelager training camp in Germany.

The camp is controlled by British Forces based at Paderborn Garrison. The first three days were spent living in outdoor field conditions, sustained by eating from 24 hour ration packs. The cadets were trained in patrolling techniques and enemy suppression. The cadets successfully completed their mission and departed for a visit to the famous Mohnesee Dam, significant because this is where 19 aircraft had left from RAF Scampton in an attempt to affect the course of the Second World War. The cadets and staff paid tribute to the Dam Busters and the brave pilots and aircrew who didn’t survive, by presenting remembrance crosses at the air crash site.

The group then travelled to Pedalos and enjoyed various water sport activities and spent the day at the largest training range at a NATO base. The cadets were the first to use modern flight simulators, placing them in a full scale interactive war scenario's. There are only two other equivalent bases in the world one in the UK and the second in the U.S.A.
 

A Cdt Sgt commented: “The simulations were amazing I was in combat and was able to use various types of weapons, it definitely gave me a good idea about what happens in battle!” The cadets completed their week at the Mohnesee reservoir where they experienced, windsurfing and mountain biking, through some of the best scenic routes.

A CI commented: “The experience these young cadets and I have had was amazing and has given me an insight about the history of the military service, it makes me think of the Servicemen and Women at the Olympics and the difficulties they must have gone through. All in all the young cadets have learned a lot about themselves and the air cadets has allowed them to develop their qualities and become better civilians.”

by: CI Amir Sharif Sqn MCO 138 (1st Nottingham) Sqn - SEM Wg
 

13 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

The Hills Are Alive With The Sound Of Cadets

Three cadets from 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn have enjoyed an action packed week of adventure training in the Wales.

Cdts Alex McIntyre, Tom Ellis-Daish and Lewis Francis were joined by other members of Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing for the annual training week which saw cadets take part in activities such rock climbing, abseiling and navigation training out on the hills. Cadets used the accommodation at the Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre in Llanbedr, their base for the week.

In the evenings the cadets socialised with one and other creating friendships from across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing. Cdt Alex McIntyre said: “The week was absolutely amazing, we had some excellent opportunities and got to meet new people.”

CWO Jess Bradshaw added: “Cadets from the squadron love to take part in a wide range of activities both in the UK and overseas. The Air Cadet Organisation continues to demonstrate how continues to serve young people and the local community by feeding their need for adventure and giving them new challenges.”

by: CWO Jess Bradshaw Sqn MCO 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn - B&C Wg

12 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Success at Regional Field Day

Following on from the highlight of winning the Per Ardua Cup at the Wing Field Day in June, nine cadets from 487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Sqn attended this year’s Regional Field Day at RAF Wittering.

487 squadron had won four of the Wing Competitions and its cadets were duly selected to represent Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing in the Central & East Regional Competition. This continued the pattern of the past six or so years of 487 sending cadets to the Regional event, forming a fair sized contingent of the Wing Team.

The Shooting Team, the Cadet First Aid & Youth First Aid Teams, together with the aircraft modellers took part in the day’s activities. The teams were in competition with the best cadets from each of the other five Wings in the Region.

Notable successes on the day were the Shooting Team and the Cadet First Aid Team who both finished 3rd in their respective competitions.

Flt Lt Brendan O’Neill, who accompanied the cadets to RAF Wittering, commented: “The teams put in fine performances, especially when you bear in mind the high standard of opposition. The reward for the hard work during training, of the instructors and especially the cadets themselves, was well deserved. It is a reflection of the consistently high level of training which make me very proud to be associated with 487 Squadron.”

Wg Cdr Stuart Iles, in his first address to cadets in the Wing following his recent appointment, thanked and congratulated all the Warwickshire & Birmingham Cadets prior to the final parade. He too understood the efforts that went into training and was extremely pleased with the performances on the day.

Image: The 487 Sqn Contingent: Back Row Cdt Cpls Nick Johnson, Louise Johnson, CWO Steve Lycett, Cdt Ryan Daly, Cdt Sgt Andrew Nye, Cdt Alice Cotton. Front Row, Cdt Cpl Matt Bell, Cdts Gary Connolly & Charlotte Roberts

by: Flt Lt Brendan O’Neill RAF VR(T) OC 487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Sqn - W&B Wg
 

09 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Hard Going in Holland
A Cadets Story

On the 14th-21st of July, I took part in the International Nijmegen Marches with South and East Midlands Wing Road Marching Team. This was the culmination of months of training. The marches consisted of 4 days of marching 25 miles each day, a total of 100 miles. They were held in the Dutch city of Nijmegen, as they have been every year since 1925!

Hundreds of military teams from all across the world flock to Nijmegen every year to take part in the marches along with thousands of civilians. The atmosphere along the route cannot be matched by any football game or music concert. People line the streets to cheer marchers on. Dutch children hand out sweets and in return, marchers pass them souvenirs like stickers and military badges.

Military marchers over 18 years old must carry 10kgs of dead weight on the march (which doesn’t include water or lunch!), which adds another level of challenge to the event.

The Wing sent two teams to Nijmegen this year, a total of 24 cadets and 3 staff! All but one of the cadets made it, who along with one of the members of staff was prevented from completion due to an injury.

All of the Cadets thoroughly enjoyed the week. Seeing the accompanying 4-day festival was great and we visited the nearby airborne museum and British war cemetery as well as participating in the march, singing all the way!

The march is undoubtedly the hardest physical challenge that I’ve ever taken part in, but the victory parade at the end, lead by the Parachute Regiment Band, wearing my royally approved medal definitely make it worth completing.

Image: Nijmegan Medal & South & East Midlands Road Marching Team at the Airborne Museum

by: Cdt Cpl Barnaby Taylor 209 (West Bridgford) Sqn - SEM Wg
 

08 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

FS Linley’s Best Week Ever!

At the end of July thirty cadets from around the Wing came together for a week long Camp at Llanbedr. Cdt FS Serena Linley from 209 (West Bridgford) Sqn was one of those cadets and says the following about the week. Her account read:

This week was adventure training camp where every day consisted of a huge range of activities. Working with your peers in your flight and others is essential, whether the teamwork is for morale or physical help.

The programme for the week involved mountain biking, dry skiing, swimming, walking, canoeing/kayaking and visiting the Friog Slate Mines where we abseiled, climbed through the mine and finally slide down a zip wire into the coldest lagoon you could possibly wish for!

The programme is not like a ‘Blues’ camp but with activities as physically challenging as these you soon learned to get the best night's sleep you could!

My personal favourite activities were skiing and kayaking, both were better than I and others expected. Other favourites were visiting Friog Slate Mine or biking. This camp has by far been the best thing I've done with cadets. I could even go so far as to say one of the best weeks I've experienced whether in or out of cadets.

Llanbedr challenges everyone and helps everyone, regardless of age, sex, ability and time spent in cadets. Llanbedr is definitely a camp to beg to get a place for. The staff want to, and succeed in making sure that this week is amazing for everyone and they certainly have done for me!

Image: FS Serena Linley at the Friog Slate Mine, abseiling down a ledge next to the lagoon

by: Cdt FS Serena Linley  209 (West Bridgford) Sqn - SEM Wg
 

07 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Magnificent Seven for South & East Midlands

The cadets of South & East Midlands Wing once again demonstrated their 'all round' ability and competitive spirit at the Central & East Region’s Annual Field Day Competition held at Royal Air Force Wittering, finishing the day overall winners for an amazing seventh consecutive year.
 

In a day of varying conditions, the cadets of all the wings put in magnificent performances and competed to an extremely high standard. However, on the day, the all round strength of South and East Midlands Wing won the day.

There were notable successes in the Full Band (1084 (Market Harborough) Sqn, Drill 2229 (Loughborough) Sqn, and First Aid as well as first place in several of the individual categories, Cdt FS Monk of 1084 Sqn was Best Drum Major for the second year.

The Wing won the Combined Music Competition and swept the board in First Aid. Together with high placing in all other events showed that the Wing, working as a team, were, yet again, invincible on the day.

Wg Cdr Nigel Dickinson, Officer Commanding South & East Midlands Wing expressed his great pleasure saying: “I am extremely proud of the cadets in the Wing for this 7th consecutive victory achieved against the other five wings that are becoming increasingly competitive. Winning the overall trophy for the seventh consecutive year is an astonishing achievement and may I thank all the cadets and staff involved in making this happen.”

Gp Capt Brett Morrell, Regional Commandant presented the Trophies on the final parade held in one of RAF Wittering’s hangers, due to the threat of rain.

Images by Flt Lt Allan Munns SEM Wg MCO & Flt Lt Paul Hincks W&B Wg MCO: 1. The Winning Team with Officer Commanding South & East Midlands Wing, Wg Cdr Nigel Dickinson, and the Team Captain, Flt Lt Lynda Waplington; 2. Cdt FS Bradley Spence receives the 'Overall Winners' Trophy from Gp Capt Brett Morrell, Regional Commandant, Central & East Region.

by: Flt Lt Allan Munns RAF VR(T) Wing MCO - SEM Wg

05 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

First, Second And Third

Cadets from 134 (Bedford) Sqn, representing the Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing at the Central & East Regional Field Day, are celebrating having finished first, second and third in the Banner Drill, Shooting and Drill Competitions.

The Regional Field Day, held at Royal Air Force Wittering, Cambridgeshire, on Sunday 2nd September 2012, saw the cadets from Bedford completing against five other top teams from across the Eastern Region.

The unit’s Banner Team, commanded by Cdt Cpl Rowan Shawl (16) and accompanied by Cdt FS Jonathan Bell (17), Cdt Sgt Luke Denham (16), Cdt Cpl Daniel O’Neale (16) and Cdt Robert Goates (16), performed flawlessly during the Banner Drill Competition, finishing in first place in the overall competition for the third year in a row. The team, representing the Central & East Region, now goes on to compete in the National Banner Drill Team competition being held at RAF Halton, Buckinghamshire on Saturday 17th November 2012.

In 2011, the Squadron’s Banner Team won the inaugural National Banner Team Competition and it is hoped the unit will retain this prestigious trophy come November.

Away from the Parade Square, the cadets turned their sights on the Regional Small Bore Shooting Competition which saw Cdt FS Jonathan Bell (17), Cdt Sgt Peter Roberts (19), Cdt Cpls Sam Camino (16) and Daniel O’Neale (16) target shooting on the 25 metre barrack range. Using a Number 8, .22 calibre target rifle, each cadet was required to shoot two rounds at five separate targets to attain the highest overall team and individual score.

This was the very first time the cadets from Bedford had competed in this competition, and they were delighted to learn that they had achieved a credible second place overall in the competition. Cpl O’Neale was judged to have been the third best shot of the day scoring 85 points in the individual marksmanship competition.

Back on the Parade Square, 12 cadets from 134, under the leadership of Cdt FS Jonathan Bell, participated in the Regional Drill Competition. Undertaking 52 individual movements with precision, the team delivered a superb performance and having been judged by WO (RAF) Steve Poulton, the Station Warrant Officer, were subsequently placed 3rd in the overall competition.

FS Bell’s command and leadership abilities on the Parade Square were recognised and he was awarded the Joliffe Cup for being the Best Drill NCO. This is the 3rd year in a row that this awarded has been presented to an NCO from the Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing, and the second time in 3 years it has been won by an NCO from Bedford Squadron.

At the conclusion of the Regional Field Day, the Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing was placed second in the overall competition out of 6 Wings that participated in the event.

WO Paul Taylor said: “Once again 134 (Bedford) Sqn has represented the Wing at the highest level across a range of activities and achieved some tremendous results. The cadets involved have spent hours of their own time practicing for these events and they should be justifiably proud of their achievements. Special thanks need to go to Sgt James Tye who has trained the Drill and Banner Teams this year, and who himself has given up many hours of his own time to ensure the teams reached the required standards."

by: CI Chris Wiggins Sqn MCO 134 (Bedford) Sqn - B&C Wg

4 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadets Get Wet and Go Wild!

How did you spend your August bank holiday weekend? Relaxing, doing DIY? Cadets and staff from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn spent their long weekend at Simsey Island near Yarwell with a jam packed itinerary of water and land based activities.

Camp was set up on Friday and throughout the weekend the 50 cadets from 115 (Peterborough) 1220 (March) and 2331 (St Ives) Sqns were put through their paces with Kayaking, rope bridge building and raft building. When they were not in the water putting their team building skills to the test, they were able to focus on their leadership and first aid skills with a simulated casualty evacuation from a wood.

The annual Wet ‘n’ Wild camp is a popular weekend with the youngsters from the Westwood based Squadron, and one that summer holidays and days out are arranged around, ensuring that the cadets can attend and have a fun filled experience over the four days. For many of the cadets this was the first time they had camped out and this weekend proves to be an excellent learning curve and a great way to develop new friendships with cadets from other Squadrons in the region.

Cdt Ellie Simpson, who attended the Wet ‘n’ Wild camp for the first time since joining the squadron in January, said: "I really enjoyed it. The raft building and raft race on the final day was fantastic – all teams battling it out on the river whilst staff squirted us with super soakers. You don’t come to this camp and stay dry!"

The squadron who have planned this weekend throughout the year were also grateful to receive a grant from the MARS IN THE COMMUNITY programme which subsidised the weekend and kept down the costs for the cadets. Flt Lt Stephen Dalton, Officer Commanding at 115 Squadron said: “ Wet & Wild is one of the Squadron’s highlights and goes from strength to strength each year however we couldn’t run it without the help from the MARS IN THE COMMUNITY programme.”

by: Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg

1 Sep 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Avoiding The Touch

Nine cadets from 487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Sqn recently visited the Redpoint Climbing Wall in Birmingham for a taster session. The Group was split into two smaller teams, so that the two hour period of instruction and practice was very intense.

