SQUADRON NEWSLETTER IS LAUNCHED

We are pleased to announce the first edition of the Squadron newsletter has been launched.  Please follow the link below to read the first Sawston Spitfire!

Sawston Spitfire - May 2013

WEEK OF ADVENTURE FOR SAWSTON AIR CADETS

ACTION and adventure was the order for the week as Air Cadets from 2461 (Sawston) Squadron joined cadets from across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing for the annual Easter Camp.

The camp, held at Wathgill near the Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, saw cadets learn and develop various fieldcraft skills such as camouflage, concealment, tactics and shelter building.  They were also able to take part in climbing, abseiling, bridge building, sport and raft building.  Cadets were also instructed in first aid, leadership and communication skills.    

Cadet Edred Whittingham on the bridge building exercise.

The highlight of the week for many of the cadets was the 36 hour exercise which tests the cadets physical and mental endurance along with seeing them live and survive in the field eating from military ration packs.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Sam Long, 19 from Harston, said “This was my last camp with the Air Cadets before I reach the upper age limit in May.  It was a demanding week in which I led a flight of twenty cadets which tested my leadership and management skills, all of which I have learnt during my time with the Air Cadets.”

Cadets climbing and abseiling.

Warrant Officer Tim Barker added “The week saw cadets and staff work together to ensure everything ran smoothly.  The cadets made new friends and got to experience new activities.”

At the end of the week the flight led by Flight Sergeant Sam Long was adjudged to be the best flight on camp.

LOTTERY GRANT PUTS AIR CADETS ON CLOUD NINE

YOUNG Air Cadets from 2461 (Sawston) Squadron are in high spirits after being awarded nearly £9,500 from The Big Lottery Fund to buy state-of-the-art flight simulation equipment.

The high-tech system, costing £9,402, will deliver hands-on aviation training to not just enthusiastic youngsters in the Squadron, but will also become a hub of opportunity for hundreds of other cadets in the surrounding area.

Cadet Sergeant Katherine Hill in a Grob Tutor aircraft.

The system features working and realistic flight control set in a mock cockpit, three screens surrounding the cadet, and a working instrument panel along with sound and movement technology to fully accomplish the realistic flight experience. 

Cadet Jack Hawkins, 14 and from Sawston said: “When it was announced we had been given money to buy a flight simulator all the cadets were thrilled.  Being able to learn to fly in Sawston is an excellent opportunity.”

Air Cadets at 2461 (Sawston) Squadron can fly powered aircraft or gliders to solo standard and receive training about aeronautical subjects, which lead to BTEC Qualifications worth extra GCSEs.  Cadets also can experience fun and adventure with their feet firmly on the ground or even at sea and learn life skills such as leadership, communication skills, teamwork and citizenship.

Officer in Charge, Flying Officer Chris Cox, added: “Having this equipment is a fantastic opportunity for our cadets – they were on cloud nine when they heard the news!”

“Being able to train cadets at the Squadron in this way will help them achieve more when they take to the skies for the first time with the Air Cadets, giving them more confidence and learning more skills along the way. This grant is a culmination of months of hard work and I must thank all those involved and especially the Big Lottery Fund.”

The project has been funded by The National Lottery’s Big Lottery Fund whose mission is to be committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need.  The application for the grant was led by the Squadron’s Civilian Welfare Committee.

It is hoped the new simulation equipment will be installed in the next 8-10 weeks.

SAWSTON CADETS GAIN LOTTERY GRANT

SAWSTON CADETS GAIN LOTTERY GRANT

The Squadron is delighted to announce it has been given a grant from the Big Lottery Fund!

The sum of £9402 will be used to fund a state of the art flight simulator at the Squadron (see our photos for a similar setup at Essex Wing Activity Centre).

This system will allow 2461 (Sawston) Squadron and our dedicated instructors to deliver practical aviation training to not only the cadets at the Squadron but to hundreds of cadets in surrounding Squadrons.

The Big Lottery Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need.

More to follow.....

AIR CADETS MEET ‘FAT ALBERT’

AIR CADETS MEET ‘FAT ALBERT’

Six Air Cadets and a member of staff from 2461 (Sawston) Squadron have recently visited Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group based at Cambridge Airport. 

Cadets from 2461 (Sawston) Squadron in front of a Royal Air Force Hercules aircraft.

