Monthly Archives: April 2014

First ATEx a Great Success

The Thames Valley Adventure Training Team organised a weekend of climbing, abseiling , kayaking, open canoeing, trekking, orienteering, camping skills and team building at Foxlease in the New Forest on a wet weekend in April.

20140430_First _ATEx_a_Great_Success_subOver the weekend Cadets from Brize Norton, Cowley, Woodley and Chipping Norton braved the very wet weather and took part in the activities above. As well as the activities we also covered some of the First Class training syllabus around Basic Map reading and Initial Expedition Training.

FS Chris Harding of Burghfield Squadron who organised the event said “Even with the constant rain for the whole weekend the Cadets and Staff stayed in high spirits and enjoyed a varied Adventure Training experience across the core activities mentioned in “Are You On Target?” . I’d like to extend my thanks to the ACO staff for transporting the Cadets and their assistance with organising and running all the activities.”

Kidlington Cadets Refuel the OX5 Run

On a brisk Sunday morning on the 20th April, Air Cadets and Army Cadets from Kidlington took time out from their weekend to help out at the OX5 Run at Blenheim Palace. The run itself was 5 miles long and in aid of the Oxfordshire Children’s Hospital; last year it raised almost £100,000 for the charity. This year was the 12th consecutive run with over 1400 entrants. Continue reading

Brize at ‘The Stingers’

2267 (Brize Norton) squadron were recently asked to support “The Stinger” London Wasps vs Gloucester Rugby match at Twickenham. The squadron were invited on behalf of the Royal Air Force to participate in the opening ceremony for this fixture at the home of English Rugby.  Taking 12 cadets who were present alongside members of the ACO National Marching Band who were performing at the event following their annual camp and who were invited to also provide a contingent.

The cadets started the day with several rehearsals, followed by a full dress rehearsal on the pitch whilst Little Mix the x-factor contestants did their own warm-up. Continue reading

Wing Band Launch a Great Success

Cadets and staff from across Thames Valley Wing came together for the first wing band workshop on Sunday, 23rd March. The newly formed band played a range of pieces such as The Great Escape, Those Magnificent Men and Dam Busters. All of the cadets and staff had a fantastic time and the band members are looking forward to their first performance on Sunday, 6th April in Banbury to commemorate the local Army Reserves changing Regiments. Continue reading