News 2007

Adam Horton appointed Cadet Warrant Officer

Cadet Adam Horton of 1119 (Shrewsbury) Squadron Air Training Corps has received a promotion to the highest cadet rank in the Air Training Corps; that of Cadet Warrant Officer. This is an appointment made by the Officer Commanding, West Mercian Wing, Wing Commander D M Lloyd. The 18-year-old, of Annscroft, near Longden, has been enrolled with the Squadron since August 2002. This comes on the back of Adam receiving a certificate of good service from the Wing Commander Last Year.

Adam has demonstrated considerable expertise in shooting, having competed in a number of national competitions. This ultimately resulted in him gaining major awards such as Cadet 100 two years running (33rd in the top 100 in the country), and representing England schools in shooting, where he was awarded England honours. At the Inter Service Cadet Rifle Meeting, Bisley, the centre of excellence for shooting, in June 2007, he came third overall, receiving a bronze medal as well as a Corps Blue. He has achieved three Corp Blues for representing the Air Training Corps against the army and the Sea Cadets.

Cadet Horton has also been involved in a number of overseas camps and RAF stations including RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus and a camp at Rhinedalen in Germany. He has achieved solo status in a gliding scholarship, and flown Tutor aircraft. He also Holds Duke of Edinburgh and Millennium Volunteer Awards.

Flight Lieutenant Graham Barre congratulated Adam on receiving this highly-esteemed promotion. “I am extremely pleased for Adam – he is an extremely capable Instructor Cadet NCO, who is adept at coaching the other less experienced cadets on the Squadron’s shooting range.”

No 1 (Overseas) Squadron Annual Inspection

West Mercian Wing Staff Officers, Wing Commander M Lloyd and Squadron Leader B Pulling carried out the 2007 Annual Inspection that this year coincided with our annual cadet classification examinations.

The inspection was a success and there were 50 cadets on parade who were inspected by the Wing Commander who also met all the staff. When addressing the squadron he congratulated the cadets and the staff on the progress that the squadron had made during the past year and said that he always enjoyed his visits to the squadron.

40 cadets sat the classification examinations with the papers being marked by our Wing Staff Officers immediately after the Tuesday parade. The results were available for the Thursday parade and the Wing Commander presented the results as follows:

18 Cadets achieved partial passes and will be able to resit their examinations in February 2008.

Marking their progress the Wing Commander presented Certificates and/or badges as shown below:

To Leading Cadet: Cadets T Bond, L Butler, R Cassily, D Dey, S Furber, R Staker with Cadets G Harvey, J Talbot, B Wightman and F Woods passing with Credit.

To Senior Cadet: Cadets M Donnelly, N Green, A Hewitt, J Petch with Cadet Markides and Cadet Corporal R Doyle passing with Credit.

To Staff Cadet (Part 1): Cadet Corporal A Ackerman passing with Credit.

The Wing Commander then presented Cadet Warrant Officer D Pitts with her Warrant and also the Commandants Certificate for Meritorious Service. Cadet Sergeant P Whipday was presented with his Staff Cadet Lanyard and Flying Scholarship Certificate. Cadet Mounsey was promoted and presented with his Corporal's tapes. The "Nancy Osborne Memorial Trophy for the Cadets Cadet" was presented to Cadet Corporal J Abbiss.

The Wing Commander also presented Walkdown Certificates to the 35 cadets and the staff members who took part in the annual 24-mile walkdown from Troodos to Curium Beach This is a sponsored event to raise funds for the squadron with monies already collected totalling over £400.

Finally Certificates of Long Service were presented to Wing Commander G Beveridge (Chairman of the Civilian Committee) and Civilian Instructor I Osborne for their work with the squadron over the past 12 years.

Air Cadets take moonlight stroll

Thirty-five cadets with three staff, supported by an additional 5 staff and vehicles, completed the annual No 1 (Overseas) Akrotiri Squadron Walkdown from Troodos to Curium beach. The walk started on Saturday 27th October at 1630, at the top of the nature trail leading down past the Caledonian Falls to the trout farm, and the finish was reached at Curium beach on Sunday 28th October at 0700.

