1300 Squadron ATC: Blog

Promotion is in the air!

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:59:48 GMT

On Monday 30^th June 2008, a surprise promotion was in the air. Corporal Kirsty Newton was previously promoted to Corporal at the end of March 2008 and now at the end of June she gained another promotion to Sergeant.

There is now room for more promotions, maybe another Sergeant but definitely Corporals. So, Cadets of 1300 Squadron, if you think you have the ability to be a Corporal then show yourself, don’t be shy! Show the Staff you have the ability and another promotion will be in the air!

Bomber Command Sunset Parade @ Belvoir Castle

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:49:44 GMT

On Thursday 19th June 2008, six cadets from 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Squadron took part in the Bomber Command Memorial parade at Belvoir Castle. Flight Sergeant Luke Gamble (18), Corporal Kirsty Newton (18), Cadets Matthew Parry (14), Martin Thomas (15), Lee Moss (14) and Adam Taylor (15) were taken to Belvoir Castle by the Commanding Officer; Flight Lieutenant Phil Ridley, Pilot Officer Martin Derbyshire and Adult Sergeant Young.

The parade consisted of all of the Squadrons in Trent Wing, all formed up together in flights of thirty in front of the Castle. The parade started with the cadet band playing followed by a number of readings by Wing Staff Officers. A number of prayers were said throughout the service in remembrance of the men who had died in World War II.

There was a special reading given by a surviving ex-Bomber Command Serviceman which touched us all with his words. Then there was a chime of the clock and we all stood silent for three minutes in remembrance of those who had given their lives in Bomber Command, followed by a two gun salute to mark the end of the parade. The cadets paraded around the side of the castle to give a march past. The whole evening was touching and enjoyable and was good experience.

Written by Corporal Kirsty Newton

Medal for Long Service

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:40:37 GMT

On Wednesday 18^th June 2008, Adult Warrant Officer Amanda Coleman was presented with her Cadet Forces Medal by the Central & East Region Group Captain, Group Captain Brett Morrell RAFR. Wing Commander Dave Speed RAF VR(T) was also on Squadron to congratulate her on her service to the Corps.

The Cadet Forces Medal is awarded for 12 years uniformed adult service to the Corps.

Amanda also holds the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal given to all Service personnel, with 5 years or more service, in 2002.

Amanda’s career in the Air Training Corps started 22 years ago when she joined the ATC as a cadet at 331 (Chesterfield) Sqn. She progressed through the ranks to Sergeant before leaving at the age of 18. She rejoined the Corps in 1991 as an Adult member of staff becoming a Civilian Instructor, at 1082 (Brimington) Sqn going onto 1890 (Eckington) DF and 303 (Worksop) Sqn before transferring to 1401 (Alfreton & Ripley) Sqn where she passed her promotion board to Adult Warrant Officer in August 1995. She transferred to 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Sqn in the summer of 1998 where she has been the Squadron Warrant Officer for the last 9 years.

Her other achievements in the Corps have been a Range Conducting Officer and most recently she was asked to take the Parade Marshal’s role in last year’s Remembrance Parade in Sutton-in-Ashfield.

Air Experience Gliding - Sunday 15th June 2008

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:36:28 GMT

Cadets Martin Thomas, Matthew Parry, Seb Hudson and Hiral Ghandi were taken by Adult Sergeant Andy Young to RAF Syerston for a day of Air Experience Gliding on Sunday 15^th June.

Cadets Hudson and Ghandi have never been in a glider before. All got up at least a couple times in a Vigilant T1 propelled glider. Yes that’s right, a propelled glider. Even Adult Sgt Young got a flight in a glider too.

Wing Field Day 2008

Tue, 10 Jun 2008 17:47:39 GMT

On Sunday 8^th June 2008, thirteen cadets represented the Squadron at the Trent Wing’s annual Field Day Competition.

The team managers for the day were Pilot Officer Derbyshire and AWO Amanda Coleman, whilst Flight Lieutenant Phil Ridley spent the day on the drill square marking the drill competition.

The teams and events were as follows:

09:00 Tent Erecting – Flight Sergeant Matthew Turner (17), Sergeant Luke Chadburn (17), Cadets Tom Wells (15), Matthew Parry (14), Lee Moss (14) and Adam Taylor (15). The time for setting up and dismantling the 12 x 12 tent was 7 minutes and 21 seconds.

