Centre pitch at international rugby - no biggie if you're a cadet! Cadets and staff from 1145 Sqn attended both the Scotland vs Italy and the Scotland vs Ireland match, at the Murray Field stadium in Edinburgh. They assisted with the on pitch national flag during the opening ceremonies and national anthems. On the morning of the game, they were split into groups and assigned flags. Rehearsals took up most of the morning as it was extremely important that everyone knew exactly what they were doing. When the cadets went out to the pitch to display the flags they were excited but anxious as the crowd was very large. On both days the displays went perfectly well, making the cadets very proud of themselves. They did so well, they have been invited back on the 9th March to help with the flags once again! The cadets are all looking forward to the event after really enjoying the first two events.
0 Comments
On the 27th January Sgt Clough and Cdt Brown attended the Inter-Wing Swimming Competition to represent South East Scotland, held at Deans High School in Livingston.
There were 4 categories; junior boys, junior girls, senior boys and senior girls. Each Wing could put one team/person per category into each event which were freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, butterfly, individual medley, relay medley and relay freestyle. Sgt Clough entered the relay freestyle senior boys and placed 3rd whilst Cdt Brown entered the individual butterfly junior girls and the relay freestyle junior girls, placing 3rd in both. Sgt Clough also entered the relay freestyle senior boys and placed 3rd. Neither Sgt Clough or Cdt Brown made the regional team but still represented the wing well and helped South East Scotland come 2nd place. Well done to West Scotland Wing came 1st place. Many of our wing team managed to get on to the regional team which will be going down to England to compete at the end of February. Both Sgt Clough and Cdt Brown enjoyed the event and are looking forward to the Inter-Squadron Swimming Competition later in the year. On 26th January 2019 at Garvock House Hotel in Dunfermline, we hosted the 2nd Annual Burns Supper and ceilidh in order to raise funds for The Captain David Seath Memorial Fund. Many tickets were sold resulting in a high turnout for the event, which made the night full of fun and dancing. After everyone enjoyed their traditional Burns Supper, including the Eternal Memory, To The Lassies and Laddies, the ceilidh began. The ceilidh was very enjoyable, with the band playing all classic Scottish country dances and more, and the dance floor constantly full Everyone enjoyed themselves and can't wait for next year. On the 26 of October a group of cadets from our squadron went to Muddy Boots farm and their Halloween event the Fright Farm. I wanted to go on this event as i like scare nights and it seemed like a lot of fun.
The night itself was extremely fun and we really enjoyed there were a number of different experiences such as a circus themed fright, a outdoor fright called tunnels and a nun themed fright to name a few All cadets really enjoyed the event and we would all love to go again On Sunday the 4th of November numerous cadets attended a ww1 centenary concert held in remembrance of 100 years since armistice day, 1918. The event was held in the Alhambra theater Dunfermline and consisted of the Kingdom Brass Band who played very well known pieces from ww1. Overall myself, many other cadets and their family s all enjoyed this thoroughly.
On the 10th of September, the squadron hosted a rank auction, where all the cadets were able to bid for a rank. The cadets would hold the rank they bought for the night, with all the benefits and responsibilities going with it. All money raised from the event went to the RAF 100 charities. Everyone enjoyed the night, those who bought ranks especially, but they also found a new appreciation for what NCOs contribute to the squadron.
On Saturday the 27th of October 2018 cpl Stephens, Cpl Solway, Cpl White, and Cdt McDonnell helped the squadron host a coffee morning at Rosyth Parish Church to raise money for the RAF 100 charities. this event started at 12pm, and lasted two hours finishing at 2. there were various stalls, a raffle, tea and coffee, and a bake sale. The day turned out to be quite quiet but we ended up raising a total of £75
on the 30th of October, Cpl Solway, Cpl Clough, Cdt McKenzie, Cdt Hynd and Cdt Tallis all participated in the inter-sqn cross country competition. Cpl's Solway and Clough and Cdt McKenzie ran a 5K course and cdt's Hynd and Tallis ran a course just short of 5K. The cadets had an overall good day and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. All cadets done very well in their categories, especially Cpl Solway who came 1st place in the junior women category and cdt McKenzie who came 2nd in the junior women category. They will both now go forward to represent wing in the beginning of the new year. On Sunday the 2nd of September Cpl Stephens, cdt Mckenzie, cdt Brown, cdt Macdonnell, cdt Hynd and cdt panthri attended the inter-squadron swimming competition. Cdt Brown came 2nd in the under 16 butterfly and came 1st in the under 16 medley. Cpl Stephens came 2nd in the under 20 freestyle. They all really enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to do more inter-squadron sports. On the 23rd of august Sgt Noble, Cdt Hynd, Cdt Panthri, Cdt Watson, Cdt Neville and Cdt Hale went to 870 Linlithgow sqn. They developed their skills on the air rifle and were satisfied with their performance. Sgt Noble got his advanced marksman badge. The cadets done this as they had recently passed our WHT and were provided with an opportunity fire the air rifle. All the cadets thoroughly enjoy enjoyed the experience and would love to go again.
