Located in the heart of the Cotswolds 136 (Chipping Norton) Squadron is a thriving unit. We are passionate about the outdoors and take every opportunity to fly and glide.
Thames Valley Wing participated in this year’s Airborne March, which is part of the commemorations of the Battle for Arnhem in the Netherlands in 1944. The Airborne March is in memory to the 1750 plus British and Polish soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944 and who are buried in the War Cemetery at Oosterbeek. The March takes place on the first Saturday in September each year. The first march was held in 1947. Further information on the Airborne March is available from: http://www.airbornewandeltocht.nl/en/airborne/44-background_airborne_march
Thames Valley Wing had 79 cadets and volunteer staff participate in 10 and 15 KM route marches as part of this event.
Thames Valley Wing’s objectives for this event were:
for cadets and adult volunteers to participate in the Arnhem March representing the Royal Air Force Air Cadets;
to learn about the Battle of Arnhemby visiting significant locations of the battle, the Airborne Museum Oosterbeek and to commemorate the Battle of Arnhem paying their respects at the War Cemetery Oosterbeek;
Should you be interested in participating next year, there are places available with Thames Valley Wing’s contingent. Please contact Flt Lt Nigel Furlong, Contingent Commander and Officer Commanding 2210 Cowley Squadron via our contact form
Cadets and staff have recently undertaken two fieldcraft weekends with almost 90 cadets and staff being trained.
The first weekend focused on cadet fieldcraft skills with some of the cadets even sleeping under the stars in bivouacs with none of their normal luxuries. That alone is tough enough but to then add two days of intense and relentless training makes their achievement all the more significant. Continue reading →
Thames Valley Wing played a lead role when over 700 RAF Air Cadets and Adult Volunteers from across the South West Region proudly celebrated RAF100 with an unprecedented parade through the streets of Windsor. With the iconic Windsor Castle in the background, the parade drew hundreds of people onto the streets to watch as a sea of light blue took over the Royal Berkshire town for the day. Continue reading →
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 →
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 →
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 →
360 Air Cadets and over 80 adult volunteers from across the Thames Valley Air Cadets came together on Sunday, 22nd May to celebrate the Air Training corps (ATC) 75th Anniversary.
Parading through Windsor and past the Guildhall it was an incredible sight to see the Thames Valley Air Cadets march through the streets and onto the Parish Church in all their splendour. Continue reading →
With an early start and a long journey, 12 cadets and 6 staff from the Thames Valley region set off for Scotland. Along the way there was a short but worthwhile stop to The Devils Porridge Museum, where the cadets were educated on the women who made the explosive ammunition for the war effort. The dressing up facilities probably intended for a much younger audience saw the cadets bonding quickly. Once we had arrived at the brilliant accommodation we were treated to a visit around 669 Sqn Army Air Corps for a look around the Lynx AH9A’s Helicopters. Continue reading →
Early notice for activities at Region Activities Day 2016 have been announced. The Region Activities Day will affect what happens on Wing Activities Day. Continue reading →
