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.
Britwell Air Cadets were in the silverware after winning the lions share of the medals and trophies at the Thames Valley Wing Athletics Championships held at Abingdon’s Tilsey Park.
Over 200 cadets and 50 staff took part in glorious sunshine; battling it out to be crowned champions. 11 events were on offer across 5 age categories headed up by Flight Sergeant Barry Tweddle, the Wing Sports Officer. Continue reading
Cadets from Chipping Norton, based in North Oxfordshire, and cadets from Earley in Berkshire have proved themselves best of the bunch in a thrilling 5-a-side tournament held at RAF Benson.
28 teams from across the Thames Valley started the day with a series of league competitions for the male and female trophies before being narrowed down to the top 12 teams for the nail biting play off stage. Continue reading
A 15 person strong sports team from Thames Valley Wing notched up another fantastic performance at the inter-Wing cross country competition held recently on the outskirts of Winchester.
The 3 mile course was a demanding one for all participants as it covered a mixture of flat and hilly terrain but the biggest challenge of all were the other teams who came from all over the South West of England, the furthest travelled having come from Cornwall, the nearest from Hampshire itself. Continue reading
A team of cadets drawn from across the Thames Valley area triumphed in the pool and came away with the silverware following the recent inter-Wing swimming competition which was held at HMS Temeraire in Portsmouth.
The competition was tough as the team was pitted against others drawn from across the South West of the UK including from as far afield as Plymouth, Cornwall and the Isle of Wight but the Thames Valley contingent proved themselves to be very much up to the mark. Continue reading
RAF Benson in Oxfordshire was the location of top quality marching drill when some of the best cadets from across Oxfordshire and Berkshire attended the latest Supplementary Drill Course to be run by Thames Valley Wing Air Cadets.
Led by the Wing Warrant Officer, WO Jon Lambert ATC, a cadre of 7 instructors took 41 senior cadets under their wing and taught them everything from the intricacies of banner and ceremonial drill through to the skills required to pass that knowledge on to younger cadets on their own Squadrons. Continue reading
In a nail biting finish the cadets of 381 (Reading) Squadron proved they were the best by winning the recent Wing Activities Day held at Edward Brooks Barracks near Abingdon.
Against the back drop of a deep blue sky and bright sunshine, 21 teams from across the Wing started the day in contention with a testing set of competitions ahead of them. This included Field Craft, Public Speaking, Adventure Training, First Aid, Aircraft Recognition, Foot Drill, Media Skills, Aviation Art, Photography, Website construction and Aero modelling. Continue reading
Thames Valley Wings Marching Teams have been in action at RAF Cosford qualifying in style for the Dutch Nijmegen Marches being held in July. Continue reading
The teams from 2267 (Brize Norton) Squadron dominated the Thames Valley Wing 5-a-Side Competition held at RAF Benson. Both the male and female teams edged there way confidently through the early rounds before being place against formidable opposition in the finals.
In the key games of the day the Brize Girls team faced against a confident team from 2507 (Bicester) Squadron only for the game to end in a penalty shoot out. The boys faced a similar final against 1116 (Woodley) Squadron with the deciding goal being awarded being a highly contensious shot from the penalty spot. 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
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