Keith Hill Art Exhibition - added 21 November 2010
 

Cadets were given a rare opportunity to attend an unveiling on Saturday of new artwork painted by the famous aircraft artist Keith Hill. Not only did they get to be one of the first people to see the new paintings, they also had the opportunity to talk to former airmen that used to fly the aircraft in the pictures.

The Cadets formed a ‘Guard of Honour’ to welcome the ex and current military personnel from the RAF, United States Air Force and the US and British Navy. After which, the exhibition was officially opened by Rushden Town Mayor Carol Childs.

Cdt. Sgt. Arran Macdonald said; “Today was fantastic. Not only did we get to see some fantastic art by Keith Hill, we also got to welcome the ex and current military personnel with a guard of honour, as they are the people who fought and still fight for our freedom”

The exhibition is open until the 28 November at Rushden Hall in Hall Park for anyone wanting to go along to take a look at the paintings.

858 Rough it on Tac-Ex  - added 22nd September 2009

Rushden Air Cadets packed up and moved out in to the country side for a little fun recently! The squadron held an adventure training weekend at a location near to West Haddon, Northamptonshire.

Cadets of all ages went out to learn how to move tactically in a squad as if in enemy territory, how to silently use hand signals and how to conceal themselves to avoid detection by enemy forces.

All the cadets arrived on the Friday night and spent the night in the comfort of their own tents. The next day they were given lessons on survival techniques such as water purification, snare trapping and skinning and preparing rabbits.

After these lessons the Cadets were sent on their way to complete an over-night exercise. The exercise involved navigation of a mine field, setting up a harbour area to protect, infiltrating an enemy position to gain information from a double agent, attacking an enemy position and escape and evasion.

As you can imagine, this was a very busy weekend. The first night was spent in tents, the following night was spent roughing it under bushes getting about 3 hours sleep after patrolling the area for enemies.

This is just one of many exciting weekends the Air Cadets take part in! If you are interested in finding out more information use the contact page or come along and join us for an evening at the parade hall.

858 sqn are seeking adult volunteers, aged 20 and above, no previous cadet or military experience required, to assist in providing opportunities to cadets in Rushden. For details please contact Flying Officer Emelye Towell on 07762016667

AGM and Annual Awards Night - added  22/10/09

Our Air Cadets recently held their Annual General Meeting and Awards Evening, where parents attended to see how the squadron was growing and performing and what the future holds for the cadets.

After the AGM , the parents were able to stay for the awards ceremony and see their sons and daughters receive a wide range of awards from academic and sporting certificates to awards such as ‘Best Newcomer’ and ‘Best Cadet of the Year’ award.

The Mayor of Rushden, Gill Mercer was in attendance to personally hand out the awards for the evening. A large number of the Air Cadets received an award that evening as they had all worked tirelessly to achieve goals so that they can progress in their cadet career.

The Marksmanship Award went to Cadet Elston for gaining the Region Marksman award. The Best Sportsperson award went to Cadet Ball for representing the Wing at many sporting events. The Academic Award went to Cadet Burgoyne for achieving the highest mark in her exams within the squadron. The most improved Cadet award went to Cadet Macdonald for showing a massive change in not only his personality and attitude but also his cadet career as a whole. Over the past year Cadet Macdonald has set himself certain goals and he is now well on his way to achieving them. Lastly the Best Cadet of the year Award went to Cadet Ball who was awarded this after showing an outstanding level of commitment and determination. He attended a Squadron run course after which he took everything he had been taught and put it into practice almost instantly impressing the staff with plans for navigation exercises, taking charge of situations and using his initiative.

There was one more award that was given out for Outstanding Personal Achievement which went to Cadet Flight Sergeant Charlotte McKay who has been selected to represent the Air Cadets at a national competition playing the Bugle.

Flight Sergeant McKay to Represent 858 - added  26/10/09

Recently Cadet Flight Sergeant Charlotte McKay has been chosen to represent the Air Training Corps in the solo Bugle on the 29th November.

Flight Sergeant McKay was chosen after she attended the first competition at RAF Wittering competing against other cadets from the Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire areas.

After winning the first competition the Flight Sergeant went onto represent South and East Midlands Wing at Region level where she competed against representatives from 5 other Wings that cover the Central and East Region.

