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 →

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 1^st Aid and Staff Cadet Courses for those cadets turning 18 years old. 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 →

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 Thursday, 17^th October, CWO Samuel Jones from 2507 (Bicester) Squadron attended the Oxfordshire, Lord Lieutenants awards at Pembroke College to be presented his award. Having been a member at the squadron for over 5 years CWO Jones was nominated by OC 2507, Flt Lt D Azizian due to the outstanding commitment and achievement he has shown during his time at the squadron.

In his citation, Flt Lt Azizian comments that CWO Jones joined 2507 (Bicester) Squadron in May 2008. With a passionate interest in aviation, and a firm desire to join the RAF or commercial airlines, his major achievements have been in the flying arena. Continue reading →

Cadets from 2507 (Bicester) squadron represented Thames Valley Wing in the Percussion Section for Regional Band Competition on Saturday, 12^th October at RNAS Yeovilton. The 4 cadets achieved 2^nd place in the regional competition and showed excellent skills during their performance. Cpl Warmington from the Royal Marines commented that the Thames Valley band was “an excellent display and very well done to the team”. 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 →

Annual summer camps provide cadets with a great opportunity to experience life on an RAF station and the chance to take part in activities otherwise not available to them at squadron or wing levels. A number of cadets this year for summer camp within Thames Valley wing headed to RAF Shawbury across 2 weeks in August to see what happens at the base

RAF Shawbury provides for the RAF the Defence Helicopter Flying School, training aircrew for all three military services, and the Central Flying School (Helicopter), delivering the next generation of helicopter instructors. The Central Air Traffic Control School, more quietly but with equal energy, deliver the next generation of controllers, prepare those already for operations and train selected individuals as instructors. Continue reading →