Issue 3 - December 2012
Nineteen 82
Find out what’s happening at 1982 (Huyton) Squadron in our quarterly newsletter
We Will Remember Them
1982 (Huyton) Squadron McCarthy House The Park / Rydal Road Huyton Liverpool
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 3 - December 2012 Remembrance Sunday On Sunday 11th November, 48 uniformed cadets and staff from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron and 1438 (Prescot) Squadron Air Cadets, gathered at Prescot Parish Church to mark Remembrance Sunday. Assembling at Prescot School on Maryville Road the cadets along with the Territorial Army and their counterparts from the Sea Cadet Corps and Army Cadet Force paraded to Prescot Parish Church where the Remembrance Service and 2 minute silence was held. The wreath for the Air Training Corps was laid by Officer
Commanding
Merseyside
Wing,
Wing
Commander Les Keane on behalf of Merseyside Wing. Corporal Jack Lynch, 16yrs, also took part in the service after being picked to recite the act of remembrance to the congregation. Officer Commanding 1982 (Huyton) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose, commented “I was so very proud to lead the Air Cadet contingent during the parade, the cadets turnout was of a very high standard and they represented both their squadrons and the Air Cadet Organisations as a whole in a very smart and professional manner, I commend them all for their efforts�.
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 3 - December 2012 Cadets Complete Tower Run For Cystic Fibrosis On Sunday the 28th October cadets and staff from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets, converged on Beetham Tower in Manchester to assist with and take part in the Cystic Fibrosis Trust Tower Run. The run itself took place in the stairwell of the tower and challenged participants to a gruelling timed run from the ground floor up to the 48th floor, with quickest time being just less than 5 minutes and the slowest time just over 20 minutes. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK’s only national charity dealing with all aspects of Cystic Fibrosis (CF). It funds research to treat and cure CF and aims to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for people with Cystic Fibrosis. During the day Huyton Squadron was also approached by Lee Riley, a former Royal Marine and world-class all -round athlete, who completed the run carrying a 40lb pack, he asked if one of 1982’s cadets could run with him to carry his camera and record his efforts. This task was undertaken by Cadet Warrant Officer Ashley Stott (19yrs) who as the Air Training Corps Male Sports Cadets of the Year for 2011 was more than capable of completing the task. Civilian Instructor Greg Jennings commented “Having worked with the CF Trust before the cadets and staff were more than happy to accept the challenge to raise funds for such a worthy cause, congratulation to all who took part including our Civilian Committee Chairman Mr John Sharkey, who completed the run in a very respectable time!”
Cadets Collect for the Wings Appeal Cadets from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets, made the most of the great weather last weekend as they went out in force collecting for the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) Wings Appeal in Huyton Town Centre. Each year the cadets proudly support the RAF Association who is committed to supporting the RAF Family, whether currently serving, or former-serving, in a wide range of ways, delivering help and support where it is needed. Squadron Warrant Officer, Edd Vose commented “The cadets are always very enthusiastic when it comes to fundraising, we are very proud of all the effort they have put into raising funds for such a great cause.”
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 3 - December 2012 Nesscliff Field Training Camp A contingent of cadets and staff from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron have spent the past week at Nesscliff Training Camp in Shropshire, taking part in the Merseyside Wing Field Training Camp. This year Huyton squadron sent 11 cadets along with Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose, who took on the role of Camp Training Officer, Flying Officer Neil Osborne, who ran the Climbing Wall as well as Pilot Officer Ian Raynor, Warrant Officer Edd Vose, Civilian Instructor’s Greg Jennings and Tim Pottle and Cadet Warrant Ashley Stott who ran the Day Exercise. The camp which is held each year saw cadets and staff from squadrons around Merseyside Wing come together to participate in a vast range of activities including Full & Small Bore Shooting, Climbing, Blow Karting, Day Exercise, Radio Exercise, Clay Shooting and Initiative Exercises to name but a few. During the camp the cadets where split into 4 Squadrons of 2 Flights each, these flights were then scored for each activity they took part in, gaining the bulk of the points for their effort and gaining bonus points for exceptional performance or skill shown during the activities. Congratulations to Cadet Emily Ballard, 14 yrs. for receiving ‘Best Cadet in Flight’, Congratulations also go to 4 Squadron, A Flight
and
Flight
Commander,
Flight
Lieutenant Louie Hall of 1913 (Knotty Ash) Squadron on winning the ‘Best Flight’ competition. Civilian
Instructor
Greg
Jennings
commented “Yet again it was a fantastic week away for Huyton Squadron, with such a varied amount of activities, both the cadets and staff thoroughly enjoyed the experience, we can’t wait for next year’s camp!” Special thanks go to Squadron Leader France and all the Directing Staff for making the week so enjoyable.