10:00 Orienteering – Sgt Chadburn, Corporal Sarah Livermore (16), Cadets Matthew Parry and Stephanie Hudson (16). The team didn’t come last with 5 points out of 45 because another squadron achieved minus 3 points.

11:00 First Aid – Flight Sergeant Luke Gamble (18), Corporal Kirsty Newton (18), Cadets Tom Wells and Hiral Ghandi (16). The team wasn’t disappointed with this event; they came back with smiles on their faces. Cpl Newton was miffed the casualty was stuck under a car!

12:15 Drill Competition – all cadets

13:30 Shooting – Flt.Sgt Turner, Sgt Chadburn, Cadets Moss and Martin Thomas (14).

15:00 Aircraft Recognition – Cpls Newton and Livermore, Cadets Parry and Thomas.

16:00 Physical Fitness – Flt.Sgts Gamble and Turner, Cadets Wells and Seb Hudson (14). The team did equal the record of one of the events, up to that point.

Throughout the day the models were being marked – the diorama, novice and individual made by Cadets Thomas and Hudson. One of the models did gain the position of 8^th.

There was also a Poster competition being marked through the day as well. A recruitment poster was to be made for the Corps indicating Adult Recruitment and Cadet Recruitment. The Adult poster was created by Flight Lieutenant Phil Ridley whilst the Cadet poster was created by Cadet Tom Wells.

No trophies this year but all cadets did enjoy themselves.

Air Experience Flying Sat 31st May 2008

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:21:52 GMT

On Saturday 31^st May 2008, 3 cadets of 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Squadron were taken by their Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Phil Ridley, to RAF Cranwell for Air Experience Flying.

Cadets Seb Hudson (14) and Hiral Ghandi (16) have never been flying before. All got up for a 30 minute flight in a GROB 115 Tutor.

Corporal Sarah Livermore (16) also went flying and has been flying many times before in her ATC career. To add to that experience, Sarah has now been chosen to gain her glider pilots licence via the Reid Buckle Bursary. Only a handful of cadets each year manage to pass the interview process to gain the Bursary Scholarship.

The Squadrons last cadet to achieve this opportunity was Flight Sergeant Paul Cosgrove in 2006. Flight Sergeant Cosgrove went onto join the Royal Air Force in 2007.

RAF Town Show, Mansfield's Market Square

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:07:32 GMT

On Saturday 31st May 2008, seven cadets from the Squadron helped the Royal Air Force Careers with the Royal Air Force Town Show, setup this year in Mansfield’s Market Square.

Sergeant Luke Chadburn, Corporals Daniel Barnes and Sarah Livermore along with Cadets Matthew Parry, Tom Wells, Alexandria Brown and Stephanie Hudson helped set up the Squadron’ recruitment stall.

They also helped out at the RAF’s Initiative Exercise stall and the Harrier GR3 cockpit throughout the day.

Initial Officers Course

Wed, 28 May 2008 16:47:48 GMT

Pilot Officer Martin Derbyshire of 1300 (Sutton in Ashfield) Sqn of the Air Training Corps has completed his Initial Officers Course at Royal Air Force College Cranwell.

Martin was delighted about the achievement because having been an Air Cadet with the 1260 Newark Squadron, this course sets the milestone for his future career aspirations with the Air Cadet Organisation.

During the course, Martin learned drill, etiquette, leadership skills as well as presentation skills. This is typical of the opportunities that are available for adults within the Air Cadets.

Martin said: “Had it not been for my breadth of knowledge that I gained as a cadet within the Air Cadet Organisation, the course would have been a great deal more difficult for me.”

Adult Staff have a crucial role within the organization, as without them the ATC could not offer the vast range of activities it does.

As well as helping cadets realise their potential, Adult Staff can also gain valuable academic qualifications and leadership skills which are highly valued by employers.

So what exactly is the secret of helping young people to become high flyers?

Air Commodore Gordon Moulds, Commandant Air Cadets, said: “Air Cadets aged 13 to 18 are given the chance by our team of staff and adult volunteers to learn to fly aerobatics, learn skills to lead expeditions, tour foreign countries, become target shooting marksman, join a band, learn about aviation and aerospace - only a small list of the many activities and opportunities for an enviable social life with many new friends.”

To get involved as an adult instructor and help shape the future of tomorrow’s leaders is easy.