The visit was arranged so that the cadets could gain an insight into the history of the company and learn about the variety of learning opportunities there are including apprenticeships and a foundation degree.  Cadets were also given a tour of some of the hangers being able to see aircraft in various stages of maintenance such as the Hercules, more affectionately known as ‘Fat Albert’, private jets and the massive Tristar aircraft.

Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group is the United Kingdom’s leading independent aerospace company and are renowned and respected worldwide.  The company specialises in the conversion, modification, maintenance and support of military, civil and business aircraft.  Its capabilities include engineering design, manufacture and test along with the provision of personnel, training and advice.  Based on its 475 acre site in Cambridge since 1937, Marshall Aerospace has an annual turnover in excess of £240 million and employs over 1,600 people.

Cadet Jack Hawkins said “Being so close to different types of aircraft was an amazing opportunity that I really enjoyed.  It was fascinating to learn about how Marshalls begun and all the important aviation achievements they have contributed too.”

Flying Officer Chris Cox added “This visit was about more than seeing the aircraft at close quarters, the cadets learnt what they need to do at school and cadets if they want a future career in the aviation industry.  The training Air Cadets receives is held in high regard by employers up and down the United Kingdom, not just in the aviation industry.”

The Squadron would like to thank Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group for hosting our visit, in particular Jonathan Salmon and Jonathan Bedford our tour guides.

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

DEVELOPMENT IS ON TARGET

Recently a member of staff from the Air Cadets at 2461 (Sawston) Squadron was given the opportunity to develop thanks to 134 (Bedford) Squadron.  Warrant Officer Tim Barker joined six other Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers from Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing for the course on how to safely operate and use the L86 A2 Light Support Weapon (LSW).

Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers from across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing along with training staff from 134 (Bedford) Squadron. Photo courtesy of Cadet Flight Sergeant Jonathon Bell.

The L86 A2 is a magazine fed automatic weapon. It has a longer barrel than the L98 A2 Cadet General Purpose Rifle and is effective up to 800 metres. Unlike the L98 A2 rifle, it has a rate-of-fire selector on the left hand side behind the magazine housing, enabling either single shorts or automatic fire.

The training sessions were delivered by qualified staff from 134 (Bedford) Squadron at its Headquarters in Shortstown, Bedford with the aim of qualifying more adult staff to assist in the conveyance of the weapon and provide additional safety supervisors for range practices.  

The members of staff were introduced to the weapon and taught a series of lessons encompassing safe handling, maintenance, loading, firing and stoppage drills.  After completing the training they were required to complete a Weapons Handling Test to demonstrate their competencies.  The newly qualified staff will be able to put their skills to the test over coming months with a number of opportunities to live fire the LSW on the barrack range at the Defence Intelligence & Security Centre Chicksands, Bedfordshire.

Warrant Officer Barker said “This development opportunity allows more cadets to develop on the Light Support Weapon and experience a new form of target shooting.”

Flight Lieutenant Khalid Murad, Wing Shooting Development Officer said, “Developing additional skills within the adult staff cadre are vitally important to improving opportunities for the cadets in the Wing. The seven members of staff who passed the training course today are to be congratulated on their achievements and I look forward to seeing them on the range in the very near future.”

Flying Officer Chris Cox, Officer in Charge 2461 (Sawston) Squadron added “I would like to thank the team at 134 (Bedford) Squadron for giving up their time to train other Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers from across Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing.  Target shooting is very popular with cadets and staff alike and this new addition will help maintain and develop the existing interest.”

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 CELEBRATE FORMATION

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

Over one hundred cadets and staff proudly marched through the town led by the drum section of 2417 (Newmarket) Squadron for the parade, which also included 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron, 1094 (City of Ely) Squadron, 1451 (Haverhill) Squadron, 2461 (Sawston) Squadron, 2523 (Linton) Squadron and 2524 (Oakington) Squadron. 

The cadets and staff marched to St Marys Church for a church service and en route Squadron Leader Tim Brain, Eastern Sector Commander, took the salute as the cadets and staff marched past.  During the service rousing hymns were sung and prayers were said for The Queen, the Royal Air Force along with for cadets and staff.  The cadets also had an opportunity to renew their Cadet promise.

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 for both men and women.

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 “The cadets and staff were smartly turned out and represented the Air Training Corps with pride.  It was a real honour to see so many young people come together and show off this fantastic youth organisation”

Cadet Corporal Jack Sawcer of 2461 (Sawston) Squadron added “I really enjoyed being part of this year’s ATC Sunday parade in Newmarket.  It was nice that people came out of shops and their houses to watch us march past.”