For safety reasons the cadets were transported in vehicles down the short length of main road to the Perapedhi turn off where the walk continued, through Perapedhi Forest and passing the dam on the right hand side of the track. On completing that stage the cadets were treated to drinks, sandwiches, fresh fruit and crisps from the squadron mobile catering service under the watchful eye of Warrant Officer Willingham.

Having replenished their energy the cadets continued on their way to the next rendezvous point near Lofou. The squadron calls this exercise a walkdown but on this stretch of the route it seems that the uphill stretch is never-ending. Cadets have nicknamed this stretch on previous walkdowns "The Hill of Death". This year though all the cadets walked this stage at a good pace as if it was all level ground. So much so that they were ahead of the planned timetable.

From Lofou the route continued past the church at Ayios Therapon to the ruined village of Kato Kividhes. This was reached around 0030 on Sunday and here the cadets had a much earned rest and were fed with a hot meal, provided again by the same assistance from the squadron mobile catering service.

At 0215 the cadets resumed the walkdown, bypassing the village of Pano Kividhes, and continuing off road tracks in a southerly direction, bypassing the villages of Zanaja and Sotira and arriving at the next rendezvous at the old Kiln near Kandhou, From there it was the home stretch continuing the off road tracks, passing under the motorway bridge near Episkopi village, to the finish point on the beach at Curium. All the cadets and staff arrived there safely at 0700 to be greeted by Wing Commander (Ret’d) Beveridge and Mrs Beveridge, from the squadron Civilian Committee, who kindly provided everyone with the customary hot bacon rolls and drinks.

Amy is Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet

Cdt Sergeant Amy Rowland from 187 (City of Worcester) Sqn has been appointed as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for Worcestershire. She was presented with her certificate of appointment by the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire Michael Brinton at a presentation held in the Chapter House of Worcester Cathedral. The presentation was made in the presence of Amy’s parents together with the senior Naval, Army and Air Force officers in Worcestershire and other local dignitaries.

West Mercian cadets attend Falklands Parade

80 cadets and staff, from 8 squadrons, representing West Mercian Wing, were among more than 500 people who took part in the Falklands 25th anniversary commemorative parade which took place on Sunday, 27th October and was led by the band of the Royal Marines. Thousands of people lined the streets of Worcester to clap as veterans from the Falklands War marched through the city centre.

The salute was taken by the Mayor of Worcester joined by Admiral Lord Alan West, former First Sea Lord, and Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestershire Michael Brinton as the parade marched outside the Guildhall.

Following the march, which included; veterans of the conflict, cadets and members of the Royal British Legion, servicemen and women gathered on College Green outside Worcester Cathedral before taking their seats for a service of reflection and remembrance. Prayers were read by the Very Rev Peter Atkinson, the 46th Dean of Worcester, Lord West and Simon Weston among others. Cellist Julian Lloyd-Webber also played a series of stirring solos during the service which lasted about an hour and 15 minutes. As the procession marched out, the Cathedral's bells rang out across the city.

Shrewsbury air cadets complete Staff training

1119 (Shrewsbury) Squadron Air Training Corps is pleased to announce that four of its young cadets have each been awarded a yellow lanyard, signifying that they have completed their academic training. The reviewing officer was Squadron Leader Collins, Wing Media & Communications Officer for West Mercian Wing Air Training Corps. Just prior to the cadets’ award, Squadron Leader Collins also conducted the annual review of 1119 Squadron – which coincidentally concluded with an impressive A grade.

Corporal William Westwood, 16, of Longden Coleham, has been with 1119 Squadron since March 2004. He gave a presentation on air recognition and a group interview on the structure of the Air Cadet organisation, structure of the wing and region. Sergeant Laurence Russell, 16, of Sutton Farm has spent three years with 1119, and gave a presentation on music and the Air Training Corps.

Sergeant Matthew Turner, 16, of Castlefields, also joined 1119 Squadron three years ago. He gave a presentation to the reviewing officer on shooting in the ATC. Meanwhile, Sergeant Amiee Craig, 16, of Baschurch, has been with the Squadron for nearly four years; her presentation covered the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

Flight Lieutenant Graham Barre congratulated the four cadets on receiving their awards. “Amie, Will, Lawrence and Matthew have worked hard throughout their training to earn their lanyards, and are now passing on their numerous skills to the younger cadets.”

