Over 20 Thames Valley Wing cadets and staff have been honoured at a glittering awards ceremony held at Falklands House in Oxford for their work by Commandant of the Air Cadet Organisation; Air Commodore Ian Stewart.
Amongst the haul of awards were 16 Commandant Air Cadets Commendations, 3 South West Regional Commandants Certificates of Merit, a long service award, 4 Cadet Forces Medals and Clasps:– Continue reading
The cadets of 2403 (Aldermaston) Squadron were crowned Wing Bowling Champions during a closely fought competition held at the RAF Brize Norton Astra Bowl.
The team won the girls competition in style but were pipped to the post by 2211 (Bracknell) Squadron in the boys competition.
Deputy Officer Commanding Thames Valley Wing, Sqn Ldr Stephen New presented the trophies and praised the cadets for showing such skill on the bowling lanes in a competition where some of the highest scores for many years were achieved.
The 500th affiliation between the Royal British Legion and the Cadet Forces was celebrated in style at a ceremony with Burghfield Air Cadets, near Reading.
In front of veterans and proud parents, the cadets formed up before being addressed by their Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Danny Norcross and long term supporter and Burghfield RBL President Air Commodore Jack Frost CBE DFC FL RAF (Ret’d). Following the exchange of affiliation certificates, a cake was cut in style using a ceremonial sword before the cadets and veterans had a chance to talk about their experiences. Continue reading
Abingdon Air Cadets march in their Battle of Britain parade.
30 Cadets from Abingdon Air Cadets paraded to remember the Battle of Britain and the RAF pilots lost in that conflict. They paraded from Dalton Barracks (formely RAF Abingdon) to the St Mary Magdalene Church at Shippon where the salute was taken by the Vale of the White Horse Chairman, Cllr Alison Rooke.
In a first for the Wing, a team of 30 Thames Valley Cadets and Staff attended RAF Service of Thanksgiving and Rededication on Battle of Britain Sunday held at Westminster Abbey.
The Thames Valley contingent, led by Sqn Ldr Stephen New, formed up in a side street near Westminster Abbey waiting for the word to enter the Abbey. The Cadets brought the traffic to a halt near the Abbey as we were directed to be seated before the arrival of HRH Prince Charles and Chief of the Air Staff. Continue reading
Newbury & Warwick Cadets Join Forces for Fieldcraft Training.
From the 26th to the 28th of July fifteen cadets of Newbury Air Cadets joined forces with cadets and staff from 1368 (Warwick and Royal Leamington Spa) Squadron for a fieldcraft training exercise at Pirbright, Surrey. Continue reading
A musical ensemble from Brize Norton were the stars of the annual Wing Dinner.
The 7 cadets under the musical direction of Squadron Leader Andy White played a selection of tunes from their musical repertoire to over 85 diners at the event held at Abingdon.
Guest of honour, Group Captain Paul Haines (Ret’d) commented during his speech on the excellent performance given by the cadets.
In a shock result, cadets from 1116 (Woodley) Squadron beat 2402 (Burghfield) Sqn into 2nd place in the Thames Valley Wing Challenge.
The event held over 2 days at Bramley Training Area attracted teams from 22 Squadrons. Activities on offer included a Night Exercise followed by a round robin exercise ranging from a view from the top of the High Ropes course to leadership, patrolling, orienteering, first aid and radio communications. Continue reading
Over 400 Cadets and staff from Thames Valley Wing helped the RAF celebrate its 90th anniversary in style, with a parade at RAF Halton.
The Reviewing Officer, who inspected all 400 cadets and 30 staff on parade, was Group Captain Richard Gammage, Station Commander RAF Halton. Other VIPs included Air Commodore John Lamont from MoD Abbey Wood and the Mayors of Witney and Abingdon. Continue reading
Cadets from the Berkshire units of Thames Valley Wing recently showed their ability to the full by winning the top award for small bore target shooting.
The Inter-Services and Nowell Cup competitions are held annually with teams from the Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps competing. Continue reading