NORTHERN IRELAND WING WIN BEST CADET AT RIAT

 27 cadets and 6 staff from Northern Ireland Wing travelled on a 14 hour trip each way to attend this year's Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford over the weekend of 17th and 18th July 2010.

In attendance there was 650 plus cadets and 150 plus staff in total at camp. Cadet Cpl Lauren McVeigh (72 Squadron) won Best Cadet and Red Sparrow (one of 12 best cadets under 14) was won by Cdt Ryan Rafferty 2241 (Regent House) Squadron.

Two cadets from Northern Ireland Wing travelled seperatly to play in the ATC Concert Band at at the VIP reception and later at the evening RIAT concert, they were Cadet Flt Sgt Daniel Kennedy and Cadet Cpl Thomas Cummings.

In the photo attached is Cadet Cpl Lauren McVeigh and Cdt Ryan Rafferty.

Submitted by Kendo

Regional Field Day 2010

The annual gathering of Cadets, Staff, Squadrons and Wings from across Scotland & Northern Ireland Region took place at HMS Caledonia on the banks of the River Forth on Sunday 5th September . The annual showcase of cadet activities brings together the best from each Wing  in a series of competitions which includes: drill, photography , aircraft recognition, modelling and for the first time banner drill.

Visit the Gallery to view a series of photogrpahs of the event.

GWS Wing at Nijmegen 2010

Scotland and Northern Ireland Region was well represented with four out of the six wings taking part in the International 4 Day marches, also known as Nijmegen, in Holland this year. Glasgow and West Scotland, Edinburgh and South Scotland, Northern Ireland and Aberdeen and North East Scotland being the four Wings involved. Before each team even set foot in Holland they each undertook
grueling training for nearly a year and each team had to qualify either at the Scottish Garelochhead or RAF Cosford 2 day Marches.

For Glasgow and West Scotland Wing there 26 marchers aiming to complete march for their 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd time. Sergeant John Gordon, on his 2^nd time said after completing the march “This year has beaten 2009 by far, meeting people from last year’s marches and the team which made the atmosphere great” Not only did he complete the marches but he was selected to represent Glasgow and West Scotland Wing in the ‘Olympic’ style opening ceremony. 

Glasgow and Edinburgh Wings travelled via Coach from Glasgow to meet up with 5 other coaches filled with Regulars, Reserve and Cadet Personnel in North London. After an 18 hour journey to Kamp Huemensoord, the temporary home to 6000 armed forces personnel from around the world. They were greeted by the staff from the British Military Contingent, the brains behind the whole operation.

There was over 900 British Marchers and Support staff that marched down the famous last 5km, Via Gladiolia on the final day. The march was over 4 days, with each participant marching 40 kilometres each day in the scorching heat of 45 ̊̊ C. Something that members of the region will not be used too! Each of the day’s walks started at around 4am and finished at around 2pm to avoid too much exposure to the heat.

The Teams unfortunately suffered some drop-outs over the four days. To illustrate the difficulty level, 55,000 started the march and an estimated 5,500 did not finish. Not surprising, when you consider that the Marches are the equivalent of Five Marathons in four days!

Cadet 150 BRNC Dartmouth DofE Gold Residential

Flight Sergeant Alistair Arthur, Sergeant John Gordon and Corporal Jonathan Pryce, who hail from 2368 (Aberdeen Airport) ANES, 1701 (Johnstone) GWS and 859 (Dalgety Bay) DCS, have recently taken part in a unique residential camp at Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth, Devon. They had been selected to attend the camp which was part of the Cadet 150 celebrations and also an element of their work towards the Gold Award on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

The 3
specially selected cadets have been active members of the Air Cadets for around four and a half years each and during their time have thoroughly enjoyed the wide variety of activities available to them. Indeed all three cadets agreed with John after the passing out parade with senior commanders of all three services “It has been such a privilege to be part of this camp and its all adds to my life experiences. Especially being under the command of Warrant Officer Scott Stephenson RN”

“Being part of the Air Cadets is just great. I get to do so many different things that I enjoy and meet so many different people from all over the country,” Alistair explained.

