AIR CADETS TO CELEBRATE FORMATION

On Sunday 3^rd February, Air Cadets from the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing, Eastern Sector, will celebrate the formation anniversary of the Air Training Corps (ATC) with a parade in Newmarket.

Cadets and staff will be led by the drum section of 2417 (Newmarket) Squadron for the parade, which also includes 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron, 1094 (City of Ely) Squadron, 1451 (Haverhill) Squadron, 2461 (Sawston) Squadron, 2523 (Linton) Squadron and 2524 (Oakington) Squadron.

The Air Training Corps celebrates its 72^nd Anniversary, having formed from the Air Defence Cadet Corps in 1941 when the government at the time realised the important training that was being delivered to young men who then went on to serve in the military.  The present day organisation continues to promote an interest in the Royal Air Force, aviation and adventure whilst developing skills in leadership and citizenship.

Activities available through the Air Training Corps included flying, gliding, target shooting and adventurous training such as mountain walking, climbing, abseiling and kayaking.  The Corps also provides life skills training through the Duke of Edinburgh Award, BTEC qualifications, leadership training and first aid.  Cadets regularly visit UK RAF stations along with overseas visits to Germany, Gibraltar and Cyprus.

Squadron Leader Tim Brain, Eastern Sector Commander, said “Cadets and staff are proud to recognise their history each year by coming together for a parade.  Up and down the Country similar events will be happening to celebrate the achievements and aims of the Air Training Corps.”

The parade will begin at 1230 from the Cadet Centre on Rayes Lane in Newmarket, followed by a march to St Marys Church where en route the salute will be taken by a senior officer.

SAWSTON AIR CADETS GAIN NEW QUALIFICATION

Air Cadets from 2461 (Sawston) Squadron have added a new qualification to their CV by completing the Health and Safety Entry Level Award in association with the British Safety Council.

The Squadron has been recognised by the Air Cadet Organisation for its commitment to the education of young people about health and safety in the workplace following training delivered by qualified Squadron staff.  The content of the training includes; hazards, safety signs, personal protective equipment, fire safety and staying safe in general.

The training saw cadets complete a workbook and various supporting evidence such as diagrams and their own innovative safety signs.  The qualification will help when the cadets start looking for a job and did not cost them a penny to gain!

Cadet Alex Baker said “This qualification was really fun to gain; the learning was interactive and made me think about health and safety in the environment I am in.”

Flying Officer Chris Cox added “This qualification is a fantastic opportunity for the cadets to gain a valuable qualification whilst undertaking activity alongside their friends.  The qualification demonstrates our commitment to both health and safety and the development of young people in and around the Sawston area.”

2461 (Sawston) Squadron meet on Monday and Thursday evenings at our headquarters on Hayfield Avenue.  For more information about joining as either a cadet or member of staff please contact 01223 834585 (Monday and Thursday Evenings) or email oc.2461@aircadets.org

For the latest news and information from the Squadron you can follow us on Twitter at 2461AirCadets, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/2461AirCadets or view our website at www.2461AirCadets.blogspot.co.uk

AIR CADETS LEARN LIFESAVING SKILLS

Air Cadets  and staff from 2461 (Sawston) Squadron joined up with cadets from 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron to complete a weekend of first aid training to gain their St John’s Ambulance Youth Lifesaver Award.

This assessed course provides comprehensive training in first aid for young people. St John Ambulance believes that it is never too early to start learning first aid and that all young people should leave school with these vital skills. On successful completion of the course, the young people will receive a Youth first aid certificate. This course replaces Young Lifesaver Plus. The course covers all of the basics of first aid from burns to CPR. 

This two day course was held at 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron, cadets from both squadrons worked together to learn the skills needed to pass. At the end of the course they were tested on a bleed, CPR and the recovery position. After the assessments all of the cadets had passed the course and will now be awarded with their red Youth Lifesaver Badge. 

Cadet Jordan Skehel said “I really enjoyed learning new first aid skills and building on skills I had already learnt. I now feel confident go out, help people and maybe save a life.” 

