Congratulations to the following individuals who have been nominated for a 2017 Thrive award: Continue reading
All posts by Mark Gray
Thames Valley remember “The Few”
The Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, Mr Tim Stevenson, was the guest of honour at a sunset ceremony to commemorate the Battle of Britain at the Wing Activity Centre, formely the HQ of 612 Volunteer Gliding School. Continue reading
Joint Cadet Challenge Weekend
On the hottest weekend on record since 1976, Air Cadets from Thames Valley Wing attended the Oxfordshire’s Annual Joint Services Cadet Challenge. An annual competition organised between the Sea Cadets, Army Cadets and the Air Training Corps.
This year’s Challenge was hosted by the Sea Cadet Corps on board HMS Bristol, a commissioned warship permanently harboured in Portsmouth and used by the Cadet Forces for training. Continue reading
Earley and Burghfield help at Reading Half Marathon
On an overcast Sunday, cadets from Earley and Burghfield Squadron arrived early to lend a hand to the organisers of the Reading Half Marathon. The squadrons were helping out with collecting, organising and returning the first 3,000 runners bags before, during and after the race. Continue reading
Cadets visit the RAF Museum London
On Sunday 5th February 45 Cadets and Staff attended the RAF Museum London, at RAF Hendon for ATC Sunday, recognising the 76th Anniversary of the Corps formation. Continue reading
Bowling to victory
Sunday, 4th December saw the annual Thames Valley Wing bowling competition take place at RAF Brize Norton with over 140 cadets representing 22 Squadrons from across the Wing.
After an early start the competition started and with a competitive spirit the 12 lanes at the Astro Bowl were soon full of cadets aiming for the strikes to add vital points to their Squadron scores. Each team was made up of only four cadets so the pressure was on each cadet to get down those pins. Everyone managed to compete in at least three games and after a tense bowl off at the end the winners were announced. Continue reading
Celebrating the success of cadet and volunteers
Air Cadets and volunteer staff from across Thames Valley Wing Air Training Corps gathered at RAF Benson for an evening of celebrations during the annual THRIVE awards.
The THRIVE awards were established three years ago to recognise the achievements and successes of the individuals who support the Air Cadets in Berkshire and Oxfordshire. Hosted by RAF Benson and sponsored by five organisations 33 individuals received recognition on the evening for their efforts across several categories. Continue reading
Thrive Nominations 2016
Congratulations to the following individuals who have been nominated for a 2016 Thrive award:
| AWARD | NAME | SQUADRON |
| Inspirational Civilian Instructor – For the Civilian Instructor who has made the most outstanding contribution to the Air Training Corps. | CI J FITT
CI P SOAR CI M MRZGLOD |
211 NEWBURY
2507 BICESTER 594 THAME |
| Valiant NCO – For excellence, through the virtue of hard work, character and quality in service as a Senior NCO. | FS (ATC) R FENION
WO (ATC) M ROBERTS FS (ATC) S PEDGE |
1460 BANBURY
1861 WANTAGE 2121 ABINGDON |
| Outstanding Junior Officer – To recognise the Junior Officer who has excelled including in their own personal development. | FG OFF L BAKER RAFVR(T)
FG OFF J PRESTON RAFVR(T) FLT LT A PYE RAFVR(T) |
153 SLOUGH
1315 KIDLINGTON 211 NEWBURY |
| Unsung Hero – Awarded to the individual whose contribution often goes unrecognised, but without it the ATC would fail to deliver. | SGT (ATC) M WIGLEY
CDT FS BIDDLE FLT LT T CHURNSIDE RAFVR(T) |
1861 WANTAGE
594 THAME 381 READING |
| Endeavour Award – For consistent and extraordinary efforts in helping others, above and beyond the call of duty and often against the odds. | CI M ROSE
FLT LT D AZIZIAN RAFVR(T) FLT LT P BENNETT RAFVR(T) |
966 WALLINGFORD
2121 ABINGDON 155 MAIDENHEAD |
South West Region Inter Wing Junior Football & Hockey Competitions 2016
On Sunday 20 October 12 Junior Boys and 9 Junior Girls travelled to Tidworth Garrison, Tidworth for the South West Region Inter Wing Junior Football and Hockey Competition.
From the start the competition looked like a non-starter with only 9 girls from a squad of 12 and the boys down to a full starting 11 but only one substitute!, coupled with biblical rain on the journey and the potential of flooding at the venue. The Thames Valley cadets arrived in high spirits ready to face the challenge. Continue reading
South West Region Inter Wing Swimming Championships 2016
On Saturday 8 October 17 cadets and 3 staff from Thames Valley made the long journey down to HMS Raleigh Cornwall for the South West Region Inter Wing Swimming Championship.
The championship took place on Sunday 9 October; The Thames Valley 17 strong team went up against the best of the other five Wings of South West Region in what proved to be a very close competition with some exceptional swimmers. Continue reading