150 selected cadets arrived in BRNC having initially assembled in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship Argus in Portsmouth. Two nights were spent on board giving them all a taste of living in a large ship and they even tried their hand at some fire-fighting practice whilst there. Thankfully they had time before and after every meal to number off from the right on the flight deck with 150 cadets. What could go wrong?

But as the ship set sail from HNMB Portsmouth, it was literally all hands on deck. The ships hydraulics had failed, leading all 150 cadets and staff to be coached round to BRNC Dartmouth.
Luck wasn’t on any ones side that day as during ‘shore-leave’ all the shops in Gunwarf Quay, Portsmouth had opened for the last 30 minutes of shore leave. And on their expected 3 hour journey - that turned into 6 - one of the coaches developed a puncture, all to the delight of the cadets.

Utilizing the excellent BRNC facilities on the River Dart, working in the twin screw Picket Boats and open motor whalers, plus numerous activities and exercises around the College grounds the tasks undertaken by the cadets were designed to teach teamwork and group management.

Areas studied included trust and confidence, leadership and military information. There was some classroom based work too but naturally plenty of opportunity for sports competitions.

Adding to the week there was a formal mess dinner held in the senior guardroom of the College which was “Higher than a 5* standard meal, that would put Gordon Ramsay to shame” Jonathan delightfully said, with the agreement of all who attended the fabulous occasion.

To put the cherry on the cake, everyone was treated to a fabulous and amazing inspirational talk from Debra Searle, DofE Trustee and Atlantic rower.
“I have never been so amazed in my life. Debra is a real hero, who we should all aspire to be.” explained John and Alistair. The talk was based on her heartbreaking voyage across the Atlantic during which her former husband became unconscious. And her ambition to complete the voyage after her partner was taken away, was based on choosing her attitude each day she woke up. This resulted in her life motto being ‘Choose Your Attitude’.

As well as contributing towards their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award the cadets will gain accreditation for the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) (Level 2) in Team Leading.

The whole week drew to a close with a Ceilidh, including Scottish country dancing which the cadets had had to learn during the week at BRNC. Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Lieutenant Colonel Alistair Spowage, the Commanding Officer of the camp explained, “It has been wonderful to see how all the cadets have approached this week with such enthusiasm. There has been a wide variety of activities some of which have been more challenging than others, even the
dancing!”

Photo shows ::  All the Scottish cadets from the ATC and ACF.
Sergeant John Gordon 3rd from left, Fight Sergeant Alistair Arthur 4th left and
Corporal Jonathan Pryce 3rd from right.

SHAWBURY TEAM TAKE ON BATTLE OF BRITAIN ANNIVERSARY BIKE RIDE

A team of 12 cyclists from RAF Shawbury, in north Shropshire, are in training to take on a long distance bike ride to commemorate the 70^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.  The team will be travelling to RAF Kinloss in Morayshire, northern Scotland on Thursday 23 September 2010 to begin their epic ride to Bentley Priory, on the outskirts of London.

The team will begin the journey from Kinloss on Friday 24 September and aim to cover 737 miles in 8 days.  As it is the 70^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain,
the team aim to visit at least 70 World War II airfields on their journey.

The event is designed to give the team an insight into the history of the airfields they will be visiting whilst raising awareness of the Battle of Britain in its Anniversary year.  The team are also raising money for the RAF Shawbury Station Charity; the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Royal Naval Benevolent Trust and Army Benevolent Fund (Soldiers Charity).  The team will be more than willing to meet veterans or news teams as they progress on their endeavour.  Anyone wishing to sponsor the team can do so at http://www.justgiving.com/battleofbritainride  
The event can be followed at http://www.twitter.com/rafshawburyride/

The event is kindly sponsored by Life Fitness, Cotswolds, Polaris, Precision Sports and Leisure Ltd and FBHeliservices.