Congratulations to 1145 for their achievements over the weekend which included; Foot Drill-2nd, Uniform Inspection-2nd, Best Drill Coordinator CWO Rae-2nd, Public Relations-1st, Aeromodelling Sgt Noble-1st Diorama, Sgt Turner-1st + 2nd Adult Staff. We also got Photography-2nd + 3rd.
Additionally, a big congratulations and good luck to 2535 (Livingston) Squadron who won the drill and will go forward to the Regional competition in a few weeks time. The competition was held at MOD Caledonia, from morning to afternoon. the overall standards throughout were immaculate by all squadrons attending. Once again congratulations to 1145 and everyone else attending that day. From the 4th – 11th of august Cpl Solway, Cpl Lawrence, Sgt Lawrence and FS Richmond all went on the ferry to the Aldergrove camp in Northern Ireland. While on this camp the cadets were split into four flights and for the first 4 days each flight completed a different training module. The four different training modules were blue comms, blue leadership, first aid and field craft. These modules were completed up until dinner then after dinner the cadets had night activities which included swimming, sports, cinema, quiz night and a few more. For the last 2 days the cadets got a chance to go out into Northern Ireland and went to the Titanic museum in Belfast, this was an amazing experience, Afterwards, the cadets got to go bowling! They also got to go to the ulster aviation society and seen many different aircrafts and learnt some history behind some of them. Afterwards, they got to go out shopping in Belfast. Then finally it was a long trip back home. Overall, the cadets really enjoyed their week away in Aldergrove! On the 11th of August, Cpl Clough traveled to Barry Buddon to participate in an L98 range day. The aim of the day was to get cadets progressing through their CLFs, earning them badges and helping them become more experienced with the rifle. Cpl Clough achieved both his CLF 1 and 2, but didn't quite achieve the 3rd, meaning he is not eligible for a silver trained shot badge. However, he is eager to give it another try and cannot wait for the next range day on the 15th of September.
On Monday the 6th of August the squadron was given a talk by a Cpl from the armed forces recruitment centre, they were split into teams for the 1st half and asked questions like, what is the role of the RAF? What's the process for joining it like? The corporal helped explain the many varying roles of the RAF as well as telling them about a previous cadet who signed up as a regiment gunner. He also told them about the exciting opportunities that awaited as well as tempting them with a guarantee of 2 years of employment if they pass there tests and interview.
Overall, from this the cadets of 1145 went away with new found opportunities as well as help given for them to know what to expect and what to do if they sign up. On the week of the 21st of July, Cpl Clough attended the Corp Drill and Ceremonial camp, a large and prestigious camp with over 300 cadets from across the country. On the camp, Cpl Clough learned how to do arms drill, and used that knowledge to perform a parade at the end of the week with a continuity sequence. The continuity sequence was learned through the course of the week, consisting of all the drill that the cadets had learned through the first week. The camp was not entirely dedicated to drill however, with the cadets participating in leadership exercises, clay pigeon shooting, and many other off-camp activities. Cpl Clough is very proud to have been selected for this camp, and enjoyed the experience, with it staying with him for a long time. All photos and videos of the camp are available on the Commadant Air Cadets Warrant Officers facebook page, @CACWO On the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of June Sgt Lawrence, Cpl Lawrence, Cpl Clough, Cpl Solway, and Cdt Neville all went on their Duke of Edinburgh qualifier expedition. They trekked for 3 days through the Trossachs, making their way from Lochearnhead to Aberfoyle, a distance of 30 miles. Throughout the journey they followed the Rob Roy way, with the goal of learning about the history of the area, particularly looking at Rob Roy himself. On the first day, they journeyed to Strathyre, passing Balquidder and the grave of Rob Roy. On the second, they went from Strathyre to Callander, and on the last day they made it to Aberfoyle from there. All of the cadets thoroughly enjoyed the experience, and made major progress on towards their silver duke of Edinburgh Qualification.