Anyone who has a few spare hours a week is welcome in the Air Cadets.

To find out more information log on to www.aircadets.org or call 0845 600 6601 for an information pack.

Athletics 2008 - Sunday May 11th

Mon, 12 May 2008 22:08:44 GMT

Nine cadets represented 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Squadron in the annual Wing Athletics Competition at Quibell Park, Scunthorpe on Sunday 11^th May 2008.

Corporal Daniel Barnes (15) was amongst the first to compete in the track events, 100m – Class B Youths. He came 4^th in his heat but didn’t make it to the final.

Sergeant Matthew Cordon (18) also competed in the 100m – Class C Junior Men. He too came 4^th but entered a fast time to compete in the final later in the day, but he only came 8^th.

Cadet Tim Wells (14) competed in his 1st and 2^nd track event of the day in the 400m and 200m – Class B Youths. He came 3^rd in 400m and 1^st in 200m but didn’t achieve a fast enough time to win a medal.

Sergeant Cordon competed in his 2^nd track event, also in the 200m in his Class C category. He came 4^th.

Cadet Martin Thomas (14) competed in the 800m – Class B Youths. He came 6^th.

Cadet Tom Wells competed in his 2^nd track event of 1500 in his Class B category. He came 3^rd in his heat but again missed out on a fast time to win any medals.

The only girl to compete in a track event was Corporal Sarah Livermore (16). She competed in the 1500m – Class E Senior Girls. She stated that she normally came last, not because she was slow but because all the other girls behind her dropped out. Today was not the case; she didn’t come last – but next to last!

In the field events, the day started with Flight Sergeant Luke Gamble (18) throwing the Javelin and the Shot and then a last minute swap to the Long Jump in the afternoon – Class C Junior Men. He came 5^thin the Javelin.

Corporal Kirsty Newton (18) was the only girl to compete in the field events in Long Jump and Javelin – Class E Senior Girls.

Corporal Barnes competed in his 2^nd event of the day in the Discus – Class B.

Cadet Adam Taylor (15), a newcomer to the Squadron, competed in the Long Jump for Class B Youths. He gave us all a surprise by winning a Bronze medal.

Last but not least, Cadet Matthew Parry (14) competed in the Shot for Class A Boys.

The final events for the day were the 4x100m Relays. The Squadron only had 1 team in the Class B Youths namely Corporal Barnes and Cadets Taylor, Thomas and Wells.

Report by Team Manager AWO Amanda Coleman

Assisted by Cadet Sergeant Luke Chadburn

Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition - Bronze

Mon, 05 May 2008 09:19:12 GMT

Saturday/Sunday 26^th/27^th April, seven cadets from 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Squadron started a Duke of Edinburgh Award Bronze expedition. For two of those cadets, Corporals Sarah Livermore and Daniel Barnes, it was their FINAL Bronze expedition. The remaining five cadets, Sergeant Luke Chadburn, Cadets Matthew Parry, Alexandria Brown, Stephanie Hudson and Seb Hudson were walking their first Bronze expedition practice.

The expedition started at the Halifax Bomber Memorial in Farnsfield at 11:00hours. A 13.3km walk through Farnsfield, heading towards Blidworth and finally camping out at the Abelwood campsite near Ravenshead. They finished their first days walk at about 16.32 hours.

Once their tents were pitched they all started to make their evening meal and warm drinks on small gas stoves. Only the staff got out of cooking and ordered a pizza! (RHIP!)

To keep the cadets entertained until bedtime, they played “Escape and Evasion” – that’s “Hide and Seek” to you and me! But one cadet didn’t quite get the gist of hiding!

Bedtime was at 21:00 and lights out at 22:00 hours.

Reveille was at 06.30 but some were up a bit earlier. All cadets cooked their own breakfast before packing up tents and rucksacks for day 2 of their expedition.

The cadets decamped at 08.30 and started their 14km walk through Ravenshead, heading towards Blidworth and, following mainly the “Robin Hood Way” route, to Mansfield, finishing off their total 27.3km 2-day walk at Thieves Wood arriving at about 14:00 hours.

An interview with a 1941 cadet

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:52:45 GMT

On Monday 21^st April 2008, I met one of the first cadets of 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Squadron.

