Hitchin Squadron held its award night on Monday 16th April 2012. The evening consisted of enrolments being carried out by the Squadron Padre, Reverend Steve Wood. During which the cadets made their promise and recieved their 3822s. Parents were in the wings watching this proud start to the new cadets careers.
The awards achieved over the past year were presented by the squadron Wing Staff Officer Sqn Ldr Andy Baker who commented on the achievements of the cadets over the past year.
An NCO course was run recently and a number of cadets were promoted from the process finishing the evening a different rank to the beginning.
After the awards and enrolments a presentation was made by a number of cadets on the squadron letting all the parents know exactly what the cadets get up to on the squadron.
The following cadets got a well deserved promotion on the evening:
Corporal to Sgt: Cpl Saville
Cdt to Corporal:Cdt Emes,Cdt Proctor,Cdt Sivasothy,Cdt Spiro
After a great evening the cadets went home happy with their awards and achievements. A list of the achievements by the cadets follow:
Best Newcomer- For the most outstanding new cadet of the year: Cdt Emes
Cadet of the Year- For high standards and determination being a role model for others: Cdt Proctor
Commitment- For services to the squadron: Cdt Iveson
Committee Award- For comittment to fundraising events: Cpl Kemp
Endeavour Award- For going above and beyond what it expected: Cdt Woolley
High Flyer- For consistantly high results in exams: Sgt Goold
Musician of the Year- For outstanding committmemt to the squadron band: Cdt Spiro
Best NCO award- For outstanding leadership skills: Flt Sgt Hunt
Best Sports Cadets-For representation of the squadron and beyond: Cdt Sivasothy
WOs Award- For outstanding uniform and standards throughout: Cpl Saville
Congratulations to all cadets who receieved awards and I look forward to another year of great achievements from cadets on the squadron. I enjoyed the evening greatly and look forward to the next.
Flt Lt Callaghan
On Monday 9th April a visit to the Secret Nuclear Bunker in Essex took place. Squadron transport was provided and all that the cadets had to bring was a packed lunch, the admission fee and of course themselves.
The Nuclear bunker was formerly an RAF station however it was developed into a command and control point for the entire UK incase of nuclear war with the East.The Cold War is such a large part of British History over the last 60 years this trip was not only one for the History buffs and as such there was much interest from the cadets and staff members alike. Everyone who went enjoyed a tour round the various sections of the bunker, which ranged from the radio room, arms room, to the barracks and into the slightly creepier operating theatre/mortuary.
Those who attended therefore gained an insight into the thoughts and fears of people in the UK during the Cold War however most importantly it was a very fun and enjoyable trip.
Cpl Saville
With a growing Squadron, comes more opportunities for promotion. A Squadron run Potential NCOs Course was put together to allow the staff to identify possible new Corporals and to give the cadets themselves a chance to prove their abilities.
13 brave souls woke their parents up for an 0745 start, and two long days of learning what makes a cadet Non Commissioned Officer. The commitment and skills displayed have impressed the staff and formal interviews for the attendees will be organised shortly. Watch this space for the next generation of NCO for1066 HItchin Squadron.
WO Raven & FS Colledge
Another beautiful day on the Ranges!
The February weather was kind to the four cadets from the squadron who attended the Wing organised Shooting Day; although the unseasonable sunshine proved a problem for the sticky tape holding the targets up.
All four cadets passed their qualification tests on the .22 No 8 Rifle and were able to shoot a Wing Marksman practice. Although no badges were achieved, the experience will help for the future– the only way to get better is to practice, practice, practice!!!
With more range dates coming up in the future and a Wing Skill at Arms Weekends on the calendar, I hope we will be able to give out some Marksman badges soon.
FS Colledge
On a bleary spring day 13 cadets departed the squadron headquarters heading for RAF Halton to compete in the Wing cross country competition.
The conversation on the way mainly consisted on of how far running three miles was. I don’t really think anyone knew after some bright spark in the back converted it to 1.8kms. I did not want to dishearten them by correcting them, they would certainly know how far it was when they ran the race. A good day and a lot of effort was put in by the participants. I was on First Aid cover and was pleased with the minimal amount of casualties I had.
At the end of the day at Final parade the Junior Girls trophy was won and the overall girls trophy. Well done to everyone who attended. Though I think the girls have thrown down the gauntlet for the boys at wing athletics! Now that is a challenge for you all!!
Flt Lt Callaghan
Cdt Sivasothy and Stanbury attended the Region Junior Rugby Competition as part of the Herts and Bucks W
ing Team after being selected on a very cold and icy day at trials held at RAF Halton. There was a large number of boys at the trials but they played themselves into the team.
The Regional competition was held on Sunday 29th January. Again they were met with an early start and cold conditions. This did nothing to deter the team who had not played together before. After a long day playing the other wings Herts and Bucks were crowned overall champions.
