On Saturday 19 October 2013, Didcot First organised an Oscar-style Business and Community Awards Ceremony, sponsored by local businesses, at the Cornerstone Arts Centre in Didcot. The Awards are designed to recognise the best of business and community organisations in the Town, over the preceding year.  2410 (Didcot) Squadron were announced as winners of the Youth Community Award.  The announcement was made by way of a pre-recorded video by Matt Richardson, the Didcot born, young stand-up comedian who is currently hosting ITV2’s X-Factor Extra programme. The Award was collected by Squadron Leader Paul Haines, the Squadron Treasurer, and Civilian Instructor Barry Wicks, who nominated the Unit. The majority of the Squadron Staff, doing what they do best, were busy with a weekend Adventure Training Activity! Continue reading →

On Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th October 2013 cadets from 155 (Maidenhead), 381 (Reading), 447 (Henley-on-Thames), 966 (Wallingford), 1861 (Wantage), 1996 (Early), 2210 (Cowley) and 2410 (Didcot) squadrons took part in the monthly TASER (Training And Shooting ExpeRience) weekend held at 447 (Henley-on-Thames) squadron.

The hugely successful weekend saw 19 cadets trained for the first time on the number 8 rifle meeting their first goal on the shooting section of the wing wide ‘Are You On Target’ initiative. 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 →

On the weekend of 19^th September cadets from across Central Sector attend Youlby Sector camp to take part in a fieldcraft weekend aimed at new cadets to prepare them for more advanced level fieldcraft such as the TLC (Tactical Leadership Course) run by Thames Valley Wing. Cadets from 966 (Wallingford), 1861 (Wantage), 2120 (Witney), 2121 (Abingdon), 2267 (Brize Norton) and 2410 (Didcot) had a busy weekend learning a range of skills including striking a camp, field cooking, orienteering, camouflage and concealment and field shelters. This new knowledge was then put to the test with a night exercise to combine all their new skills and team building by working with cadets who they have never met before. Continue reading →

Despite torrential rain showers, cadets from East + West Sectors have just completed another Field Craft Introduction day at Bramley Training Area. 

The day was attended by cadets from 155 (Maidenhead) Squadron, 381 (Reading) Squadron and 2211 (Bracknell) Squadron and covered the lessons that the cadets need to complete to attend the forthcoming Tactical Leadership Camp being held in November. The lessons included how to cook a ration pack, kit maintenance, hygiene and camouflage techniques. Continue reading →

1861 (Wantage) Squadron Civilian Committee member, Louise Preece is a healthy 40-year-old mother of one but on October 1, she undertook a voluntary operation to have both her breasts removed – a decision she hopes will prevent her developing the same cancer which is slowly killing her mum.

Mrs Preece, from Grove, near Wantage, underwent a 14-hour double mastectomy at the John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, which surgeons hope will reduce her chances of developing cancer from 80% to just 8%. Doctors have told her they think she could share the same cancer gene with her mother. Although there is no test to prove whether she has it, a faulty gene can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Continue reading →

Each year cadets are invited to attend a selection weekend to be successful in gaining a place on the Junior Leaders Course. This year 4 cadets from Thames Valley wing took part in the selection process at Bodney Camp and cadet FS J Taylor tells us what was involved during the weekend. This opportunity is offered out each year so make sure you keep an eye out and apply.

“Having heard some worrying tales about it, I had apprehensions on the four-hour train journey to Thetford and was relieved to see what I assumed was the rest of the course waiting outside the station when I arrived; at least I knew I was at the right place. 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 →

The Regional Activities Day held at QinetiQ Boscombe Down saw success for both Woodley and Abingdon Squadron against teams from across the South West.  The trophies were presented by Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, Commandant Air Cadets.

Woodley convincingly won the Drill competition with a faultless display and Abingdon in the Aircraft Recognition discipline and Website Competition. Overall the Thames Valley Team came a very close second in the overall competition where the cadets go head to head in Public Speaking, Photography, Public Speaking, Aviation Art and Banner Drill. Continue reading →

The Air Training Corps is an organisation supported by hundreds of volunteers in many capacities from Civilian Instructors, Uniformed staff to committee members. At the Thames Valley, Wing Activities Day three staff members from within the wing were presented with the ‘Commandant’s Commendation for Meritorious Service’ by OC Wing, Wg Cdr Fisher. These individuals were recognised for their support to the ATC mission ‘to facilitate a modern, dynamic, sustainable air-minded youth organisation of choice that offers fun and challenging opportunities’. Continue reading →