2121 (Abingdon) Squadron

Welcome to 2121 (Abingdon) Squadron RAF Air Cadets, otherwise known as Abingdon Air Cadets. Located on the outskirts of Dalton Barracks (the old RAF Abingdon airbase) the Squadron attracts cadets and adult volunteers from the surrounding villages of Shippon, Wootton, Cumnor, Marcham and the town of Abingdon itself to name a few.

The Air Cadets offers its members a wide range of exciting and unique activities which are designed to challenge and develop the cadets. From Flying and Gliding to Adventure Training there is an activity to meet a wide range of interests. The Air Cadets also offers a range of qualifications such as BTEC’s in Aviation Studies and Music which can be achieved by participating in our Squadron.

As a cadet you will also experience what life is like in the Royal Air Force by attending residential visits and courses on RAF Stations throughout the UK. There is no obligation to join the RAF if you are a cadet, however many ex-cadets do go on to join the Armed Services.

The Air Cadets is supported by a framework of volunteers who assist in a variety of jobs, from training on a parade night to running activity weekends such as Duke of Edinburgh expeditions or range days. Adults involved in working with cadets are DBS cleared and given training before undertaking any activities.

Latest News for: 2121

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

thrive_logo16Congratulations 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

By land and water the Air Cadets 75th Anniversary Torch arrives in the Thames Valley

Air Cadets and volunteers from across the Thames Valley Wing have been celebrating as they received as part of a national relay the 75th anniversary torch at a ceremony in Windsor on Sunday (21st August).

The 75th anniversary torch arrived from London and South East Region as part of its six-week tour through the country, with cadets, adult volunteers and veterans finding unique and adventurous ways to celebrate its journey. Continue reading

Air Cadets parade in Windsor to mark their 75th Anniversary

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

Visit to RAF Benson

RF3On Thursday 18 February 20 cadets from 966 (Wallingford) and 2121 (Abingdon) squadrons visited RAF Benson for the day. A programme of events which involved visiting various parts of the base had been organised to give an overall view of what makes up a modern RAF station. To start the day the cadets visited the Motor Transport section where they were shown the variety of vehicles currently in use, including their participation in the operation of a remote control grab unit for lifting heavy loads on and off of vehicles. The group then split into two groups for alternate visits to the Fire section and Air Traffic Control.  Continue reading

Wing Bowling 2015

On Sunday,  29 November 127 cadets and 22 staff arrived at RAF Brize Norton to take part in the annual Wing Ten Pin bowling competition.

With teams on the start line ready to roll Squadrons had the opportunity to enter two teams and also compete for the top male and female spot. As cadets took it turn to line up ready for their strikes perhaps more balls entered the gutters than made it to the centre pin! Continue reading

Thames Valley Wing Awards

Commandant’s Air Cadets Commendations of Meritorious Service were given out at this years Thrive Awards, below are the recipients and their citations.

Thrive_Alex_Pye

Flying Officer Alex Pye from 211 (Newbury) Squadron has been a member of the Corps serving as a both a Cadet and as a member of staff at 211 (Newbury) Squadron.

A long term supporter and key member of the Squadron he has undertaken all of the duties asked of him with style and is seen as a corner stone of excellence. He is  also leading light in bringing archery activities –  first to Newbury Squadron through careful negotiation of grant packages – before being an evangelist for the activity Wing-side. Continue reading