Following training in climbing and belaying on many of the indoor walls to gain experience on a wide range of difficulties, including overhangs, the cadets finished off the session in the bouldering chamber.

The small groups allowed the cadets plenty of opportunity to practice their newly-learned climbing skills and techniques under supervision of the qualified instructors at the centre. The main lesson taken away from the day was that good climbing is more about technique than brute strength, but having a bit of stamina does no harm.

Flt Lt Brendan O’Neill, commented: “I would like to thank the Staff and Management at the Redpoint Centre Staff for making the visit a memorable experience. The cadets clearly enjoyed themselves and gained a lot from the friendly and patient Instructors."

Image: 487 Sqn Cadets with their instructors at the end of a tiring session.

by: Flt Lt Brendan O'Neill RAF VR(T) OC 487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Sqn - W&B Wg
 

31 Aug 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Dereham Triumph in Griffin Challenge Competition

Cadets from all over Norfolk recently travelled to RAF Marham for the annual Griffin Challenge competition, hosted by local RAF Reserves unit, 2620 (County of Norfolk) Sqn. The Griffin Challenge was created to promote the RAF Reserves and develop cadet leadership and teamwork through a quick-fire round of military style tasks.

This year some of the challenges had a distinctive Olympics theme with cadet teams tasked with launching a football from a hastily constructed catapult (instructions not included!), a shoot in the Station’s rifle range simulator, a chariot race, a mountain biking obstacle course (with points awarded for the slowest time) and a race over the squadron’s assault course.

The cadet teams from Norwich, Fakenham, Dereham, Wymondham, Swaffham, Downham Market, Diss, Marham and Caister also tackled challenges that saw them building a bridge over an imaginary shark infested river, had their knowledge tested in an aircraft recognition quiz as well as completing a first aid assessment run by volunteers from Norfolk’s First Responders.

At the end of the competition the cadets from 1019 (Downham Market) Sqn emerged as the champions having beaten off a strong challenge from the cadets from 2356 (Caister) Sqn who finished second and the 1070 (Diss) Sqn team who finished in third place for the second year running.

After the presentation Deputy Squadron Commander, Flt Lt James Pettit, said: "Once again I’ve been impressed with the leadership and teamwork shown by all the teams and while there can only be one winner, I am confident that all of the cadets will have got something out of the day and can be proud to have represented their respective squadrons."

Images:  Cadets compete in a timed race over the assault course.

by: Flt Lt Jason Robinson RAF VR(T) Wing MCO - N&S Wg
 

24 Aug 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cambridge Cadet Puts Best Foot Forward

A cadet from 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn has recently taken part in the four day military marches held in and around the town of Nijmegen in Holland. Cdt Cpl Oscar Waldron joined fellow cadets from across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing to form a team who completed the marches that cover a distance of 100 miles over four days.

After arriving in Holland the cadets took part in cultural visits and visited local memorials and cemeteries, they also acclimatised in their accommodation at Camp Heumensoord. Each day during the marches cadets were up between 0200 and 0400 to start marching before the summer sun got too strong, although the majority of the cadets training had occurred in torrential rain back in the UK! In total 30,000 civilians and 6,000 military personnel took part in the marches with all members of Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing completing the event.

Cdt Cpl Waldron said: “Local people cheered us on handing out free snacks, souvenirs and drinks from right at the beginning of the first day right until the end of the final 5km march past to the finish line. This boosted morale and kept me going; it took my mind off the pain. The soreness was noticeable walking around Camp Heumensoord at the end of each day, but was quickly forgotten about when marching started again. Crossing the finish line at the end was intensely relieving.”
 

Image: End Of A Day

by: Fg Off Chris Cox RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn - B&C Wg

20 Aug 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Life in the Field for 864

Cadets from 864 (Watton) Sqn took part last week in a field craft camp, the camp was held locally at RAF Barnham's training ground over the course of several days.

The cadets took part in a wide range of activities relating to field craft such as camouflage, movement, cooking in the field, leadership activities, building shelters, and teamwork exercises amongst others. This is the first time many of the younger cadets had been away on a field craft camp and they all had a really good time, and all learnt lots of new skills and techniques.

Cdt Cox said: “This camp has been really good, I have really enjoyed learning about field craft I especially liked the shelter building, and the weather has been really nice as well.” The cadets hope to be able to hold another camp later this year so the cadets can put there field craft skills to the test again.

by: CI Daniel Fishlock Sqn MCO 864 (Watton) Sqn - N&S Wg
 

11 Aug 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

These Boots Were Made For Marching!

Twin sisters from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn took on the challenge of the Nijmegen March and conquered it.

At the end of July, both girls, aged 16 put months of practice marches into tackling the most gruelling road march they had ever encountered. Over four days, Cdts Omega and Darcy Russell were determined and eager to finish the planned route of the annual International Four Day Marches, or Vierdaagse, in Nijmegen, Netherlands.

The 4 day event sees teams from all over the world, not just military teams, complete a course of 50kms per day, often in the high summer heat. Both girls have been actively training for approximately 10 months, spending at least one weekend per month on practice marches with the rest of their team members, which were made up of staff and cadets from around the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing. They were completing this whilst studying for their GCSE Exams!

Darcy Russell said: "I‘m delighted to have finished the course and was really proud of both myself and my sister when we were awarded our medals. The team was fantastic and we supported each other every day and made sure that we all crossed the finish line. It was a achievement and one that we will be very proud of, once the blisters have disappeared."

Flt Lt Stephen Dalton, Officer Commanding of the Squadron was overjoyed that the twins had completed the march, he said: "It is a very gruelling march, one that takes physical and mental ability – these two cadets have shown us that with prior preparation and training, any challenge can be conquered."

by: Karen Barfield Sqn MCO - 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg

11 Aug 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Leadership Training For March Cadets

One of the core aims of the ATC is to develop leadership skills and the cadets from 1220 (March) Sqn recently spent a day putting their skills into practise by taking part in various initiative exercises.

The exercises were designed to give the cadets the opportunity to practise working as a team. They each had a turn to lead an exercise during which they had to effectively control the team and successfully complete the task given.

Arrangements were made to use the facilities of 2331 (St Ives) Sqn at RAF Wyton where various pieces of equipment for the exercises were made available. The exercises included one that used oil drums, tyres and planks to get the team from one side of a ‘river’ to another without anyone falling in.

Through the day the cadet’s teamwork improved and they had lots of fun in trying to complete the tasks. The principles of leadership were practised and some of the cadets performed particularly well.

Cdt Sgt Daniel Lowe said: “It was a really useful training day and we can take the skills learned today away with us and use them in other things that we do. We also had a lot of fun and have learned a lot about each other which has helped bond us as a team.”

Image: Concentration and teamwork to get the tennis balls along the obstacle course

by: Flt Lt Kirsty Burnham RAF VR(T) OC 1220 (March) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

10 Aug 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Best Foot Forward In Dutch Success!

Twenty-Seven cadets and adult staff have returned triumphant having completed a gruelling 100 mile road march in Holland.

The teams from Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing took part in the 100 mile, 4 day International Marches held annually in Nijmegen, Holland. Beds & Cambs cadets take part in the marches every year and 2012 proved to be one of the most successful yet with everyone completing the route and earning the coveted Nijmegen Medal.

The success was the culmination of 8 months of training including completion of a UK qualifying march at the end of April during which the country experienced some of the worst weather conditions this year. However sheer determination, enthusiasm, teamwork and the desire to succeed, won the day.

The team leader, FS (ATC) Alan Starling, said: "Whilst a number of the team have found the training programme challenging everyone has put a huge amount of effort into both their own performances and supporting others in the team. The result of that hard work is that everyone completed the route and can wear their Nijmegen Medal with great pride.”

by: Sqn Ldr Paul Thomson-Clark RAF VR(T) WSO B&C Wg
 

30 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Demanding Leadership Course at Frimley Park

Cdt Sgt Elloise Messam, of 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn, has successfully completed the demanding Cadet Leadership Course at the Cadet Training Centre Frimley Park.

Having recently completed the first year of her A-levels, Elloise was one of only two Air Cadets from the Central and East Region to be selected for the Tri-Service, week long, leadership course.

The Cadet Leadership Course is designed to challenge cadets aged 16 – 18, in practical activities to develop their leadership, initiative, self reliance and team spirit. During the week, Sgt Messam undertook water activites, a three and a half mile march, a raft race, obstacle course, log run and a gruelling tactical field exercise over 3 days and 2 nights, designed to test her stamina, mental agility and leadership ability.

Sgt Messam found the course demanding, she said: “It was really tough but I really enjoyed it. It was an excellent experience and I have learnt a lot about myself.”

Her Platoon Officer Lt S Keenan, commented in her excellent report: “Cdt Sgt Messam impressed from the start. Her approach to the course has been excellent, taking on every challenge with the highest levels of enthusiasm and an extremely positive attitude. She has the ability to motivate those around her when they are lacking energy and inspiration. She has given a strong account of herself and should be proud of her performance.”

Image: Cdt Sgt Messam receives her badge and certificate from her Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Les Vile

by: Mandy Sinfield Sqn MCO 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn - W&B Wg

29 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Another Kayak Experience Day for 2028

Cadets from 2028 (Southam) Sqn recently joined cadets from 497 (Daventry) Sqn at Edgbaston Reservoir in Birmingham, this being the fifth time that 2028 Squadron had sent cadets to experience a day out with a difference.

The day was organised by WO Storer-Rogers from 2028 Squadron to introduce the cadets to Kayaking. Ex CI Rogers also from 2028 Squadron, had assisted with the organisation and throughout the day coaches from Birmingham Canoe Club, one of the UK’s top Clubs, conducted the training both off and on the water. The cadets were also accompanied by Flt Lt Moreton and Flt Lt Woan, both again from 2028 Squadron.

The weather on the day was warm with partially cloudy skies. The day was packed with structured tuition as in previous years with some fun games as well, resulting in all the cadets gaining the new Kayak 1 Star Award.

Before going on the water, the Cadets were ‘fitted’ to their kayaks, the Coaches ensuring they were comfortable and ‘braced’ correctly. Each cadet was then issued with a life jacket before being split into two groups with coaches looking after each group. This provided for the best possible learning experience. Most of the required skills were covered in the morning session before returning to the reservoir after lunch for some fun games and a final run through the various skills needed to achieve the required standard. WO Storer-Rogers also joined the cadets on the water to refresh and develop skills, Flt Lt Woan also took part in the training during the day.

Following the games which in themselves used the skills already learnt, the cadets had to demonstrate to their coaches a ‘capsize and swim to shore drill. They also had to stand upright in their kayak which most found quite difficult. Everyone ended up in the water at some stage. The cadets then split into two groups once again and took out canoes with the two teams racing one another around one of the Coaches acting as ‘marker.’ All the cadets completed the 1 Star syllabus and will receive a Certificate.

The day was a great experience for everyone and it has now become an integral part of the year for both 2028 Squadron and other Squadrons in the Wing thanks to an original idea by Ex CI Rogers. A Birmingham Canoe Club Coach said: "It is always a joy to have these cadets to coach, they are all so respectful to others and are always keen to learn new skills, if a little challenging at times."

WO Storer-Rogers commented: "Over several years now we at 2028 have tried to get the cadets involved in something different and challenging, once again today has certainly achieved that objective. My squadron commander has always given his full support but special thanks must go to the Birmingham Canoe Club and their coaches without whom this would not have been possible."

Flt Lt Daryll Moreton, CO of 2028 Squadron, commented: "This was the fifth year that we have organised one of these days; it provides the cadets with a safe environment on the water both to have fun and to earn a new qualification. My personal thanks go once again to Warrant Officer Storer-Rogers and the Coaches from Birmingham Canoe Club."

Images: 1. Everyone getting their safety briefing; 2. The cadets on the water

by: Flt Lt Daryll Moreton RAF VR(T) OC 2028 (Southam) Sqn - W&B Wg

29 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

209's Walesby Weekend

Fifteen cadets from 209 (West Bridgford) Sqn have spent the weekend at the Walesby International Camp Site near Newark for an adventure training camp.

They arrived at 9am Saturday morning and after setting up camp got into their first activity of applying camouflage cream. Although some of the cadets looked like Shrek at the end of the exercise, overall it was deemed a success. After camouflaging themselves they were then shown how to make a bivouac and then how to use the bivouac to set up a camouflaged observation point.

The first afternoon was spent learning new first aid skills and then how to move tactically in a group across ground. The evening was spent applying the skills they had learnt during the day on an exercise that used their movement and camouflage skills to locate and observe an opposing teams HQ.

The first day finished with the cadets being offered the use of a Labyrinth System. It was a caving simulator mounted on the back of a trailer. It had two levels with the cadets entering the lower level and squeezing their way round the twists and turns up to the top level and then out down a slide.

The second day of the camp saw the cadets using Walesby’s obstacle course and then finishing the camp with a field craft exercise.
Cdt Cpl Dom Kay (16) said of the weekend: “This was my first camp as an NCO which I found quite challenging, however I fortified myself with Mars Bar tortillas for lunch. My favourite activity was the field craft exercise on the Sunday where I led my team to capture the opposing team’s water carrier.”

