211 (Newbury) Squadron is a thriving squadron in the heart of West Berkshire.
We are able to offer a broad and varied evening training programme, as well as many weekend activities. The Squadron has particular strengths in the fields of adventurous training, shooting, fieldcraft, drill & leadership training as well as Flying & Gliding. The cadets of 211 Squadron are proud to be one of the oldest squadrons in Thames Valley Wing, and can trace their history back to the formation of the Air Training Corps in 1941 and have always been at the forefront of success and achievement within the Wing and in the local community.
We run a quarterly intake system, recruiting every January, April, July & October and have a comprehensive induction package for new cadets covering everything they'll need to know to help them on their way to joining one of the air cadet squadrons of Thames Valley Wing
Thames valley Wing undertook a multi activity training weekend staying onboard HMS Bristol, a Royal Navy destroyer docked in Portsmouth and used as a training facility. Our cadets participated in training for first aid, leadership, instructional techniques, NCO command training for Junior and Senior NCOs and weapons handling and safety training.
Thames Valley Wing Air Cadets are not just about flying and gliding! Our cadets were out in force this weekend shooting the L144 .22 target rifle polishing their marksmanship skills
In the months from September to October, a little more than 100 cadets took part in Thames Valley Wing Air Cadets’ fieldcraft courses. Also known as the ‘Tactical Leadership Courses’, they culminated in a blank firing exercise with cadets, a first for the Wing. Throughout, cadets were given progressive opportunities to learn and demonstrate skills from camouflage and concealment to section-level tactics with training ammunition, all whilst developing their communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Continue reading
Thames Valley Wing played a lead role when over 700 RAF Air Cadets and Adult Volunteers from across the South West Region proudly celebrated RAF100 with an unprecedented parade through the streets of Windsor. With the iconic Windsor Castle in the background, the parade drew hundreds of people onto the streets to watch as a sea of light blue took over the Royal Berkshire town for the day. Continue reading
Thames Valley Wing has been judged the runner up at the prestigious south-west Regional Activities Day held at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall. The strong team was drawn from across Oxfordshire and Berkshire competed against hundreds of other cadets from five other Wings. Continue reading
Congratulations to the following individuals who have been nominated for a 2017 Thrive award: Continue reading
Sunday, 4th December saw the annual Thames Valley Wing bowling competition take place at RAF Brize Norton with over 140 cadets representing 22 Squadrons from across the Wing.
After an early start the competition started and with a competitive spirit the 12 lanes at the Astro Bowl were soon full of cadets aiming for the strikes to add vital points to their Squadron scores. Each team was made up of only four cadets so the pressure was on each cadet to get down those pins. Everyone managed to compete in at least three games and after a tense bowl off at the end the winners were announced. Continue reading
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
Congratulations 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 |
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