John Pemblington joined 1300 Squadron in 1941, it was then located on Reform Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield. 1300 Squadron started when the Air Defence Cadet Corps became the Air Training Corps on 5^th February 1941.

John went through the usual ATC training of Foot Drill and Morse Code before joining the Royal Air Force in 1942 at the age of 19. He had 17 weeks training at Blackpool, to be a wireless operator, where he had to learn to use Morse Code at 10 words per minute (wpm). But because of his training in the ATC he could do 12wpm.

After his training he went via Liverpool to Egypt for 3 months on then onto Aden, and then back again to Egypt. Overall he spent 2 years in Egypt. He then served in Italy and then back to the UK at RAF Church Fenton.

John was demobbed from the Royal Air Force 1947.

John Pemblington was interviewed by AWO Amanda Coleman

Rotary's Cash Gift for the Corps

Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:45:51 GMT

The president of the Sutton Rotary Club, Brian Dawson, and fellow club member Paul McDuell presented a cheque for £250 to Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Phil Ridley on Monday 7^th April.

The Rotary Club holds a prize draw every Christmas to raise money to give to local charities and community projects in the Sutton-in-Ashfield area.

The Staff and Cadets of 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Squadron ATC would like to thank the Rotary Club for their generous donation!

First Class Cadet Exam

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 17:36:48 GMT

On Monday 14^th April 2008, another Second Class Cadet Adam Taylor (15) passed his First Class Cadet exam.

The exam was given in 2 parts covering topics such as First Aid, Initial Expedition Training, Map Reading, Communications, the Air Training Corps, the Royal Air Force, History of Flight and Airmanship.

He now joins the rest of the cadets and can study for his Leading Cadet exam due in November.

Congratulations!!

Level 2 BTEC in Aviation Studies

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:47:14 GMT

The Staff and Cadets of 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Squadron would like to congratulate Cadet Aron Marshall on being presented with the BTEC Intermediate Certificate.

Level 2 BTEC in Aviation Studies is given to cadets who have passed ALL written exams; from First Class to Staff Part 1; and is equivalent to 4 GCSE’s.

Let's see some more Certificates presented in the future!

Easter Camp at RAF Leuchars 2008

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:28:41 GMT

Two NCO’s from 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Squadron attended the first week of Easter Camps (Saturday, 29th March to 5th April) at RAF Leuchars, located north east corner of Fife, Scotland.

Corporals Daniel Barnes (15) and Sarah Livermore (16) joined other cadets from our region to enjoy a fun filled week of activities such as flying, drill, adventure training, competitions and Section visits at RAF Leuchars.

They may even have had time to see some of the sights of Northern Scotland.

You can see more information about RAF Leuchars on their website http://www.leuchars.raf.mod.uk/welcome.htm.

First Class Cadet

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 17:04:49 GMT

On Wednesday 9^th April 2008, Second Class Cadet Tom Wells (15) passed his First Class Cadet exam.

Cadet Tom Wells passed with 97% and 71% of the marks.

Congratulations!!

March 2008 exam results are in

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:42:27 GMT

The March exam results are back!

Leading Cadet

Draycott, James - Pass

Walters, Scott - Pass

Senior Cadet

Parry, Matthew - Credit

Parker, Sharon - Credit

Thomas, Martin - Credit

Staff Part 1

Bonser, Matthew - Pass

Chadburn, Luke - Credit

Livermore, Sarah - Pass

Marshall, Aron - Pass

Newton, Kirsty - Partial Pass

Corporal Kirsty Newton will retake Staff Part 1 in the May exams. We now have a further 4 more cadets with the potential to become a Staff Cadet. So watch this space!

Congratulations to all!!

A Thank You from an ex-cadet

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:46:56 GMT

dear 1300 squadron,

I want to congratulate all the cadets and N.C.O's and the staff for everything they've put into the sqn, you’re all a credit to the ATC.

I'd also like to say hey to the boys and girls that were around when I was, Tucker, Jones who looks good with the lanyard! Mr Shed, and the tall guy I never remember, probably now a member of staff, and thankyou to any staff that are still there, I’ve just applied for the RAF and passed all my tests easily and have a very high chance of getting in, but the thing they told me in the interview that made me stand out was that I was a member of 1300 squadron Sutton-in-Ashfield a highly reliable group according to the guys at the AFCO, and the progress I have made so far is down to the discipline and other skills that I had drilled into me by the 'N.C.O's and staff, and moral values that were encouraged by my peers.