Riders - Sqn Ldr
Mel Jones, Flt Lt Tony Kinchley, Flt Lt Helen Redwood, Flt Lt Kev Place, Flt Lt
Iain Eaton, Chf Tech Nick Bowles, FS Kev Redstone, FS Louise Simpson, FS Kev
Moreland, Cpl Joe Taylor, Cpl Paul Parry, Cpl Neil Owen and Dylan Fairclough of
sponsors Life Fitness.

Back Up Team -
Sqn Ldr Neil Hope, WO Tony Vaughan, Sgt Mark Harris and Sgt Baz
Vivien.

Di Gilbert completes the Seven Summits

"Mountaineers thrive on challenge: the desire to stand on top of the highest point on each of the seven continents has fired the imagination of climbing enthusiasts of all levels from around the globe.

Everest, Asia (8848m)
Aconcagua, South America (6960m)
McKinley, North America (6194m)
Kilimanjaro, Africa (5895m)
Elbrus, Europe (5642m)
Vinson, Antarctica (4897m)
Carstensz Pyramid, Oceania (4884m)

"Completion of this amazing feat, known as the Seven Summits, demands much of the climber - to travel to the remote and exotic corners of the world, scale the heights of mountain giants such as Everest and McKinley, and face extreme weather conditions and hostile environments for long periods over many years."  Seven Summits, Steve Bell

On the 20th July 2010, Di Gilbert finally finished her unintential aim to climb all Seven Summits by standing on the top of Mount Elbrus.

It has never been on Di's agenda to climb the Seven Summits, purely due to the financial implications involved with such a large undertaking.  However, she was aware that the only way she would be able to climb them, would be to work on them.  And work on them, she did...

In 1999, she was Expedition Leader for World Challenge Expedition's <http://www.world-challenge.co.uk/>  Kilimanjaro Expedition, climbing the mountain via the Marangu route.  She enjoyed it so much, she returned in 2001 as Expedtion Leader for Jagged Globe's <http://www.jagged-globe.co.uk/>  Expedition via the Umbwe route.

In 2003, whilst working as a Guide for Antarctic Logistics and Expeditions <http://www.antarctic-logistics.com> , Nick Lewis and Di climbed Vinson via the normal route as every day work.

In 2004, she started working for Adventure Peaks <http://www.adventurepeaks.com/>  as an Expedition Leader and successfully led their Cho Oyo (8002m) Expedition in Tibet.  This provided the launch pad for Di to then lead their 2005 North Ridge Everest Expedition, where she was responsible for putting celebrity Jake Meyer <http://www.jakemeyer.co.uk/>  on the summit on the 4th June.

In 2009, Di was joined by Derek Boggan and Catrin Thomas, where they flew into Denali National Park for an attempt on the Cassin Route.  They had to settle for the West Buttress due to conditions on the mountain at the time.

Di was always realistic about the opportunity of leading an expedition to Carstenz Pyramid, but Adventure Peaks once again provided the opportunity and in 2009, Di and her 4 clients, successfully summited this elusive mountain.

Having now stood on 5 out of 7, Di made the conscious decision to try and finish the remaining peaks.  She was Expedition for the Adventure Peak's Aconcagua Expedition in 2010, which left just one...

On 20th July 2010 at approx 1300, Di wept her way up the final slopes of Mount Elbrus after an 11 hour trail breaking ascent from Uncle Nick's Hut on the North Side of the Mountain.

Di climbed her 7th summit with her partner Derek and their Russian Guide Kirill Ivanov.

For info on Mount Elbrus see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Elbrus

A FIRST FOR S&NI AT RIAT 2010

Only two Cadets from Scotland & Northern Ireland Region attended RIAT as part of the Communications Team. Flt Sgt F Christie from Aberdeen Wing and Flt Sgt R MacLeod of Edinburgh & South Scotland Wing. Both left from Stirling on Monday 12 July 2010 on a 9 hour journey to Fairford.

Starting on  Tuesday 13 July until Tuesday 20 July, up at 0530 Hrs until 2230 Hrs on a shift cycle of 2 Hrs on 2 Hrs off they helped control the movements of staff, transport, Cadets, ground Opps etc for the whole site. 

