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 →

30 Cadets and 6 Staff members from Burghfield, Newbury, Brize Norton, Woodley, Chipping Norton, Oxford, Reading and Bracknell Squadrons attended a White Water Rafting session run by at Cardiff International White Water Centre.

The morning started with splitting into rafts of 6 people, a brief by our rafting guide. Kit issue of wet suit and personal safety equipment then onto the water. It was rather chilly at around 5 Celsius but this did not stop some Cadets jumping in before we even got into the rafts! Continue reading →

All together with momentous spirit the village of Burghfield assembled adjacent to “The Hatch” to line up for the Parade of Remembrance. Continue reading →

On the evening of Saturday, 2nd November 2402 (Burghfield) and 2403 (Aldermaston) Squadron, jointly celebrated their 50th Birthday. The venue for the celebrations was the Holiday Inn on the outskirts of Reading and proved to be one of the best dinners held so far. Attending the evening as invited guests were members of both committees, representatives of Berkshire ACF alongside parents and cadets from both squadrons. The meal was rounded off with speeches and toasts, Mr Vice for the dinner been. 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, 7^th 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 →

14 cadets and 1 staff member from Burghfield, Aldermaston, Wantage, Wallingford, Henley and Reading Squadrons attended the BCU 1 and 2 star courses at Adventure Dolphin in Pangbourne.

The majority of the Cadets worked towards and passed their BCU 1 Star certificate in an Open Canoe, the remaining Cadets and Staff progressed towards their 2 star or did refresher training. Continue reading →

With summer finally here, cadets & staff from Thames Valley Wing took to the water & climbing wall at Adventure Dolphin in Pangbourne for the Wing’s Multiactivity Adventure Training Day. 12 cadets and 4 staff members from across the Thames Valley attended the event, with all enjoying the warm weather and sunshine!

Following an introduction into what the day would involve, the cadets were split into two groups to tackle morning’s respective challenges. The first being a taxing “throw the shoe” warm up lead by CI Ollie Holman of 2402 squadron. Following this, the flights went their separate ways – an introduction to Paddlesport in open canoes or tackling 9 challenging climbing routes on the climbing wall. Continue reading →

Once again the rural lands of Berkshire were transformed into a recruitment hunting ground as 2402 (Burghfield) Squadron went on the trail for new cadets.

The key behind the recruitment was the establishment of a key pitch at the Burghfield May Fayre, the Squadron being complimented for having presented a highly organised and professional display. This display was made up of a variety of key aspects including display boards, the Wing Recruitment gazebo and, in pride of place, the Wing aerospace platform (the WASP) which attracted many young enthusiasts who wanted to fly the simulator and were subsequently introduced to the variety of activities and opportunities that the Air Training Corps provides. Continue reading →