Yearly Archives: 2013

Hanging around at Craggy Island

2402 Burghfield Squadron organised a session climbing with local Squadrons at Craggy Island in Guilford. 12 Cadets and 7 Staff members from Burghfield, Woodley, Newbury, Wokingham, Wallingford and Windsor Squadrons attended the session.

The morning started at 1116 Woodley Sqn with a kit issue, brief on how to put on a climbing harness, helmet how to tie into the rope and belaying techniques. Continue reading

While Shepard’s watched their flocks by night…

On Saturday 14th December, as festivities across Witney continue in the build-up for Christmas, 16 cadets and 3 staff from the Squadron participated in carol singing at their local branch of Sainsbury’s.  As shoppers went down the aisles collecting festive treats they were treated to a range of carols performed by the cadets.  It also provided the squadron with the opportunity to raise funds for future needs and also importantly to raise the units profile within the local community. Continue reading

The Debate Continues for 136 Cadet

On Friday, 29th November Cadet Mitchell from 136 (Chipping Norton) Squadron travelled to London as part of a national group of 48 Air Cadets to take part in an historic debate in the House of Lords. Cdt Mitchell had already attend 2 selection events to get this far – https://www.aircadets.tv/news/hot-topics-for-136-cadet-at-rafc-cranwell/. This was only the 7th time a group of individuals outside of parliament had debated within the House of Lords. The below article from Sdn Ldr Aitkins, HQAC provides an insight into the day and the occasion which Cdt Mitchell was involved with. Continue reading

Wing Bowling with Windsor

ach year Thames Valley Wing holds its Inter Squadron bowling competition at RAF Brize Norton where the squadrons get together before the Christmas break with each squadron been allowed to enter 2 teams. With the event always being a good day out for the cadets and staff this year’s event was no exception with everyone enjoying themselves and some good scores been achieved at the end of the day.

459 (Windsor) Squadron provide their story on how the competition went for the squadron on the day. Continue reading

Musical Success at Birmingham Tattoo

With the Wing Bandmaster expanding the wings music capabilities 3 cadets from Thames Valley Wing performed at the Birmingham Military Tattoo at the end of November. Cpl N Gavin, Cdt B Goodall and Cdt C Jones performed in the Air Cadet National Marching Band alongside 126 (City of Derby) Squadron Rifle Drill display team. Cpl Gaving from 211 Newbury Squadron was also selected to be part of the Air Cadet National Fanfare team and opened the performance by the Air Cadets. Continue reading

Swept Away by White Water Rafting

30 Cadets and 6 Staff members from Burghfield, Newbury, Brize Norton, Woodley, Chipping Norton, Oxford, Reading and Bracknell Squadrons attended a White Water Rafting session run by at Cardiff International White Water Centre.

The morning started with splitting into rafts of 6 people, a brief by our rafting guide. Kit issue of wet suit and personal safety equipment then onto the water. It was rather chilly at around 5 Celsius but this did not stop some Cadets jumping in before we even got into the rafts! Continue reading

Week of Adventure Training at Windermere

In early November 9 Cadets and 11 Staff of TVW made their way to the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre (NACATC) at Windermere for a week of Adventure Training in and around the Lake District.

Activities ranged from mountain walking, Canadian Canoeing, indoor and outdoor rock climbing and mountain biking taking full advantage of the facilities and opportunities available from the centreContinue reading

Moving Forward- Dancing All the Way

On the evening of Saturday, 2nd November 2402 (Burghfield) and 2403 (Aldermaston) Squadron, jointly celebrated their 50th Birthday. The venue for the celebrations was the Holiday Inn on the outskirts of Reading and proved to be one of the best dinners held so far. Attending the evening as invited guests were members of both committees, representatives of Berkshire ACF alongside parents and cadets from both squadrons. The meal was rounded off with speeches and toasts, Mr Vice for the dinner been. Continue reading

Community Award for Abingdon OC

On Saturday 19th October, Vale of White Horse District Council held the ‘Chairman’s Community Awards’ to recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals across the district for their efforts and success. Flt Lt Joan Smith, OC 2121 (Abingdon) Squadron attend the celebrations after been nominated for an award for her commitment and contribution with the squadron based in Abingdon.

Quoting the nomination “Flt Lt Smith and her cadets regularly help out at Public and Community Events in the area (many on an annual basis) and include the following: Abingdon Airshow, Dragon Boat Racing, the annual Abingdon Mayor Making Ceremony, Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day, Abingdon Fun/Music in the Park, Abingdon Horse Show, Abingdon Marathon, Abingdon Christmas lights and other events. Continue reading