Both agreed that RIAT was an experience of a lifetime one activity that the Corps should be very proud off. A great deal of responsibilty is put on the shoulders of the Cadets and Staff who have a massive role to play at this event. 

One of the best parts of the event was being allowed to get up close to the many aircraft and speak to the crews from different countries. Flt Sgt MacLeod said " the ultimate was getting access to the F22 Raptor and speaking to the Aircrew", this was the first time the F22 Raptor has been on display at RIAT.

Cadets collected memorabilia using an exchange system using the many parts of their uniform. this proved to be very successful and items were exchanged.

Both Flt Sgt Christie and Flt Sgt MacLeod said "they have made many new friends from all over the country and look forward to seeing them in the furture".

"If you are offered the chance to go to RIAT then we recommend that you do as this is one of the greatest experiences the Corps has to offer" both have said.

Submitted by oc383sqn

VENTURE ADVENTURE - WEEK 3 BEGINS

For most of us, we endured a tiring 7 to 10 hours of endless countryside greenery to finally board the “luxurious” P&O Irish ferry. Yet again we were all dumb-founded by the vast stretch of Irish Sea.

At first the social distance was obvious to all. However, the familiar sea sickness feeling brought about conversation amongst Wings.
The food, however tasty, was undeniably expensive such as £9 for steak pie and chips, (for prices like that you’d expect Gordon Ramsey to make something ex-travagant for the same price).

Finally after the ferry docked in Ireland .

OUR FIRST DAY DURING THE MEDIA MODULE

At the start of the day we were stuck in the rain as Tommy failed to find the classroom key, however Sgt McHarg was on the ball and managed to find them. When we first got into the class we didn’t know what to expect so to make things easier we introduced ourselves and that made everyone feel more comfortable.

FS Evans then turned up with his blue mini bus and took us on a tour of the base. We saw many things that were interesting such as the Fire Service, PSNI, Dog Squad to name a few. Throughout the week we will be trying to organise visits to these places to find out more about the job requirements.
This would give us an insight to the daily working lives of the staff on base.

We were then dropped off at the junior ranks were the chefs had prepared a wonderful lunch for us, we where fortunate that there was plenty left as the media cadets were the only cadets to have lunch there today.

We relaxed for roughly 10 minutes then we were met by FS Evans to continue the tour of the station. We then continued the station tour and visited the the Officers Mess for tea and buns and then the Varsity before checking out the films we would likely see in the cinema.

Letter of Congratulations

From Vice Admiral P J Wilkinson CB CVO BA FCIPD

Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Personnel)

D/DCDS(Pers)/85/1                                                                                    July 2010

ALL MOD SPONSORED CADET FORCES

I am writing to congratulate the entire Cadet Movement for its engagements over the Cadet 150 commemorative year so far, especially the Royal Review which took place in Central London last Tuesday.

The whole event was superb and I was very impressed by the parade on the Mall, the standard of drill and quality of the music was excellent throughout and all cadets and volunteers involved should be very proud of themselves.  The cadets’ manner and bearing was of the highest order and a great advertisement for the Cadet movement.  

I was particularly pleased to see so many proud parents and Adult Volunteers at Buckingham Palace for the garden party, it was clear to see they had a very good time and I hope that it went some way to repaying them for all their efforts in supporting the Cadet movement.

Occasions such as these do not take place without a great deal of work in the planning stages.  Tuesday’s parade and garden party were a great success and I extend my deepest congratulations and thanks to all those who planned and executed such an impressive display.  

I am sure that future Cadet 150 events, both national and local, will be of the same very high standard.

Well done, 

A Bridge Too far for Region Cadets

A trip into Holland to visit Arnhem and the John Frost Bridge was one of the highlights of a week long summer camp at JHQ Rheindahlen in Germany for cadets and staff from across S&NI Region.

John Frost Bridge is the road bridge over the Lower Rhine at Arnhem and is named after Major-General John Dutton Frost who commanded the British forces that reached and defended the bridge during the Battle of Arnhem in September 1944. The bridge was one of the main and last objectives during Operation Market Garden when British, American and Polish paratroopers and Gliders carrying additional troops and supplies landed behind German lines to capture a number of key bridges.

