2267 (Brize Norton) squadron were recently asked to support “The Stinger” London Wasps vs Gloucester Rugby match at Twickenham. The squadron were invited on behalf of the Royal Air Force to participate in the opening ceremony for this fixture at the home of English Rugby.  Taking 12 cadets who were present alongside members of the ACO National Marching Band who were performing at the event following their annual camp and who were invited to also provide a contingent.

The cadets started the day with several rehearsals, followed by a full dress rehearsal on the pitch whilst Little Mix the x-factor contestants did their own warm-up. Continue reading →

24 cadets and a number of staff from Thames Valley wing attended the second in a series of weekend camps which Central sector visiting RAF Henlow. The majority of the cadets were new to their squadrons and this was their first camp with the ATC (Air Training Corps) and for some their first time staying away from home. Arriving on Friday evening all the cadets were briefed about the weekend by Sqn Ldr Senft who has organised the camps and everyone went off to their accommodation to get ready for a busy two days ahead. Continue reading →

2267 (Brize Norton) Squadron were recently given the opportunity to visit some of the sections on a normal working day to see all elements that sit behind running a busy RAF station.

During school half-term local cadets from 2267 (Brize Norton) Squadron ATC were taken around a variety of sections on station to see what they do and how it affects the role of the RAF. Continue reading →

Each January staff and staff cadets from across the wing gather at RAF Halton to attend the annual Wing Training Day. This provides the opportunity to find out the latest changes on subjects such as the ‘Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’ and syllabus training. Staff also reflect back on the previous year and look ahead to ensure that the cadet experience is been delivered to the best of the ability of squadrons and wing staff within Thames Valley. This year’s training day saw a visit by Gp Capt Cole from RAF Brize Norton who provided an insight into the RAF as it currently stands and updates on RAF Brize Norton with the introduction of the Voyager fleet and upcoming arrival of the Atlas fleet. Continue reading →

Staff development within Thames Valley Wing is co-ordinated and delivered by the ‘Training and Development Team’ which has recently been expanded which some new staff members. Leading the team Sdn Ldr Johnson is OC TDSU (Training Development and Support Unit) who ensures that cadets and staff are offered all the correct training including but not limited to Instructor Cadet Courses, Cadet Youth 1^st Aid and Staff Cadet Courses for those cadets turning 18 years old. Continue reading →

ach year Thames Valley Wing holds its Inter Squadron bowling competition at RAF Brize Norton where the squadrons get together before the Christmas break with each squadron been allowed to enter 2 teams. With the event always being a good day out for the cadets and staff this year’s event was no exception with everyone enjoying themselves and some good scores been achieved at the end of the day.

459 (Windsor) Squadron provide their story on how the competition went for the squadron on the day. Continue reading →

With the Wing Bandmaster expanding the wings music capabilities 3 cadets from Thames Valley Wing performed at the Birmingham Military Tattoo at the end of November. Cpl N Gavin, Cdt B Goodall and Cdt C Jones performed in the Air Cadet National Marching Band alongside 126 (City of Derby) Squadron Rifle Drill display team. Cpl Gaving from 211 Newbury Squadron was also selected to be part of the Air Cadet National Fanfare team and opened the performance by the Air Cadets. Continue reading →

30 Cadets and 6 Staff members from Burghfield, Newbury, Brize Norton, Woodley, Chipping Norton, Oxford, Reading and Bracknell Squadrons attended a White Water Rafting session run by at Cardiff International White Water Centre.

The morning started with splitting into rafts of 6 people, a brief by our rafting guide. Kit issue of wet suit and personal safety equipment then onto the water. It was rather chilly at around 5 Celsius but this did not stop some Cadets jumping in before we even got into the rafts! Continue reading →

During the October half term 28 cadets and 8 staff from Thames Valley Wing headed to RAF Linton-on-Ouse for their autumn camp on an operational, RAF station. It was a busy week for the cadets as they got to experience activities both on and off base, experience what life is like on an RAF station and meet new people with 17 of the wings squadrons been represented at the camp. For many of the cadets this was their first week long camp and were kept very busy with lots of activities and chance to discover what happens on an RAF base. Continue reading →

On the weekend of 19^th September cadets from across Central Sector attend Youlby Sector camp to take part in a fieldcraft weekend aimed at new cadets to prepare them for more advanced level fieldcraft such as the TLC (Tactical Leadership Course) run by Thames Valley Wing. Cadets from 966 (Wallingford), 1861 (Wantage), 2120 (Witney), 2121 (Abingdon), 2267 (Brize Norton) and 2410 (Didcot) had a busy weekend learning a range of skills including striking a camp, field cooking, orienteering, camouflage and concealment and field shelters. This new knowledge was then put to the test with a night exercise to combine all their new skills and team building by working with cadets who they have never met before. Continue reading →