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 3 - December 2012 NCO Skills Course Over the weekend commencing 21st September, seven cadet Non-Commissioned Officers from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets took part in a squadron run NCO Development Course, held in Abersoch, Wales. The course focused on developing the basic skills the NCO’s require to perform their day to day tasks, such as Leadership, Communication Skills, Drill and Discipline, the course also gave the staff the chance to inform the NCO’s of changes in Dress Regulations, Drill & Ceremonial and general squadron procedures that have changed recently, as well as answering any questions the NCO’s may have had. Over the two days the NCO’s had the opportunity to take part in various communication scenarios; simulating different situations they may have to deal with, group presentations & debates and also leadership exercises, allowing them to practise their briefing, organisation and team management skills. Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose, Officer Commanding 1982 (Huyton) Squadron commented, “The aim of this course was to reinforce the standards currently in place on the squadron and to provide a more stable base from which the NCO’s can develop and grow, both as a team and as individuals, I have no doubt that the NCOs will return to the squadron with greater knowledge and put into effect all they have learnt, well done to you all.”
Promotion to the Top Ashley Stott (19Yrs) from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron ATC, has recently been promoted to the dizzying heights of Cadet Warrant Officer, after five years of hard work and dedication to the squadron. Ashley, who has had a long and distinguished career in the Air Training Corps, has taken part in many activities including, flying, gliding, shooting, summer camps at RAF stations, fundraising and most notably sport, after being awarded the Air Training Corps Male Sports Cadet of the Year for 2011. Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose, Officer Commanding 1982 (Huyton) Squadron commented, “Cadet Warrant Officer Stott has worked tirelessly as the Senior Cadet NCO on squadron, it seems only fair that he be promoted to the highest cadet rank the ATC has to offer, a rank very few cadets will ever achieve, congratulations!” Cadet Warrant Officer Stott Commented, “I am looking forward to the responsibilities and challenges that my new rank will bring.” Ashley is currently working towards completing his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and continues to take part in all squadron events, working with the staff in a junior management role, developing and training the cadets.
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 3 - December 2012 Word Search—Air Cadet Activities
Can you find them all?
New Appointment for Huyton Air Cadets Cadets and staff from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets are please to congratulate Pilot Officer Ian Raynor RAF VR(T) on his appointment to the rank of Pilot Officer, following the successful completion of his Officers Initial Course held at RAF College Cranwell, Lincolnshire. The week long course, aimed at preparing newly appointed officers to the RAF VR(T) to carry out their roles effectively, provides instruction on Officer Qualities, Leadership, Health and Safety and Welfare Matters to name but a few. Following the course a small graduation ceremony takes place in the RAF College Hall where the newly appointed Pilot Officers are presented their commissioning scrolls by Group Captain J Lawlor, Chief of Staff, Air Cadets. Pilot Officer Raynor commented, “It was a tough week, but thanks to the skilled instruction given by the staff at the Adult Training Facility, it was an enjoyable one.” further adding “It was made even more enjoyable thanks to a lone Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which practiced a display of impressive rolls and graceful turns over Collage Hall, it was an awe inspiring sight at such a historical location, a memorable end to a fantastic week!” Pilot Officer Raynor will continue to serve as the Squadron Training Officer, responsible for all aspects of cadet training.