Thanks again for everything, I wouldn't be the person I am today without everybody,

kind regards

ex-cdt Kyle green

A Letter from a Rocket Scientist

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 18:05:48 GMT

Hi

My mum passed a copy of the article Memories of Yesteryear, that appeared in the Chad last November. It' has been sitting waiting for me to respond. I can't offer anything related to the photo, but thought you may be interested in a 1300 Old Boy, many years on.

I still have my 3822, which says I was enrolled on 23 August 1972, at the tender age of 14. I passed my Leading in Feb 1973 and my Senior in November the same year. As I recall I left sometime in 1974. I'm still in contact with a couple of people who were in the Squadron at the same time – Russ Baker, who was a Flight Sergeant, and whose father was an officer in the Squadron I believe. Sadly, his father died before I arrived, and his mother sponsored a trophy in his memory. The other was Rob Hilton, who lasted a short time as I did, but later joined the RAF. When he left the Service, he settled in Holland, just over the border from Laarbruch, where he still lives with his wife and their two children.

Russ Baker taught me to fly a control-line model aircraft, and we later teamed up and flew in competitions - our best result was fourth in the National Championships sometime around 1976, in control-line Mini-Goodyear racing. I was the pilot and Russ the pit man. My first ever flight was on the Lammas, and we spent many hours flying over a tiny concrete patch in the far corner, below the church. The secret was to avoid the bump before banging the model onto the ground in time for Russ to catch it for refuelling.

Later, I went to Loughborough University, graduating in 1980 with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering, and joined BAe Dynamics at Hatfield, Hertfordshire.

I left BAe and joined the RAF for a short spell, but left during training, moving to Hatfield Polytechnic as a lecturer. The Poly then became the University of Hertfordshire, where I still teach. I teach Aircraft Design, Reliability and Rocket Propulsion. (You could say 1300 produced a rocket scientist.)

In my spare time, I tried to give back what my short spell in the ATC gave to me - I became a CI, then an officer in the VR(T), at 2465 (Icknield) Squadron, Luton, before taking over as CO at 10F (Luton) Squadron, then 2492 (Luton Airport) Squadron. When I moved to the University, I joined Hatfield Squadron as a CI for a short time, but found I had too little time.

Whilst at the University, I re-wrote the ACP on Airframes for HQAC, and you will find picture credits to me in there, as well as a thank-you to the University. I later extended and adapted the ACP, which then became a book, Aircraft Structures and Systems (MechAero Publishing, www.mechaero.co.uk), which I use in my teaching.

My career as a rocket scientist was re-vitalised when I began teaching Rocket Propulsion at the University, and also flying high-power rockets with students. I have just received a video from one of my project students, showing the firing of his own-built rocket motor. My own exploits can be seen at www.rockets.herts.ac.uk, including the largest rocket to date, which is over 12 feet long and 7.5 inches in diameter, and will reach over 8000 feet and 500 miles per hour.

Although this story doesn't relate to the article in the Chad, I hope you will find it interesting. Good luck with the Squadron in the future.

Regards
___________________________________________________________

Eur Ing Ray Wilkinson

Senior Lecturer and Rocket Scientist

University of Hertfordshire

Monday 31st March 2008

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 20:19:03 GMT

On Monday 31^st March 2008, the Commanding Officer gave a surprise promotion to Cadet Kirsty Newton to Corporal.

The Staff and Cadets of 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Squadron would like to say Congratulations!

Staff Part 2 Exam

Sun, 23 Mar 2008 16:42:32 GMT

On Wednesday 19^th March 2008, Corporal Daniel Barnes took his Staff Part 2 exam.

This entailed giving a 10 minute presentation on ‘how to iron a shirt’ - he should now be the best dressed cadet on the squadron!

After giving the presentation and having an interview with a Wing Staff Officer, Squadron Leader Gareth Davies, Corporal Barnes passed his Staff Part 2 exam.

He has now joined the elite of the Staff Cadets and can now proudly wear a yellow lanyard on his left shoulder.

Congratulations!

Beckingham Weekend - 7th to 9th March 2008

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 12:17:10 GMT

On the weekend of Friday 7^th to Sunday 9^th March, four cadets of the Squadron attended an adventure training camp at Beckingham.

