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RBL National Standard Bearer Competition

On Sunday 9 April the Royal British Legion held their annual National Youth Standard Bearers Competition in Manchester.

Competitors arrived at 1130 and were given a buffet lunch before changing into parade dress uniform. At 1330 the competition began with a full inspection of their clothing, neatness of dress & general bearing. They also had to demonstrate maintenance of their sling and gauntlets, along with care and presentation of the standard.

The journey to the national competition consisted of individual representation by each competitor, demonstrating their skills in The Carry, The Dip, Royal Salute, The Carry & Slow March, followed by winning the regional compeition in order to qualify. All competitors were nervous and deserve high praise for their dedication and commitment.

Well done to Cdt Jamie Molony from 2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron who came 4th overall!

Whilst waiting his turn, Cdt Molony spoke to the other competitors in his changing area and it turns out they too were all Air Cadets - all fine examples of young people going the extra mile to support other causes and charities in their area.

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Cadets Give Early Boost To Duke of Edinburgh Achievements

This weekend fourteen cadets from 2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron were on their Bronze Qualifying Expeditions on the first day of the new Duke of Edinburgh’s Award year.

Five more cadets have completed the Bronze Training Framework in preparation for their practice expeditions.

The qualifying cadets are well on their way and will soon complete their Awards, helping to give an early increase on the number of Awards achieved by the Wing in 2017-18.

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Headteachers Heap Praise On Cadets

Two headteachers were ‘blown away’ by the range and scale of activities undertaken by cadets from 2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron. The Guests of Honour at the Squadron’s recent Annual Presentation Night were Wing Commander Rossi RAF, Head of Human Resources for the RAF in the South of England, and the headteachers of Bishops Cleeve and Winchcombe Secondary Schools, which most of the cadets attend.

The cadets highlighted the fast growing unit’s achievements, including Wing sport participation and its commitment to community support activities. Over 90 parents and friends of the Squadron turned out to hear cadets’ presentations and see videos of the year’s activities. For 2328 Squadron, by far the most popular activities of the year were the visit to RAF Hendon as well as the ‘Kip in a Ship’ on board HMS Belfast in London to celebrate the ATC’s 75th Anniversary.

The Presentation Night concluded with the Chair of Cheltenham Rotary Club generously presenting a cheque for £500 to enable the unit to purchase new radio communications equipment for cadet training.

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RAF Air Cadet Represents Royal British Legion Youth Section

On 19 March 2017, Cdt Jamie Molony of 2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron attended the Gloucester Cathedral ‘Even Song’ Service for the blessing and dedication of the new Royal British Legion (RBL) Youth Standard. On 9 April 2017 he will have the honour of representing the South West Region of the RBL at their National Youth Section’s Standard Bearing Competition in Manchester. Gloucestershire RBL is seeking cadets to represent their youth section and request that cadets in Gloucestershire get involved and enter their competitions. On 24 April 2017 Cdt Molony will again carry the Youth Section Banner during the Saint George’s Day Parade in Gloucester.


Cadets are invited to contact 2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron if interested in taking part in these prestigious events.
If you’re not a cadet, why not? Find out how to get involved today.

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2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Sqn cadets end the year on the Cat’s Back

Cadets from 2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron ended the 75th Anniversary year by climbing the Cat’s Back ridge, otherwise known as Crib-y-Garth in the Black Mountains.

They scaled the rocky steps of the Cat’s Back ridge to Black Hill (640 m) before turning south on the Offa’s Dyke path which follows the ridge forming the border between England and Wales.

After a few kilometres enjoying spectacular views and spotting a wild Black Mountain pony, the group descended into the Olchon Valley and returned to their start point.

A great walk to end a great year for the ever growing Squadron.

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Festival of Remembrance 2016

Sunday 13 November saw communities across the country gather to reflect and remember the fallen in conflict.


Squadrons across Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing turned out to represent the Air Training Corps and Royal Air Force in various Remembrance Parades.

All cadets and staff were of the utmost bearing and marched with pride; their professionalism and committment was a fitting tribute to those who gave their lives so that we might enjoy the freedoms of today.


Photos courtesy of 614 (Lydney) Sqn, 785 (Tewkesbury) Sqn, 2386 (Keynsham) Sqn, 2392 (Thornbury) Sqn, 2509 (Chipping Sodbury) Sqn

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Exercise Polish Eagle Reunion

On 30th September ex cadets and staff of 2467 (Nailsea) Squadron got together with other participants from Exercise Polish Eagle 2006 for the 10th Anniversary. In 2006, Squadron Leader John Radford the Officer Commanding Nailsea Squadron together with help from George Peszynski the Honorary Polish Consul in Bristol put together an expedition for 40 staff and cadets to Poland. Taking in Warsaw, Krakow, Zakopane and a number of other locations the expedition was designed to build links and allow Air Cadets to learn more about the history and culture of Poland.

