153 (Slough) Squadron

The squadron is the largest air cadet squadron in Berkshire and certainly the most active and vibrant cadet unit.

Our training and activities programme aim to inspire motivate and young people aged between 12 to 19 years of age who are interested in aviation and aerospace whether as a career or simply as a hobby.

Latest News for: 153

2017 State Awards

The 2017 Wing Awards evening held at RAF Benson has recognised the service and dedication of cadets, instructors, Senior NCO’s, Officers and Civilian Committee members from right across Oxfordshire and Berkshire. This year the awards were presented by Group Captain Eddie Cole, Regional Commandant (South West). Continue reading

Celebrating the success of cadet and volunteers

Air Cadets and volunteer staff from across Thames Valley Wing Air Training Corps gathered at RAF Benson for an evening of celebrations during the annual THRIVE awards.

The THRIVE awards were established three years ago to recognise the achievements and successes of the individuals who support the Air Cadets in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Hosted by RAF Benson and sponsored by five organisations 33 individuals received recognition on the evening for their efforts across several categories. Continue reading

Thrive Nominations 2016

thrive_logo16Congratulations to the following individuals who have been nominated for a 2016 Thrive award:

AWARD NAME SQUADRON
Inspirational Civilian Instructor – For the Civilian Instructor who has made the most outstanding contribution to the Air Training Corps. CI J FITT

CI P SOAR

CI M MRZGLOD

211 NEWBURY

2507 BICESTER

594 THAME

Valiant NCO – For excellence, through the virtue of hard work, character and quality in service as a Senior NCO. FS (ATC) R FENION

WO (ATC) M ROBERTS

FS (ATC) S PEDGE

1460 BANBURY

1861 WANTAGE

2121 ABINGDON

Outstanding Junior Officer – To recognise the Junior Officer who has excelled including in their own personal development. FG OFF L BAKER RAFVR(T)

FG OFF J PRESTON RAFVR(T)

FLT LT A PYE RAFVR(T)

153 SLOUGH

1315 KIDLINGTON

211 NEWBURY

Unsung Hero – Awarded to the individual whose contribution often goes unrecognised, but without it the ATC would fail to deliver. SGT (ATC) M WIGLEY

CDT FS BIDDLE

FLT LT T CHURNSIDE RAFVR(T)

1861 WANTAGE

594 THAME

381 READING

Endeavour Award – For consistent and extraordinary efforts in helping others, above and beyond the call of duty and often against the odds. CI M ROSE

FLT LT D AZIZIAN RAFVR(T)

FLT LT P BENNETT RAFVR(T)

966 WALLINGFORD

2121 ABINGDON

155 MAIDENHEAD

Air Cadets parade in Windsor to mark their 75th Anniversary

360 Air Cadets and over 80 adult volunteers from across the Thames Valley Air Cadets came together on Sunday, 22nd May to celebrate the Air Training corps (ATC) 75th Anniversary.

Parading through Windsor and past the Guildhall it was an incredible sight to see the Thames Valley Air Cadets march through the streets and onto the Parish Church in all their splendour. Continue reading

Thames Valley Wing Awards

Commandant’s Air Cadets Commendations of Meritorious Service were given out at this years Thrive Awards, below are the recipients and their citations.

Thrive_Alex_Pye

Flying Officer Alex Pye from 211 (Newbury) Squadron has been a member of the Corps serving as a both a Cadet and as a member of staff at 211 (Newbury) Squadron.

A long term supporter and key member of the Squadron he has undertaken all of the duties asked of him with style and is seen as a corner stone of excellence. He is  also leading light in bringing archery activities –  first to Newbury Squadron through careful negotiation of grant packages – before being an evangelist for the activity Wing-side. Continue reading

Finalists for Thrive Awards Announced

The finalists for the Thames Valley Wing Thrive Awards have now been announced. The Awards fall into the following categories and all nominations came from their peers.

Outstanding Civilian Instructor – The person who has made the most outstanding contribution over the past year.
Ambassador – The individual or team who through the virtue of hard work, character and representation have raised the profile of the ATC.
Valiant Volunteer – For consistent and extraordinary efforts in helping others, above and beyond the call of duty.
Unsung Hero – The individual whose contribution often goes unnoticed but without it their Squadron would fail to deliver the effect it achieves.
Top Team Award – awarded to the group (informal or formal) that has achieved the greatest positive impact. Continue reading

Annual Wing Training Day

Each January staff and staff cadets from across the wing gather at RAF Halton to attend the annual Wing Training Day. This provides the opportunity to find out the latest changes on subjects such as the ‘Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’ and syllabus training. Staff also reflect back on the previous year and look ahead to ensure that the cadet experience is been delivered to the best of the ability of squadrons and wing staff within Thames Valley. This year’s training day saw a visit by Gp Capt Cole from RAF Brize Norton who provided an insight into the RAF as it currently stands and updates on RAF Brize Norton with the introduction of the Voyager fleet and upcoming arrival of the Atlas fleet. Continue reading

Successfully Providing Lifesaving Skills

Staff development within Thames Valley Wing is co-ordinated and delivered by the ‘Training and Development Team’ which has recently been expanded which some new staff members. Leading the team Sdn Ldr Johnson is OC TDSU (Training Development and Support Unit) who ensures that cadets and staff are offered all the correct training including but not limited to Instructor Cadet Courses, Cadet Youth 1st Aid and Staff Cadet Courses for those cadets turning 18 years old. Continue reading