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 →

2507 (Bicester) Squadron have been granted the Liberty of the Town in a glittering formal charter signing ceremony held at the offices of Bicester Town Council.

Having seen their original event postponed due to heavy snow, the Town Council were keen that the rearranged event be conducted with the fullest of pomp and ceremony. At the invitation of the Mayor, the attendees included the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, the Officer Commanding Thames Valley Wing Air Training Corps, Wing Commander Chris Fisher and the local Member of Parliament, the Honourable Tony Baldry MP. Continue reading →

On a sunny Monday,  6^th May, 8 cadets from 2267 (Brize Norton) Squadron headed over to 612 VGS at Abingdon for a day of flying on the Vigilant, powered glider. Following an early start from the squadron the cadets arrived to receive their safety brief along with the weather forecast and flying program for the day. The cadets then headed out onto the airfield to start their flying sorties to try and achieve their GIC 1, 2 or 3 with the possibility of then applying for a gliding scholarship in the future. Continue reading →

On Saturday, 4^th May 10 cadets from 2267 (Brize Norton) Squadron had an early start to travel to Bramley Training Area to take part in outdoor climbing organised by the staff from 211 (Newbury) Squadron. The cadets arrived and were briefed by CI Amin and CI Fitt who explained about the Leadership Area they would be working in and the importance of been safe not only while climbing but been around the wall. Once this had been completed the cadets all put on their harness and helmets and then headed over to the wall to begin their climbs and from the top the abseil down the other side. WO (ATC) Lowe was at the top of the climbing wall to help those that managed to reach the top and go through how to correctly abseil back down to earth. Continue reading →

On Saturday 27th April 21 cadets from 2267 (Brize Norton) Air Cadet Squadron along with a cadet from 136 (Chipping Norton) Squadron travelled to Weston-on-the-green in Oxfordshire to complete their practice Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award expedition. This been just one part of the award scheme allows the cadets to consolidate their recent training and apply their skills in an outdoor environment under remote supervision of staff. The cadets had undertaken training in First Aid and emergency procedures, risk & health and safety issues, navigation and route planning, practical map and compass skills, camp craft, hygiene and food safety, countryside code and teambuilding. For each group they have to work on an aim throughout their expedition and provide a presentation at the end of their final expedition based on these aims which included local wildlife, farming in Oxfordshire and environmental waste. The cadets would then be taking videos, photos and notes throughout their expeditions show what they have learnt. Continue reading →

2402 Burghfield and 1996 Earley Squadron once more ventured into the early morning light to support Parkinson’s disease Research. A total of 14 cadets and 3 members of staff were on hand to provide marshalling support for the Parkinson’s UK Run Highclere event at Highclere Castle, the main setting for the ITV period drama Downton Abbey.

The cadet assistance was provided by Flt Lt Paul Beardwood of 2402 (Burghfield) Squadron and Flt Lt Julie Alexander of 1996 (Earley) Squadron who offered their assistance to Parkinson’s UK. Continue reading →

Cadets from 2120 (Witney) Squadron gathered at Witney Lakes Resort on Saturday 20^th April to celebrate the 70^th anniversary of their formation.

Distinguished guests included former cadets, staff, parents as well as Her Majesty’s Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Brigadier Ian Inshaw and Town Mayor, Cllr Harry Eaglestone.  The evening celebrated the squadrons’ accomplishments from the past seventy years, recognising the achievements of all involved, past and present and this was emphasised in a brief note from constituency MP and Prime Minister the Rt Hon David Cameron.  In his note to the cadets, the Prime Minister highlighted the cadets commitment to the community and thanked them for their civic duty, assuring the Squadron of his support over the coming years

Commanding Officer of 2120 (Witney) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Kevin Corbyn reflected on the evening and the past 70 years:

“Witney Air Cadets have a long and prestigious history and this evening’s event celebrated that perfectly.  These young adults have turned out tonight and epitomised the very ethos that underlines their Squadron; exemplary citizens.  My staff and I are proud of every single cadet and we look forward to the next 70 years and the cadets that will come through our doors.”

Cadet Oscar Evans who joined the Squadron in February and was Mr Vice for the evenings formalities said of the occasion:

“Tonight has been really good fun and it was an honour to be the junior cadet but still be Mr Vice.  I have really enjoyed my time with the cadets so far and I can’t wait to go flying and gliding.”

In addition to the congratulatory messages received from the Prime Minister and Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Commandant of the Air Cadet Organisation, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty tweeted the Squadron.

Easter 2013 had a new twist for a number of members of staff and cadets from across Thames valley Wing as they enjoyed the hospitality of RAF High Wycombe during their Easter Camp.

Despite the snow, frost and freezing temperatures the camp enjoyed a whole host of activities including trips to the RAF Museum at Hendon, a visit to RAF Halton, Hell Fire Caves and the C17 and C130 fleets at RAF Brize Norton. Continue reading →

The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh have met cadets and staff from 2477 (Britwell) Squadron as they opened a new community centre as part of the multi-million pound regeneration of the East Berkshire area. The centre is a brand new community building for residents and will house the new library, catering and learning kitchens, offices and meeting space, a café and the family contact centre.

During the visit HM The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh spent some time chatting to a group from the local Britwell Air Cadets. Continue reading →

Flt Lt Mary Houghton, Squadron Commander of 2211 (Bracknell) Squadron, received a commendation during surprise visit as the Squadron was preparing to move to Longmoor Training Camp for a weekend exercise.

Flt Lt Houghton was awarded a Regional Commandants Commendation for her work at various Squadrons within Thames Valley Wing as well as her support to the Wing’s successful RAF Camp programme.  Continue reading →