10 years later it was decided that it would be a sensible time for as many of the participants as possible to meet up for a meal at Cadbury House in Congresbury to recollect the expedition and find out what they all now do. The meal was specially designed and put together by the hotel to bring a taste of Poland to North Somerset. Most of the evening was spent meeting up with old acquaintances and re-establishing lost links. George Peszynski and his wife Krystyna were once again Guests of Honour for the evening having worked tirelessly in 2006 to assist in making the Expedition happen.

Social media was used to get in touch with all the original participants, with some coming from as far away as Durham and London for the event.

The Exercise Polish Eagle was part of what the Air Cadets continue to offer young people in the town.

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Operation Fortitude 2016

The expedition, code named Operation Fortitude, saw the cadets walking in four groups, codenamed Gold, Juno, Utah and Sword after the D-Day landing beaches assaulted by the allies on 6th June 1944.

The cadets carried all their equipment, slept under canvas at different sites and covered a distance of over 60 kilometres. During their time in Normandy, the groups visited a variety of D-Day sites and paid their respects to the fallen by laying wreaths at military cemeteries.

After completing the expedition, the cadets visited Pegasus Bridge, where they met Madam Arlette Gondrée, the proprietor of the world famous Café Gondrée. The Café was one of the first buildings to be liberated on the night of D-Day by British Forces. Madam Gondrée, who was a young girl when the allies launched Operation Overlord, she took the time to speak to the cadets about her experience..

This is the fourth Expedition led by Sgt E Smart and his team to the area, and to date the wing have deployed 99 cadets from twenty different squadrons from around the Wing.

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Deputy Media Officer is given a prestigious Award in Recognition for his services to the ACO

Civilian Instructor Dr. Jason Reis was awarded HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset’s Certificate of Meritorious Services yesterday at Wells Cathedral. He was joined by his commanding Officer, Sqn Ldr John Radford, Wing Commander David Cox & His Wife to celebrate a wonderful day.

Dr Reis received this award for his work at 2467 (Nailsea) Squadron where he serves as adjutant, his Wing Role as Deputy Media Communications Officer and his work on QAIC.

 

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Wing Commander David Cox tweeted that the Award is “so deserved”.

 

Dr Reis literally arrived home at 2000 h the night before from RAF Lossiemouth. In 2013 Dr Reis suffered a stroke which temporarily affected his speech. But his determination to overcome this difficulty soon saw him return to full commitment to his Air Training Corps duties despite ignoring advice from his peers to take it easy. The Award was given for all of the above and his outstanding selfless commitment which is above and beyond the expectations of a Civilian Instructor.

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2467 in Jersey

This years Jersey Camp was plagued by rain for the first half, luckily the island was bathed in beautiful sunshine for the second half. This weather ,however, did not deter our young adventurers in their quest to have fun.

 

This year we joined forces with 1446 (Clevedon) Squadron and we were supported by Fg Off Christopher Callaghan RAF VR(T), CI Matthew Gardiner and one of their cadets, Cdt Sgt Marsh. This year, regrettably, we only had 10 cadets from 2467 (Nailsea) Squadron, but the Commanding Officer was joined by other staff new and old to support him. This year was the 10th year that the Squadron has made use of the Squadron facilities in Jersey.

 

Anyway onto 2015, the week began very wet but activities were planned around this and the cadets participated in Surf School, Chocolate making!, where some fantastic chocolates were made for their mums and CI Milliner (almost something Thorntons would be proud to sell). We also had a session at Aqua Splash which is huge aquatic complex in St. Helier. On Thursday, Sqn Ldr Radford pleased the film buffs amongst the cadets by everyone going to the cinema to see Mission Impossible 2. There was lots of excitement amongst them who walked into the auditorium with arms laden with fizzy pop and popcorn. After the film we headed back to the squadron and the cadets had lunch. In the afternoon after juggling about the pre-planned activities the cadets took part in some Sea Kayaking at St. Brelades bay. From Thursday afternoon the sun began to shine which cheered everyone up because Jersey is always nicer in the sunshine. Making the most of the good weather, in the evening we went to Beauport Bay where cadets could relax and swim thoroughly entertained by CI Reis falling over the rocks like some adaptation of the Royal Ballet. One cadet mentioned “Sir, I’ve never seen anyone fall so gracefully and survive”. Here we will forget Cadet Taylors reference to “Dugongs”!

 

Friday saw a lovely day develop as cadets tried their hand at coasteering around Greve de Lecq and another surprise was abseiling at a 2nd World War coastal artillery battery ‘Battery Lothringen’ built by the Germans during the occupation. The day was to finish at the Lighthouse at La Corbiére with Fish & Chips.

 

Saturday saw cadets going paddle boarding and Sunday saw everyone, staff included, undertaking High Ropes and King Swing courses. The day finished at St. Ouens beach swimming and relaxing. The last day saw cadets visiting St. Helier for souvenirs and lunch before attending the Bouley Bay Hill Climb which is organised by the Jersey Motorcycle and Light Car Climb.

 

It was then off to the airport for our journey home via Guernsey airport..