Thame Squadron have won the prestigous Hope Trophy in the national Media and Communications Awards.

The Squadron were recognised for their role in the high-profile funeral of Bee Gee and music legend Robin Gibb, including the forming of a Guard of honour. As a result of the support that they provided in support of the late singer and his family, cadets were filmed on national television, where they were immaculately turned-out and showed a clear demonstration of Robin’s close link and support to his local unit. Continue reading →

Tom Small, a former Air Cadet of 211 (Newbury) Squadron, Air Training Corps, recently undertook an amazing TV Challenge. Working alongside James May and a BBC Production team, Tom, along with his colleagues from Brunel University, was involved in a “James May’s Toy Stories: Flight Club” being aired over the festive period.

In early 2012, Brunel University’s Aerospace Engineering department was approached by the production company to look into the feasibility of flying a model balsa wood glider from the UK to France. Whilst the plan was feasible, the French proved slight hostile towards the idea, and soon the project was downgraded – flying from the British mainland (Ilfracombe) to the small island of Lundy – but still breaking records as it did it! Continue reading →

When Bicester Squadron’s compound went out of control, local firm EP Barrus leapt to the rescue with the donation of a top of the ranger lawn mower.

Boss of the Squadron, Flying Officer Dan Azizian takes up the story:-
“Since our surrounding MOD site was sold, we’ve struggled to keep our land tame and safe. Thanks to this donation, the task will be far easier and will allow us to again devote our time to the cadets.” Continue reading →

Having experienced the delights of a mornings flying with 2 AEF at RAF Benson, a group of cadets had the added bonus of a sneak visit to see the air ambulance helicopter.

Arranged by Warrant officer Dan Twigg, the accompanying officer on the day, the cadets from 1116 (Woodley), 2402 (Burghfield) and 2403 (Aldermaston) Squadrons were surprised when it was announced that they would be going to look around the helicopter. Continue reading →

When 4624 (County of Oxford) Movements Squadron of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force needed a band to support the parade being held to celebrate their 30th Anniversary they turned to the Air Training Corps to provide the honours, in this case the band of 1460 (Banbury) Squadron.

The band lead by Squadron Commander Flight Lieutenant Karl Kisley provided the musical accompaniment outside the Officers Mess at RAF Brize Norton for the parade which consisted of approximately 100 personnel lead by the Officer Commanding 4624 Squadron, Wing Commander Williams.  Continue reading →

quadron Leader Dunc Mason, an ex-cadet of 2499 (Wokingham) Squadron, has been appointed as the Commanding Officer of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

He will lead the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which provides an aerial display group comprising an Avro Lancaster, a Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane. The aircraft are regularly seen at events commemorating World War II, upon British State occasions, notably the Trooping the Colour celebrating Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday as well as the wedding of Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Catherine Middleton in 2011, and at air displays throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Continue reading →

The best of the best from the Thames Valley area have come up trumps in the annual South West Region activities held this year at MOD Boscombe Down.

With activities ranging from Drill and presentational skills through to aero modelling and media communications, the battle was on to see which of the 6 Wings that form South West Region could come away with the silverware. It is fair to say that the competition was fierce but friendly throughout the whole days activities whilst the support provided by the staff, either directly to their own teams or in running the day as a whole was truly amazing. Continue reading →

The 1460 (Banbury) Squadron band did the ATC proud when it was invited to participate in a fundraising event in aid of services charities.

Former Banbury Councillor Rosemarie Higham-Stevens decided to celebrate her 70th birthday by organising a concert, aptly entitled “Singing for Heroes” featuring ‘The Warminister Military Wives Choir’ but needed a suitably military style musical accompaniment, Cue the 1460 band under the direction of Flight Lieutenant Karl Kisley which marched in to add some Air Force blue icing to the cake. Continue reading →

In a surprise result, the cadets of 2211 (Bracknell) Squadron have won the Thames Valley Wing Activity Day held at Edward Brooks Barrack from a strong field of 287 cadets from right across the Thames Valley.

Bracknell secured the win by a strong performance across all the categories – Foot Drill, Banner Drill, Aviation Art, Aeromodelling, Photography, Media Skills, Aircraft Recognition, Flights of Fancy and Map Making. Runners up were 1996 (Earley) Squadron followed by 211 (Newbury) Squadron and 381 (Reading) Squadron. The overall drill winners were favourites 1116 (Wodley) Squadron who now go forward to the Regional Activity Day. Continue reading →