ZWIESEL DO NICELY
Snow has been no obstacle for two cadets from the Squadron after they attended the annual Air Cadet cross country skiing expedition to Zwiesel in Germany. The expedition saw cadets from the length and breadth of the UK descend on the small Bavarian town. Amongst them were Sergeant Bradley Baker and Corporal Mateusz Bialowas from Bassingbourn.
Following a 25 hour coach journey the cadets were giving skiing equipment and allocated accommodation and allowed a well earned rest, preparing them for the energetic days ahead of them. Over the next few days cadets were split into groups based on their ability and undertook training to learn all the skills required for cross country skiing. The evenings saw the cadets relax in various ways such as the pool or sauna whilst some cadets sought some retail therapy.
Cadets lived in houses accompanied with members of staff and were responsible for all aspects of group living such as cleaning, food shopping and making breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Group picture of staff and cadets from Central and East Region, photo courtesy of Adam Bailey, 2195 (Long Eaton) Squadron.
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The busy week of skiing was all building up to the cadets taking part in a time trial at the end of the week, cadets being awarded either gold, silver or bronze awards. The awards were presented when cadets gathered together for a final meal and party.
2010 OFF TO A FLYING START
Sunday 17th January saw Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing gather together to compete for the first trophy of the year in the junior girls netball competition held at RAF Brampton.
2484 led from start to finish, not losing a single game in the competition with Cadet Aimee Pollock coming out as top goal scorer. The team were supported by Civilian Instructor Samantha Pink and Civilian Instructor Stephanie Trayhurn, both on their first outings as Civilian Instructors. Cadet Evie Kyprianou and Cadet Aimee Pollock will now go on to represent Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing on 31st January at RAF Cranwell.
Corporal Kyprianou receives the netball trophy from Squadron Leader Dicks RAFVR (T)
The day also saw trials for senior football and junior rugby. Officer Cadet Andrew Kyprianou assisted the rugby trials and Flight Sergeant Chris Cox ATC assisted with the football. The rugby trials saw Corporals Cameron Geddes and Tom Jefferies selected to represent Wing, with Sergeants Nick Buckle and Ollie Rudkins along with Corporal Mateusz Bialowas selected to represent the Wing at football.
On Sunday 24th January, Corporal Kyprianou and Cadets Ashton, Hanley, Strong and Weavers were selected to represent the Wing at Senior Hockey.
FLIGHT SERGEANT STRIKES GOLD!
An SNCO from the Squadron is celebrating after achieving his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. In order to complete the award, Cadet Flight Sergeant Phillip Dymoke-Grainger (17) had to complete five sections: volunteering, expedition, service, physical recreation and residential.
The past eighteen months have been a busy time for Flight Sergeant Dymoke-Grainger as he completed the required elements for the award, including two practice expeditions in the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, as well as an assessed expedition of 50 miles in four days in Snowdonia.
He also completed his Cadet Sports Leaders Award at RAF Cosford, which made up the residential element of the award. Flight Sergeant Dymoke-Grainger was then able to put this into practice at the Squadron by coaching other cadets and running inter-flight sports competitions. By undertaking his SNCO Service at the Squadron, this has counted towards the service section and finally to complete the award, he passed his Cadet Staff Exam at the Squadron in November 2009 for the skill aspect.
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Flight Sergeant Dymoke-Grainger (centre) in Snowdonia
Flight Sergeant Dymoke-Grainger will not be the only gold award holder on the Squadron for long though as several other cadets and staff near completion. He now eagerly awaits his invitation to visit to St. James Palace to receive his award.
HEAVY SNOW DOESNT STOP OUR AWARDS EVENING!
The Squadron ended a busy and successful year by holding their bi-annual Awards Evening, which carried on even though some cadets were unable to attend due to the heavy snow, which continued to fall that evening.
More than 80 guests attended the evening, which was held at ATR Bassingbourn. Squadron Leader Tony Kelly RAF VR (T) welcomed guests of honour Lieutenant Colonel Simon Waddington REME from ATR Bassingbourn, Lieutenant Commander Karen Fulton from the Sea Cadets and Squadron Leader Paul Thompson-Clark RAF VR (T), Western Sector Commander.
During the evening, many achievements were handed out, including 19 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards, 10 Duke of Edinburgh Silver Awards, 12 Youth First Aid Awards, 3 First Aid at Work Awards and 6 British Canoe Union Star Awards. Other achievements included classification certificates, BTEC Awards, swimming proficiencies and a gliding proficiency
The Best New Cadet Award went to Cadet Ryan Slater, who joined the Squadron in January 2009. Cadet Slater received the award due to his constant commitment to the Squadron, his positive attitude and enthusiasm, as well as what he has achieved in the time he has been a cadet.
Other Awards presented included the Squadron inter flight trophy and the Tilson Trophy for best Staff or Civilian Committee Member, which was present to Adult Sergeant Ian Martin ATC.
The evening was also the last parade night for Cadet Warrant Officers Sam Pink and Martin Goddard, who were given a large presentation frame each, documenting their cadet career in photos.
To end the evening, the Squadron Band gave a presentation of their music since the band was formed in January 2009 and all guests enjoyed a drink and mince pie afterwards!
Cadets pose along side the Guests of Honour with their awards and achievements
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