Image: 1. Observation Point; 2. Labyrinth Cave System.

by Sgt (ATC) Richard Vincett Sqn MCO 209 (West Bridgford) Sqn - SEM Wg

26 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Coventry Make Waves at Tallington Lakes

The 6th of July saw the 8F (1st City of Coventry) Sqn team up once again with 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn for an adventure filled weekend, packed with activities from kayaking and raft building to dry slope skiing.

15 cadets from 8F teamed up with 10 from 163 and 3 from 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne School) Sqns, and arrived mid evening on Friday to begin setting up camp, full of excitement for the weekend ahead. They were soon split into two groups, which they would remain in for the duration of the trip, and spent the evening relaxing and getting to know each other over various games of football and table tennis.

In unexpectedly warm and sunny weather, the cadets began their activities on Saturday morning with earnest. They took to the lake for windsurfing, raft building, kayaking and sailing, with a short ‘extreme weather’ break early in the afternoon when the heavens opened. Not to be put off, they headed back onto the lake to complete the afternoon’s activities, before heading back to camp to get themselves ready for a busy evening – one group tackled the dry ski slope in toboggans, while the others were put the test on team building exercises, followed by a camp BBQ.

Not to be caught out, the squadrons had planned ahead and with the addition to the kit of a number of gazebos, the BBQ went ahead despite the best the weather could throw at it. Contentedly full and tired out from their day, they tumbled into their beds and slept soundly ready for their final day.

Sunday dawned cloudy, but thankfully without too much of the rain that had been threatened. They once again headed off to the ski slope, where they attempted dry slope skiing, were put through their paces on the climbing wall and then did the opposite of the previous night’s activity. Thoroughly worn out, but having enjoyed an excellent weekend, they said goodbye to a number of new and not so new, friends, and climbed on to their respective minibuses and began on the journey back to Coventry.

It was an excellent weekend for all involved and the cadets all had a wonderful time gaining new experiences. This is the third year the joint venture has run and it has been an overwhelming success each time.

by: Katie Legge Sqn MCO 8F (1st City of Coventry) Sqn - W&B Wg

25 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadet Leadership Course a Cadets Account

from 487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Sqn

Sunday 8th
After a long journey from Birmingham to Frimley and the half a mile from the station to the centre finally arrived. As soon as you walk through the gate you see the 200 year old house, still in use to this day. But there was no time for sightseeing it was straight to a waiting room to have your picture taken and to have an introduction from the Sgt MJR and then back down stairs to collect the kit we needed for the course.
 

Once I had my kit I was given a ticket which contained my Platoon, section and section fire team and tent number. I was soon into my combats uniform when it was time for another into from the course commander telling us what he expected and what we can expect. Soon it was off to the mess tent, honey roast gammon tonight. Once I had eaten it was straight back to tent to unpack and put valuables and unneeded items into our soldier boxes. 4 platoon quickly made ourselves known to each other and it wasn’t long until the jokes were cracked out, well they were until we were called for roll call at 22.30. Then it was heads down for the night ready for the next day.

Monday 9th
No late wake ups this morning, up at 0530 with kit packed and ready for breakfast at 0600. We were soon formed up and ready to move out. First we had a two hour lesson on leadership, what it is, different types and core values. We headed down in front of the house and had our course photo taken. Now it was time to move out to the training area, however we had a surprise in store in how we would travel from A to B in the form off four tone army trucks. We soon piled in and quickly set off to the training area.

A quick catch up on map and compass work which involved pacing and advanced map work with a quick assessment. The time soon passed and we were onto learning how to set up ambushes and what to do if we were compromised, with a quick practice it was time for lunch. Soon after we were sent over to a hill to watch the staff perform a section attack which everyone took notes. With a quick swig off water we got changed and did a one hour orienteering challenge with our section coming 3rd. We headed back and did some revision on skill at arms ready for the next day. With a quick dinner then it was onto inter section sports, this included the first round of the boat race and volley ball. With 11 section coming 4th overall it was time to have the briefing given along with getting kit ready and roll call and heads down for the night.

Tuesday 10th
Again another 0530 wake up, with a quick breakfast and kit on, we set off to the obstacle course and log run, our section were battered and bruised as we ran with a 40kg log for over a kilometer with a one minute rest before we were set onto the course. Our section won the event with 14 seconds faster than any other team. However it wasn’t long before we were kitted up again and sent to the armoury to grab our weapons.

From there it was back to the trucks and off to the training area to practice section and platoon attack drills before we were sent onto the blank firing area to try out our skills on the enemy (the staff). However the enemy was soon subdued by the mass of 37 riflemen firing as one. As soon as we fired the attack was over and we set off back to the trucks for lunch. Lamb stew was on the menu which warmed the soul as it started to rain. With moral high we had a few in-field lectures about basher building, hygiene in the field and finding a suitable harbour area which could be defended and which we could launch operations from without going a far distance and a quick lesson on sentries. With notes taken it was back to Frimley for dinner and more inter-section competitions which was the second round of the boats races and tug of war, which again 11 section was denied the top three places by coming fourth again. But it was soon to bed after another briefing for a well deserved rest.

Wednesday 11th
Today we were given a 0600 start which was a relief. But it was soon to breakfast and all field kit had to be packed as we were told we were going out for two days. All civvie kit was stored and locked as we took our weapons from the armoury once more. With a quick lesson on how to do command tasks then it was back onto the trucks and off again to practice patrol skill with our kit. A 20 minute lunch and we were off.

After 2km of walking everyone’s backs started to ache and one person was sent back for injuries. However, with an all round defence given and a reccy team sent out we knew soon camp would be made and to everyone’s delight this happened 500 meters later. It was time to dig into our rations packs for an early dinner before our section commanders brought us together for a brief on our mission later in the night. Our mission was a quick in and out operation which was to gather intel on the enemy from an infield agent.

After a few rehearsals 200m from the camp we set off at 2130 and had to be back at 2300. The walk was quick and brief when we had eyes on our man, myself and the section commander approached to get our intel until it was the spy flashed out his torch and alerted and enemy 100m away and they opened fire upon us, grabbing the intel and with the rest of the section giving cover fire we withdrew and safely got back to the harbour area. With adrenaline still pumping I was on sentry duty at 0000 and 0200 which isn’t the best of times when you’re up for 0530 the same day. However I used what sleep I could get.

Thursday 12th
Again up at 0530, with breakfast eaten and kit packed we left at 0715 to go on the march and shoot. Everyone looked forward to this. After a two hour wait it was our turn to go. After a weapon and kit inspection we were off with our Para PTI. Arriving 30 seconds late to the range we put down our weapons and went onto the firing points, even with our lateness 11 section still won with the best inspection and shooting. And with command tasks to do throughout the day we had a lot to do. Soon it was back to an open area and a regroup before we set off to make camp once more with the added effect of the rain hammering down on us. After a bite to eat in the bashers as the stoves we ineffective to cook outside we had our meals cold.

After a disappointing dinner we were briefed on the night’s mission, the ambush. Kit was packed and ammo given out, everyone had to be ready. We soon set off into the night and after 30 minutes of patrolling and stopping we came to our ambush site. After 20 minutes of waiting we thought the enemy would never come until an ambush flare went off and the kill teams soon got go work. It went quiet again then the right cut off (my part) flare went off and we opened fire to kill any runners and the enemy commander trying to escape. We withdrew faster than any man could and got back to the harbour area. Sentries were placed once again and there were reports of possible attack on the camp and also the enemy commander had been injured not killed in the ambush. Same sentry times again and the rain didn’t help and with no attack group moral shot down but in my head I knew we would succeed in our mission the next day.

Friday 13th
The final greens day. Up at 0530 and off at 0640, camp gone and we were ready to make the final attack. We got into the bracken and undergrowth and moved through to the enemy position until a LSW post (light support weapon) opened up on the centre attack team and so it was up to me to make a flanking manoeuvre on the post to allow our guys to get through. With the post taken out we moved onto the enemy HQ and in one extended line off 37 rifles we fired, moments later three bodies fall out of a land rover one having a high ranking tab in his shoulders. However there was no time to celebrate it was off to Sandhurst to do another obstacle course and log run. We had a parade and met the General of Sandhurst who said he was proud off us all for getting there and telling us that my section came 2nd was a good feeling. It was then back to Frimley to relax, hand kit back in and have a BBQ and watch a film.

Saturday 14th
The last day. One more time up at 0530. With breakfast done and kit packed it was into formal dress for a church service in which I carried the ATC banner. Soon it was time for the final parade where the trophy was given and runner up medals with 11 section coming overall 4th. Then with certificates given it was almost finished until the weather had one more surprise… yes you guessed it smashed down with rain just at the end, but the CO was persistent and still wanted to do his speech with two cadets getting hypothermia. But we soon got back to the tents to find ours had been flooded but we carried on and finished at 1230 as planned, with a quick ½ mile walk to the station and I was on the way home.

by: Cdt Sgt Nye 487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Sqn - W&B Wg

22 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Nijmegen March

Twenty Seven cadets and staff from Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing have started their journey to Holland to part in the world's largest road marching event. Two teams from the wing are taking part in the 100 miles in 4 days Nijmegen Marches starting on Tues 17 Jul 12.
 

However before the start, the teams will be taking part in cultural visits, including a visit to the Oosterbeek Military Cemetery where the fallen from the famous Operation Market Garden were laid to rest. The cadets will pay their respects and lay a poppy wreath at the memorial before heading onto the Airborne Museum which tells the amazing story of the joint British, American and Polish operation to open up a route deep into the centre of the German industrial heartland and thus shorten WW2.

by: Sqn Ldr Paul Thomson Clark RAF VR(T) WSO B&C Wg

22 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

A Great Weekend at Tallington Lakes

Cadets from 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn, accompanied by cadets from 8F (1st City of Coventry) Sqn, recently headed to Tallington Lakes in Lincolnshire for a weekend of adventurous activities. Back by popular demand, this was to be the 3rd consecutive year that 163 have organised the action packed weekend. A few months of bag-packing and fundraising had preceded the weekend and it was finally about to pay off.
 

After a week of heavy downpours and departing Coventry in heavy rain on Friday evening, the spirit and excitement of the cadets was still shining. The weather was a little kinder at Tallington with so a dry camp was set up the Friday night, and after a briefing of the weekend, the cadets had some time to familiarise themselves with the site and prepare for the Saturday.

On Saturday, the activities commenced on the lake. The cadets, split into two groups, enjoying kayaking and sailing, windsurfing and raft building. There was plenty of wind to enjoy the sailing and despite heavy rain showers the activities were thoroughly enjoyed, although the windsurfing proved difficult for some. The raft building bought many smiles as some of the rafts barely lasted a few metres into the water and the better ones were sabotaged! Even the staff couldn’t resist the water, hiring kayaks themselves, but soon headed for the shore as the heavy rain approached! After lunch, in our Lagoonside camping area, the cadets switched activities.

Following a welcomed shower and some dry clothes, the dry slope entertained half of the cadets. An hour’s tobogganing flew by as the cadets were challenged by the instructors to travel down forwards, backwards, in snakes and to attempt 360 degree turns on the slopes. The other group undertook some teambuilding activities, including the spider’s web and plank walking. The remainder of the evening was very sociable as the staff treated the cadets to a BBQ and a relaxed evening at the campsite.

The sky was brighter on Sunday as the cadets tackled the climbing wall and underwent an hour’s ski instruction on the slope. For many this proved that skiing wasn’t as easy as they thought and that the climbing wall was much more challenging than they had anticipated, with only a handful of cadets managing to reach the top. After lunch, the groups switched from their Saturday evening activities and tobogganing and team building bought the activities to an end.

The whole weekend was very successful and Tallington Lakes, once again, proved to be an excellent venue for an activities weekend. The cadets socialised and interacted brilliantly the instructors were very complimentary of the whole group, their attitude, motivation and sense of fun! Let’s hope for some sunshine next year!

by: Mandy Sinfield Sqn MCO 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn - W&B Wg

19 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

485 Punch Above Their Weight at Wing Field Training Day

Sunday 24th June saw the culmination of weeks of hard training when 14 cadets from 485 (Harborne and Quinton) Sqn travelled to Gamecock Barracks just outside Nuneaton to take part in the annual Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing Training Day.

Unfortunately, due to injuries and cadets not able to attend, the number of cadets who attended this year was down on last year, however, the 14 cadets who competed on the day did the squadron proud as they finished in 7th place in the overall competition.

The first team to take part in the day’s event was the drill team. Unfortunately, the Sqn was only able to select nine for the team, but what a performance they put in! Led by Cdt Sgt Melvin, the team performed extremely well and they finished in 12th position overall, with Sgt Melvin finishing in 5th place in the NCO competition, a fantastic result for her. The actual score for the drill component was a high score and the Sqn managed to beat Squadrons with a lot more resources.

Whilst the Drill team were on the square, a scratch aircraft rec team were competing for the squadron. It wouldn’t be too un-kind to say that they were never going to threaten first place! One of the team apparently wrote down Tornado down for each answer, apart from the slide that was actually showing the Tornado!

Meanwhile the Sqn’s entries in the modelling, diorama, PR and photographic competitions were been judged by a series of dignitaries. On the final parade it was announced that the Diorama had come in first place, Cpl Hitchman’s entry into the cadet individual photo also came first. We also had two second places, firstly in the junior modelling competition, and secondly in the cadet PR competition.

The final competition of the day for the Sqn was the first aid team. A confident team led by Cdt Iona Manson performed extremely well and they finished in 4th place.

