An Aldermaston cadet has been on a once in a lifetime visit to Hong Kong as part of the International Air Cadet Exchange programme.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Gibbons from 2403 (Aldermaston) Squadron was selected from hundreds of hopeful candidates to take part in the IACE visit to Hong Kong. Flight Sergeant Gibbons says “although I have been a cadet for many years I never thought I would end up in a different country with cadets from all over the world. It has been an experience of a life time and I have made friends from many countries and from different cultures. Knowing how few spaces there are when applying I still never thought I would be in with a chance of going”. Continue reading →

211 (Newbury) Squadron reigned supreme at the Thames Valley Wing Field Weekend held at Bicester.

The activities held over the two day competition were designed to test all of the cadets skills. Together with drill, aircraft recognition, the cadets from 26 different Squadrons also had to undertake outdoor activities on the nearby Piddington Training Area such as a first aid scenario, patrol lane and a Duke of Edinburgh Award challenge. Continue reading →

Almost 50 years to the day 8 ex-Air Cadets from 211 (Newbury) Squadron have reunited to celebrate a famous win. The win in question was a success in the Berkshire Wing Drill Competition, held at Brock Barracks in Reading where the Newbury Cadets won their 5 trophy in a row.

Knowing the 50th anniversary was coming up one of the winning team, Clive Newton, undertook to find as many of the team as possible and bring them and their staff (Sqn Ldr John Boulton DFM and Warrant Officer Cheeseborough) together. Continue reading →

Cadet Sergeant Alipio Reis of 2211 (Bracknell) Squadron has been appointed the Lord Lieutenants Cadet at a sparkling ceremony held at Reading University. During the coming year he will attend high profile events to support the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mrs Mary Bayliss JP.

Although he has only been a cadet since July 2007 he is a good all rounder undertaking all the ATC has to offer including his Duke of Edinburgh’s Silver Award, the Young Lifesaver Plus first Aid Qualification as well as training to fly solo in military motor gliders. Continue reading →

The 70^th anniversary of the Battle of Britain has been commemorated in Burghfield by a parade of over 40 Air Cadets and their staff.

Under clearing skies the immaculately turned out parade, formed by cadets of 2402 (Burghfield), 2403 (Aldermaston) and 381 (Reading) Squadrons headed off with the Union Flag in the lead, closely followed by the banners of the Royal British Legion, the Air Cadets and the Army Cadets. After a short march the formation arrived at St Mary’s church where wreaths were laid at the war memorial and also at the grave of a Battle of Britain pilot, Pilot Officer Eric Burgoyne of 19 Squadron who was killed when his Spitfire aircraft was shot down on the 27^th September 1940. Continue reading →

Brunswick Adventure Training Camp 2010 had the almighty task of following many successful years at Browndown Training Camp and after a strenuous and exhausting eleven days, it is evident that the year’s work of preparation has delivered a camp that cadets and staff alike will remember for a very, very long time. Thames Valley Wing, Middlesex Wing and Dorset and Wiltshire Wing combined to produce 269 cadets along with 49 members of staff. We also had the pleasure of hosting 29 Canadian Air Cadets and staff from 62 Grimsby Phantom Squadron. Continue reading →

Bracknell Cadets proved they were the champions at the Thames Valley Wing swimming championships held at Cowley Temple Pool.

Over 100 cadets and staff travelled to the pool on the outskirts of the City of Oxford for a day of heats, finals and relays. Following an early challenge from Brize Norton and Woodley Squadrons, Bracknell forged ahead with an invincible points trophy by the end of the competition. Continue reading →