Bridgnorth's weekend of battle celbrations

Battle of Britain weekend saw the cadets and staff of 63 (Bridgnorth) Squadron commemorating the RAF’s “finest hour” with a Dinner and a Parade.

On Saturday 15th September the cadets, staff and committee along with parents and friends welcomed Group Captain Gary Fletcher, the Officer Commanding No1 School of Technical Training at Cosford as the Guest Of Honour at a Battle of Britain Dinner. Group Captain Fletcher congratulated the cadets on their achievements and presented certificates to cadets and staff.

The next morning, cadets and staff assembled at the RAF Bridgnorth Memorial in Stanmore Country Park to hold a short wreath laying ceremony.

Squadron Commander Flt Lt Andy Griffin commented, “Battle of Britain Sunday is the most important date in the RAF’s calendar, with the demise of the local RAFA Branch it falls upon the Staff and cadets to remember “the few”. It is a very sobering moment during the silence to cast your mind to how life must have been for the young men and women of the RAF during the Battle. It is with humility that we remember their sacrifice”.

New Officers for Shrewsbury Air Cadets

1119 (Shrewsbury) Squadron Air Training Corps is pleased to announce the appointment of two new members of staff. Jonathon Cater, a Civilian Instructor with the organisation for more than two years, has received a commission in the RAFVR(T) with effect from September 2007. He is in charge of the drill team, as well as in the organisation of community events for 1119 Squadron. In addition to these voluntary duties on the Squadron, Jonathon works with HB Heliservices, where he has been involved in the training of air traffic controllers at RAF Shawbury since 1999. “I am honoured to be awarded a commission in the RAFVR(T),” said Jonathon. “I’ve aspired to be an officer of the Squadron since I enrolled as a cadet myself in 1996.”

Also Appointed to Adult Sergeant is another Civilian Instructor, Steve Jones who has overall responsibility for the Squadrons Corps of Drums, has been with the Squadron for three years. Steve who works as an IT technician in a local school has served in the Royal Green Jackets and 5th Battalion KSLI before joining the squadron.

Flight Lieutenant Graham Barre welcomed both appointments. “As excellent news for the squadron. Both Jon and Steve bring great opportunities for our young air cadets, they both fully deserve their appointments.”

1017 Remember the "Few"

A party of cadets from 1017 (Malvern) Squadron spent all of Sunday 16th September commemorating the Battle of Britain. They left Malvern at 0700 hours and travelled to London to join in the Service of "Thanksgiving and Rededication" at Westminster Abbey. The Dean, the Very Revd Dr J. Hall, led the Service and the preacher was the Chaplain in Chief of the RAF, the Revd P. Mills.

After the Service the cadets visited the Battle of Britain memorial on the Embankment. The monument is some 25mlong and depicts various aspect of the Battle of Britain. It shows for instance, Pilots at scramble, an aircraftassembly line, observers, and a family welcoming a pilot with a good old British cup of tea. The photograph showsthe cadets in front of one of the two panels of the monument.

The cadets were then given free time to explore the metropolis. It was assumed that if London had survived the blitz it would be able to withstand an invasion from 1017 Squadron. Needless to say the Capital seemed no worse forits ordeal and neither did the cadets. They returned to Malvern at around 1900 hours.

Keeping it in the family

18 year old Instructor Flight Sergeant Luke Disley is celebrating after receiving his appointment as Instructor Cadet Warrant Officer, the highest rank a cadet can achieve in the Air Training Corps.

Luke succeeds his brother Nathan who recently relinquished the rank after he turned 20 and had to “retire”. Nathan has applied to become a Civilian Instructor and carry on his service in a staff role.

Meanwhile, youngest brother Jacob, 15 and currently a Cadet Corporal is waiting in the wings to follow in the family tradition

Flight Lieutenant Andy Griffin the Squadron Commander commented: “I thank Nathan for his efforts and service as a cadet and look forward to his continued involvement in the Squadron as a member of staff.