Congratulations to Cdt Stanbury who has now achieved his first Wing Blue and was picked on the day to attend trials for the Regional Team next month.
There are many sports competitions which happen throughout the year so get your name down to join Cdt Sivasothy and Stanbury in the bid for the squadron to get more Wing and Region Blues and to maybe go on and represent the Air Training Corps!
This year is the 90th anniversary of the Royal British Legion and Hitchin squadron are as usual doing their bit for the charity. Probationers, Cadets, NCOs and Flt Lt Callaghan (OC of 1066 Squadron) all took part in what was a long day of collecting donations. With some cadets doing as much as five shifts at the local ASDA and Waitrose supermarkets.
Sgt Johnson said that: “It is quite a tiring day but well worth it to show our support to the armed forces, past and present”.
It was Probationer Laing’s first poppy appeal and this is what he thought of the day: “It is fantastic to see people willing to give donations in an economically uncertain time like this; even if they are small it all helps”.
Another Poppy Appeal collection will take place on the 12th of November and a remembrance day parade on the 13th November (remembrance Sunday) so 1066 (Hitchin) squadron will have a noticeable presence in town over the coming weeks and we all hope to be given the same warm welcome that we received this weekend.
Article by Cpl D Saville
The squadron Halloween party took place on the evening of October 31st. It is the first year that this event has taken place and it will hopefully become an annual date in the squadron’s calendar.
The night kicked off with an inspection…with of course a Halloween difference. Cadets were marked out of originality of their costumes, comedy value and attention to detail etc. Many of the cadets put a lot of effort into their costumes and were quite convincing and a few looked even more ugly than usual. All jokes aside the variety and originality of the costumes shows what great creative minds we have at 1066 Sqn.
Other activities that took place were a variety of party games that included one where a team had to mummify a cadet in newspaper and tennis on a Wii console. I thought I would leave out the dance off, which I participated in. However I am told it had great comedy value, but let’s just hope no videos make it onto YouTube!
Cdt Copleston said that: “Tonight was great fun and I can’t wait for next years party.”
The night was a large success with all cadets enjoying the night. Many more Sqn social events are hopefully to be planned for next year.
On Monday 18th July, 6 young new recruits were officially welcomed into the Air Training Corps with their enrolments conducted by Squadron Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Honour Callaghan. Prior to their enrolments the new recruits had to learn the basics of being an air cadet, such as paying military compliments, cleaning, looking after and wearing their uniform properly and some basic foot drill.
Parents and family were also in attendance to observe the special occasion. The enrolment process involves the new cadet making the Cadet Promise to ‘be a good citizen and to serve their unit loyally’ amongst other good virtues. This will now enable the cadets to get out and enjoy the vast array of existing activities the Corps has to offer such as flying, gliding and shooting to name but a few.
Commanding Officer Flt Lt Callaghan said: “I was immensely pleased to welcome the new members of the squadron. They have come far since joining the squadron as probationers which shows dedication. I remember when I first joined the organisation and how nerve-wracking my first few weeks were – they were a credit to the squadron and their parents who were present.
I wish them all a fruitful and enjoyable career in the ATC, my best words of advice to them would be to take every opportunity you have and most importantly enjoy it”.
Top Left: Cdt Dowding saying the Cadet Promise.
Bottom: Left to right: Cdt Bhatia, Cdt Emes, Cdt Galvez, Cdt Dowding, Cdt Grime, Cdt Gibson
By CI Samuel James
Thursday 14th July was no ordinary parade night and was certainly something to remember. Two RAF Police Corporalsvisited the squadron to give a talk and conduct activities explaining what they do to provide security both in the United Kingdom and in other countries around the world.
Cpl Blackmoore and Cpl Weir brought in a variety of uniforms and equipment that they use in their roles as members of the RAF Police to show to the cadets. After having an introduction to the role of the RAF Police in the UK, and the particular demands in Afghanistan, a group of cadets volunteered to don the uniform and equipment of two RAF Policemen and some others of our allies. This gave them all the opportunity to put themselves in the boots of service personnel, facing the dangers of an active deployment, or the routine searches carried out by the police in daily life.
Among the scenarios and demonstrations, a search for an imitation IED was carried out and a couple of NCOs were given the joy of being searched for illegal items. The cadets of 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron had a great night and learned a lot about a very interesting section of the RAF.
Cdt Ben Woolley (15) said: “I used to only want to be a pilot, and I thought that this was all the Royal Air Force could offer me, but now I think a career as a member of the RAF police would be very rewarding and has definitely caught my interest”.
Cpl Weir commented on the evening saying: “It was great fun working with the cadets and staff at the squadron and I hope that similar activities will continue in the future”
Top Right: Cpl Saville does a sweep on Cdt Devi
Bottom: Cpl Weir and Cpl Blackmoore with the cadets
By Cdt Cpl Daniel Saville