Sergeant (ATC) Sue Jestice added “First Aid is a vital life skill that can help in the future. We are giving cadets the skills to go out and potential save lives.” 

2461 (Sawston) Squadron meet on Monday and Thursday evenings at our headquarters on Hayfield Avenue.  For more information about joining as either a cadet or member of staff please contact 01223 834585 (Monday and Thursday Evenings) or email oc.2461@aircadets.org

For the latest news and information from the Squadron you can follow us on Twitter at 2461AirCadets or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/2461AirCadets

COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING FOR SAWSTON AIR CADETS

Air Cadets aged between 13 and 19 from 2461 (Sawston) Squadron have recently started work towards gaining Air Cadet qualifications in radio communication.

Cadets have been working towards the provisional and full radio operator qualifications in UHF and VHF with a long term aim of completing their communicators badge.  The provisional qualification sees cadets train in the use of a simple Radio Transceiver to the standard of current radio communication procedures in use within the Air Cadet Organisation.  The full qualification has the cadets looking more in depth at the use of radios including; the phonetic alphabet, radio frequencies, care of batteries and safety when using communications equipment.

Under the supervision of Squadron Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer Tim Barker the cadets studied the technical skills element of their communicators badge.  They learnt how to measure voltage, current and resistance using a multi-meter, the correct way to wire a plug and about soldering.

In total nineteen cadets gained their provisional qualification, five gained their full operator certificates and one cadet, Cadet Sergeant Richard Barker qualified for his communicators badge.

Cadet Sergeant Richard Barker said “I am really pleased to be able to wear the communicators badge on my uniform and hope to pass on what I have learnt to the younger cadets at the Squadron”

Flying Officer Chris Cox added “Radio communications is a vital skill in the Air Cadet Organisation as it is often used in situations such as public events, fieldcraft and leadership training.  It also helps the cadets become more confident and teaches them valuable life skills.”

The cadets will now go on to study Advanced Radio and RADAR along with Data Communications as part of the Air Cadet Organisation education syllabus.  Completion of this syllabus will not only see the cadets gain their communicators badge but also a BTEC Certificate in Aviation Studies worth two GCSEs, grade A-C!  Best of all the BTEC is free to all Air Cadets.

2461 (Sawston) Squadron meet on Monday and Thursday evenings at our headquarters on Hayfield Avenue.  For more information about joining as either a cadet or member of staff please contact 01223 834585 (Monday and Thursday Evenings) or email oc.2461@aircadets.org

For the latest news and information from the Squadron you can follow us on Twitter at 2461AirCadets or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/2461AirCadets

VITAL FUNDS RAISED BY SAWSTON AIR CADETS

Air Cadets from 2461 (Sawston) Squadron have spent the day raising vital funds for the Squadron with a day of bag packing.

The cadets were joined by members of staff, the civilian committee and parents for the event at Waitrose in Trumpington, Cambridge to help the Christmas shoppers pack their shopping.  The aim being to raise vital funds to cover the Squadron’s operating cost in 2013.  The day also gave the Squadron an excellent opportunity to promote the Air Cadet Organisation in the local area and potentially gain new recruits.

At the end of the day the cadets were delighted to discover they had raised a massive £1369.86 for the Squadron.

Cadet Jack Hawkins said “I really enjoyed helping the Squadron raise funds for next year.  We got to meet lots of people who were really interested in the work and activities we do at the Squadron. ”

Flying Officer Chris Cox added “The day was a total success for the Squadron, all those involved did a fantastic job.  The amount that was raised will help the Squadron continue to develop and grow throughout 2013 and ensure the light blue footprint remains visible in the Sawston and Cambridge area.”

Civilian Committee Chairman Kevin Cuffley said “We would like to thank all the staff at Waitrose for their help and support during the event.”