Congratulations to Luke who has already shown his willingness to take on new challenges by recently completing a Basic Marksmanship Coaching Course, after which he can pass on his new skills and tips to the younger cadets. I am sure he will make an excellent ICWO.”

The Air Training Corps operates a similar rank structure to the Royal Air Force, with all cadets having the opportunity to progress through the ranks.

2497 Welcome Polly to Cosford

Cadets and staff from 2497 (Cosford) Squadron were privileged and honoured to be able to form a Guard Of Honour for the arrival of Polly Vacher, MBE, at DCAE Cosford during her “Wings Around Britain” tour. The tour is a challenge for Polly to visit all 206 British airfields in the Jeppesen Visulual Flight Rules (VFR) manual whilst raising awareness and funds for the Charity “Flying Scholarships for the Disabled”.

Polly was met on the airfield by Captain David Elford Royal Navy, Director Support & Deputy Comnandant DCAE Cosford, and Group Captain Dick Allen, Regional Commandant, Wales and West Region ATC, both of whom signed Polly’s log books to mark the occasion.

After the official welcome on the airfield Polly and the welcoming committee made their way to the new airfield mess for lunch where Polly was able to chat to all the cadets on an individual basis, thanking them for their attendance, giving them more details of her challenges and finding out further details of the Squadron.

Squadron Commander Flt Lt Paul Woodcock said “It was an inspiration to us all to meet Polly and hear of her adventures, which also include two circumnavigations of the globe. She has many people to meet at each of her stops so it was wonderful that she was able to take the time to chat for so long to the cadets. Polly was also pleased to be able to see the double page spread in Air Cadet detailing earlier parts of her tour.”

For more information about Polly's journey visit www.worldwings.org.

Look out Lewis Hamilton

Cadets from 187 (City of Worcester) Squadron swept the board of prizes at the recent St Richard’s Hospice Soap-Box Challenge held at Worcester’s County Hall.

A team effort saw different groups of cadets responsible for the design, construction and ultimately racing a man powered go cart around a timed circuit against the clock.

Designs from other entrants ranged from motorbikes to bathtubs, all with a driver and a four man pushing team.

The race teams were allowed to walk the course to get a feel for the corners, straights and inclines before the racing began. Each team had two practice runs before the timed runs started, and the competitive spirit was noticeably high!!

Two timed runs followed, which were added together to create an aggregate time. The top five teams would then be entered into a one off race and the fastest soapbox would be victorious. 187 secured its place in the run off with two fast but smooth circuits.

In the final run off, the discipline and fitness of the cadets was clearly apparent and they produced the fastest time of the day to win the overall trophy in style, as well as several class trophies.

At the end of the day all of the carts had suffered mechanical failures of some sort or another as the racing took its toll, but the unique design of 187’s cart allowed for quick and effective repairs to be made in the pits between races. This was testament to the design and construction of the cart, all of which had been carried out at the Squadron’s HQ and without the engineering resources available to some of the other entrants.

The victorious race team consisting of driver Cdt Alex Beamer, and pushers Flt Sgt Alex Robinson, Flt Sgt Dave Everett, Sgt Chris Keen and Cdt Elliott Bridges collected the trophy and ended the day with the pop of the champagne cork.

All in all around £4500 was raised by the event for St Richards’s hospice with funds still coming in. We hope to defend the trophy next year and with our magnificent teamwork, planning and building skills who’s to say that we can’t?

A clip of the racing is available to view on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7EHVBQCfVM

Real Deal for 79

Cadets and staff from 79 (Whitchurch) Squadron enjoyed a unique behind the scenes experience when they joined the production team of ITV1's Dickinson's Real Deal recently when the show visited Whitchurch. The cadets assisted by acting as stewards while members of the public waited for experts to see their items and decide whether were worthy of inlusion in the programme and by providing refreshments for the experts and the production team.

Squadron spokesperson Adult Warrant Officer Helen Docker said "The cast and crew were very friendly and welcomed us all. It was an eye opening experience to see the amount of time and effort required to produce a television programme."

The show will air during the Autumn.