After succeeding at the Regional Competition she was offered the chance to represent Central and East Region at a National competition where she will compete against representatives from the other 5 Regions in the UK. This will be held RAF Halton where Flight Sergeant McKay will perform in front of professional musicians in the RAF. This is an incredible achievement for Charlotte and not many get the opportunity to represent at this high level.

Left to Right: Corporal Cherrie Titheridge (16) Best Flight Award, Cadet Aaran Macdonald (16) Most Improved Cadet Award, Cadet Chris Elston (14) Marksmanship Award, Cadet Christopher Ball (16) Best Cadet and Sportsperson Award, Cadet Rebecca Moore (14) Music Award. Centre Mayor Gill Mercer

Celebration Parade by Rushden Air Cadets - added  12/11/09

On a warm, sunny, autumn Sunday afternoon, Air Cadets from Rushden joined over three hundred other Air Cadets from the Midlands and paraded through Rutland’s County Town of Oakham to the beat of the South & East Midlands Wing’s Massed Band.

The Cadets from across the East and South Midlands were celebrating the Tenth Anniversary of the formation of the South & East Midlands Wing, Air Training Corps, an amalgamation of the old East Midlands and South Midlands Wings.

The celebration began with a Church Service held in Oakham’s All Saints Church in front of a glittering array of senior officers and Lord Lieutenants from across the Counties within the Wing.   Banners from every Squadron paraded and were laid, for blessing, behind the altar.  The Wing Banner was given pride of place being laid on a “drum head” before the altar.   The sermon was delivered by the Reverend Tom Tait, Corps Chaplain, with readings by Wing Commander Nigel Dickinson, Officer Commanding South and East Midlands Wing and Cadet Corporal  Davies of 2248 (County of Rutland) Squadron.

After the service the Cadets formed up behind the combined Wing Massed Band and marched proudly through the Oakham streets and passed the saluting Dias where the Salute was taken by Dr Laurence Howard OBE JP, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland.  The following were also present at the saluting Dias;

Air Chief Marshal Sir Thomas Kennedy

Group Captain Paul Higgins - Station Commander of RAF Wittering

Group Captain Gary Waterfall - Station Commander of RAF Cottesmore

Mr Anthony Worth - HM Lord-Lieutenant of Lincolnshire

Sir John Greenaway - HM Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Northamptonshire

Mr Ian Linney - HM Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Nottinghamshire

Wing Commander Phil Giles RAFVR(T) Ret’d

Wing Commander Martin Nash RAFVR(T) Ret’d

Mrs Jan Fillingham – Oakham Town Mayor

Wing Commander Nigel Dickinson commented: “it was a tremendous success and I was proud to see the whole Wing represented.  The turnout of the cadets and the staff was exceptional, it would be a shame to have to wait another ten years to show what the Wing can do”.

After the parade, refreshments were served in the Headquarters of 2248 (County of Rutland) Squadron where a special anniversary cake was cut by the HM Lord-Lieutenant of Rutland and Wing Commander Dickinson.

The Parade and Church Service are the closing acts of a wonderful year of celebration. An activities and gliding weekend earlier in the year saw a record number of glider launches in one day and an Anniversary Ball attracted Staff and senior Cadets on a glittering occasion.   To crown the year, the Wing emphatically won the Central & East Region inter-Wing Field Day.

The South & East Midlands Wing Massed Band leads the tenth anniversary parade through Oakham Town Centre.

Local WWII Painting Unveiled by Cadets - added  19/11/09

At a recent art exhibition in Rushden, the cadets attended an unveiling of a new painting which depicted Rushden's efforts during World War 2. Attended by the Mayor of Rushden, United States Service personnel and World War 2 Veterans. The Mayor of Rushden said that “this is one of the few long running traditions in the town’s history which, has been taking place for the past 18 years” The squadron was represented by Corporal Macdonald, Corporal Macgowan, Corporal Burgoyne and Corporal Ball.

Cadets Get Their Wings - added  23 January 2010

Sergeant Chris Moore (16) and Corporal Chris Ball (16) were away at RAF Syerston completing their gliding scholarships over the Christmas break. They spent two weeks flying Viking Air Cadet gliders completing the necessary training to be able to fly solo. Not many people can boast that they have flown a glider solo before they are even allowed to take a driving lesson!