2461 (Sawston) Squadron meet on Monday and Thursday evenings at our headquarters on Hayfield Avenue.  For more information about joining as either a cadet or member of staff please contact 01223 834585 (Monday and Thursday Evenings) or email oc.2461@aircadets.org

For the latest news and information from the Squadron you can follow us on Twitter at 2461AirCadets or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/2461AirCadets

SAWSTON AIR CADETS REACH FOR THE SKY

Cadets from 2461 (Sawston) Squadron, Air Cadets have experienced the main activity the Organisation has to offer when they went air experience flying at in Grob Tutor aircraft at RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire.

Air Cadets are offered opportunities to fly in light aircraft, gliders and other Royal Air Force and civil aircraft.  Cadets can take part in regular flights in the Grob Tutor at one of 12 Air Experience Flights (AEFs) around the UK, these flights typically last 30 minutes and offer a structured syllabus of training along with the experience of aerobatics.  The staff are all qualified service pilots, usually serving or retired RAF officers.

The six cadets, many of them flying for the first time navigated around the local area whilst learning the basic skills required to fly an aircraft along with experiencing the thrill of aerobatics with manoeuvres such as the loop the loops and barrel rolls.

Cadet Corporal Jack Sawcer said “I really enjoy flying with the Air Cadets, it is a great feeling being in control of an aircraft doing aerobatics.”

Flying Officer Chris Cox added “Flying is the activity that means the Air Cadet Organisation stands head and shoulders above other youth groups.  Cadets can fly and glide with many taking their first solo flight before they can drive.”

So far this year cadets have flown in the Grob Tutor, been gliding in the Grob Vigilant along with helicopter flying in Griffins of the Royal Air Force based at RAF Shawbury.

2461 (Sawston) Squadron meet on Monday and Thursday evenings at our headquarters on Hayfield Avenue.  For more information about joining as either a cadet or member of staff please contact 01223 834585 (Monday and Thursday Evenings) or email oc.2461@aircadets.org

For the latest news and information from the Squadron you can follow us on Twitter at 2461AirCadets or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/2461AirCadets

CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENT FOR SAWSTON AIR CADETS

Cadets from 2461 (Sawston) Squadron, Air Cadets have celebrated the years achievements at their recent awards evening held at the Marven Centre in Sawston.  The Squadron was delighted to have Air Commodore Jon Ford RAF as the reviewing officer.

The evening began with the cadets delivering presentations about some of the highlights of 2012, these included trips to RAF Shawbury, Akrotiri in Cyprus, Gibraltar and Flight Sergeant Sam Long talking about his experience as a candidate on the Junior Leader Course.  Not for the faint-hearted, the Junior Leaders Course is physically demanding and requires real commitment and determination. The course, which runs from September to Easter, involves nine weekend training camps and an assessment week.

Winners during the evening were:

Best male at sport – Cadet Corporal Jack Sawcer

Best female at sport – Cadet Olga Tyler

Award for aeronautical achievement – Cadet Flight Sergeant Sam Long

Marksmanship – Cadet Corporal Katherine Hill

RAFA Collections – Cadet Edred Whittingham

Conduct and Bearing – Cadet Corporal Jack Sawcer

Best attendance – Cadet Sergeant Richard Barker

Best first year cadet – Cadet Jordan Skehel

Award for outstanding personal achievement – Cadet Lewis Ritchie

Best Cadet – Cadet XJ Ward

Best NCO – Cadet Corporal Katherine Hill

During the evening Air Commodore Ford and Squadron Commander Flying Officer Chris Cox paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of the cadets, Squadron staff, the committee and the parents.  The evening ended with a buffet allowing guests to mingle with members of the Squadron.

Cadet Corporal Katherine Hill said “The Squadron has had a fantastic year and I was proud to receive my award.”

Flying Officer Chris Cox added “The cadets have achieved a lot in 2012 and should quite rightly be proud, they have proved themselves as excellent young members of their local community.”

2461 (Sawston) Squadron meet on Monday and Thursday evenings at our headquarters on Hayfield Avenue.  For more information about joining as either a cadet or member of staff please contact 01223 834585 (Monday and Thursday Evenings) or email oc.2461@aircadets.org

For the latest news and information from the Squadron you can follow us on Twitter at 2461AirCadets or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/2461AirCadets