Flt Lt Simon Jennings, OC 485 Sqn commented: “Firstly, I want to pass on my sincere thanks to those cadets who attended today, including Cpl Driscoll, Cdts A and E Hegenbarth who came along to support the Sqn. I would also like to thank the members of staff who attended, WO Coates, Sgt Lord, Cpl Manson and CI Coates. The squadron has trained hard over the past few weeks, and this training paid dividends today. Sgt Melvin and the Drill team were fantastic and their standard of drill was commented on by the WO’s inspecting the sequence.

"Winning the Diorama and the individual photo competition was a great effort by all the cadets and I would like to say a big thank you to the staff for the way in which they guided the cadets through the process of producing the fantastic display which they created. The first aid team also produced a fantastic effort and the standard of their teamwork was commented on by the directing staff. To finish in 7th place overall, was a fantastic effort by the squadron and I’m extremely proud of all the cadets and staff.

by: Flt Lt Simon Jennings RAF VR(T) OC 485 (Harborne and Quinton) Sqn - W&B Wg

17 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Air Cadets Go Ape!

Cadets from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn recently spent the weekend going wild at Vigo Wood at RAF Wittering. The field craft training exercise was the second stage of their training in survival and military outdoor exercises.

This weekend saw 17 cadets donning their CS95 camouflage uniform, webbing and bergens before a gentle 4 mile route march which ended with them spending the night under makeshift shelters using bivvy bags and waterproof sheets. All of the cadets had previously spent a weekend earlier in the year learning the basic techniques and this weekend took it that step further. Most of the youngsters had never spent a night under canvas when they survived the first part of the training – this time, they spent the night under the stars!

Living off military 24 hour ration packs, the cadets cooked their own meals whilst under the watchful eye of FS (ATC) Kev Foxcroft. Kev has been with the squadron for numerous years now and enjoys being in charge of the Regiment Flight within the Squadron and teaching the cadets various techniques – having served as an RAF Regiment Gunner, he can pass on the tricks of the trade!

"These weekends are very popular with the cadets, they have fun in a controlled and supervised environment and learn along the way – the exercise is called Barbary Ape, after the nickname of the RAF Regiment 'The Rockapes,'" FS Kev Foxcroft explained at the end of the weekend.

Image: The cadets at the end of their weekend in front of RAF Wittering’s Harrier GR9 gate guardian.

by: Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg

16 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Southam Achieve Best Ever Position for Drill Squad

On Sunday the 24th June 2012, together with other squadrons from Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing, 2028 (Southam) Sqn attended the annual Wing Field Day at Gamecock Barracks, Bramcote, near Nuneaton.

The cadets and staff were accompanied by Service Instructor Cpl Steven Forrest RMP who is an ex cadet from Southam and had trained the Drill Squad. 2028 squadron determined to improve on previous years and spent many hours not only on Squadron Parade evenings but also out of squadron time to maintain the ongoing development of a squadron drill squad.

As in previous years the cadets did not disappoint, achieving their highest overall position of 6th out of 27 Squadrons with CWO Brown achieving a 4th for his orders. The cadets gained more results, coming 2nd in the team PR competition and winning the most improved squadron PR award. They also returned with the Trophy for the most Tesco Vouchers collected and came third in the duration in the air for the paper plane competition. The cadets came 5th equal in the Netball Competition and 9th overall in the Junior 5 a side Soccer which is commendable.

Everyone had a long day at Bramcote but the results made the day worth it for all at 2028 Squadron who continue to demonstrate improvement in all areas.

Cpl Forrest on hearing the news about the Drill Squad said: "The cadets put in a great number of hours hard work over recent months both on their drill and turnout, I am so proud of them. They know that with hard work and dedication they can continue to challenge the top squadrons within the Wing. They came 12th last time in the Drill Squad competition so to come 6th in 2012 is a massive improvement."

Flt Lt Daryll Moreton, CO of 2028 Squadron remarked: "The cadets have once again shown they can do well enough to be the best at everything when they try; an overall position of 6th in the Drill is fantastic news. We are now in a strong position to challenge the rest of the Wing in every competition. My thanks go to Cpl Forrest and all the cadets who gave everything to achieve the best ever Drill Squad result for 2028."

Images:  The Drill Team marching

by: Flt Lt Daryll Moreton RAF VR(T) 2028 (Southam) Sqn - W&B Wg

12 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

It’s a Hat-Trick Win!

Sunday 24th June saw an historic win in 487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Sqn’s career, with the squadron awarded the prestigious Per Ardua Cup for the third year in a row.

The Per Ardua is awarded to the best performing squadron overall in Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing at the annual Wing Field Day. Points towards the overall total are obtained through a number of events, including drill, first aid, aircraft modelling, aircraft recognition and shooting to name a few.

487 squadron came first in the shooting and first aid competitions, as well as winning the junior and senior aircraft modelling competitions. The squadron will now go on to represent Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing at the regional competitions in all these subjects. Special honours also go to the senior aircraft recognition team who placed second, and the senior five-a-side football team who finished third.

OIC 487, Plt Off Cotton, said of the day: “It gives me great pleasure to say that the victory is thoroughly deserved by the cadets and is a tribute to the hard work and commitment they continue to put in, year on year. It is not only winning the events, but our ‘have a go’ attitude towards all events that sees the continuation of success at 487. Well done to every one of you, long may it continue!”

487 have now joined an elite group of squadrons who have won the title three times in a row. Here’s hoping for a fourth next year!

by: Sgt (ATC) N Gallivan 487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Sqn - W&B Wg
 

11 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Swadlincote Cadets Field Day Glory

For the 3rd successive year, 1211 (Swadlincote) Sqn has been crowned Midlands Champions in the South and East Midlands Wing annual Wing Field Day competition.
 

Twenty four cadets from Swadlincote Squadron spent the weekend competing with twenty-eight other Midlands Squadrons from across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire, and walked away as the winners of the overall event.

The event is broken down into several smaller competitions in specialist categories, including first aid, parade drill, ceremonial drill, target shooting, leadership exercises, aircraft recognition, aircraft modelling, media design and photography. Weeks of preparation and training ensured the Squadron performed consistently well in all categories, securing them the impressive win.

The Winners trophy was presented by Gp Capt Richard Hill, the Station Commander at RAF Wittering, where the competition took place, and was collected by the Squadron’s senior Cadet, CWO Charlie Hughes (18). CWO Hughes describes the moment the Squadron were announced the winners: "We were all thrilled and the whole team cheered the loudest I’ve ever heard. Marching up to the Group Captain to receive the award on behalf of the whole Squadron was an honour, knowing how much effort everyone has put into the training and the competition on the day. All the Cadets are very excited and proud of themselves for doing so well."

Swadlincote is the only Squadron in the South and East Midlands Wing to have won the competition six times in total. Team Manager for the day was 1211 Squadron’s Operations Officer, Flt Lt Rob Moore who said: "The cadets and staff have done exceptionally well to win this competition, against other highly-trained and motivated squadrons, including our neighbours in Derby and Beeston. It was a close run thing on the day but our team spirit shone through and to win three years in a row is a fantastic accolade for the cadets of Swadlincote and South Derbyshire.”

Image:  The Winning team from 1211 (Swadlincote) Sqn

by: Flt Lt Rob Moore RAF VR(T) 1211 (Swadlincote) Sqn - SEM Wg

10 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

209 Has More Luck With Tennis Balls than Andy Murray

On 8th July 2012 Andy Murray did not win Wimbledon. At Silverstone Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button did not win the British Grand Prix. But at RAF Wittering 209 (West Bridgford) Sqn won its first trophy for 13 years (albeit joint first place), at the South and East Midlands Wing Field Day.

209 Sqn entered teams in First Aid, Aircraft Recognition, Drill, shooting, Media, modelling and the Leadership Exercise. It was in the Leadership exercise that 209 finished joint first.

The exercise itself involved transporting tennis balls across an area using only garden canes but the competition was about the leadership shown by the team’s leader and the teamwork of the other cadets. The team’s leader, Cdt Cpl Barnaby Taylor (16) had to brief his team and assign tasks to individual members and then give motivation and encouragement during the exercise. Not only was he doing this in front of the judges but also the Station Commander of RAF Wittering, Gp Capt Richard Hill.

Cpl Taylor said of the exercise: “It was a challenging exercise but the team performed very well despite the extra pressure of being watched by the Station Commander. However he did speak to us afterwards and congratulated us on our performance.”

Along with good performances by finishing fifth in Public Relation and Banner Drill 209 Sqn finished 13th overall out of the 29 Sqns taking part.

Image: The Leadership Team, Cdts Dom Kay, Zoe Kirk, Cdt Cpl Barnaby Taylor with Leadership Trophy, Cdt Cpl Lydia Welham and Cdt Navraj Boughan.

by Sgt (ATC) Richard Vincett Sqn MCO 209 (West Bridgford) Sqn - SEM Wg
 

10 Jul 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Henlow Cadets Reach for the Sky

Cadets from 2482 (Henlow) Sqn took part in their annual Wing Field weekend at RAF Wyton. This was the culmination of months of work and preparation for the cadets to pit themselves against the best of the best from other squadron within the wing.

The weekend consisted of a number of field activities which tested agility, precision, strength, stamina and brain power as well as leaderships skills. Cdt FS Blofield said: “It’s has been such a brilliant experience leading the squadron team for the weekend, both the cadets and I gained such a lot from the weekend, it has made us so determined to win next year ............Watch out Beds & Cambs Wing.”

Plt Off Dave Robinson added: “The weekend has been a tremendous experience for most of the cadets and their first exposure to wing field weekend. I am extremely proud of what they achieved in such a short space of time, we managed 19th out of 28 squadrons. The cadets have had a great time and it’s been nice to see them having so much fun as a team.”

by: Plt Off Dave Robinson RAF VR(T) OiC 2482 (Henlow) Sqn - B&C Wg

22 Jun 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Wing Field Weekend & Review
 

Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing held their annual Wing Field weekend and Review at RAF Wyton recently, by kind permission of the Station Commander. After the weather forecast of rain, it came as a complete surprise that the Saturday although extremely windy was fine and mostly dry, with the Sunday being hot and sunny.

Teams of 12 cadets plus one IC Flight from the twenty nine squadrons and one detached flight marched around the station over both days, with flags and banners flying to compete in various exercises including Aircraft Recognition, Bridge building, code breaking exercises and Drill. The teams were visited on the day by the Station Commander of RAF Wyton/Brampton, Wg Cdr M G Brown MBE MSc BEng RAF and Mrs Brown, who not only visited the tented area and exercises on station, but also judged the Media Competition.

The Sunday morning was more formal with over 500 cadets and staff on parade for the Review. Following this there was an awards ceremony and a march past led by the Wing Band, with the salute taken by Air Commodore Gordon Moulds CBE RAF (Retd).

The Queens Diamond Jubilee Medal was awarded previously to all uniformed staff who had completed 5 years service on 6 February this year, and all were congratulated for this recognition by Her Majesty. As there were too many to name individually they accepted a round of applause.

Field exercises re-commenced after the Parade, and in the afternoon more trophies and awards were presented by the OC Beds & Cambs Wing, Wing Commander Paul Bower. The overall winners of the Wing Field weekend Trophy were 115 (Peterborough) Sqn.

Following the afternoons awards, as it was the last Field weekend for Officer Commanding the Wing, Wg Cdr Paul Bower was given three cheers by cadets, staff and civilian committees.

Images: 1. Field exercises; 2. Wing Review

by: Flt Lt Margaret Bell RAF VR(T) WSO Wing MCO B&C Wg

22 Jun 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Trophy Win for St Neots Cadets

Cadets and staff from 2500 (St Neots) Sqn were part of the Beds & Cambs Wing contingent who took part in the Wing Field weekend and Review recently.

The weekend comprised of Field exercises, with a Review of the Wing on the Sunday morning by Air Commodore Gordon Moulds CBE RAF Ret’d. Following the Review, Air Commodore Moulds presented the Officer Commanding 2500 Squadron, Flt Lt David Webb with the Citizenship Trophy, which was awarded to the squadron that has contributed most in the field of Citizenship Training within the local community.

Image: Award presentation

by: Flt Lt Margaret Bell RAF VR(T) Wing MCO B&C Wg

22 Jun 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Drill Champs
 

Cadets from 134 (Bedford) Sqn have an extra spring in their step having won the prestigious Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing Drill competition, in the last 10 years the team has won the Drill Trophy on eight occasions.
 

The squadron entered a team of twelve cadets, under the command of Cdt FS Jonathan Bell (17) into the competition, held at RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire over the weekend of the 15 to 17 June 2012. The event saw all 30 units within the wing competing against each other for the chance of winning this special and highly converted award.

The team was required to complete 50 individual movements, with precision, on a parade square under the scrutiny of the judging panel. In addition to the marching element of the competition, each cadet was thoroughly inspected to ensure that their uniforms were of the highest standard possible.

This year, Sgt (ATC) James Tye, one of the squadrons two qualified Drill Instructors, took the lead on developing and training the team. The unit’s Drill Team formed in March and has spent approximately 52.5 hours training for the competition. Much of the training was undertaken outside normal parade evenings, with cadets committing to extra hours on Sunday afternoons.

WO (ATC) Paul Taylor said: “We are all delighted to see the trophy return to Bedford Squadron. The success is testament to all the considerable levels of commitment displayed by the cadets, over recent months. Sgt James Tye should also be congratulated for his professionalism in training the team to such a high standard.”

