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 GpCapt 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 →
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 →
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 Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th 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 →
Thames Valley Wing has, over the past few months, been running a series of ‘Self Defence and Conflict Management’ courses via TDSU that are available for cadets and staff; the most recent being on Saturday, 28th September. The courses are run by WO Miller of 1996 (Earley) Sqn who is a Master Level Self Defence Instructor with the Self Defence Federation, and his colleague WO Powditch of 2121 (Abingdon) Sqn. The courses are aimed at teaching cadets to manage conflict in confrontational situations and basic self-defence actions in a controlled environment. Continue reading →
Each year cadets and staff from across Thames Valley wing gather at Wing HQ to take part in the various competitions that make up the wing activities day. With an early start for many squadrons cadets arrive ready to compete in a range of events show casing the skills they have learnt whilst being in the Air Training Corps. The event shows a high level of standards across all disciplines and this year was no exception across all the entries and levels of participation by the cadets.
With over 200 cadets at WAD 2013 squadrons took part in a range of events including the following: Aircraft Recognition, Aviation Art, Drill, Media Skills, Aero modelling, Photography, Public speaking and website entries. Continue reading →
One of the highlights of the wing sporting calendar saw 130 cadets take part in the Wing Swimming Championships at Temple Cowley Swimming Pool on Saturday, 7th September. Cadets arrived in high spirits ready to swim likes fishes and gain points for their squadrons to try and take home the combined trophy from the day.
As the first races started it was clear there was some excellent swimmers within the wing and the competition was going to be tough. Continue reading →
Chocks away as Air Expereice Flights (AEF) resume at 6 AEF based at RAF Benson following a period of inactivity for the Grob Tutor fleet from October 2013. Squadrons from next week will start to see allocations re-appear on notice boards to offer cadets the chance to complete their Air Experience Flights with 6 AEF, further supporting cadet’s studies into aviation.
Air Experience flying is a big part of the cadet experience and alongside gliding is a key element that makes the Air Training Corps stand out from the rest. By been able to offer again cadets the chance for their sortie in the Grob Tutor cadets will be able to add another tick against their ‘Are You On Target’ achievements. Continue reading →
211 (Newbury) squadron were recently joined by cadets and staff from 2293 (Marlborough) and 1996 (Earley) squadrons to take part in Exercise Fallen Angel, a 3 night fieldcraft exercise at Bramley Training Area.
Starting on Friday evening, the cadets arrived at the training area with all their kit in tow and after a quick safety brief and deciding on flights, the two teams found their “bivvi” area where they would sleep for the night and began setting up. 24 hour ration packs were to be the food of choice for the weekend, and the cadets had to patrol tactically to their “drop-zone” and wait for the “helicopter” to insert them into their area. Continue reading →
2402 Burghfield and 1996 Earley Squadron once more ventured into the early morning light to support Parkinson’s disease Research. A total of 14 cadets and 3 members of staff were on hand to provide marshalling support for the Parkinson’s UK Run Highclere event at Highclere Castle, the main setting for the ITV period drama Downton Abbey.
The cadet assistance was provided by Flt Lt Paul Beardwood of 2402 (Burghfield) Squadron and Flt Lt Julie Alexander of 1996 (Earley) Squadron who offered their assistance to Parkinson’s UK. Continue reading →