Gold at Windsor Castle

Cadet Warrant Officer Gary Morris, John Gwinnett and Christopher Stones Have recently attended a ceremony at Windsor Castle to be presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Certificates. All three achieved the award while members of 1002 (Ross-on-Wye) Sqn ATC. Chris (former pupil at John Kyrle High School) and John (former student at Hereford 6th Form College) have now left the squadron and are awaiting their A level results before going on to University or joining the Royal Air Force. Gary, who is an apprentice with British Aerospace, is still a cadet but has recently applied to become an adult uniformed member of staff after reaching the highest possible rank as a cadet.

Despite the rain of recent weeks the weather was kind as it stayed dry for the ceremony which took place in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle. There where many celebrities at the award with Gary, John and Chris receiving their certificates from Chris Hollins the BBC Breakfast sports presenter. After the certificates were awarded the Earl and Countess of Wessex circulated and talked to recipients. All three were allowed to be accompanied by two guests at the ceremony and although it was an early start it did give them the chance to have a look around the fascinating Castle and grounds.

First Aid and Thanks

Cadets of 1002 (Ross-on-Wye) Squadron ATC were presented with their Young Life Saver Plus awards certificates and badges last Monday night. This is the second group of cadets to achieve this award but this was a special presentation as it was made by Mrs Hanks, the widow of Flt Lt Bert Hanks RAFVR(T) Rtd who was an ex-commanding officer, civilian committee member and long term supporter of 1002 (Ross-on-Wye) squadron ATC. When Flt Lt Hanks died in November last year, Mrs Hanks and family asked that all donations be made to the squadron and this resulted in over £500 pounds being received. It was decided by the staff of the squadron that the money should be used in a way which would benefit others and be a permanent reminder of Flt Lt Hanks. The Squadron therefore used part of the monies to purchase two Resuscitation CPR dummies which have been so successfully used to train the above cadets. As an extra thank you it was also thought only fitting that the first presentation of the awards gained following the use of these training aids should be made by Mrs Hanks, who was accompanied by members of her family to witness and support the event. The cadets receiving the awards on the night were, rear row left to right Alex Handley, Poppy Farrugia, Emma Stones, Emily Handley. Front row left to right Glen Stewart, Kate Mortimer, Imogen Farrant and Ben James. One further cadet, Ellie Hardman could not be present for the presentation. Once again the staff, Cadets and committee of the squadron would like to offer their sincere thanks for the most generous gift and for thinking of the squadron at a time which must have been very difficult for Mrs Hanks and her family.

Corps Marksman for Poppy

Shooting talent Poppy Farrugia, a pupil at St Peters High School, Gloucester and Air Training Corps cadet again proved herself a keen shot. Since joining Poppy has always been a great shot, achieving Wing and regional marksman’s badges within months of being passed to fire the squadrons .22 Martini Mk2 and number 8 rifles at RAF Innsworth. Now, days before her 14th birthday, which will make her eligible to fire the 5.56 L98 weapon, Poppy has gone one step further by achieving the Corps marksman’s award. This is a very difficult award to achieve, not only because of the skills required but also in having the time to carry out the test. Only one other cadet in the Ross-on Wye squadron has achieved this award but Poppy is the first to do so using a .22 weapon. The requirements for getting this are to fire at four targets on a 25m range. The first must have 10 rounds within the inner 2” circle, the 2nd must be 10 rounds fired within 50 seconds and fit within the inner 2” circle, the 3rd 10 rounds fired in groups of 2 when the target is exposed for 8 seconds per time and again the rounds must be within a 2” inner circle and finally the 4th target must be a further 10 rounds within the 2” inner circle. The score must be not less than 100 out of a possible 120 points. Not only did Poppy achieve this on the day but she also re-qualified for her Regional marksman award something she has since done again. It appears that Poppy, although slightly built is a natural talent who it is hoped will go on to enter shooting competitions in the future and gain success.

451 flying high with Beacon FM

Cadets and staff from 451 (Stourbridge) Squadron have recently been awarded a cheque for a massive £5125 by the West Midlands radio station, Beacon FM.

Afternoon drive-time presenter Jon Wyer and Marketing Manager for Beacon FM, Kate Fuller, recently visited the squadron to present the cheque to the cadets and some of the staff involved in the setting up the project, CI Pete Sadler and Pilot Officer Clare Fairbrother.

