155 (Maidenhead) Squadron is a well established unit with a rich history being the first Berkshire unit formed over 70 years ago. The Squadron is located near the town centre and we have strong links with the local community and take part in a wide range of activities including civic parades, local fetes, as well as the core ATC activities.
We always welcome new cadets and instructors to our team and hope to provide exciting and diverse opportunities for everyone.
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 →
Thames Valley Wing has, over the past few months, been running a series of ‘Self Defence and Conflict Management’ courses via TDSU that are available for cadets and staff; the most recent being on Saturday, 28th September. The courses are run by WO Miller of 1996 (Earley) Sqn who is a Master Level Self Defence Instructor with the Self Defence Federation, and his colleague WO Powditch of 2121 (Abingdon) Sqn. The courses are aimed at teaching cadets to manage conflict in confrontational situations and basic self-defence actions in a controlled environment. Continue reading →
One of the highlights of the wing sporting calendar saw 130 cadets take part in the Wing Swimming Championships at Temple Cowley Swimming Pool on Saturday, 7th September. Cadets arrived in high spirits ready to swim likes fishes and gain points for their squadrons to try and take home the combined trophy from the day.
As the first races started it was clear there was some excellent swimmers within the wing and the competition was going to be tough. Continue reading →
Chocks away as Air Expereice Flights (AEF) resume at 6 AEF based at RAF Benson following a period of inactivity for the Grob Tutor fleet from October 2013. Squadrons from next week will start to see allocations re-appear on notice boards to offer cadets the chance to complete their Air Experience Flights with 6 AEF, further supporting cadet’s studies into aviation.
Air Experience flying is a big part of the cadet experience and alongside gliding is a key element that makes the Air Training Corps stand out from the rest. By been able to offer again cadets the chance for their sortie in the Grob Tutor cadets will be able to add another tick against their ‘Are You On Target’ achievements. Continue reading →
The summer is typically a busy time for Air Cadet Squadrons with many different activities, camps and events happening across the months. 155 (Maidenhead) Squadron have provided an insight into the 1st half of their summer and the things the cadets have been involved with so far with plenty more still on the horizon yet!
The 13th July saw 4 cadets take to the air for the first time in a vigilant glider at RAF Benson’s 612 Venture Gliding School. Each cadet got 2 opportunities to fly and clocked up nearly three hours of flying time between them. Cadet Alice Armstrong said that it had been one an absolutely amazing experience, flying over the Oxfordshire Countryside on a lovely summer’s day and taking control of the glider. Continue reading →
With summer finally here, cadets & staff from Thames Valley Wing took to the water & climbing wall at Adventure Dolphin in Pangbourne for the Wing’s Multiactivity Adventure Training Day. 12 cadets and 4 staff members from across the Thames Valley attended the event, with all enjoying the warm weather and sunshine!
Following an introduction into what the day would involve, the cadets were split into two groups to tackle morning’s respective challenges. The first being a taxing “throw the shoe” warm up lead by CI Ollie Holman of 2402 squadron. Following this, the flights went their separate ways – an introduction to Paddlesport in open canoes or tackling 9 challenging climbing routes on the climbing wall. Continue reading →
A trial has been held by Thames Valley Wing East & West Sectors to explore how to help Squadrons deliver the Field Craft “Are You On Target” foundation module.
The initial trial was held at Bramley Training Area and focussed on the Foundation level of field craft in which cadets learn how to look after themselves in the field including lessons on hygiene, kit maintenance, cooking, shelter building and basic patrolling. Completing this day long training course means they can now sign up for the Wing’s Tactical Leader Camp’s. Continue reading →
Fifteen cadets and staff from Thames Valley Wing have just returned from the 2013 Alpine Adventure ski trip in Bavaria, Germany. Alpine Adventure is a well established ATC activity that has been running for nearly 20 years and provides the opportunity for up to 80 cadets to either learn to ski, or to improve their skiing techniques.
The Thames Valley Wing cadets formed part of the South West Region contingent, staying at a 14th Century Mill in Wertach, along with cadets from Region, as well as others from Manchester, Middlesex and Kent. Continue reading →
In a surprise result, the cadets of 2211 (Bracknell) Squadron have won the Thames Valley Wing Activity Day held at Edward Brooks Barrack from a strong field of 287 cadets from right across the Thames Valley.
Bracknell secured the win by a strong performance across all the categories – Foot Drill, Banner Drill, Aviation Art, Aeromodelling, Photography, Media Skills, Aircraft Recognition, Flights of Fancy and Map Making. Runners up were 1996 (Earley) Squadron followed by 211 (Newbury) Squadron and 381 (Reading) Squadron. The overall drill winners were favourites 1116 (Wodley) Squadron who now go forward to the Regional Activity Day. Continue reading →
Waking up at 6am isn’t the usual Sunday morning for a teenager, but the cadets from Slough squadron were up for the challenge of Wing Activities Day. Ready to compete, we arrived at Edward Brooks Barracks prepared to engage in the competitive spirit of Thames Valley Wing. As Slough squadron’s team captain, Sergeant Pusey was already motivating the cadets: “This is a great opportunity to boost the confidence of three of our new cadets.” The new cadets at Slough squadron had been preparing and training for this opportunity to demonstrate how much they have improved over recent months, and were excited to participate. Continue reading →