A team of 4 cadets from 2499 (Wokingham) Squadron have lifted the prestigious Nowell Cup trophy in a tough, shoulder to shoulder, shoot off with the Army Cadets.

The competition held annually at Reading’s Brock Barracks is a test of marksmanship using small-bore rifles on a 25 metre range. Each firer has to fire two shots against 5 separate bull eye targets – a tough discipline requiring a steady aim and solid skills. Continue reading →

Fourteen cadets from 211 Newbury Squadron were joined last weekend by two from 1861 Wantage Squadron for 36 hours of field craft training.  The cadets arrived on Saturday loaded with kit and ready for their first task, a one mile walk to the spot that was to be their home for the next thirty six hours –  a field!  The group included cadets who were experiencing their first taste of field craft and they were all quick to learn and practice the skills taught and demonstrated by the eight staff members involved.  The cadets were split into flights for the training which included the basics of field craft including building bivvies, cooking their rations, personal admin and for some spending their first night sleeping outside.  During the day they also learnt the finer points of camouflage and concealment, patrolling and contact drills, some basic first aid, use of radios and the duties of a sentry. Continue reading →

The Squadron’s headquarters at St Michaels Road hosted an Open Day for parents of cadets and invited guests including Newbury’s Mayor, Councillor Dr Ian Grose.  There was a formal parade and presentation of the years trophies and an opportunity to show off the Marshall Trophy which was awarded to the Squadron last December. This trophy is an annual award to the most successful Squadron in the Wing. Continue reading →

Air Cadets from across Thames Valley Wing, came together at 211 (Newbury) Squadron’s Cadet Forces Centre to take part in a joint weapons training event.  The Cadets from Newbury, Wallingford, Wantage, Abingdon & Burghfield Squadrons undertook a comprehensive training package covering safety around the range, as well as specific training on one of two rifles according to their age and experience. Continue reading →

After a weekend swinging from ropes, navigating wire courses and crossing rope bridges Instructors from across the Thames Valley are now ready and qualified to work with cadets on Low Ropes Courses. The European Ropes Course Association accredited training was delivered by Vertex Training near Corfe Castle in Dorset.

The weekend started with the vital skill of safe operation before moving through some of different types of exercises and the positive methods of reviewing teams. The weekend concluded  with written and practical assessments of all of the course members by Vertex Training in order to qualify for the industry standard ERCA accreditation. Continue reading →

The Thames Valley Wing Marching Team have started their training with an aim of being selected for the world famous Nijmegen Marches held in Holland each July.  The team have a lot to live up to as they are past multiple winners of the prestigious Jon Ford Trophy for being the best Air Cadet team in the marches as well as having a reputation for marching at a strong pace, beating many regular service teams along the way! Continue reading →

211 (Newbury) Squadron has beaten off stiff competition from the Bicester, Chipping Norton and Bracknell Squadrons to win the Marshall Trophy, which is awarded annually to the most successful squadron in the Thames Valley.

The trophy was awarded by the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mrs Mary Bayliss JP, to Flying Officer Alex Pye at the annual Thames Valley Wing awards ceremony held at Edwards Brooks Barracks. Continue reading →

As part of the celebrations to recognise 150 years that the Cadet Forces being established, 60 Cadets and 10 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, selected from the Combined Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps, were offered the opportunity of a lifetime.

In July 2010 the party set off for the three week expedition to the rugged and isolated  Kingdom of Lesotho where they assisted in community projects in this impoverished yet spectacular Country in addition to undertaking a number of challenging expeditions including traversing the unspoiled Drakensburg Mountains and visiting some of the remote hillside villages and open canoeing around the stunning Katse Dam. Continue reading →

Newbury Air Cadets supported the recent March for Honour when it passed though their local area during the national, 200 mile marathon aiming to help raise £1 Million for the Royal British Legion.

Traffic ground to halt as the route was lined by hundreds of school children and members of the public wanting to show their support to the teams from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army and Royal Air Force.  The Newbury Air Cadets accompanied the teams into Newbury before helping next day at the high profile launch which saw the marchers cheered on their way by well wishers at the Newbury Royal British Legion. Continue reading →

211 (Newbury) Squadron reigned supreme at the Thames Valley Wing Field Weekend held at Bicester.

The activities held over the two day competition were designed to test all of the cadets skills. Together with drill, aircraft recognition, the cadets from 26 different Squadrons also had to undertake outdoor activities on the nearby Piddington Training Area such as a first aid scenario, patrol lane and a Duke of Edinburgh Award challenge. Continue reading →