They both went through a rigorous training programme set out by the Air Training Corps. The syllabuses contained such exercises as the effects of lift and drag, speed control, circuit planning, launches and landing. After four hours of intense flight training, both Corporal Ball and Sergeant Moore flew solo.

Corporal Ball was awarded his Silver Wings for completing his solo circuit. Sergeant Moore was awarded his Gold Wings after completing further flight training including landing in cross wind conditions, advance turns (45 degree turns) and five solo circuits. This is a huge achievement for both Cadet Corporal Chris Ball and Cadet Sergeant Chris Moore as cadets from this area have a rare chance of flying in the Cadet Viking gliders which are the conventional gliders instead of the motor gliders. Sergeant Moore has made an even greater achievement by attaining his Gold Wings, not many cadets have achieved their Gold Wings so Chris Moore has joined an elite few. Corporal Ball said “flying solo is like being on the best roller coaster in the world and you have the only ticket. Nothing can match the sense of freedom of having the whole sky to yourself”.

Also, Cadet Corporal Aaran Macdonald recently completed his motor gliding scholarship and gained eight hours of experience as well as flying solo. Aaran, Chris Moore and Chris Ball are going to apply for their flying scholarship which will give them the opportunity to gain 12 hours of flying in powered aircraft which is worth £1500 if they were to pay for it privately.

Course Photo at RAF Syerston

Cpl. Ball (far left) and Sgt. Moore (2nd left)

Click on image for larger picture.

Left To Right: Cadet Corporal Chris Ball (16) Cadet Sergeant Chris Moore (16) Cadet Corporal Aaran Macdonald (16)

Cadets Help Out At the Sport Relief Event - added 24 March 2010

Last Sunday the Council organised the Sport Relief Event at Stanwick Lakes and the local Air Cadets were there to help out. Rushden Air Cadets attended the Sport Relief Event at Stanwick Lakes to help the organisers with a few tasks. Some of the jobs the cadets helped with were route marshalling making sure that the participants of the one mile, three mile and six mile runs followed the correct routes. They also helped with the cark parking. Cadets also manned the booking tables to help check runners into the event and issue the runners’ their individual numbers.

The Rushden Air Cadets were presented a cheque from the local council for helping at the event (see picture below).

858 Squadron are always willing to help local organisations with events all year round and for any information on the Rushden Squadron feel free to contact them directly on (01933) 411 383 asking for Flying Officer Emelye Towell.

(ATC) Sergeant Chisholm Excels at RAF Cranwell - added 24 March 2010

Recently Sergeant (ATC) Dominic Chisholm went off to RAF Cranwell to learn under some of the top tutors the RAF has to offer.

Sergeant (ATC) Dominic Chisholm attended a course at the Adult Training Facility to sharpen his skills as a Senior NCO within the Air Training Corps. After being a cadet when he was younger Dominic went on to become an adult instructor and went back into uniform as a Sergeant.

The course was directed by RAF Regiment Squadron Leader Pelcot, RAF Regiment Warrant Officer Mitchell and Flight Lieutenant (VRT) McGavagan. The directing staff were there for the sole purpose of teaching the course of 18 Senior NCOs from all over the country with two coming all the way from Ghana how to be better Senior NCOs.

The course consisted of many lessons some theory and practical. The first lesson was how to behave on a RAF station and how to behave in the Mess (Bar and dining area). There are many rules that have to be followed in the Mess and there are hefty bar fines to be paid if they are broken!

The course ran over a week at RAF Cranwell. Throughout the duration of the course the participants were monitored and assessed. Areas that Sergeant (ATC) Chisholm was assessed on were team work, instructional technique, self confidence, appearance and bearing, practical drill, oral communication and a final written exam.

After an intense week of learning and assessments Sergeant (ATC) Chisholm came second overall on the course with high marks in all areas excelling in teamwork, practical drill and the written examination. Not only did Dominic come second on the course he also was recommended to apply for the Drill Instructors Course which is only offered to the best students from the course.