Team Bedford will now go forward to the Central and East Regional Drill Competition that will be held at RAF Wittering in early September.

by: CI Chris Wiggins Sqn MCO 134 (Bedford) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

21 Jun 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Wisbech Success at Wing Field Weekend

Over the weekend of the 16th and 17th of June cadets and staff from 272 (Wisbech) Sqn attended the annual Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing Field Weekend and Review held at RAF Wyton, in Cambridgeshire.

The team did well in the Wing Field Weekend by coming three places higher in the competition than the previous year, which is a huge reflection on the hard work and the dedication by the cadets.

The cadets competed against 28 other squadrons from all over the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire area, taking part in activities which tested their leadership and teamwork, and other skills such as aircraft recognition, drill, musical ability, aero modelling, code breaking and many other skills.

The Wing Review took place on the Sunday morning with over 500 cadets and staff on parade. This year the reviewing officer was former Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds CBE RAF (Retd) who many of the cadets had met before when the Air Commodore had previously visited Wisbech Squadron.

During the review, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds stopped and spoke to one of the cadets from Wisbech Squadron, Cdt Cpl Kirsty Alderson (16). "I didn’t expect the Air Commodore to stop and speak to me, it was a bit of a shock, but it was an enjoyable experience and it really topped my weekend off," said Cpl Alderson.

After the parade had finished it was back into the activities for the remainder of the day. The cadets this year had a bit of experience in the team as in that many of the cadets had been in the team the previous year and knew what to expect from the weekend. The team did very well in the exercises this year, managing a 7th place finish in the Aircraft recognition competition. This is a big achievement for the cadets to get such a high placing in a corps subject.

The cadets have more overnight activities coming up over the summer months including Summer Camp and Llanbedr adventure training week.

Image:

by: CI Laura Nixon SMCO 272 (Wisbech) Sqn - B&C Wg

21 Jun 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Field Weekend Success For Cambridge

A team of cadets from 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn have recently attended the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing field weekend and Wing parade and review held at RAF Wyton.

This year the Wing parade and review saw over 350 cadets on parade for reviewing officer Air Commodore Gordon Moulds, former Commandant Air Cadets. During the parade Air Commodore Moulds said that Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing had always been in his top three in the Corps but after today was number one!

During the parade Cdt Alex McIntyre of the squadron was awarded with the trophy for best male sports cadet in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing. Alex has represented the squadron, wing and region in various sporting disciplines including athletics and rugby. Cdt Sgt George Metcalfe was awarded the Parker Britannia Trophy for success over the past year in the field of aviation. George has completed a gliding scholarship and the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme as well as his BTEC in aviation studies and gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. CWO Jess Bradshaw was formally presented her certificate following her selection as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Cambridgeshire.

Following the weekend of competition the cadets discovered they had come forth in the field competition compared to sixteenth last year and tenth in the drill competition compared to seventeenth last year. The aero modelling team were successful gaining two silver medals, one of which was for Cdt Rory Godwin with his model of a Gloster Meteor. There was triumph for the Squadron staff too when it was announced that Fg Off Chris Cox, Sqn MCO had won the staff photographic competition.

Cdt Rory Godwin said: “This was my first Wing Field Weekend and it was great to be part of the squadron team. The hard work and preparation certainly paid off and when it was announced I had won a silver medal I was shocked but very proud.”

Flt Lt Richard Slack, OC City of Cambridge Squadron added: “The squadron can rightly be proud of what it has achieved this weekend, it has been a team effort ranging from the most junior cadets through to senior squadron staff.”

Image: 1. A team photograph; 2. Cdt Bella Shallcross and Cdt Sgt Rhuben Smith take part in a leadership task

by: Fg Off Chris Cox RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

19 Jun 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Peterborough Cadets Crowned Champions

Who’s the best? 115 (Peterborough) Sqn cadets proved that they were the best in the region through a gruelling weekend of leadership exercises, drill and knowledge tests to be crowned Wing Field Champions of Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing. Every year, the 29 Squadrons and over 500 cadets assemble at RAF Wyton near St Ives to take part in the annual ‘Wing Field Competition’.

The event is an opportunity for cadets to test their skills, abilities and training with a series of challenging leadership exercises both physical and mental as well as a drill competition, code breaking and aircraft recognition. Only one squadron can be first and this year it was awarded to 115 (Peterborough) Sqn.

After months of hard work and effort by the cadets and staff, the 16 youngsters, aged from 14 through to 18 excelled in all areas, showing their commitment, dedication and hard work. They won six events outright, including photo interpretation, aircraft recognition and code breaking.

Adding these to the other points awarded in the various other exercises, they won a closely fought competition to secure victory with only one point to spare!

Flt Lt Stephen Dalton, OC Peterborough Squadron was extremely proud of the team: “I was overwhelmed with the result it was truly fantastic and so well deserved given the hard work and effort that cadets have put into the training and preparation. I am also pleased for all the wonderful adult staff whose enthusiasm, commitment and time created the opportunity for the cadets to perform to their very best.”

Not only did they win the overall trophy, Peterborough Sqn managed to secure the Enterprise award for fund raising for their Heritage project, CI Dan Beedon won first prize for the staff entry into aircraft modelling with his superb F15 Strike Eagle model, and the squadron secured third place in the Wing Media Photographic competition with a themed portfolio of three photos based around recruiting.

CI Roger Ash who was instrumental in coaching the cadets in the leadership exercises, summed up the feelings of the whole team stating: "Winning the competition was better than winning the FA Cup!"

Image: The Peterborough Wing Field Team 2012 along the Championship trophy.

by: Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

19 Jun 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Sandy Achieve New Best

On Sunday 17th June, cadets and staff from 22 (Sandy) Sqn returned from the Squadron’s most successful annual Wing Field Weekend in its history.

The weekend, held at RAF Wyton, saw the cadets and staff arriving on the Friday to set up camp and preparing for the start of the competitions the next morning. The competition brings together all 29 Squadrons in Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire to compete in a number of leadership and teamwork exercises, as well as drill, aircraft recognition, ensemble, and much more.

This year the squadron achieved an astonishing 2nd place in the drill competition, led by Cdt FS Tiffany Cotton (17), beating the squadron’s previous best from last year of 8th place. The drill team also had the honour of being watched by former Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds CBE RAF (Retd), who took the time afterwards to commend their excellent performance.

The field team, which are tested on teamwork and leadership through a series of exercises, achieved a respectable 11th place, another new best result for the squadron. Also the exercise run by CIs Lucy Anderson, and Jeffrey Henshaw, was awarded 2nd best exercise overall of the weekend. The ensemble team also sung their way to 3rd place, just missing out on the chance to perform during the final parade.

The squadron also saw success in the media communications competition, which this year was to design an Air Cadet display to be used at an event such as a fete, and shows. Cdt Cpl William Clubb (15), came second in the cadet category, with CI Jeffrey Henshaw winning the staff category, combined securing the Wing Communications Trophy.

Congratulation to Cdt Elliot Hall (15), in the aero modelling competition in both the Class 1 aircraft kit, and Class 2 scratch aircraft categories, gaining 1st place in both. Also to CI Jeffrey Henshaw for 2nd in the Class 5 staff open.

The Squadron's Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Mark Robinson commented: “The cadets can be extremely proud of what they have achieved. The results this weekend has taken months of hard work and commitment by the whole Squadron, something we hope to continue for next year”.

The squadron would like to thank Sandy Upper School and Stevenage Leisure Limited, for allowing the drill team to practice on the School grounds, allowing the team to achieve their amazing result. We would also like to thank the Squadron Civilian Committee for their support and for providing the excellent food during the weekend.

by: CI Jeffrey Henshaw Sqn MCO 22 (Sandy) Sqn - B&C Wg

19 Jun 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Thurston Defy Bad Weather In The Beacons

12 cadets and six staff from 863 (Thurston) Sqn braved the heavy rain last weekend to enjoy a four day adventure training expedition in the Brecon Beacons.

The expedition commenced on the Thursday of the half term holiday, taking several new cadets to a campsite in Llangorse near Brecon. The campsite was situated perfectly, near to a lake and just a short distance from the hills and nearby mountains. The cadets enjoyed night and day navigation exercises, hill walking, canoeing and river crossing exercises, as well as learning vital camp craft skills.

Cdt Sgt George Mothersole and Cdts Matt Baldry, Ewan Gadd, Chris Gwatkin, Megan Hood, Sophie Hunt, Harry Jones, William Lockyear, Matthew Moeser, Harvey Pearson, Matt Skoyles and Callum Wade battled the challenging weather conditions, but morale remained high throughout the expedition and gave the new cadets an enjoyable first experience of adventure training.

Image: Cdt Gwatkin, Cdt Sgt Mothersole, Cdts Hunt & Pearson

by: CI Claire Marks Sqn MCO 863 (Thurston) Sqn - N&S Wg
 

17 Jun 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadets Celebrate the Jubilee at Swynnerton – Wet but Wonderful

Over two hundred and sixty cadets from South and East Midlands Wing showed their grit and determination in ensuring they got their full value from the Swynnerton Experience even in the worst weather ever experienced at the Wing’s Spring Jubilee Camp.

Accompanied by around eighty staff and Instructor Cadets, the cadets from all over the Midlands and spanning the entire cadet age group were split into twelve flights of around twenty cadets each to spend a week competing against each other whilst being trained and exercised in numerous disciplines.

Held at the Army Training Estate at Swynnerton, Staffordshire, a busy programme was formulated by the Camp Training Officer, Fg Off Jodi Hudson, that included; First Aid (Casevac), Shooting, Drill, Field Craft, “Gun Run”, Mortar, and an Adventure Day that featured mountain biking and a climbing wall amongst others.

Leadership and teamwork were tested throughout the week especially during the days of continuous rain when the Flight Commanders (all under eighteen years of age) had to keep up the cadet’s morale under extreme circumstances.

It was also a tough time for those staffing the exercises. All volunteers who had given up their time to ensure that the cadets had the very best of training and entertainment, They too had to endure the appalling conditions. Through wind, sun and torrential rain, the week of training and activities continued to run to the planned timetable and it was a tribute to the cadets that they were determined to press on and fight for the title of 'Best Flight at Jubilee Swynnerton 2012'.

As a 'Training' week, tangible awards gained were 5 Squadron Marksmen, 5 Wing Marksmen and one Region Award. But it isn’t just about gaining awards and qualifications, it’s about cadets learning about themselves and what they are capable of, it’s about living and working in close proximity to others and as such, the camp was highly successful. Several cadets also used the week to complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Gold Residential

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee was not forgotten. Bunting and Union Flags were greatly in evidence around the exercise area and the staff had a small buffet during the week.

On the camp’s Final Parade, Wg Cdr Nigel Dickinson, Officer Commanding the Wing praised the cadets for their endurance and fortitude during the days of continuous rain. The staff was also recognised by Nigel for putting in the time, not only during the week at Swynnerton, but for all the hours spent planning and setting up the exercises. Nigel told the cadets: “Swynnerton doesn’t just happen. Planning for next year is already underway and staff will spend many hours during the next twelve months putting together another great Swynnerton” The Wing Commander gave particular mention to Sqn Ldr Carl Wilson for acting as The Camp Commandant who oversaw the week, and to Fg Off Jodi Hudson who, as Training Officer, was responsible for putting the planned training into action.
 

Before dismissing the Parade, and after a verse of the National Anthem, the Camp Warrant Officer, WO Alan Wiggs (ATC), called upon all to give three hearty cheers for her Majesty.
 

Images: 1. Sorting The Problem on the Rope Exercise; 2. Cdt FS Liam "Ozzy" Osbiston is supported by his Jubilant Flight after winning 'Best Flight at Jubilee Swynnerton'; 3. Three Cheers for Her Majesty

by: Flt Lt Alan Munns RAF VR(T) Wing MCO - SEM Wg

14 Jun 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Celebrations and Achievement

Cadets from 134 (Bedford) Sqn have celebrated in style a number of memorable achievements, during what was a busy Jubilee weekend.

The squadron, operating from a tented Headquarters set up at Dibgate Camp, Folkestone, Kent, celebrated the unit’s 73rd birthday on Saturday 2nd June and marked the occasion with a birthday cake emblazoned with the Squadron Crest. Bedford Squadron was formed on 2nd June 1939 as an Air Defence Cadet Corps unit prior to the formation of the Air Training Corps, in 1941.

On Sunday 3rd June, the Squadron participated in the Annual Spitfire Cadet March, deploying two teams to tackle to 25 mile ‘Red Route’ and the 16 mile ‘Blue Route’. Despite the damp conditions, both teams successfully completed their respective routes and were awarded a special Diamond Jubilee Edition of the Cadet March Medal.

During the march, which the Squadron has attended for 9 years in a row, the cadets were able to visit the Battle of Britain Memorial a Capel-le-Fern and learnt about the heroic efforts of Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain.

With the Cadet March completed, the Squadron’s Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Khalid Murad, presented Cadet March Medals to the 16 cadets who tackled the Red and Blue routes.

The presentation ceremony was followed by a Diamond Jubilee tent party to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The mess tent was emblazoned in red, white and blue bunting and union flags. The cadets were treated to a special three course meal, cooked in a field kitchen by the Civilian Committee. The meal consisted of cream of tomato soup, home made chicken pie with mash and runner beans, followed by chocolate sponge and chocolate sauce. The meal concluded with a toast to the Queen to mark her incredible achievement.

