Cadets throughout Oxford, Berkshire and Hampshire will now be experiencing the fun and thrills of Archery following 11 staff and cadets completing ArcheryUK’s Leader Award.
Hosted by 211 (Newbury) Squadron, the 4 day course allowed staff from various Air Cadet Squadrons from Thames Valley Wing and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wing to learn about delivering safe and enjoyable archery sessions to their cadets. The course was delivered over two weekends – one in late January saw the potential leaders undertake exercises in range & archery safety, range layout and practical shooting, all done in heavy snowfall, whilst the latter weekend covered different forms of archery, maintenance of equipment, practical shooting, teaching and supervising skills, all done in heavy rain!
Cadet Flight Sergeant Daniel Ockwell from 211 Squadron said “I learned so much from the course – and am really looking forward to passing my new skills on to the cadets”.
The course, part funded by the SportsEngland & “Get Berkshire Active” Sportivate scheme, will see the newly qualified Leaders offering training to cadets throughout the two Wings as well as organising competitions throughout 2013 and over the next few years.
Plt Off Pepperell, Officer in Charge of 211 (Newbury) Squadron, and one of the course participants, said “it was great to get the course up and running after several months hard work from all involved – and am excited about putting this qualification into practice with the cadets, both with Cadets from Newbury Squadron, but also from our Sector and across the wider Thames Valley area”.