Monthly Archives: November 2013

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

Top Awards for Berkshire Pair

In a glittering ceremony held at Reading’s Madjeski Stadium, the Lord Lieutenant for Berkshire, Mrs Mary Bayliss JP, has presented awards to Cadet Flight Sergeant Daniel Honey of 381 (Reading) Squadron and Wing Staff Officer, Flt Lt Richard Andrews.

Cdt FS Daniel Honey was appointed as the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet and will accompany Mrs Bayliss on a number of high profile visits around the Royal County of Berkshire.  Daniel has been a high flying cadet at 381 (Reading) Squadron for five years and is the senior cadet on unit.  Continue reading

1996 Celebrates New HQ

On Thursday 24th October 1996 (Earley) Squadron saw the opening of its new squadron building by the Mayor of Earley, Councillor Linda Chambers with a blessing by the squadron padre, Reverend Derek Spears. To celebrate the official opening and mark a key occasion in the squadrons history saw a formal parade of the thirty cadets from 1996 Sqn along with Wing Commander Chris Fisher VR(T), Officer commanding Thames Valley Wing, accompanied by Wing Warrant Officer, Scott Anderson.

Representatives of the Earley Lions attended the evening and Tony Milne presented Warrant Officer Miller a cheque for £350 in recognition of the efforts made by squadron cadets in assisting in their fundraising activities. This highlights the close link between the squadron and the local community. Continue reading

Hot Topics for 136 Cadet at RAFC Cranwell

Following on from the Wing Activities Day 2 cadets from 136 (Chipping Norton) Squadron were selected to represent the wing at the Regional Debating Competition in preparation for an upcoming event at the House of Lords. Cpl Rillie and Cdt Mitchell went to the South West region event back in October alongside cadets from all the services. The day involved training, preparing and practicing debating in order to be selected to represent South West region at RAFC Cranwell. Cdt Mitchell was selected to attend on the 2nd November and provided some words on the event “As requested I have included a photo from the day, the photo was taken during the final in the RAFC Cranwell Chapel. Continue reading

Latest recruits arrive at Witney Squadron

Open evenings at squadrons form a vital part in providing potential cadets the chance to find out about what the Air Training Corps offers and the opportunities available to cadets. Recently 2120 (Witney) squadron opened its doors to show case what the squadron and wing does across the year and on Tuesday, 5th November the latest 6 cadets to join the squadron were enrolled.

Celebrations were in full swing on Tuesday 5th November as cadets, parents and staff of 2120 (Witney) Squadron, Air Training Corps welcomed their latest 6 cadets following enrollment after 5 weeks introductory training. Continue reading

Memorable Merlin Experience

On the afternoon of Wednesday 30 October, 19 cadets and 3 members of staff from 966 (Wallingford), 2410 (Didcot) and 2121 (Abingdon) squadrons assembled at RAF Benson for a Merlin AEF (Air Experience Flight). 

All the cadets had attended RAF Benson Families Day in July and the AEF was a thank you from RAF Benson for the sterling work they carried out on that day.   Continue reading