Flt Lt Murad said: ”The Jubilee weekend was full of celebrations, especially marking the 73rd Birthday of the Squadron. The cadets and staff who completed the march were deservedly rewarded for their physical effort and achievement. The Jubilee Party including the Loyal Toast to her Majesty the Queen and fine dining in the field topped off the weekend. Being my first deployment with the Squadron, I am extremely proud of the unit’s performance despite the inclement weather conditions.”

by: CI Chris Wiggins Sqn MCO 134 (Bedford) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

07 Jun 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Kettering Cadets are Natural Born Leaders

Cadets from 1101 (Kettering) Sqn beat off stiff competition last week and are one step closer to winning a sought-after leadership challenge.

A group of six young people took part in a laser tag leadership exercise and beat (Mannock) Sqn in Wellingborough to be crowned winners.

CWO Haylee Widdall, Cdt Sgts Oliver Peterson-Buckley & Sam Berry, Cdt Cpls Alexander York, Oliver Babb and Jack Trevaskis will now all face stiff competition in leadership challenge final at the end of June.

The Squadron's commanding officer, Flt Lt Guy Slack, said: “The cadets who took part in this challenge are our more senior cadets and are all supported and instructed in being the best sort of leader. I am delighted that our cadets have been successful in reaching the final and thoroughly look forward to hearing the result.”

by: Abi Goldson Sqn MCO 1101 (Kettering) Sqn - SEM Wg

28 May 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

A Weekend of Training at Cambridge

Cadets from 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn have completed a weekend of training in preparation for the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing Field Weekend Competition.

The training weekend allowed cadets to prepare for the weekend by taking part in leadership tasks run by the Squadron staff which allowed cadets to train in a safe and constructive environment. Following each exercise cadets were given detailed feedback along with ways in which they could improve. During the weekend the squadron’s drill team were also able to practice as were the squadron ensemble entry.

CI Ian Griffiths said: “The weekend was very successful and it provided an excellent training opportunity for the cadets to prepare for the competition. In addition, detailed de-briefs allowed us to identify areas for improvement.”

Images: Leadership tasks in action.

by: Fg Off Chris Cox RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn - B&C Wg

24 May 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

209's Waendel Wanderers

For the second year in a row cadets and staff from 209 (West Bridgford) Sqn have taken part in the International Waendel Walk. There are many different distances and routes available to the walkers all of which start in Wellingborough. 209 opted for the 15km route which after leaving Wellingborough follows the route of the River Nene before climbing the thankfully gentle rise up to Great Doddington.

The weather was perfect walking weather with bright sunshine and a good breeze to keep the temperature down. Despite the occasional dog walker and mum with pram we kept up a good pace and after 2 hours reached the half way point. This was the ideal point to get the rucksacks off our backs and hit the lunch packs. For Cdt Sgt Serena Linley it was also a good time to apply deodorant!

After lunch it was time to put our best foot forward and complete the second half of the walk. Despite a few aching limbs amongst the staff the team kept up the same pace as before lunch and finished the second half of the course in 2 hours. We may not have completed the longest route available but there was still a sense of accomplishment as we marched towards the finish. We collected our medals and pinned them on which added to the occasion.

Cdt Sgt Serena Linley (17) said: “This was the second Waendel Walk I’ve been on with 209 and it’s still a challenging but rewarding day.”

Image: Cdts Wildman and Mead lead the way

by: Sgt Richard Vincett (ATC) Sqn MCO 209 (West Bridgford) Sqn - SEM Wg

21 May 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Flood Threat Imminent

Thirteen cadets from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn spent a wet and windy Saturday taking on leadership training exercises over the recent Bank Holiday weekend. The weekend was organised to encourage the cadets and get them exploring different solutions to scenarios whilst working as a team.

All of the cadets had tremendous fun over the weekend as they attempted to get their team and equipment across an area of land without touching the ground and then building towers using wood and rope. The cadets were split into two teams, with mixed abilities. The teams showed competitiveness and team work whilst trying to solve the task and think outside of the box.

The favourite activity of the weekend was the tower building. The two teams battled it out to see which team could build a structure out of various pieces of wood and rope. The aim was to be able to get all of their team and equipment to sit one meter off the ground due to the imminent risk of flooding.

Pictured is the winning team who not only assembled the structure in the quickest time, but the tower was able to withstand all of the cadets sitting in strategic places and holding their equipment. Unfortunately, the other team’s structure was not as sturdy!

Image: Cdt Sgts Ash & Purcell, Cdt Cpl Hodgkin, Cdts Russell, Brown, Russo and Pace

by: Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

18 May 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

RAF WARMA

Three cadets and one member of staff from 2484 (Bassingbourn) Sqn braved the torrential downpour at the weekend in order to complete the annual RAF WARMA March held at RAF Cosford.

The Royal Air Force Walking and Road Marching Association, hold this event every year which sees both military and civilian teams walking 50 miles over two days. The completion of this strenuous march qualifies the teams to take part in the Nijmegen marches, which are held in Holland each year and sees the teams walking 100 miles over four days.

Cdt FSs Ryan Slater (17) and Matt Sibley (17), Cdt Sgt Ollie Stewart (17) and SAC Scott Allen RAF were all members of the two Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing teams and completed the march in a decent time despite the weather. This is the fourth time SAC Allen has completed this march, and he noted: “Due to the weather conditions, this was the hardest march I have ever experienced. Despite this the team morale was high and we all sang songs which helped us to persevere with the task at hand. I’m very proud of all the cadets and staff involved.”

The teams finished the weekend by marching back to base, applauded by Officers, members of other teams and bands. They were then awarded their prestigious medals and travelled home to rest their aching muscles.

Sqn Ldr Paul Thompson-Clark, team manager, said: "Congratulations to everyone involved in this weekend’s efforts. The marchers, drivers and support staff all did a cracking job. It was hugely emotional to watch the teams march past the Station Commander. Next stop Nijmegen!"

Image: The team marches in after walking 50 miles in the pouring rain with determination on their faces

by: CWO Claire Kelly Sqn MCO 2484 (Bassingbourn) Sqn - B&C Wg

09 May 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Twins Tackle Tough Road Marching Competition

Two cadets from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn have completed a wet and gruelling 50 mile walk over the weekend of 28th and 29th April in order to be in the running for selection to attend the prestigious march at Nijmegen in the Netherlands in July.

The two day road marching event is held at DCAE Cosford, in Shropshire, each year and run by the Royal Air Force Road Marching Association (RAF WARMA). It is used as a qualifier for military teams who are hoping to go to the next stage and represent their squadrons at the annual International Four Day Marches, or Vierdaagse, in Nijmegen, Netherlands in July.

The 4 day event in July sees teams from all over the world, not just military teams, complete a course of 50kms per day, often in the high summer heat. It is not just physical but mental preparation is needed by these two hopefuls.

Cdts Omega and Darcy Russell, aged 16, have been pounding the tarmac in their boots since September in a bid to be selected for the Bedford and Cambridgeshire Wing team. They said: "We found the training really difficult at the beginning, having never tried anything like this before but we have been working really hard and attending all of the practice marches in preparation. The weather was not favourable to us this weekend but we carried on with a great deal of team spirit. We were overjoyed when we finished the course."

The twins were awarded their medals for completion of the course and were also awarded a Team Award for being the best cadets within the team.

Cdt Omega Russell said: "I was thrilled to be given this award as it shows our determination to represent the squadron and the wing at the Nijmegen March. We can’t wait to hear whether we have been selected."

Image: The twins with their medals and boots. On the left is Omega and Darcy Russell is on the right.

by: Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg

04 May 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadets Stay WARMA Despite Wet Weather

A cadet from 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn has completed the RAF WARMA road march held at RAF Cosford. Cdt Cpl Oscar Waldron completed the event as part of the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing team.

The WARMA (RAF Walking and Road Marching Association) march is a fifty mile team march which sees cadets complete twenty five miles each day over a weekend. The event is used as a qualifier for the Nijmegen marches in Holland in which teams complete a one hundred mile march over four days.

During the event the team sung songs to keep up levels of morale, an essential act considering the cadets were marching in some of the worst weather the event has ever seen. The finish of each day saw teams applauded home by Officers, members of other teams and bands, the end gave teams the opportunity to rest their feet and weary muscles.

At the end of the event Cdt Cpl Waldron was presented with his Cosford medal by Sqn Ldr Paul Thomson-Clark, who confirmed he will join the team in Holland for the Nijmegen march in July.

Cpl Oscar Waldron said: “This amazing weekend was a great test of physical and mental endurance along with teamwork, working as a team is a key element to being part of the Air Cadets. During the weekend I picked up one small blister but it didn’t bother me and was forgotten about by the time I collected my medal.”

Fg Off Chris Cox added: “What Cdt Cpl Waldron has achieved is phenomenal; there is the physical and mental challenge which was increased by the appalling weather.”

Image: Cdt Cpl Oscar Waldron receives his Cosford medal from Sqn Ldr Paul Thomson-Clark

by: Fg Off Chris Cox RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn - B&C Wg

01 May 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

March Tackle The Three Yorkshire Peaks

The cadets from 1220 (March) Sqn recently tackled the three Yorkshire Peaks as part of the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s award expedition training.

Over a long weekend, the squadron travelled to the Yorkshire Dales and camped near Settle. They planned three routes to take on one of the three classic peaks each day. Throughout the weekend the cloud base was low, there was left over snow on the fell tops and the rain was never very far away.

Day one saw the team take on Whernside, The group started near Ribblehead and walked around the base of Whernside to get some distance in before tackling the hill later in the day. After a quick descent the walk finished by walking under the Ribblehead Viaduct that carries the Settle to Carlisle Railway.

On the second day the team started from Horton-in-Ribblesdale and took a direct route up Ingleborough. This took them over some classic limestone pavement which is prevalent in the Yorkshire Dales. After lunch at the summit they contoured around Simon Fell before descending towards Ribblehead and then following the River Ribble back to the start.

The final day and the final peak tackled was Pen-y-Ghent. On the way up they passed by a sink hole named Churn Milk Hole. From the summit of Pen-y-Ghent they continued over Plover Hill and on the way down visited a massive pot hole named Hull Pot.

Whilst walking up these classic fells the cadets were able to hone their navigation skills, particularly as visibility was quite low a lot of the time. They were also able to get used to the distances and terrain they will need to deal with when completing their Gold Expedition later on this year.

The squadron recently received a grant from Roddens, part of which purchased some new expedition tents. These were put to the test over the weekend and were easily up to the task of protecting the cadets from the poor weather.

Cdt Cpl Daniel Holder said: “The new tents are great and I’m looking forward to using them again. After this weekend I know what preparation I need to do between now and the expedition to make sure I am able to complete it and enjoy doing so at the same time.”

Image: Cadets and staff

by: Flt Lt Kirsty Burnham RAF VR(T) OC 1220 (March) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

01 May 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Norfolk & Suffolk Wing Field Weekend 2012

240 cadets and around 80 staff recently descended on Bodney Camp in Norfolk for this year’s Norfolk and Suffolk Wing Field Weekend. Planned slightly earlier in the year than usual there was a worry that the weather may hamper the weekend but the sun came out for two of the warmest days of the year for what turned out to be a great weekend.

Teams of eight cadets from the 29 squadrons around the Wing competed in a round robin of events including the 17 piece obstacle course, first aid scenarios, field craft and leadership exercises, shooting, archery, orienteering and aircraft recognition and the with the hope of winning the competition and going forward to represent the Wing at the Regional Field Day.

After two full days of competition the finale involved each of the teams competing against in each other in a timed mini bus pull cheered on by their fellow cadets and attending staff. The concluding part of the weekend saw Wg Cdr David Miller presenting the winning team’s medals and the overall winners trophy. The winners of the individual events were as follows;

Evening Exercise – 759 (Beccles) Sqn
Shooting – 432 (Woodbridge) Sqn
Archery – 432 (Woodbridge) Sqn
Leadership Exercises – 1379 (Leiston) Sqn
Obstacle Course – 42F (Kings Lynn) Sqn
First Aid – 356 (Felixstowe) Sqn
Aircraft Recognition – 432 (Woodbridge) Sqn
Field craft – 221 (Great Yarmouth) Sqn
Orienteering – 863 (Thurston) Sqn
Minibus Pull – 1070 (Diss) Sqn

The winning team of the 2012 Norfolk and Suffolk Wing Field Competition were 432 (Woodbridge) Sqn, with 356 (Felixstowe) Sqn in 2nd place and 863 (Thurston) Sqn in 3rd.

Officer Commanding Norfolk and Suffolk Wing, Wg Cdr David Miller said: “It’s great to see cadets from across the Wing fostering the spirit of the competition and showing real enthusiasm for all of the activities. Many congratulations too, to the cadets of 432 (Woodbridge) Sqn.”

by: Flt Lt Jason Robinson RAF VR(T) Wing MCO - N&S Wg

26 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

The Easter Eggspedition

Although the weather was against them, forty-six cadets and thirteen staff members from 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn visited Edale in the Peak District over the Easter weekend.

On the way to The Peak Centre, Champion House, cadets visited the Edale Mountain Rescue service, during which they were taught about the service itself; the volunteers and their roles, the equipment and vehicles, the rescue process and much more, as well as a crash course in resuscitation. Huge thanks go to the volunteers who put up with us all and planned the presentation. As all their funding must be raised privately to pay for the service they provide we will be sending a donation to their cause.