Sergeant Dominic Chisholm (ATC) said; ‘I thoroughly enjoyed the course, although it was intense I made some good friends and we all worked together and had a lot of fun at the same time. I feel that I came away from the course with a lot of knowledge about my role within the Air Cadets not only that but being taught by some of the best the RAF have to offer was amazing.’

Picture (ATF) Course 3/10

Dominic Chisholm pictured middle row second from the right

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition - added 05 May  2010

Over the first May bank holiday weekend 7 cadets from the squadron went out in to the wilderness to complete their Duke of Edinburgh Award bronze expedition. The weekend started nice and early at 8.30am on the B645 Kimbolton Road where all the cadets were dropped off by their parents ready and raring to go for their walk. Cadets Jess Trinder, Rebecca Moore, Matt Valentine, and Corporals Chris Ball, Arran Macdonald, Cherry Titheridge and Bronnie Burgoyne all set off at 9am on Saturday to start their bronze expedition with the route taking them cross county on the Three Shires Way with the aim of finishing on the Sunday at Grafham Water.

All the walkers were in high spirits throughout even during the somewhat adverse weather that was experienced that weekend. After a long hard walk on Saturday they all arrived at their campsite slightly later than scheduled due to having to stop to do some patch work on some of their feet to cover up a few blisters.

Once they all arrived at the campsite they were incredibly happy to be able to sit down and relax for a few minutes before having to put up their tents for the over night stay. Once they had all settled in they got their dinner on the go with their gas stoves and mess tins. Even though they were camping some of the cadets ate like royalty! With them tucking in to a lovely home made Bolognese sauce with pasta and for desert chocolate pudding.

Through the night the weather started to turn for the worse with a few flashes of lightning witnessed and a couple worrying rumbles of thunder filling the skies however, the bronze team were very lucky as the campsite only got a light watering from the rain.

On the Sunday the team woke up to less than savoury conditions. With the rain falling while they tried to cook their breakfast spirits still remained high as the finishing line was within reach for them.

With a bit of a late start due to the rain the team set off for the finish. After 6 hours of walking they finally came to the finish point with the biggest smiles.

The Assessor for the group had this to say; ‘The team worked fantastically well together, throughout the weekend I tested them to make sure they were aware of their surroundings and that they had a firm grasp on navigating techniques.’

With only a presentation left to go for the team they will have completed all the compulsory elements for their bronze award.

The Squadron offer the Duke of Edinburgh scheme to all cadets 14 and over where they can go on to complete their Gold award and take a trip to London to either St. James’ Palace or Buckingham Palace to meet the Duke of Edinburgh to receive their awards.

The team setting off at the start of the weekend

Journey’s end at Grafham Water

Former 858 Cadet Awarded RAF Pilot Officer Bursary - added 07 September 2010

Congratulations to former Rushden cadet Robert Hanson, who has successfully completed the Officers & Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC), at RAF Cranwell recently and has been awarded an RAF bursary, leading on to a commission in the flying branch as a pilot.

Robert attended 858 sqn from the age of 13 and is currently an Officer Cadet at Cambridge University Air Squadron (CUAS). During his five years at 858 he completed two ATC flying scholarships and flew solo in Vigilant powered gliders and also Grob Heron light aircraft.

The Past shows the Present the Future - added 08 September 2010
 

858 Sqn were treated to a rare opportunity on Wednesday night. A former cadet of the squadron came down for the evening in his favourite form of transport which is not the norm for everyone.

John Longland joined 858 (Rushden) Squadron when he was 13 and gained a great deal of qualifications and experience being with the Air Training Corps. John wanted to join the RAF as a pilot and saw that the Air Cadets would give him a great insight and knowledge in what to expect within the RAF as a career.

John is now a Flying Officer within the Royal Air Force and he is currently serving with 33 Squadron. Flying Officer Longland brought his Puma helicopter and landed it in a nearby field to the squadron and let the cadets see what they could be doing in less than 5 years time.

Flying Officer Longland was kind enough to take the cadets of his old Air Training Corps Squadron for a quick flight before he had to return to his base at RAF Benson in Oxon. Flying Officer Longland said “I wanted to give something back to the squadron after they gave me so much and look where I am now! The Air Training Corps gave me a great deal of practical experience and knowledge that helped me to achieve my dream job within the RAF”

All the cadets from the 858 Squadron each had a detailed tour around the aircraft after which they all took to the skies in the RAF Puma helicopter.

