Welcome to 2121 (Abingdon) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, otherwise known as Abingdon Air Cadets. Located on the outskirts of Dalton Barracks (the old RAF Abingdon airbase) the Squadron attracts cadets and adult volunteers from the surrounding villages of Shippon, Wootton, Cumnor, Marcham and the town of Abingdon itself to name a few.
The Air Cadets offers its members a wide range of exciting and unique activities which are designed to challenge and develop the cadets. From Flying and Gliding to Adventure Training there is an activity to meet a wide range of interests. The Air Cadets also offers a range of qualifications such as BTEC’s in Aviation Studies and Music which can be achieved by participating in our Squadron.
As a cadet you will also experience what life is like in the Royal Air Force by attending residential visits and courses on RAF Stations throughout the UK. There is no obligation to join the RAF if you are a cadet, however many ex-cadets do go on to join the Armed Services.
The Air Cadets is supported by a framework of volunteers who assist in a variety of jobs, from training on a parade night to running activity weekends such as Duke of Edinburgh expeditions or range days. Adults involved in working with cadets are DBS cleared and given training before undertaking any activities.
New and existing staff from around Thames Valley wing attended their Staff Basic induction course and refresher training at RAF Halton.
The Course covers everything that members of the Air Training Corps need to know, including: Continue reading
For the past two years, Abingdon Squadron has been the winner of Aircraft Recognition at both Wing and Regional Activities Days. However, on both occasions, we have not been successful at Corps level. This year preparation to retain our titles began at the start of summer with three new recruits – Cdt Spratt, Cdt Irwin and Cdt Warrick – adding to the current members being myself (Sgt Flavin), Sgt North and Cpl Plows. At all levels of the competition there are two categories: Under 16 and Open. In the Under 16 category, only cadets who are under the age of 16 can take part, however, in the Open category, any cadet of any age can take part. Continue reading
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 Individual – 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
23 Cadets and 11 Staff from Thames Valley Wing organised and attended the 2014 Wing AT Camp at NACATC Llanbedr at the end of May.
After some careful planning and paperwork the week started with a journey to North Wales on a coach, after settling into the camp and receiving various briefs the Cadets and Staff were split into 3 groups. We archived our aim of delivering a jammed packed and varied programme giving the Cadets a taster in each of the core AT activities. Continue reading
24 cadets and a number of staff from Thames Valley wing attended the second in a series of weekend camps which Central sector visiting RAF Henlow. The majority of the cadets were new to their squadrons and this was their first camp with the ATC (Air Training Corps) and for some their first time staying away from home. Arriving on Friday evening all the cadets were briefed about the weekend by Sqn Ldr Senft who has organised the camps and everyone went off to their accommodation to get ready for a busy two days ahead. Continue reading
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
ach year Thames Valley Wing holds its Inter Squadron bowling competition at RAF Brize Norton where the squadrons get together before the Christmas break with each squadron been allowed to enter 2 teams. With the event always being a good day out for the cadets and staff this year’s event was no exception with everyone enjoying themselves and some good scores been achieved at the end of the day.
459 (Windsor) Squadron provide their story on how the competition went for the squadron on the day. Continue reading
In early November 9 Cadets and 11 Staff of TVW made their way to the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre (NACATC) at Windermere for a week of Adventure Training in and around the Lake District.
Activities ranged from mountain walking, Canadian Canoeing, indoor and outdoor rock climbing and mountain biking taking full advantage of the facilities and opportunities available from the centre. Continue reading
On Saturday 19th October, Vale of White Horse District Council held the ‘Chairman’s Community Awards’ to recognise and celebrate the achievements of individuals across the district for their efforts and success. Flt Lt Joan Smith, OC 2121 (Abingdon) Squadron attend the celebrations after been nominated for an award for her commitment and contribution with the squadron based in Abingdon.
Quoting the nomination “Flt Lt Smith and her cadets regularly help out at Public and Community Events in the area (many on an annual basis) and include the following: Abingdon Airshow, Dragon Boat Racing, the annual Abingdon Mayor Making Ceremony, Abingdon Clubs and Societies Day, Abingdon Fun/Music in the Park, Abingdon Horse Show, Abingdon Marathon, Abingdon Christmas lights and other events. Continue reading
On the afternoon of Wednesday 30 October, 19 cadets and 3 members of staff from 966 (Wallingford), 2410 (Didcot) and 2121 (Abingdon) squadrons assembled at RAF Benson for a Merlin AEF (Air Experience Flight).
All the cadets had attended RAF Benson Families Day in July and the AEF was a thank you from RAF Benson for the sterling work they carried out on that day. Continue reading