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 →

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 2^nd 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 →

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, 5^th 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 →

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 →

During the October half term 28 cadets and 8 staff from Thames Valley Wing headed to RAF Linton-on-Ouse for their autumn camp on an operational, RAF station. It was a busy week for the cadets as they got to experience activities both on and off base, experience what life is like on an RAF station and meet new people with 17 of the wings squadrons been represented at the camp. For many of the cadets this was their first week long camp and were kept very busy with lots of activities and chance to discover what happens on an RAF base. Continue reading →

On Tuesday, 29^th October 34 cadets and 4 staff from the Northern Sector of Thames Valley wing headed to RAF Brize Norton to spend the day visiting a number of different sections and an Air Experience Flight. Organised by the station ACLO, Flt Lt Lonsdale, the day included visits to 216 Sqn, resident squadron operating the Tristar fleet for Air Transport and Air to Air Refuelling. The cadets also undertook a visit to the safety equipment section to find out how all the equipment is tested and maintained and ensure it was all up to the required specifications. The cadets went to see the RAF Regiment and 33 Engineering Squadron, home to the maintenance of the C-130 Hercules fleet. Continue reading →

As part of the wings drive to create a wing band and support squadrons own band the wing bandmaster has been visiting squadrons to help develop cadet’s skills and knowledge in the music field. There are a number of camps across the year for cadet and staff musicians such as the national concert band camp which Cpl Natasha Gavin, 211 Sqn and Cdt Benedict Goodall, 150 Sqn recently attended. The camp was to rehearse for a charity concert at St Clements Danes in London on the 1st November in aid of the RAF Benevolent Fund. The concert was attended by Viscount Trenchard, chairman of the RAF Benevolent Fund, and Wing Commander Duncan Stubbs, Principle Director of Music for the Royal Air Force. Continue reading →

On Saturday 19 October 2013, Didcot First organised an Oscar-style Business and Community Awards Ceremony, sponsored by local businesses, at the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot. The Awards are designed to recognise the best of business and community organisations in the Town, over the preceding year.  2410 (Didcot) Squadron were announced as winners of the Youth Community Award.  The announcement was made by way of a pre-recorded video by Matt Richardson, the Didcot born, young stand-up comedian who is currently hosting ITV2’s X-Factor Extra programme. The Award was collected by Squadron Leader Paul Haines, the Squadron Treasurer, and Civilian Instructor Barry Wicks, who nominated the Unit. The majority of the Squadron Staff, doing what they do best, were busy with a weekend Adventure Training Activity! Continue reading →

On Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th October 2013 cadets from 155 (Maidenhead), 381 (Reading), 447 (Henley-on-Thames), 966 (Wallingford), 1861 (Wantage), 1996 (Early), 2210 (Cowley) and 2410 (Didcot) squadrons took part in the monthly TASER (Training And Shooting ExpeRience) weekend held at 447 (Henley-on-Thames) squadron.

The hugely successful weekend saw 19 cadets trained for the first time on the number 8 rifle meeting their first goal on the shooting section of the wing wide ‘Are You On Target’ initiative. Continue reading →

On Thursday, 17^th October, CWO Samuel Jones from 2507 (Bicester) Squadron attended the Oxfordshire, Lord Lieutenants awards at Pembroke College to be presented his award. Having been a member at the squadron for over 5 years CWO Jones was nominated by OC 2507, Flt Lt D Azizian due to the outstanding commitment and achievement he has shown during his time at the squadron.

In his citation, Flt Lt Azizian comments that CWO Jones joined 2507 (Bicester) Squadron in May 2008. With a passionate interest in aviation, and a firm desire to join the RAF or commercial airlines, his major achievements have been in the flying arena. Continue reading →