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 3 - December 2012 The final and most coveted award to be given out during the evening was the Best Overall Cadet Plate; this is awarded to the cadet who has impressed the staff with their commitment and determination during the previous year, this was awarded to Cadet Sophie Grimes, 17 yrs. To conclude the evening, Officer Commanding 1982 (Huyton) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose announced some well-deserved promotions amongst the ranks, these included:From the rank of Cadet to Corporal:Corporal Craig Brothwood Corporal Sophie Grimes Corporal Lauren Igglesden Corporal Holly Ryan From the rank of Corporal to Sergeant:Sergeant Jack Lynch Sergeant Declan Knowles Sergeant Liam Mellor From the rank of Sergeant to Flight Sergeant:Flight Sergeant Scott Gibson Flight Sergeant Laura Brothwood Flight Sergeant Tom Horwood Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose commented on the evenings proceedings, “Both the cadets and staff look forward to this evening each year and each year nominating cadets for the awards never gets any easier, there is always so many deserving cadets.” She continued “I congratulate all of the cadets on their hardwork and commitment to the squadron over the past year and urge them all to carry on and make 2013 our year.”
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 3 - December 2012 Awards Night 2012 Friday 14th December saw the most anticipated event in 1982 (Huyton) Squadron’s Calendar, the squadron annual awards evening. This year as per previous years the presentation was held at St Gabriel’s Church in Huyton, with kind permission of Reverend Malcolm Rogers, Squadron Padre. The evening began with a video presentation of events from the past year and an enrolment ceremony in which the new cadets that had joined and completed their first class cadet training over the previous year were formally enrolled into the squadron. This was followed by the presentation of certificates to all cadets in attendance, acknowledging their personal achievements over the year. After a short comfort break the cadets and guests were all seated for the most awaited part of the evening, the awards. Each award and potential nominees were thoroughly deliberated between the staff, this proved to be very challenging as each award was hotly contested by all the cadets. The awards and winning cadets were as follows:The Rotary Club Trophy for Best Recruit -
Cadet Abagael Vose
The RAFA Aero modelling Shield -
Corporal Karl Rio
Frank Peakin Award for Shooting -
Corporal Jack Lynch
M.R.S. Trophy for Sports Cadet of the Year -
Warrant Officer Ashley Stott
The Civilian Committee Award -
Sergeant Tom Horwood
Warrant Officer Award for Discipline -
Cadet Craig Brothwood
Prescott Memorial Trophy for Best NCO -
Corporal Jack Lynch
The President’s Trophy for Runner up Best Cadet -
Cadet Lauren Igglesden
The Michael Trophy for Service and Commitment -
Cadet Ryan Taylor-Smith
Jock Coates Memorial RAFA Wings Collection -
Cadet Holly Ryan
The McQueen Shield Inter-Flight Competition Winner -
A Flight
Leading Cadet Trophy for Best Results -
Corporal Aron Stott
Senior Cadet Trophy for Best Results -
Sergeant Laura Brothwood
Master Air Cadet Trophy for Best Results -
Sergeant Scott Gibson
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 3 - December 2012 Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Appointed Staff and cadets of 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets would like to congratulate Greg Jennings on his appointment to the rank of Sergeant (ATC). Greg started his cadet career on the 9th October 2006 when he joined 2359 (Woolton) Squadron at the age of 14, he quickly passed his First Class Cadet training just less than a month later and moved on to complete both his Leading and Senior Cadet training within the next 18 months and his Staff Cadet Classification, now called Cadet Method of Instruction, less than 8 months later. Alongside this he also progressed through the ranks, achieving Corporal a year after joining and Sergeant 6 months after that, it was a further year before Greg was promoted to Flight Sergeant and finally Cadet Warrant Officer. During this time he took part in the vast amount of activities and courses the Air Cadets had to offer,
some of which included, working his way through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
Scheme, becoming a Flight Staff Cadet at 10 Air Experience Flight and representing the squadron at not just Wing and Region competitions but also Corps and National levels for Banner Drill and First Aid respectively. Greg transferred to 1982 (Huyton) Squadron in December 2011, 3 weeks before ageing out as a cadet and making the transition to adult staff as a Civilian Instructor. At present Sergeant Jennings looks after Recruit Training, Uniform & Supply and Media Communications on the squadron, as well as assisting the Squadron Warrant Officer with all aspects of Drill, Dress and Discipline.