Flying Officer John Longland is a good example of what the Air Training Corps can do for young men and women who have aspirations to join the Royal Air Force. All the cadets thoroughly enjoyed their night describing it as “BUZZING” “AWESOME” and “UNBELIEVABLE”.

858 squadron cadets and staff with Flying officer John Long centre back row 

858 squadron cadets disembark after their flight in the Puma

Annual Awards - added 22 September 2010
 

Mayor Carol Childs recently attended the squadron’s annual awards evening to hand out trophies and certificates to cadets that have worked hard and achieved during the past year.

Cadets were presented with certificates for academic, sporting, communications and flying achievements amongst others. Many cadets excelled in recent examinations set out by the Air Training Corps to help further the individual’s knowledge of the Royal Air Force and gain civilian qualifications. Four cadets were awarded their BTEC in Aviation Studies, which is equivalent to two GCSEs.

Trophies were awarded for Best Shot, Academic award, Sports Person of the Year, Musician of the Year, Best Uniform, Best Newcomer, Most Improved Cadet, Award for Special Achievement and the Best Cadet of the Year award.

The Best Shot went to Cadet Sergeant Chris Moore (17) as he shot a 1 inch grouping with the No.8 rifle and then went on to represent South and East Midlands Wing in the Regional competition. The Academic Award went to Cadet Corporal Bronnie Burgoyne (15) who excelled in her examinations and gained two credits for her Senior Classification and Staff Part 1 Classification. This is exceptional work as Bronnie managed not only to complete two exams but to achieve a mark worthy of a credit.  Sports Person of the Year Award went to Cadet Sarah Young (15) as she represented the squadron at wing level in netball. Musician of the Year Award went to Cadet Corporal Dan Brown (14) as the lead drummer of the band left and Corporal Brown voluntarily stepped in to take the post and surpassed all expectations and is doing a fantastic job. The Best Uniform of the year award went to again Corporal Dan Brown as his standard of uniform stood out amongst the cadets at the squadron with immense attention to detail in every aspect required. Best Newcomer was awarded to Cadet Kieran Fowler (14) as his eagerness to learn and lend a hand at any event the squadron attends from flying and shooting to car parking and parades Cadet Kieran Fowler is certainly one to watch for the future! Most Improved Cadet was awarded to Cadet Rebecca Moore (15) as she has shown great improvement in all areas of her cadet career as well as showing a higher level of maturity and responsibility. Best Cadet was given to Cadet Corporal Dan Brown as he has been consistently the best cadet throughout the year from simple actions as picking litter up off the floor without being asked to showing up to 99% of the squadron activities always willing and in the greatest of spirit. Also Dan Brown was a Cadet at the beginning of the night however, due to his amazing year he was deservedly promoted to the rank of Cadet Corporal. The Special Achievement Award went to Cadet Sergeant Chris Moore (17). This was awarded as Chris attended a Gliding Scholarship earlier this year and gained his Gold Wings. The gold wings signify that Chris has completed his Advanced Glider Training; this is not normally taught on the normal 2 week course that he attended however; Chris showed such a high level of aptitude for flying he had completed his Silver Wings and had time to gain his Gold Wings. Normally to achieve the Gold Wings Chris would have had to go back to the Gliding School and volunteer over a long period as a Staff Cadet so to be awarded his Gold Wings within a 2 week period is very special as it would normally take anyone else 6-12 months to achieve

Cadet Rebecca Moore (15) Most Improved Cadet, Cadet Corporal Bronnie Burgoyne (15) Academic Award, Kieran Fowler (14) Best Newcomer, Mayor Carol Childs, Cadet Sarah Young (15) Best Sports Person, Cadet Corporal Dan Brown (14) Best Cadet of the Year and Best Uniform, Cadet Sergeant Chris Ball (17) Best Flight Award. Centre Cadet Sergeant Chris Moore (17) Best Shot and Special Achievement Award

Top Marks for Sergeant Chisholm on Drill Course - added 28 September 2010
 

Last weekend Sergeant Dominic Chisholm attended Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Wing’s Drill Instructors Course at RAF Halton in preparation for his Corps course in April next year. He was one of five uniformed members of staff representing South and East Midlands Wing at the weekend long course. After an intense day on Saturday learning a very specific way of teaching drill movements, SGT Chisholm had then only a few hours to rehearse the lesson, prepare his uniform to an impeccable standard and get a good night’s rest. Sunday morning SGT Chisholm was put though his paces with a uniform inspection first thing, followed by a written test and then his drill lesson.