Squadron Media & Communications Officer, Clare Fairbrother stated, “this was an eagerly anticipated day. The staff worked extremely hard in putting the initial proposal together, which will be paid off when the cadets have gained their Sports Leaders awards”.

The ‘v Project’ was originally initiated back in March of this year and advertised by Beacon FM. One of the main aims of ‘V’, which has assumed management of the Millennium Volunteers programme, is to fund organisations to create new opportunities for young people. The idea was therefore advertised by the West Midlands radio station, that they had sum total of £50,000 to give away, which was to be shared out to different organisations, which, in turn, had to prove that they could put a proportion of the money to good use for a project aimed at young people. The squadron decided to go for the Sports Leaders Award.

Flt Lt Andrew Alloway, Officer Commanding of 451 (Stourbridge) Squadron stated, “I am extremely proud that we are taking in this scheme as it encourages participants to take responsibility for others, develop organisational and communication skills and instils confidence in people for whom leading groups in sporting activities is a new experience”.

The money will be put to extremely good use where, amongst other things, the squadron will put some of it towards buying a new minibus and upgrading sporting and other technical equipment which will be used to help the cadets gain their awards.

216 Are Regional Adventure Training Competition Winners

Following on from last month’s success in the West Mercian Wing Adventure Training Competition the four cadets from 216 (Redditch) Squadron air cadets came away winners yet again in the Wales and West Regional Adventure Training Competition. They beat five other teams from Merseyside, Staffordshire, South Wales, Mid Wales and even the local North Wales Team.
The regional competition, which has been an annual even for eleven years, was held in Snowdonia National Park over the weekend of Friday 4th to Sunday 6th May 2007.

During the week leading up to the event the team had to prepare a set of timing cards for the route, they were to walk and to plan a menu suitable for a 2 day self sustained trekking expedition.

The weekend started with a long drive to Capel Curig Training Camp in North Wales on the Friday night followed by a quick briefing before settling down for the night. Saturday morning started with a brief of the weekend followed by a through kit, check to ensure that they were equipped for the days ahead as well as being marked on what they were carrying. This was then followed by a practical first aid test and a written navigation test.

At 11 am, the walking exercise started with a 16-kilometre backpack through varied and difficult terrain taking the rest of the day and early evening. This finished at a wild campsite where the very windy and wet night was spent under canvas with all team being observed in how they looked after themselves during the Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
Sunday was a longer walking day with the team walking another 18 kilometres along a different route back to the training camp in Capel Curig. On completion of the exercise all, the teams and supporting staff were fed with burgers and chips while waiting for the results to be compiled.

The trophy was then handed over to the winning cadets from Redditch who has now won it for an impressive five times in the eleven-year history of the competition.

Team manager Flying Officer David Hudson said that ‘we are very proud of the achievements of the four cadets who took part in this year’s competition and to win two trophies out of two is fantastic. We hope that we can continue on this winning streak in the foot drill competitions when we take part in our wings training weekend at the beginning of June’

Cadets' Training Pays Off

The Cadets from 216 (Redditch) Squadron are starting to see all their hard work pay off from a tough training year in 2006 as results and certificates have started to be received for all their efforts.

Recently 13 Cadets received a Basic Swimming Competence Certificate after completing the course at DCAE Cosfords swimming pool in December. To achieve this award the Cadets had to swim 100 meters without rest using a recognised swimming stroke, remain afloat for 2 minutes in water with a depth of 2 meters and finally exit the pool where the the candidate was out of depth without the use of an aid. All 13 Cadets with this award will now be allowed to use Kyaks and cannoe’s during Adventure Training Camps.

Following an intense weekend training course held at the Squadron Headquarters, 18 Cadets achieved the Young Lifesaver Plus First Aid award and are competent in a wide aspect of basic first aid. The Cadets had to show under a rigorous assesment the ability to perform the primary survey, managing a unconcious casualty, performing cardio-pulmonary resuscitation on adults, recognising and dealing with a casualty in shock and recognising and dealing with a casualty bleeding externally. They also had to demonstrate recognising and dealing with casualities with the following conditions/injuries: severe allergic reaction, bleeding, breathing problems, cramp, epilepsy, everyday mishaps, extremes of temperature, fractures, head injuries, injuries to bones, muscles and joints, keeping safe, and low blood sugar. All Cadets concerned passed the assesments with flying colours and had impressed the assessors with the high standard of competence the Cadets displayed whilst under assesment.