The group also visited the Airborne Cemetery at Oosterbeek where over 1700 allied soldiers and airmen killed during the operation are buried. One of the graves visited was that of Flt Lt David Lord VC.

David Lord was 30 years old, and a Flight Lieutenant with 271 Squadron, Royal Air Force during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

“On 19 September 1944 during the Battle of Arnhem in the Netherlands, the British 1st Airborne Division was in desperate need of supplies. Flight Lieutenant Lord, flying Dakota III KG374 through intense enemy anti-aircraft fire was twice hit and had one engine burning. He managed to drop his supplies, but at the end of the run found that there were two containers remaining. Although he knew that one of his wings might collapse at any moment he nevertheless made a second run to drop the last supplies and then ordered his crew to bail out. A few seconds later the Dakota crashed in flames with its pilot and six crew.”

Only the navigator, F/Lt Harold King survived, becoming a prisoner of war. It was only on his release in mid 1945 that the story of David Lord's action was known and he was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross. David Lord is buried alongside his crew in Arnhem Oosterbeek War Cemetery.

There are plans for a new bridge over the Lower Rhine at Oosterbeek, to be named after Stanisław Sosabowski who was the Polish general who was commander of the Polish 1st Independent Parachute Regiment at the Battle of Arnhem.

The week was rounded off with another trip into Holland to visit the Dutch National War and Resistance Museum at the Liberty Park in Overloon. The Museum tells the story of the occupation of Holland, the persecution of its people and other nations during WWII. It also records the Dutch Resistance Movement, D-Day, the Battle at Overloon and the liberation of Holland by the Allies.

A trip to the local swimming pool, Go Karting, High Ropes, various sports activities and a cultural visit to Cologne were among the many activities in an action packed week.

Regional News Archive

Aberdeen Wing have great success at rifle meet Webmaster @ (16 Jul : 20:51) (Aberdeen Wing News)

Di Gilbert heads for Elbrus in Russia. Webmaster @ (16 Jul : 20:45) (Aberdeen Wing News)

South Ayrshire Council Armed Forces Day Webmaster @ (12 Jul : 10:46) (Glasgow Wing News)

379 Duo go Solo Webmaster @ (04 Jan : 11:34) (Regional News)

107 Squadron Lord Lieutenants Presentation Webmaster @ (24 Nov : 08:37) (Aberdeen Wing News)

Newest Cadet presents the oldest cadet with leaving gift Webmaster @ (07 Jul : 20:23) (Glasgow Wing News)

'CHARLIES' ANGELS MEET THE RED ARROWS Webmaster @ (02 Jun : 10:05) (Highland Wing News)

AIR CADETS ADVENTURE TRAINING SCHEME – INSTRUCTORS COURSES PROGRAMME - FY 2008/2009 Webmaster @ (03 Dec : 14:00) (Regional News)

Duke of Edinburgh's Award Expedition Forms Webmaster @ (22 Oct : 09:34) (Regional News)

News Categories

Aberdeen Wing News  Di Gilbert completes the Seven Summits  Aberdeen Wing have great success at rifle meet  Di Gilbert heads for Elbrus in Russia.	DOE Award News  Cadet 150 BRNC Dartmouth DofE Gold Residential	Dundee Wing News
Edinburgh Wing News	Glasgow Wing News  GWS Wing at Nijmegen 2010  South Ayrshire Council Armed Forces Day  Newest Cadet presents the oldest cadet with leaving gift	Highland Wing News  'CHARLIES' ANGELS MEET THE RED ARROWS
Mach Camp News  VENTURE ADVENTURE - WEEK 3 BEGINS	N. Ireland Wing News  NORTHERN IRELAND WING WIN BEST CADET AT RIAT	Regional News  Regional Field Day 2010  SHAWBURY TEAM TAKE ON BATTLE OF BRITAIN ANNIVERSARY BIKE RIDE  A FIRST FOR S&NI AT RIAT 2010
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