A group of cadets completed their Silver Duke of Edinburgh qualifying or practice expedition, despite battling with snow drifts, a lot of mud and rain and some challenging navigation. A group member, Cdt Matt Meikle. said: “It was an enjoyable expedition but a relief to finish it; it’s great to know that now anywhere is achievable for us because we have conquered the Peak District’s challenging terrain.”

Cdt Sgt Antoinette Brindley agreed, but mentioned that: “The snow hid some water holes, which was a pain, because the only way to avoid them was…well, you couldn’t, it was too late. We got wet…” Two groups also completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh qualifying expedition in the same conditions – a massive well done to them all!

For the other cadets, a day walk filled one of the four days they were away; with as little as twenty metre visibility in places, due to very low cloud on the peaks, the walk was challenging even with only a daysack – so we felt for those camping and carrying everything. Cdt Baylee Peck was pleased to only have to complete a day, as he lost both walking boots to a bog and had to dig them back out again! As Cdt FS Ryan Brindley said: “The walks were long, the weather was poor, but the morale of all cadets was high…and at least we all had warm beds to return to!”

Indeed the facilities at Champion House were fantastic. Everyone enjoyed the food, Two staff members had to feed almost sixty people, but Mrs Tokley and Mrs Blackman, members of the Civilian Committee, accepted that challenge and every meal time without a doubt was served to a very high standard.

One days’ worth of activities was based at Champion House in the grounds. Nightline, a blindfolded leadership exercise, went down a treat with those who haven’t done it before; Cdt Charlie Good said: “Walking blindfold in a line through a forest was initially quite scary, but thanks to the trust and high level of communication between the cadets it was transformed into an injury-free and fun activity!”

Other activities included archery, went down a treat; the competition, which included balloons on the targets, was one of the high points of a very busy event. Cdt Cpl Sophie Atkinson said: “The archery was a lot of fun as the game brought out the competitive streaks in everyone; it was a new experience which many of us hadn’t tried before, and I’m really glad I had the opportunity to take part.”

Initial Expedition Training (in which we learnt where to set up camp, how to set up and strike camp in bad weather, nutrition for expeditions, cooking on Trangias etc.) was helpful to all those who have not yet done a Duke of Edinburgh expedition. Cdt Dunlop said: “IET was really fun and I enjoyed using a Trangia for the first time”.

Mrs Tokley and Mrs Blackman also taught many of us how to bake a variety of deserts and snacks. Cdt FS Carl Blackman said: “The baking was very enjoyable, even if it did get a bit messy sometimes! All the cadets were really creative and the walkers certainly appreciated coming off the hills to freshly baked cakes!"

The climbing wall was available for three hours on the Saturday evening, and went down a storm; despite the many challenges set by instructors and one vertical wall with an overhang, many cadets reached the top or at least had a good go. What a fantastic facility! Cdt James Ellis thought: "The climbing wall was really good, with facilities for basic climbers but also allowing advanced climbers a challenge by using only certain colour outcrops or even none at all, purely using the features of the wall."

Following this the civilian committee organised a decorate-the-Easter-egg competition, judged by a visiting staff member the Officer Commanding 17 (Coningsby) Sqn. Some staff members made a working model of climbers and be-layers climbing and descending the wall! Shockingly, it didn’t win; congratulations go instead to Cdt Cpls Sophie Atkinson and Yvette Stimson for their first place 'Shell-Ock Holmes' scene. The evening was rounded off by a general knowledge quiz which was won by Cdt Alex Sellers.

Flt Lt Mel Walker, the Officer Commanding Sleaford Sqn, said: “As a result of the planning and preparation and following execution of the weekend, thirteen tired staff returned with the warm glow of knowledge all forty-six cadets had enjoyed themselves; nine had completed their qualifying expedition at Bronze Duke of Edinburgh level and a further two had completed their qualifying expedition at Silver Duke of Edinburgh level, alongside countless practices at all three levels. The feedback questionnaires confirmed that the hard work was worth it.”

On behalf of all cadets in attendance, thanks go to the uniformed and civilian staff members who gave up the longest bank holiday the year in order to run the weekend; all feedback so far has been resoundingly positive. Please can we go back next year? Extra thanks go to Flt Lt Walker for not only giving up her bank holiday but her fortieth birthday party to be with us all.

Images by Staff Cdt FS Carl Blackman: 1. Help, how do I get out of this!!? 2. Hitting the wall

by: Cdt FS Abi Walker Assistant Sqn MCO 2160 Sleaford Sqn - Trent Wing
 

25 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Rain Does Not Halt Air Cadets

29 cadets from 115 (Peterborough), and 2430 (Holbeach) Sqns braved the elements last weekend to learn key field-craft skills at RAF Wittering.

Despite a weather forecast of heavy rain and squalls all weekend, air cadets toughed it out to complete a two night training exercise which gave the cadets exposure to field craft; teaching them camouflage and concealment techniques, cooking whilst in the field, radio communication, field manoeuvres as well as building temporary shelters.

Sgt Kev Foxcroft (ATC) said: “Some of the cadets on the training weekend had never experienced being out in the field, so this was an excellent experience for them as the new skills will be put to use in a more advanced exercise we will be running later in the year.”

Cadets were lucky enough to be shown some of the Air Forces’ high tech kit such as night vision equipment whilst under instruction from Sgt Stu Fountain (RAF Regiment) from 504 Squadron (R) who came to assist as a Service Instructor. Cdt Cpl Faupel said: “We all had a great time this weekend, it started off raining but this did not dampen our spirits and eventually the sun did come out. We learnt loads on how to survive in the field and got the opportunity to try the 24 hour ration packs that serving military personnel use whilst deployed on exercise."

Image: Cadets from 115 (Peterborough) & 2430 (Holbeach) Sqns show off their camouflage skills!

by: Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

24 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Sandy Cadets Easter Camp

Cadets from 22 (Sandy) Sqn recently returned from a week long camp Stanta Army Training Area, Wretham. The camp held during the Easter holidays saw 14 cadets from the Squadron joining cadets from across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire for the camp.

The week saw the cadets taking part in bridge and raft building, abseiling, field craft training, first aid, orienteering, as well as a night exercise.

It was a successful week for Sandy Squadron, with Cdt Cpl William Clubb and Cdt Ryan Elsby being part of D Flight, which was awarded best overall flight for the week, as well as the Orienteering exercise.

H Flight, lead by Cdt FS Kimberly Coates, along with Cdt Cpl Lauren Barton, Cdts Jack Hutchison and Marek Subocz-Schram, took the award for best performance on the night exercise. Sandy cadets also took awards for best female room, and third for the male rooms.

Cdt Cpl Lauren Barton said: “It was a physically demanding week, but nevertheless an extremely rewarding experience.” Cdt Cpl William Clubb also said of the week: “As my first Easter camp, it gave me a good insight as to what I can expect if I was to pursue a career in the forces. I t was a really great week, and I meet a lot of new people.”

by: Cdt Cpls Lauren Barton & William Clubb 22 (Sandy) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

24 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Ramsey Cadets Have Fun At Easter Camp

During the Easter holiday 9 cadets and 3 members of staff from 511 (Ramsey) Sqn attended the ‘Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing’ Easter camp at Wretham near Thetford.

This large base is used as a military training area where cadets were taken through military style exercises throughout the week. Over 300 cadets from the Wing took part.

The cadets enjoyed making rafts, abseiling down a 100 meter tower, orienteering and leadership and First Aid exercises. All of this practice was put into a 3 day and one night exercise on the training area. This exercise was extremely testing, as the cadets had to manage their sleep and eating patterns. Along with 24 hours of rainfall, which really tested the shelters for sleeping in, using only a groundsheet. Fg Off Alan Sidney said: “All the cadets and staff enjoyed a challenging but rewarding week.

Image: Cdt FS Dan Payne briefing his team prior to the overnight exercise

by: Plt Off Helen Roseman RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 511 (Ramsey) Sqn - B&C Wg

23 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

What Did You Do During Easter Break?

13 cadets from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn spent a week of their Easter holidays experiencing field craft training at the STANTA military training ground in Norfolk.

The youngsters, aged between 13 and 18 spent their time off school experiencing activities such as orienteering, leadership exercises, field craft training and camping. To be able to participate in these camps, the local cadets had to attend field craft training beforehand to ensure they were up to the challenge.

"It is a great opportunity for the youth of today to get away from all modern technology and experience and learn new skills such as makeshift shelter building and cooking their own tea without the aid of a microwave! It fosters team spirit and shows them that there is more to life than sitting on Facebook," said WO Gary Akehurst (ATC).

by: Karen Barfield Sqn MCO 115 (Peterborough) Sqn - B&C Wg

23 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Expedition Training Weekend For New Recruits

863 (Thurston) Sqn have held a Junior Initial Expedition Training weekend for their seven newest recruits, providing a taste of the adventure training opportunities open to them as Air Cadets. The camp was held at Thorpe Woodlands Adventure Centre in Thetford Forest; a fantastic facility fully equipped to provide a wide range of outdoor activities.

The cadets learnt camp craft and expedition skills, including how to put up a tent correctly, cooking outdoors, initiative exercises, team building, orienteering, navigation and map reading, and they also enjoyed a mountain biking session around Thetford Forest.

Cdts Jack Collier, Christopher Gwatkin, Robert Hall, Megan Hood, Georgia Macdonald, Anastasia Oakey, and Harvey Pearson received all the training they require to complete the Initial Expedition Training aspect of the First Class syllabus.

This enables them to take part in expeditions with the squadron, and once they have completed all subjects within this syllabus and become First Class cadets, they are eligible to go flying, gliding, shooting, on camps and compete in inter-squadron competitions.
 

Image: Cdt Macdonald team building exercise

by: CI Claire Marks Sqn MCO 863 (Thurston) Sqn - N&S Wg

22 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Birmingham Cadets on Exercise in North Wales

A total of 25 cadets from across the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing spent their Easter in the Snowdonia National Park, taking part in a week’s adventure training camp on Exercise Tigger 12. The cadets, 11 from 485 (Harborne and Quinton) and 13 from (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Sqns, joined by CWO Tabram from 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn, travelled to the Army Training Centre at Capel Curig on Easter Sunday.

Accompanying the cadets were Flt Lt Simon Jennings, Plt Off Sarah Cotton, FS Andy Hudson and CI Ellen Seymour. They were joined in mid-week by Flt Lt Brendan O’Neill, OC of 487 Sqn, and Officer Cadet Gemma Carpenter from 489 Sqn.

It was an eventful journey to North Wales as one of the mini-buses decided to throw clouds of first black, then white smoke from the exhaust, things didn’t look good! The cadets were transported to a place of safety (a local garden centre, which they didn’t seem to enjoy)? It was then a long wait for the AA to turn up; Plt Off Cotton was heard to complain that there weren’t enough leisure activities for people broken down. Still, the three member’s staff passed the time by playing I-Spy!

We were eventually back on the road and the first event of the camp was a trip to the Ogwen Mountain Rescue Team (MRT). As we arrived the team was rushing around as they had received a call-out. The visit by the cadets still continued, however, when another emergency call was received, we were asked to leave as all the team members were required for the rescue. It later transpired that one of the rescues was to a Scout leader who had twisted his ankle on Tryfan; he was led down the mountain by the team, finally arriving at the bottom at 21.30!

Once back at Capel, the cadets were split into their flights for the week and the cadets were soon getting to know each other.

Monday came around and the weather was not very good, it rained constantly for 24 hours!! However, this didn’t stop the training as the cadets were transported to the Beddgelert Forest to take part in Orienteering training. The cadets were soon getting very wet and cold, however, everybody got on with it and we had no complaints, a truly great effort by the cadets, and indeed, the staff!

Tuesday was a better day and after a hearty Army breakfast the cadets were transported to the National Mountain Centre at Plas-Y-Brennan to take part in a day’s adventure training. The cadets were split into groups, half going to the lake to take part in kayaking and canoeing, and the other half to take part in rock climbing.

The cadets were supervised all day by staff from the Mountain Centre and whilst it was a cold day again, all the cadets learnt a great deal from the day. Spare clothing was definitely needed as for some reason the cadets thought it was sensible to have a paddle in the water when they got out of their kayaks!

Wednesday was set to be another busy day as the majority of the cadets climbed Mount Snowdon, the highest mountain in Wales and England. For the majority of the cadets this was their first experience of climbing a mountain and all the cadets made steady progress towards the summit. A great day was had by all, the cadets experienced a host of differing conditions on the ascent/descent and they all learnt a great deal.

Thursday was the best day of the week in terms of the weather and the cadets were transported to the town of Bethesda, where the cadets were set to undertake a day of map and compass work in the hills around the town. One of the groups picked up a sheep’s skull and it was quickly named “Jeffrey” and is now a proud member of 485 Sqn.

The last night of the camp saw Plt Off Cotton gather the cadets together for a quiz. One of the questions set by Sgt Nicky Gallivan from 487 Sqn was how old is Plt Off Cotton? One of the teams thought that she was 36, only eleven years out…..! Even though the cadets had eaten dinner in the mess, they somehow managed to scoff down a number of pizzas and cans of pop later in the night!!

The last day of the camp saw the cadets travel to the Sun centre in Rhyl where they were soon swimming in all the differing pools and having a great time to end the camp.

Flt Lt Simon Jennings, OC 485 Sqn commented: “Firstly I would like to thank the staff for giving up their week to come on this camp. Whilst I had the original idea for this camp in 2011, all the hard work was done by Plt Off Sarah Cotton and FS Andy Hudson.

