1300 Squadron ATC

Athletics Brief 2008

Thu, 08 May 2008 18:07:51 GMT

All cadets attending Athletics,

Please download brief from 'Public File' opposite - "Athletics Brief 2008" and "Hucknall_map.pdf" file for location of pick up point.

This message will be deleted on Sunday 11th May 2008.

AWO Coleman

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 interiew 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.

1300 Sqn in 1960's

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:29:43 GMT

A photograph of 1300 (Sutton-in-Ashfield) Squadron from 1964 was given to us from an ex-cadet, Alwyn Brettall (now in Rainworth). It shows cadets and staff on an Annual Camp at RAF Watton in 1964. Alwyn Brettall is on the rear rank, 3^rd from the left.

Are you in the photo? Then please get in touch with the Squadron.

We have a correction for this article, B Maxie Gascoigne states that this photo is from 1966 and at RAF Euston in Northumberland.

Do you agree? Please get in touch!

Photo Album: Bronze Expedition April 2008

Mon, 05 May 2008 09:58:37 GMT

Bronze Expedition April 2008

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Photo Album: 1300 Sqn Annual Camps

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:23:24 GMT

1300 Sqn Annual Camps

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RAF Watton 1966

RAF Wyton 1967

RAF Valley 2007

Photo Album: AEG Saturday 1st March 2008

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:32:52 GMT

AEG Saturday 1st March 2008

snack time!

let's play pool!

just chattin'

Photo Album: Staff

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:07:34 GMT

Staff

Flight Lieutenant Phil Ridley RAF VR(T) - Commanding Officer

Pilot Officer Martin Derbyshire RAF VR(T) - Training Officer

Adult Warrant Officer Amanda Coleman - Squadron Warrant Officer

Adult Sergeant Andy Young - Adjutant

Civilian Instructor Mavis Bell

Photo Album: AEF Saturday 26th January 2008

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:16:31 GMT

AEF Saturday 26th January 2008

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Photo Album: Royal Marines Presentation

Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:09:06 GMT

Royal Marines Presentation

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Photo Album: 1300 Sqn from 1950

Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:16:47 GMT

1300 Sqn from 1950

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Rear Rank: l-r: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9 Third Rank l-r: 1,2,3,4,5 Centre Rank sitting l-r : Cpl Mike Beniston, F.O. Marsh, Flt.Lt.G. Wright, WO Tom Gregory, Sgt Ron Wain Front Rank sitting l-r: 1,2,3,Derek Young,Alan Hughes,6

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Photo Album: Cross Country Sun 18th Nov 2007

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:46:52 GMT

Cross Country Sun 18th Nov 2007

1300 Team 2007

Boys Event - 49th out of 67... look, he's running on air!

Boys Event - 59th out of 67

Youths Event - 6th out of 63

Youths Event - 39th out of 67

Youths Event - oops, missed one somewhere, got 2 instead

Youths Event - 55th out of 67

Youths Event - 56th out of 67

Junior Men - 21st out of .... oh I can't remember, it's too cold!

Photo Album: AEF Sat 17th Nov 2007

Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:35:29 GMT

AEF Sat 17th Nov 2007

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Photo Album: Remembrance Parade 2007 - Sutton-in-Ashfield

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 17:26:08 GMT

Remembrance Parade 2007 - Sutton-in-Ashfield

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Photo Album: 2007 Poppy Appeal

Sun, 04 Nov 2007 16:44:56 GMT

2007 Poppy Appeal

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Photo Album: Battle of Britain Parade 2007

Sun, 30 Sep 2007 16:04:45 GMT

Battle of Britain Parade 2007

Parade at St Mary Magdalene Church in Hucknall