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.
The Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mrs Mary Bayliss JP has presented awards to over 30 Thames Valley volunteer staff and cadets at a glittering ceremony held at Edward Brooks Barracks near Abingdon.
The Lord Lieutenant presented commendations from both Commandant Air Cadets and the South West Regional Commandant in addition to Cadet Forces Medals and clasps. Continue reading
A team of cadets representing Thames Valley have been narrowly beaten in a competition to find the best Wing in the South West loosing out by a mere 2 points after a day of competitions.
The cadets from across Berkshire and Oxfordshire were drawn from Windsor, Woodley, Burghfield, Kidlington, Abingdon and Reading. The individual competitions were held for Drill, Aircraft Recognition, Art, Photography, Banner Drill and Public Speaking. 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
In temperatures of up 28oC Oxfordshire Air Cadets have marched through the streets of Oxfordshire with Sea Cadets and Army Cadets to celebrate Cadet 150.
The cadets started the celebrations with a service at Christ Church Cathedral where following a welcome by the Bishop of Oxford, Right Reverend John Pritchard, the Lord Lieutenants Cadets read the lessons. The Lord Lieutenant, Nr Tim Stevenson OBE, also gave an address where he praised the work of all of the Cadet forces and thanked them for their valuable work they perform in their local communities throughout Oxfordshire. Continue reading
The Duchess of Gloucester has officially opened the new, purpose built, headquarters for Thames Valley Wing as part of the recently completed Edward Brookes Barracks near Abingdon. The new barracks cost £4 million to build, and alongside the Air Cadets hub, also houses elements of the Territorial Army.
The site has been named after the Edward Brooks, a former Territorial Army hero, who was awarded the Victoria Cross in 1917 and many of Sgt Major Brooks’ family attended the opening. His three grandchildren said they were extremely proud the barracks had been named in his honour. Continue reading
Abingdon Air Cadets march in their Battle of Britain parade.
30 Cadets from Abingdon Air Cadets paraded to remember the Battle of Britain and the RAF pilots lost in that conflict. They paraded from Dalton Barracks (formely RAF Abingdon) to the St Mary Magdalene Church at Shippon where the salute was taken by the Vale of the White Horse Chairman, Cllr Alison Rooke.
Over 400 Cadets and staff from Thames Valley Wing helped the RAF celebrate its 90th anniversary in style, with a parade at RAF Halton.
The Reviewing Officer, who inspected all 400 cadets and 30 staff on parade, was Group Captain Richard Gammage, Station Commander RAF Halton. Other VIPs included Air Commodore John Lamont from MoD Abbey Wood and the Mayors of Witney and Abingdon. Continue reading
Almost 30 Thames Valley Wing Cadets, Staff and Civilian Committee Members have been awarded prestigious awards by Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds.
The awards were held at a glittering ceremony at Oxford’s Falklands House. After the awards the Commandant said “I hold the ACO Volunteer in extremely high regard as without the efforts of the volunteer there is not an organization. I am extremely pleased to have been given the opportunity to express my personal thanks and appreciation”
The following awards were made: Continue reading