BAND-TASTIC!
On Sunday 23rd May, musical cadets from the Squadron competed in the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing Band Competition, winning three out of five categories, including the full band competition.
First of all Cadet Hollie Woodley took the stage to compete the in the sole bugle section, winning this to bring home the first of the prizes on offer. Another solo award was up for grabs next, in the form of the solo drum segment. Cadet Flight Sergeant Adam Kelly drummed hard, eventually finishing in third place.
The fanfare section saw category four cadets sounding out to take home first prize (below)
In the penultimate section, the percussion element of the competition wasclosely fought, with cadets from the Squadron narrowly missing out on first place.
To end the competition, the full band kicked off their routine with Hearts of Oak, proceeding seamlessly onto the recognisable tune of Swing March. After a brief static rendition of Riverdance, the band then began marching again with Halls of Mantezuma, bringing their performance to a powerful end with Grenadier. Throughout the performance Drum Major, Cadet Corporal Matthew Sibley led the band confidently through a series of turns, wheels and counter-marches, having only picked up the mace for the first time in April.
At the end of the whole competition Officer Commanding Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing, Wing Commander Paul Bower announced the results, seeing 2484 win the full band competition.
Cadet Corporal Matthew Sibley receives the good news from Officer Commanding Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing, Wing Commander Paul Bower
The Squadron Band will now play in front of the Wing for the Wing Review on Sunday 13th June, where trophies and certificates for the respective competitions will also be presented. They will also go forward to represent the Wing at the Central and East Region field day in September.
EXERCISE MOUNTAIN GOAT
Cadets from the Squadron have spent a busy weekend brushing up on their fieldcraft skills on the training area adjacent to their headquarters on ATR Bassingbourn. The exercise, codenamed exercise mountain goat, was the brainchild of the Squadron JNCOs who have planned the exercise from start to finish under the guidance of Service Instructor SAC Scott Allen.
During the weekend cadets have used skills such as shelter building, cooking in the field, camouflage and concealment and movement in the field.
A cooking in the field lesson from SAC Allen Practising applying cam cream
All of this was put into practice with cadets living and surviving outside, eating military rations and sleeping under bashas. The word basha is a Malaysian word meaning shelter and is constructed using a waterproof plastic sheet held up with string and bungee chord. The weekend also gave cadets the opportunity to test their first aid with some practical exercises complete with fake blood!
The Sunday saw the cadets put their skills into action with a series of exercises to complete, including command tasks, a cam and concealment exercise and orienteering. Section 1, led by Section IC Corporal Luke Webb, triumphed as eventual winners.
Cadet Coporal Luke Webb receives the fieldcraft trophy from SAC Allen
CADETS LEARN FIRE SAFETY
Cadets from the Squadron have been learning about the role of the modern fire service and fire safety as part of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award with the help of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service. Cadets at both bronze and silver level have been learning about various aspects of the service thanks to Watch Manager John Kitchener and the fire fighters at Gamlingay fire station.
The course is designed to raise cadets awareness of the importance of fire safety covering areas such as fire safety in the home, electrical safety and road safety. The cadets also learnt about the changes that have occurred within the service to bring it to where it is today.
Alongside some classroom work cadets have learnt about the equipment that is carried on fire engines and had the opportunity to see it being used in various displays. One display in particular showed the work fire fighters do when attending a road traffic collision or RTC. This gave a powerful message about road safety and in particular wearing a seatbelt.
Cadets watching an RTC demonstration on how the Fire Service extricate people from vehicles
This is the second time that the course has been run, with it proving popular with all Cadets and Staff who attend.
EXHIBITION IS ACE!
Over thirty cadets from the Squadron have attended this years Army Careers Expedition (ACE) which was held at ATR Bassingbourn.
ACE is an opportunity for young people to speak to soldiers from their region about just how diverse a career with the Army can be. It is open to local schools over a two day period inviting pupils from years 10 and 11 to attend and learn about the 140 different career opportunities the Army has to offer. The cadets were able to visit for the evening as the exhibition opened specifically for local Cadet forces.
Cadets had the opportunity to see up close and personal Army equipment such as the Gazelle helicopter, the Challenger II tank along with various weapon systems and met service personnel from various Regiments and Corps.
Highlights of the evening were the Royal Artillery motorcycle display team, a diving demonstration from Royal Engineer divers and a catering display from the Royal Logistics Corps where cadets got to make pancakes! Further action was provided with a mock battle display firing blank ammunition and a climbing wall.
Pancakes courtesy of the Royal Logistics Corps!
CADETS RACE TO VICTORY!
2484 cadets have had a golden day at the annual Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing athletics tournament. This years tournament, held at the Cambridge University athletics ground saw cadets taking part in track and field events representing their Squadrons with a view to progressing to Wing level.
The day saw Bassingbourn Squadron run away with 21 gold medals, 2 silver and 2 bronze. Alongside the huge medal haul the Squadron won the trophies for the senior boys and senior girls age groups. The Squadron also came a very credible third in the overall competition.
The highlight of the day was the final of the youths 4x100m relay race which saw a photo finish and after much deliberation Bassingbourn were judged the winners sparking jubilant scenes as the team went wild.
Sergeant Ben Johnson said “It was an awesome day and all those involved should be very proud of their achievements"
Team manager Civilian Instructor Susan Kelly added “I thought our Cadets were outstanding taking part in all events. They represented the Squadron well”
Flight Sergeant Sage receives the Senior Boys Trophy
