Issue 4– March 2013
Nineteen 82
Find out what’s happening at 1982 (Huyton) Squadron in our quarterly newsletter
A Squadron First!
1982 (Huyton) Squadron McCarthy House The Park / Rydal Road Huyton Liverpool
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 4– March 2013 Squadron First ! Qualified Aerospace Instructor Cadet Cadet Sergeant Jack Lynch (17yrs) from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets, has become the first ever cadet from the squadron to complete the challenging and highly sought-after, Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course (QAIC) held at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, North Yorkshire. The course, which requires serious commitment from the cadets, qualifies its graduates to operate the flight simulators and other equipment that are used by the Air Cadet Regional Activity Centres; this covers everything from Aerodynamics and Pilot Studies to Air Traffic Control and Personal Development. Jack began the course in September 2012 and since then has dedicated many weekends to QAIC training; he commented “I have attended a lot of courses during my cadet career however the QAI Course was by far the best! I highly recommend it and can’t wait to pass my newly gained knowledge on to the other cadets.” Jack can now wear his blue lanyard and begin passing on all he has learnt by delivering lectures for the BTEC Certificate in Aviation Studies and running the squadron's flight simulator. Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose, Officer Commanding 1982 (Huyton) Squadron, commented, “I congratulate Sergeant Lynch on gaining this prestigious qualification, he has demonstrated a huge commitment to the course and his own personal development. I am looking forward to seeing him put his new skills into action at the Squadron, to the benefit of all of our cadets.”
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 4– March 2013 Risk Assessed Yet another qualification is in store for the cadets at 1982 (Huyton) Squadron, as two members of staff successfully complete the ELA Hazard Awareness Volunteer Tutor Course. Pilot Officer Ian Raynor and Sergeant Greg Jennings both successfully completed the course ran at RAF Woodvale, enabling them to tutor cadets in the Entry Level Award in Hazard Awareness Qualification. Alongside this they also completed the Risk Assessment Competency Course which will enable them to assist the Squadron Health and Safety Officer and other staff in completing thorough risk assessments prior to training activities. Sergeant Greg Jennings commented, “This is a really good qualification for the cadets to achieve, it promotes awareness of Health & Safety and can be completed by new members of the squadron within their first few nights.” He continued “It is also something that in the future will look good on their CV!”
First Aid Requalification Three members of staff from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron have recently updated their first aid training and requalified as Youth First Aid Trainers and Assessors. Flying Officer Neil Osborne, Sergeant Greg Jennings and Civilian Instructor Chris Power attended the Activity First Aid course held at 1982 (Huyton) Squadrons Headquarters in February. The course covered everything the adult staff could possibly encounter during activities and expeditions, this included burns, breaks, head injuries and hypothermia, to touch on but a few of the topics covered during the weekend long course. Flying Officer Neil Osborne commented “First Aid is an important skill for both staff and cadets, with this qualification we can not only instruct the cadets in basic first aid but should the need arise, have the skills to save a life.”
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 4– March 2013 Netball Success On Sunday 27th January a team of 9 cadets from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets took part in the first sporting competition of the New Year, the Merseyside Wing, Inter-Squadron Netball Competition, held at Leasowe Leisure Center, Wirral. The team consisting of Cadets Emily Ballard, Stephanie Campbell, Elisha McGrath , Ella McGrath, Poppy Hearn, Lauren Wilkinson and Corporals Sophie Grimes, Holly Ryan and Lauren Igglesden performed exceptionally, going into the semi-finals with 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss under their belts. The semi-final however would not be an easy one, as the team from 1982 took on the team from 146 (Northwich) Squadron, who had shown great promise and skill during the play offs. Nevertheless the team from 1982 did not let this discourage them and they stepped up to the match with the same gusto as that of the previous engagements, just losing out on a place in the final after a fast paced match. Squadron Sports Officer, Miss Emma Roberts, commented on the day’s events, “Today was a successful day for the team from Huyton; they gave 100% and came away with 3rd place, what a great result to start the New Year off!” A Visit from Merseyside Police 1982 (Huyton) Squadron was recently privileged to a visit from Merseyside Police, who talked to the cadets about the role they play in the community and answered all of the burning questions the cadets had. During the presentation there was even time for them to demonstrate to the cadets what happens when a driver, in this case Sergeant Knowles, is suspected of being intoxicated while in control of a vehicle. Needless to say Sergeant Knowles was completely sober and passed the test with flying colours, even if his estimation of 30 seconds passing was slightly off. Overall the cadets thoroughly enjoyed the evening and gained some valuable knowledge about the police and what they do after all its not just about giving out speeding tickets!
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 4– March 2013 Wing Adventure Training Exercise 2013 A team of four cadets from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron ATC has recently taken part in the Merseyside Wing Adventure Training Exercise (WATEx) held at Capel Curig, North Wales. The WATEx which is held annually challenges all 30 squadrons in the Merseyside Wing to compete in various adventure training activities, this year 18 teams attended and took part in Climbing, Kayaking, Archery, Mountain Biking and Navigation Exercises to name but a few. The team, which consisted of Flight Sergeant Scott Gibson, Corporal Jack Paterson, Cadet Joe Nugent and Cadet Ryan Taylor-Smith, worked hard during the weeks leading up to the exercise and using their knowledge and experience in the AT field excelled in both the Climbing and Kayaking events as well as the Navigation Exercise and Navigation Exam. Overall the team from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron came 6th in Merseyside Wing and is already planning training for next year’s competition! Deputy Wing AT Officer and Competition Organiser, Flying Officer Neil Osborne, commented, “As always there was some tough competition at this year’s WATEx, the team from 1982 worked very hard and gained a respectable position as a result.”
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 4– March 2013 Word Search—Cadet Ranks
Can you find them all?
Packing for the Pounds Over the festive season a dedicated team of young men and women from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets, have busied themselves not with Christmas shopping and sales but with fundraising, for their local branch of the Royal Air Force Association. The contingent from Huyton Squadron tirelessly and courteously packed the bags of customers at ASDA in Huyton, in an effort to raise funds for this very deserving cause. The RAF Association is an organisation 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. When the total was announced it was evident how successful this festive fundraiser had been, with the total amount of £1049.47 being raised for the Royal Air Force Association. Squadron Warrant Officer, Edd Vose commented “I must thank the cadets and staff that attended the bag pack and worked hard to raise this staggering amount, the RAFA provides a lot of support to the squadron, including the use of their club function room for our events.” he continued “I must also thank Huyton ASDA for allowing us to fundraise and the general public for their exceptional generosity.”
www.1982.org.uk
Issue 4– March 2013
Nesscliff 2013 Operation Spartan
Are you ready? 23 - 31 august 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 10% 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