And finally 9 Cadets achieved a Bronze in the nationally recongnized Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. To achieve the award the Cadets had to complete 4 sections, an expedition, Physical Recreation, Service and a Skill. The Cadets with help of Squadron Staff had to plan and undertake an 2 day 1 night self sufficient unaccompanied expedition and cover between 24Km and 32Km walking at least 6 hours a day. The Cadets chose to carry out their expedition in Ratlinghope, Shropshire. The Cadets then had to carry out the remaining 3 sections, spending 3 months each on each section, doing activties such as training new recruits, learning to play an instrument, training and passing an exam in the Cadet training syllabus and circuit training. All Cadets concerned have started the Silver award and are hoping to achieve this by the end of this year.

Shrewsbury Squadron Banner is blessed

On Sunday 6th of May The new squadron Banner was blessed at a ceremony at St georges Chirch in Franwell. The Squadron Padre Rev Peter Barnes performed the ceremony in front of representitives of the squadron the Royal air Force association and the local community.

Cdt M Osman brought the Banner into the service and was escorted by Cdt S Jones and Cdt C Bellis.

During the service the Corps of Drums played to pieces under the guidance of the civilian Bandmaster Mr. Steve Jones. The first piece was the drum revelle followed by 'Men of Harlech'

At the end of the parade the banner bearer and the corps of drums were congratulated on thier skill and smartness by both the RAFA and the church congregation.

West Mercian cadets participate in WARMA marches

On the 27th to 29th April 2007, 39 members of West Mercian Wing ATC attended the annual two-day RAF Walking and Road Marching Association (WARMA) marches at DCAE Cosford. The event is used as a qualifier for the Nijmegen International Marches held in Holland each July. The cadets and staff came from:

• 187 City of Worcester
• 223 Halesowen
• 347 Dudley
• 451 Stourbridge
• 1246 Ewyas Harold
• 2488 Kingswinford

The cadets and staff started training for the marches in January 2007, and have been meeting monthly completing weekend training sessions. The route for the marches covers 40 KM of local roads on the Saturday and Sunday and culminates in a march past where Wing Commander Woodhouse MBE, Chairman of the RAF WARMA took the salute.

Shrewsbury Cadets take top awards at band camp

7 musicians from No. 1119 (Shrewsbury) Squadron attended a music Camp run by the Army Cadet Force at Cinderford in Gloucestershire. Three of the cadets came away with Top awards from the week long camp. Drum Major Christopher Fraser-Shaw (16) of Sundorne picked up the Casey Award for his work in coaching on the Bugle for 2 star cadre cadets.
Cadet Elizabeth Cheslett (14) also from Sundorne came away with the most improved Drummer award whilst Cadet Kellie Darlington (16) of Bayston Hill was awarded the most improved Bugler award. Certificates also go to cadet corporal T Lloyd (3 star Bugle) Cadet Corporal N Archer (3 star Drum) Cadet Philip Rathbone (3 star Drum) Cadet Holly Buckley (2 star Fife)

Mr Steve Jones, the Civilian Instructor Bandmaster at the Squadron said “Once again these cadets have shown remarkable progress in the short time they have been with the squadron Band. For some this is the first time they have had any formal musical training and the awards are a credit to them.”

The Band have been booked to perform throughout the summer at several local carnivals and fetes.

(L-R) Cdt Liz Cheslett, Cdt Kellie Darlington, Drum Major Chris Fraser-Shaw, Cdt Phil Rathbone and Corporal Nat Archer

Leominster cadets win Poppy Appeal trophies

Two representatives of 151 (Leominster) Squadron, Air Training Corps, received trophies on Friday, 27 April for their efforts in raising money for the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal in Herefordshire during November.

All Air Training Corps, Army and Navy cadet units in the county compete for the trophies annually.

