485 Sqn ATC

 As well as 32 cadets from eight squadrons, the Scottish station also welcomed Air Vice Marshal North, Officer Commanding 22 Group RAF, who came along for an insight into a day of a summer annual camp.

 On a tour of cadet camps to find out about the variety of camp activities and types of accommodation available at different bases, AVM North watched the cadets taking drill and chatted to cadets and staff, before accompanying them on a section visit to the station dog section.

 However this was just one day of a packed seven-day programme experienced by cadets from 8F, 487, 121, 165, 485, 493 and 479 squadrons.

 Other section visits on the station included a tour of the Air traffic control tower, the defence fire section and survival equipment section.  There was also a morning spent looking over the VC10 refuelling aircraft and a Chinook helicopter. 

 There were also several off-base trips including one to Edinburgh for a look around the historic town, to a beach at nearby St Andrews and to Dundee for swimming.

 Another day was spent on the range, with all of the cadets getting the opportunity to fire either the No8 .22 or the L98A1 rifle.  Three of the cadets gained marksmanship qualifications.

 Other time was filled with sports, leadership exercises, and competitions, with a closely-fought inter-flight competition operating throughout the week.

 “It was an honour to welcome the Air vice Marshal and I’m sure he enjoyed speaking to all the cadets. We were all certainly delighted that such a senior RAF officer chose our camp week to come and visit.”

Sergeant Gill from 485 Quinton & Harborne Squadron has been fortunate enough to be selected from hundreds of ATC cadets to take part in Exercise TRANSGLOBE, two cadets were chosen from the Air cadets in the UK.

Exercise TRANSGLOBE is a major Tri-Service Adventurous Sail Training Exercise open to all UK service personnel, regular and reserve, from July 2009 to July 2010. The aim of the exercise is to develop the personal qualities essential to regular and reserve members of HM Forces through adventurous sail training in a service oriented environment.

Sergeant Gill said " I am really looking forward to the trip, is a bit of a struggle for me trying to packing for three weeks only being able to take a small box onboard".

Shortly they will begin their preparations for the start of the exercise, they will receive a safety brief, be kitted out with their clothing, conduct pre-departure sail training and pack stores aboard their respective yachts, with all the supplies needed for the three week passage to the Canary Islands.

 They will be sailing in the "Challenge 67" which is a steel-hulled yacht. It is 67ft from bow to stern, and specially built for the Exercise which that will circumnavigate the globe in 13 different stages. 

Flt/Lt Coates said " Its a privilege for Sergeant Gill to have this chance, She is very commited to her sporting events within the ATC, this will be a great experience for her"

 

   Air Cadets from Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing have just returned from a week's summer camp hosted at Royal Air Force Cottesmore in Rutland.   The camp was very unique in that 10 Sea cadets were also present on the camp from Chiltern, The Forest of Dean.

The differences between Air Cadets and Sea Cadets soon became apparent in the first session of drill, this was the best learning opportunity for staff and cadets to see how other cadet forces operate.

The cadets spent time during the week flying in the Tutor at Wyton, shooting,on the range at Cottesmore visiting sections on the base, High and Low ropes, a tour of the National Space Centre at leicestershire, swimming at Stamford pool, Laser force in Peterborough, a private JRM disco.

Squadron Leader Pat McCarroll , the Camp Commandant , said “ This weeks camp was a real challenge to cadets and staff alike, as the programme was so full and interesting, and all made full use of the facilities provided by RAF Cottesmore.


For those that attended the camp more photos can be found : here

On Thursday 26^th June, 13 cadets and 2 members of staff from 485 (Harborne and Quinton) Squadron Air Training Corp went go-karting at ‘The Raceway’. The cadets had 30 minutes (in 200cc go-karts) which were split into three sessions. After extensive safety requirements the cadet’s could enjoy themselves on a taxing 7 turn course.

Cdt Yaman said “The whole experience was fast, I loved every minute of it and I hope to do it again

Plt Off R said “All the cadets had fun and so did I, it was a great experience for everyone. I am especially proud of my 18 second lap beating the day’s record for that track.”