Cadets Jordan Shead, Matthew Bonser, Corporal Daniel Barnes and Sergeant Luke Chadburn all enjoyed 2 fun-packed filled day of Sports, Drill, Initiative Exercises, Casivac (casualty evacuation) and Fieldcraft.

See Corporal Daniel Barnes’ report on the weekend’s events.

A Weekend at Beckingham Camp

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 11:41:53 GMT

You arrive at camp at around 6:00 – 7:30 o’clock on the Friday evening. If you get there early, then you’ve got plenty of time to sign in at the cinema, unpack and get a good bed and locker. At about 8:00 – 8:30 you’ll be called back to the cinema for a camp brief. This is where you get a very numb bum as you sit on the concrete for about 20 minutes being told what you’re going to be doing over the weekend along with all the usually safety information (common sense). You then get the rest of the night to get changed out of your D.P.M.s and do whatever you want. There’s usually a burger van there for buying hot food in the evenings, but if not then you’ve got a tuck shop selling sweets and drink, hot or cold.

Activities:

Sports – This will consist of several weird and wonderful sports that will be twisted form the original idea. Every sport at Beckingham is twisted in some way, the main one being “rocky” which is a cross between rugby and hockey. We played a game of rounders with a Frisbee, until we realise we should swap it for something like a football.

Drill – This is the most boring part of the entire weekend but fortunately there’s not much of it to do. You’ll get around an hour to practice as a flight and then you’ll have to perform the wing drill routine.

Initiative Exercises – This is where you are given several scenarios such as crossing an area you can’t touch with only a few pieces of equipment. You’ll have to work as a team to work out the problem and devise a way of solving them before you time limit runs out.

Field Craft – This is where you learn all the techniques of surviving in the field. You will learn how to stay hidden by using cam cream and things such as webbing to break up your figure and skin. You will also learn all the formation for moving in the field while providing all round cover for your flight.

CasiVac – Casualty Evacuation. This is the highlight of the weekend. It’s where you get to put all the field craft that you’ve learnt into good use. You’ll be given a scenario where you will have find, help and evacuate several casualties within a given time limit.

Beckingham is a great camp for anyone and everyone looking for a fun weekend. It’s a perfect chance to get to wear your greens in the field and learn something new.

Written by Corporal Daniel Barnes

AEG Saturday 1st March 2008

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:38:30 GMT

On Saturday 1^st March 2008, three cadets were taken by Adult Sergeant Young to RAF Syerston for Air Experience Gliding in a Vigiliant T1 (propelled) glider.

Yes, that’s right – it has a propeller and an engine.

Corporal Daniel Barnes and Cadets Aron Marshall and Matthew Parry had to wait a while in the Cadets Common Room due to the high winds at RAF Syerston.

Unfortunately, the winds won the argument and the cadets didn’t get to fly (sorry glide!)– but they did play pool!

(photos taken by Corporal Daniel Barnes)

(Editor AWO Coleman)

Staff Part 2 Exam

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 18:57:32 GMT

On Wednesday 20^th February 2008, Flight Sergeant Luke Gamble took his Staff Part 2 exam.

This entailed giving a 10 minute presentation and having an interview taken by a Wing Staff Officer, Squadron Leader Gareth Davies.

Thankfully, Flight Sergeant Gamble passed with ‘Flying Colours’.

He has now joined the elite of the Staff Cadets and can now proudly wear a yellow lanyard on his left shoulder.

Congratulations!

A Visit by the RAF Careers Officer

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:45:50 GMT

On Monday 11^th February 2008 the Squadron was visited by the RAF Careers Officers (AFCO – Air Force Careers Officer), Corporal Allie Hunter.

She gave a small talk on the careers in the Royal Air Force but the majority of the night was spent by cadets taking on initiative exercises; a test in leadership, initiative and teamwork; given by the AFCO. A good night for all judging by the pictures taken!

AEF Saturday 9th February 2008

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:34:52 GMT

On Saturday 9^th February 2008, four cadets from the Squadron were taken to RAF Cranwell for Air Experience Flying.

Flight Sergeant Matthew Turner, Sergeant Luke Chadburn, Corporal Daniel Barnes and Cadet Scott Walters each had approx 20 minutes flight in a GROB 115 Tutor.

Next is Gliding at RAF Syerston on Saturday 1st March 2008.