At the ceremony, at the Hereford TA Centre, the Lord Lieutenant’s Trophy for the cadet unit which raised the highest amount was received by Cadet Corporal Bradley Giffard and the Solutions (Ross) Ltd Trophy for the Herefordshire cadet who raised the highest individual amount was presented to Cadet Michael Coldman.

This is the third time that the squadron have won the Lord Lieutenant’s Trophy and the fourth time that a cadet from the squadron has won the individual trophy.

A “thank you” certificate was also presented to each cadet unit which took part in the collection.

The trophies were presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Sir Thomas Dunn. Following the ceremony Corporal Giffard and Cadet Coldman were personally congratulated by Air Vice Marshal Mike Smart, chairman of the Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmens’ Families Association (SSAFA) in Herefordshire and vice-chairman (Air) of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association.

Wing Athletics Championship

The inter-squadron Wing Athletics Championship was held at DCAE Cosford on Sunday 22nd April 2007. The results are given on the below, however 1130 (Telford and Wrekin) Squadron swept the board winning the each of the five age groups and the overall trophy.

451 Squadron are Region’s Lees Trophy Runners-Up

Cadets and staff from 451 (Stourbridge) Squadron have landed an extraordinary joint-second place in this years’ regional stage of the Lees & Morris Trophy award, an exceptional performance given that the Squadron only had eight days to prepare for the inspection.

451 Squadron accepted the Lees nomination when the Wing’s original nominees were forced to pull out at short notice. The squadrons from the other five wings in the region all had twelve-months to prepare for their inspections but only one of them managed to finish above 451 Squadron. The result is testament to the hard work and dedication of the Squadron’s staff and cadets.

The occasion was marked with an inspection from the Regional Commandant, Group Captain Allen and Assistant Regional Commandant, who closely scrutinised both cadets and staff, watching them in action throughout the evening of Monday 16th April 2007. Classes, such as First Aid, Media, and Weapons took place, also observation of this years’ Wing Training Weekend Continuity Drill team to show the visitors what the squadron actually does on parade nights.

Officer Commanding of 451 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Andy Alloway said, “Obviously we are disappointed that we didn’t get top seed. However, the cadets and staff alike should be extremely proud of themselves and the achievement and position they gained with the notice that was given. Just imagine what we could do in 12 months!”

1002 Squadron's Dragon Bash

Pictured below are cadets and staff from 1002 (Ross-on-Wye) Squadron, Air Training Corps on top of Glyder Fach, Snowdonia in glorious weather on Easter Saturday. Several groups had approached the 994 meter summit by way of the famous Bristly Ridge, a grade one scramble. One group of more experienced cadets had taken a route via the north face of Tryfan, also a grade one scramble, before descending to Bwlch Tryfan and then up Bristly Ridge. Once on the summit the groups had lunch and the customary photographs on the cantilever before heading off to descend by different routes. This was part of the 5 day adventure training camp run by the squadron each year in either North Wales or the Lake District. The officer organising the event, Flt Lt David Stones commented ‘that this was one of the best year’s weather wise he could remember. This made this and the other activities, which included mountain biking, climbing and map reading and compass training a very enjoyable event’. The stay at the hostel in Betws-Y-Coed was further enhanced by the excellent catering which was provided by Mrs Gaye Goodwin of The Rumbling Tum. The Ross Cadets were also joined a further 3 from Malvern squadron and one from Hereford. The camp was not all hard work and plenty of free time was given to relax, sight see and shop.

The sky’s the limit for Matthew

A 63 (Bridgnorth) Squadron cadet, Cadet Matthew Lowe, 16, of Highley gained his gliding Wings over the Easter weekend.

Matthew was selected to attend a Gliding Scholarship course at 633 Volunteer Gliding Squadron based at Cosford, after many hours of instruction, he was considered skilled enough to fly solo on Sunday 8th April.

Matthew has also been selected for further training and will now work towards his Advanced Gliding qualification.

Flight Lieutenant Andy Griffin, the Squadron Commander commented: “Congratulations to Matthew this is a superb achievement on his part, now he can fly, but can’t drive for a few more months

West Mercian Wing's Senior Football team have won the Region Inter-Wing football championship held at DCAE Cosford on Sunday 11th March. Further details to follow.

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2008

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2006