"I would especially like to thank Flt Lt Brendan O’Neill and Officer Cadet Gemma Carpenter for taking leave in the middle of the week to travel to Capel Curig to help us carry out the activities in the mountains. I would secondly like to give particular thanks to CWO Tabram from 163 Sqn. As the senior cadet on the camp she was absolutely outstanding and she had the respect of all the other 24 cadets. All the staff commented on how they could give her a task to do and it was completed quickly and efficiently. Lastly, I would like to thank all of the cadets on the camp. Despite bad weather at some points during the week, we didn’t have any moaners and the team work ethic was fantastic all week. All the staff and cadets were shattered by the end of the week, a sure sign that everybody had worked hard!”

by: Flt Lt Simon Jennings RAF VR(T) OC 485 (Harborne and Quinton) Sqn - W&B Wg

20 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Lake District Adventure For Cambridge Cadets

Two cadets and a member of staff from 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn have enjoyed an action packed week of adventure training in the Lake District.

The group were joined by other members of Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing for the annual training week which saw cadets take part in activities such as hill walking, orienteering, scrambling, climbing and abseiling. Cadets utilised accommodation at the Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre in Windermere which was their base for the week.

Evenings allowed the cadets to socialise with one and other creating lifelong friendships. Later in the year cadets will get the opportunity to spend a week in Wales with the chance to reach the summit of Snowdon. Cdt Cpl Charlie Kivlin said: “The week was really fun, as well as all the excellent opportunities on offer we were able to meet new people.”

Officer Cadet Max Avard added: “Cadets from the squadron continue to take part in a wide range of activities both in the UK and overseas. The squadron and the Air Cadet Organisation continues to demonstrate how continues to serve young people and the local community.”

Image: Cdt Sgt George Metcalfe, Officer Cadet Max Avard and Cdt Cpl Charlie Kivlin.

by: Fg Off Chris Cox RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

17 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Wisbech Cadets Enjoy Windermere

Two cadets and one member of staff from 272 (Wisbech) Sqn recently returned from a week long expedition in the Lake District following adventure training activities at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre at Windermere.

Cdt Ross Chadney (15) and Cdt Cpl James Hart (17) along with WO Les Wardle (ATC) attended the week long course to undertake activities such as Rock Climbing, Hill Walking, Abseiling and Orienteering.

This course is one of the few that the cadets take most of the responsibility for themselves such as taking it in turns to cook for the group. This week long course is quite difficult to get a place on, as only 30 cadets can attend throughout the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire area.

Whilst there, the cadets completed a number of mountain peaks including the famous Fairfield Houses which includes seven peaks over 600 metres. The cadets also visited the Langdale Valley to take part in some rock climbing and they visited Tilberthwaite Way for rock climbing.

"This was a very challenging week for me, it’s the first time that I have attended a course like this but at the same time it was very enjoyable," said Cdt Cpl Hart.

There will be further opportunities for the cadets of Wisbech squadron to take part in further adventurous activities over the next few months including Duke of Edinburgh expeditions and more camps.

Image: Cdt Cpl James Hart, WO Les Wardle and Cdt Ross Chadney.

by: CI Laura Nixon Sqn MCO 272 (Wisbech) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

16 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Easter Camp

Instead of relaxing and spending their Easter feasting on chocolate, 22 air cadets and 5 members of staff from 2484 (Bassingbourn) Sqn and 2484 (Cambourne) DF spent their Easter week at Wretham Camp in Norfolk learning and honing their field craft and leadership skills.

For the 22 cadets, the week proved a tough but rewarding challenge as they built up to the 36 hour exercise names ‘Exercise Brighthawk’, avoiding capture and completing objectives in their teams. Some of the highlights of the week for the cadets were the opportunity to go abseiling, raft building and orienteering. They also built on their first aid and communication skills. In particular, a visit to the replica Afghanistan village conjured up excitement among the cadets at the prospect of experiencing a taste of front line living.

Cdt Sgt Ryan Slater (17) said: “The visit to the Afghan village was fascinating as it gave me a flavour of what sights I would see if I were deployed to Afghanistan. The system that pumped out smells such as rotten meat and sewage added an extra level of realism!”

Cdt Clayton Buttress commented: “The camp was a great experience, and gave me the opportunity to meet and work in a team with other cadets around Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire."

Images: 1: Cadets after a 36 hour field craft and leadership exercise; 2. Cadets make a splash whilst raft building.

by: Cdt Sgt James Stott MCO 2484 (Bassingbourn) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

13 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cambridge Cadets Enjoy Easter Camp

Cadets and staff from 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn have enjoyed a week away on the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Easter Camp held at the STANTA military training area in Norfolk.

The ten cadets and three members of staff were able to experience activities such as climbing, abseiling, raft building, sport, orienteering, communications, first aid and leadership tasks in addition to the main element of the camp which was fieldcraft training and a 36 hour exercise. The training involved cadets receiving instruction in various elements of fieldcraft such as movement in the field, camouflage, concealment, shelter building and cooking.

The exercise, named Exercise Brighthawk, saw cadets deployed as a peacekeeping force in the Eastern European country of Stantonia, cadets were there in support of existing operations along with assisting in rebuilding the country as part of a hearts and minds operation.

Cdt Sgt George Metcalfe said: “I really enjoyed my week away at camp. During the week I led a flight of twenty five cadets of various ages and was supported by a strong team of individuals who I had never met before.”

Fg Off Chris Cox added: “Easter Camp provides cadets with an opportunity to learn new skills and make new friends whilst being tested physically and mentally for the week. The young cadets that have attended this camp can look forward to further camps this year and throughout their time with the Air Cadets.”

Image: Cdt Sgt Rhuben Smith reflects on a hard day at Easter Camp.

by: Fg Off Chris Cox RAF VR(T) Sqn MCO 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn - B&C Wg
 

08 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadets Fly High At Wing Field Weekend

863 (Thurston) Sqn once again achieved success at the inter-squadron Wing Field competition at the end of March.

The event is designed to encourage the spirit of competition, to create the incentive to achieve high standards of training in all squadron activities, and featured activities such as shooting, a military obstacle course, leadership exercises, an aircraft recognition test and orienteering.

The team was comprised of eight experienced, talented cadets; Cdt Sgt Chris Falconer, Cdt Cpls Stephen Yates, Acer Brien, Cameron Brown, Cdts Sophie Hunt, Kristian Royal, Connor Mahoney, and Matthew Skoyles.

They competed triumphantly against teams from 28 other squadrons in Norfolk and Suffolk wing in the event, held at Bodney Training Camp, near Thetford.

The team performed consistently well through all the activities, coming first in the orienteering exercise, and third overall with a score of 196 - just eight points away from second place. Cdt Cpl Yates said: “The weekend was a lot of fun; this is my third year in the team and it feels good to come home with medals. The whole team put in a fantastic effort all weekend.”

by:  CI Claire Marks Sqn MCO 863 (Thurston) Sqn - N&S Wg

03 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Cadets Hit Top Spot.

Last weekend cadets from 29 Squadrons from Norfolk and Suffolk competed in the annual Wing Field Competition, each squadron sending 8 cadets to compete for the coveted trophy.

Competing in numerous events such as Obstacle course, Orienteering, First aid and Leadership Exercises, the 8 Cadets from 432 (Woodbridge) Sqn battled hard and came first in Archery, Target Shooting and Aircraft Recognition winning a medal for each event. For coming first in Aircraft Recognition the Team won the Sunshine Cup and they become the Wings Representatives at the Regional Competition held in September.

Following the individual event awards the moment arrived when the Top Three positions were announced. In Third place was 863 (Thurston) Sqn. Second place went to our good friends and close rivals 356 (Felixstowe) Sqn, and after a tense pause from Wg Cdr David Miller, Officer Commanding Norfolk and Suffolk Wing, first place went to 432 (Woodbridge) Sqn.

The cadet team led by Cdt FS Sam Whalesby accepted the awards and Trophy with beaming smiles, elated at coming first in this hard fought event, FS Whalesby  said: "I’m overjoyed at coming first, the team has worked and trained hard and all that effort has paid off, I’d like to thank the staff from the squadron for all their hard work and time they have given up in training us."

Flt Lt Simon Turner, Officer Commanding Woodbridge Sqn, was overjoyed at the final result: "It was a tremendous effort by the whole team, including the last minute replacement. The determination and enthusiasm shown by the young people, working together, helped to secure first place in this weekend of non-stop activities. I was hoping for a top 5 result but the cadets have beaten that by a mile. Woodbridge Squadron has been nominated to represent the Wing in the Sir Alan Lees trophy, a competition for the Best Squadron in the Corps, and winning this competition goes on the prove we must be doing something right. I would like to say a big well done to the 232 cadets who competed in this event, and especially to 356 Sqn who were worthy runners up."

Image: The cadet team, Cdt FS Whalesby, Cdt Sgts Turner, Smith, Smith, Cdt Cpls Parish, Dixon, Cdts Worley and Ridley with Wg Cdr Miller.

by: CI Kevin Oxford Sqn MCO 432 (Woodbridge) Sqn - N&S Wg

02 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Coventry Cadets Combine for IET Weekend

Last weekend, 40 cadets from four of the Coventry Squadrons met at Rough Close for basic expedition training. The cadets from 8F (1st City of Coventry), 84 (Coventry Airport), 163 (Coventry Phoenix) and 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne School) Sqns were blessed with lovely weather as they met last Saturday morning.

The first part of the exercise was to set up camp and for many of the cadets, this was the first time they had put up a tent or even slept outdoors.

The cadets were then allocated their groups for the weekend and given a programme of their training for the Saturday. They received practical training in basic map and compass skills before commencing a 10k walk around the local area, putting these skills into practice. They were given hints and tips on preparing their kit for an expedition, looking at ways of reducing the weight of their expedition rucksacks and how to pack them correctly. They also looked at different ideas and alternatives for food for their future expeditions. They were presented with different types of cookers and how to use them safely before cooking their own evening meals.

Fg Off Chapman provided the cadets with their Heartstart first aid training as they undertook various practical lessons throughout the weekend resulting in the successful completion of their Heartstart certificates.

On Saturday evening, the cadets commenced a night navigation exercise in Rough Close, where they needed to work as a team and put into practice some of the navigation skills they had learned during the day. On reaching their final checkpoint, the cadets were given a set of words which they had to use to create a song to perform in a style of music they were also given. Each team were given a colour, a food, a cartoon character and an animal and as they made their way back to base camp, they had to prepare a performance. At the end of the exercise, the cadets were provided with soup and rolls and as everyone relaxed, the stage was set for the rock, operatic, gospel and rap productions by each team.

On Sunday morning, after cooking their own breakfasts, the cadets completed their Heartstart training before putting down their tents. Many soon learned that it could take just as long to correctly fit the tents back into their bags as it did to erect them!

The teams then got competitive as they were briefed for their final exercise – the Field Gun Run. With the clock set, teams A & B went head to head first. They firstly had to retrieve the field gun components from around the field, sending one cadet at a time to retrieve one piece of equipment. Once all pieces were with the team they had to assemble the guns as quickly as possible and then race them to the top of the mound to fire.

They then had to return to the start, as a team, in the fastest time to win. With team B winning the first race, teams C & D had taken the opportunity of going second to discuss their tactics for their race. Team C won this as went on to be declared the overall winners in the final.

The objective of the weekend was to give the cadets an enjoyable experience of living outdoors whilst preparing them for their bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions, to meet new people and to have fun. The staff were more than satisfied that these objectives were met and felt the weekend was a great success and look forward to the squadrons working together again in the near future.

by: Mandy Sinfield Sqn MCO 163 (Coventry Phoenix) Sqn - W&B Wg

01 Apr 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Wail of a Time at Windermere!

This year’s February half term was not spent playing on Facebook and the Xbox for one group of cadets from Norfolk & Suffolk Wing., instead they along with staff from the Wing spent a week at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre in Windermere.

The cadets took part in a range of activities including a canoe journey on Thirlmere reservoir doing their bronze navigation award, climbing, mountain biking, swimming, high level walking, and some achieved their 1 star kayak award after a day spent paddling on lake Windermere.

Cdt Ella Mitchell of 1249 (Dereham) Sqn said: “This was my first time away with the cadets and although I was nervous at the start I can’t believe how many activities we did - it was fantastic!”

Cdt Alec Coles also from Dereham Squadron added: “The best bit of the week was when we had to capsize our canoe in the lake, it was freezing but I was really glad I did it. The mountain biking was fantastic too!”

by: Flt Lt Jason Robinson RAF VR(T) Wing MCO - N&S Wg

27 Mar 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page

Watton's Wing Field Weekend

Cadets from 864 (Watton) Sqn took part this weekend in the Wing Field weekend on STANTA.

Based at Bodney camp the cadets take part in a wide range of activity’s including orienteering, shooting, obstacle course, leadership exercises and archery and many others

864 fielded a team of eight cadets of all ages and ranks to take part, with over 350 cadets from all over the wing taking part it was a very busy weekend.

Cdt Cpl McHarg said: “It’s great coming to the wing field weekends, we get to take part in so many activity’s and have a laugh and a good time, the sunshine has really made this weekend a good one.”

Although Watton’s cadets did not finish in the top three all the cadets had a great weekend and all worked really hard, they were a credit to 864 Squadron

by: Daniel Fishlock Sqn MCO 864 (Watton) Sqn - N&S Wg

25 Mar 2012                                                                                                                                                                                          Back to top of page