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 3 - December 2012 Annual Dining In - 70th Anniversary Saturday 17th November marked the formal celebration of 70 years of 1982 (Huyton) Squadron, as cadets, staff and dignified guests gathered at the Huyton Suite in Huyton Village, for a formal evening of dining
and celebration to
mark this prestigious milestone. The event, which was organised by the President of the Mess Committee and the Civilian Committee, was the perfect opportunity for the cadets to experience a Mess Dinner and let their hair down following such an eventful year. After the meal there were speeches from Officer
Commanding
1982
(Huyton)
Squadron, emphasising both the hardship and the success the squadron has endured throughout the year, before introducing our Guest of Honour and Ex cadet, Master Aircrew Charles McHugh who talked about his life in the Royal Air Force and how the Air Cadet Organisation helped shape such a successful career. To close the evening the Squadrons Wing Staff Officer, Squadron Leader Claire Sarsfield made the toast to absent friends before the cadets and staff were treated to a post dinner disco, courtesy of Ex Cadet Tom O’Sullivan. President of the Mess Committee, Pilot Officer
Ian
Raynor,
Commented
“The
evening was very successful indeed, all of the cadets, staff and guests had a great time and cannot wait for next year!”
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 3 - December 2012 Festive Fundraiser Cadet and staff from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets, have been helping out at the St Gabriel’s Church Christmas Fundraiser, with the squadron providing yet another fantastic Christmas Grotto and Santa for the children (and adults!) of Huyton and the surrounding areas to visit!
Alongside the Grotto there was also some other stalls staffed by Huyton Squadron, including a raffle stall offering some great prizes, such as a Free Beauty Treatment at a local salon, numerous gift packs and jewellery.
The Squadron also provided a “paint your own picture frame” stall so that all the children who visited Santa could decorate a photo frame to proudly display the photos of them with Santa.
Each year Huyton Squadron supports St
Gabriel’s
Church
with
their
fundraising efforts and each year we aim to make it even bigger and better than the last.
Squadron Warrant Officer, Edd Vose, commented “It’s always a pleasure to help St Gabriel’s Church with their fundraising efforts; the cadets worked very hard and as always represented the Air Cadet Organisation and the RAF very professionally, I would also like to thank the volunteers at St Gabriel’s for the fantastic Christmas Dinner the cadets and staff were provided with after the event, it was enjoyed by all!”
www.1982.org.uk
Air Cadets Take-off with RAFA Wings Lotto – Now You Can Enter…
Now, for the first time ever, members and supporters of the ACO over the age of 16 are able to enter the Lotto, with ten percent of the money from each ticket purchased going to a squadron of each player’s choice.
And the good news is it couldn’t be easier to enter… RAFA have kindly created a dedicated easy to use Air Cadet Webpage, allowing members and supporters to sign-up. A box to enter the squadron of your choice is included on the web page, which ensures your chosen unit will benefit. To visit the page and sign-up to the Lotto, which will allow you to play for prizes up-to £1,000 per week and possible rollover prizes of up-to £10,000, please visit the following Air Cadet sign-up page:
https://www.securecollections.com/dd/rafa/details.asp?cadet=y
Or search the web for “Air Cadets Wings Lotto” and support ACO Squadron 1982 HUYTON
www.1982.org.uk