SGT Chisholm had to give two lessons, one a static (stationary) drill movement and then a drill movement that is completed on the march. After completing his lessons SGT Chisholm was awarded 294 out of 303 for his practical lesson, 19 out of 20 for the written test and 9 out of 10 for the uniform inspection. The results were one of the highest attained over the weekend.

SGT Chisholm commented; “I can’t believe how well I did! I am over the moon with my results! The Directing Staff were fantastic in their teaching of the subject and I now feel a lot more prepared for my course in April where I will go and become a Corps Drill Instructor.”

Left to right: SGT Dominic Chisholm, SGT Sarah Hughes, SGT Mark Blacknell, SGT Colin Brooker in front of the RAF Tornado F3 on RAF Halton’s Parade square

Mayor’s Civic Service - added 19 October 2010
 

On Sunday 03 October the cadets were invited to attend Mayor Carol Child’s Civic Service in St. Mary’s Church in Rushden. The service started at 11:15am with Mayor Childs and counsellors from neighbouring boroughs entering the Church to a guard of honour with the 858 Squadron Banner proudly on display.

Mayor Childs sent a hand written card of thanks to the squadron and to those cadets who attended the service and said; “Thank you all so much for attending at my civic service at St. Mary’s Church, Rushden, yesterday. You are all so smart and the standard bearer did a brilliant job. I felt extremely proud of you, as you should be of yourselves- Rushden is lucky to have you! With Kind Regards Carol Childs. Rushden Town Mayor 2010/2011”

Poppy Appeal - added 16 November 2010
 

Over the last few weekends the Rushden Cadets have been helping to remember the fallen by going around the local area and raising money for the Poppy Appeal.

The Cadets helped on every Saturday morning since October 23 up to the November 13 to help raise money for the Poppy Appeal which was led by the Rushden Branch of the Royal British Lgion.

The start of the appeal was launched in style with a 1940s Home Front Wartime Weekend held at Rushden train station with members of the Legion all dress in a wide array of uniform and clothing from that decade all of which, was helped along by the Rushden Air Training Corps.

Corporal Dan Brown at the Train Station with 1940s wartime re-enactor Chris Baxtor

The Many Remember the Few - added 17 November 2010
 

On Sunday 14 November, the residents of Rushden held a parade in remembrance for the men and women who gave their lives in the two World Wars and in current, on going conflicts in Afghanistan.

The Cadets of 858 (Rushden) Squadron turned up in large numbers to march through Rushden to pay their respects to all those who made the ultimate sacrifice of giving their lives for our freedom.

The parade started and all the 3 youth services marched off towards the town’s cenotaph. After completing the march past of the cenotaph the parade came to a halt in front of war memorial to stand for a short service of remembrance and wreath laying.

After the service had concluded the parade marched off back to their start point to which they were dismissed and were all treated to soup and hot drinks inside the Rushden Branch of the Royal British Legion.

The Cadets of Rushden Squadron always attend Remembrance parade every year to pay their respects to those who fought and still fight for Queen and Country.

The Rushden Town Mayor, Councillor Carol Childs, was in attendance at the parade along with many active service personnel and veterans.

Cadet Moore preparing for the

parade with the rest of the band

The Parade marching down to the Rushden War Memorial

Left to Right: Cpl Becky Moore, Sgt Arran Macdonald, Keith Hill (artist) and Sgt Chris Moore

858 Say Goodbye to Ft.Sgt. McKay - added 01 December 2010
 

Last week we said farewell to Cadet Flight Sergeant Charlotte Mckay as she has recently reached the age of twenty.

Charlotte has spent the last five years with Rushden Squadron and has achieved many accomplishments throughout her career here.