On the 24th of July cadets from 1145 Dunfermline squadron were given the opportunity to receive a flight in a chinook as part of a celebratory RAF 100 event. The Cadets partaking were FS Richmond, Sgt Noble, Sgt Lawrence, Cpl Solway, Cdt Forrest, Cdt Grieve, Cdt Neville, Cdt Nugent and Cdt Watson. The cadets arrived early Tuesday morning at the squadron to be transported to Leuchars for the morning brief. 1145 conjoined with others squadrons to form chock 9 the 9th flight of the day. While waiting the cadets were able to enjoy RAF PR displays and events including a timed course with the RAF police. Then when it was their allocated time they got to go on the chinooks circuit around Leuchars and it was something the cadets thoroughly enjoyed will sure to be an event that will stick with them for life. On the 15th to the 17th June Sgt Richmond, Sgt Noble, Sgt Lawrence, Cpl Stephens, Cpl Lawrence, Cpl Clough, Cpl Solway, and Cdt Neville attended the silver practice Duke of Edinburgh expedition in Braemur Nature Reserve. They arrived on the Friday the 15th and the cadets pitched their tents as quickly as possible by working together as a team to avoid the approaching rain. The Next morning was an early start with the first group setting off at 9:30 and the second at 10:00. A long day of trekking was ahead of them. The groups completed the first day by working together as a team and orienteering themselves to the finish. Unfortunately the groups were caught by the rain near the finish leaving them to having to dry out their kit overnight. The next day was as successful as the first leading the both groups to a swift finish and the silver Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition completed. Whilst doing the practice expedition the cadets were able to develop their skills of map reading, teamwork and leadership. They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and are looking forward to do the qualifier expedition On the evening of Thursday the 21st of June Fife's Lord Lieutenant Robert Balfour attended the Sqn to present his new Lord Lieutenants cadet. During the evening he got a tour of the Sqn to see what we do on a nightly basis. This started with a drill display from the cadets then moving onto a tour of all the projects including Flight Sim, Aeromodelling, Music, RAF100, Media and a PR Presentation. Once he had seen our Sqn the evening concluded with the formal presentation of the Lord Lieutenants cadet to Sgt Richmond who was very pleased to have been appointed and was looking forward to the year ahead. On the 22nd to the 24th of June FS Richmond and Cpl Stephens attended silver comms date course to complete their silver radio communication badge. They underwent training on how to communicate on a computer using data. They learnt new skills on the computer and developed there skills from the other weekends to use on the computer. On this weekend they also learnt how to send emails through a radio. They took a written test at the end of the course and they both passed it. They enjoyed learning new skills with the radio and data. Both Cpl Stephens and FS Richmond have completed their silver radio communication badge and can now start working on completing their gold radio comms badge.
On the 28th May 8 cadets were chosen to participate in kayaking for the evening. The following chosen were Sgt Black, Sgt Scott, Cpl Lawrence, Cpl Solway and Cadets Grieve, Penman, McKenzie, Neville and Mathieson. The activity was ran by Sqn Ldr Barry McAdam in Ratho. We all wanted to attend as this is something new for us since we are new to this. From the evening we have built up teamwork skills as well as a confidence boost. During our kayaking, we learned how to do forward and backward strokes and techniques on how to slow down and spin. There was also a match of rugby in the water and a game where we change kayaks withought falling into the water. Overall, we all enjoyed this activity and will all be wanting to attend it again. On the 25th of May our squadron hosted the Annual Formal Inspection, for the Allan Lees trophy. The night started when squadron leader Barry Macadam and squadron leader Tom Gary arrived on squadron, and inspected the cadets, checking the quality of their uniform and asking questions about what they had done as cadets. Our visitors then moved on to see a drill display from our drill team, before viewing our PR display, with banners and information leaflets. We then had a presentation, where we displayed all the various activities that cadets had done throughout the year. After this they looked at all our projects to find out what the cadets do on a night to night basis. Our visitors then hosted final parade, where they expressed that they were both delighted with how the squadron was running and how well all cadets were performing, as well as handing out several awards to different cadets. The night overall went well and hopefully will stand us in good stead for the future. On the 10th of May Cpl Stephenes, Cpl Clough, Cdt Kelman, Cdt McKenzie, Cdt Neville, Cdt Forrest, Cdt Nugent, Cdt Turr, Cdt Hynd, Cdt Kurt, Cdt Watson, Cdt Urquhart all visited Mossmorran gas plant where they gave us an insight into what they do, how it works and how it effects our community. We started in the information centre where we had a short presentation then went on a bus around the plant. On our tour we got off at several places to have a closer look including the control tower where we got to see how things worked. We thank them for inviting us back again this year and hope to go back in the future!
On the 29th of April 5 cadets went to the inter-squadron athletics at Grangemouth Sports Stadium. Each cadet competed in 3 events each. There were numerous events such as high jump, long jump, sprints, discuss, javelin and many more. The cadets overall enjoyed their day and had a lot of fun competing in the events. All cadets done very well in their events and tried their hardest with Cpl Lawrence coming home with a silver in high jump who looks forward to competing at wing level in the future.
On the 23rd of April Z from the Benevolent Fund came to talk to us about what we do. This is because the RAF Benevolent Fund is part of our squadron chosen charity of the year as we choses the RAF100 charities. This was very insightful as it gave all the cadets an idea of where the money we raised this year would go and all the different type of things that it could support. After the presentation we discussed possible events/activities that we would look to organise for the year ahead along with the events we already have done and planned. the
|
Archives
January 2020
|