She has represented Wing at swimming, hockey and netball which enabled her to gain a Wing Blue Triple. Charlotte also attended a summer camp each year (even when she got a job at the local Waitrose). Charlotte was also one of the lucky few to go on annual camp to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. As well as this Charlotte went to the Corps competition for Solo Bugle TWICE! To name the rest of Charlotte’s achievements she completed the Cosford March, both BTECs in Aviation Studies and Public Services, both Junior and Senior Wing NCO courses, part of a winning Drill team and band fanfare. Charlotte has also never missed a Squadron Dinner or Parade.

Charlotte was a role model for all the cadets at Rushden and she will be greatly missed. However, Charlotte may make a grand return as a member of uniformed staff.

Centre Front Row: Cadet Flight Sergeant Charlotte Mckay with the Cadet NCO team and Members of Staff

Cadet Charlie Flying High in the RAF - added 09 April 2011

The last Cadet Warrant Officer from 858 Sqn. Charlie Mawby, was awarded The Mayor of Aylesbury Trophy which is given to the recruit who achieves the highest overall standard in training on their flight from the Recruit Training Squadron at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. He received the award after completing nine weeks of basic training. Charlie, 19, said: “It was a real honour to receive the trophy. I thoroughly enjoyed my nine weeks training here at the Recruit Training Squadron. “I have learned so much and feel privileged to have met so many good people. “The highlight of my time here has been the ground defence training but I have benefited enormously from the physical training elements. “I particularly enjoyed my time on the rifle range and of course the graduation. “I was overjoyed to have won the award and I am looking forward now to starting my professional training.”

Charles started his RAF career as a cadet within the Air Training Corps. He became Cadet Warrant Officer with 858 Squadron prior to joining the Royal Air Force. Charlie said “Being in the Air Training Corps helped me immensely by giving me an insight into what a life in the RAF would be like. The training the ATC gave me was incredibly useful when I was a civilian and now ever more so now that I am an airman”. Charlie will now go to the Keogh Barracks in Aldershot to train as a medic. Squadron leader Jan De-Vry, of the Officer Commanding Recruit Training Squadron, was delighted with Charlie’s progress. He said: “Charlie has done well. He has developed both as a person, and as an airman, during the course, and proved to be one of the best trainees this year.

Charles Mawby (right) receives his trophy from Air Vice-Marshall Mark Green

858 Get New Squadron Mascot - added 19 May 2011
 

The cadets of 858 (Rushden) Squadron ATC have just been introduced to their new squadron mascot.

The squadron’s adjutant Mrs Jenny Towell has recently rescued Kimmy, a lovely collie cross, from the RSPCA. Kimmy has very quickly become part of the squadron after one night. Kimmy is 10 years old but has plenty of life left in her! She is gentle and full of character and she isn’t even bothered by the squadron’s band!

The cadets have taken a real shine to Kimmy and after only one night they asked Mrs Towell if they could adopt Kimmy as the new squadron mascot. Kimmy will be around on Wing Field Day so that everyone can meet her as she gives Rushden squadron moral support.

Sergeant Chisholm Walks Tall - added 19 May 2011
 

Recently Sergeant (ATC) Dominic Chisholm went away to the Adult Training Facility (ATF) at RAFC Cranwell to complete the Corps Drill Instructor (DI) course. This exclusive course is only offered to the top three students on the Senior NCO course held at ATF.

To be eligible for the DI course you have to receive high marks in uniform standards, drill and methods of instruction. If you do not reach these marks then unfortunately you are not offered a place.

Competition for the 3 places is always fierce and SGT Chisholm worked hard to make sure he was awarded one. The DI course is very demanding. It consists of a few classroom based lessons and the remainder of the time is spent on the drill square with Warrant Officer (RAF Regiment) Mitchell.

After 5 days of marching and a few lessons in between, all the students had to conduct a drill mutual. The drill mutual is a lesson where the instructor has to break down a drill movement in to parts and deliver the lesson in a very specific way working from a script that they have memorised.

Once completing the mutual, the students then have a multiple choice test which covers flight, squadron and wing drill as well as generic drill questions for example when drill commands are given and to what timings the drill movements are completed.

SGT Chisholm was chosen to complete his mutual lesson a day earlier than some of the other students as he had displayed a greater aptitude in this area. Once he completed this he was then given the duty of helping the other students reach the required standard for the test.

SGT Chisholm said “the course was intense. I really had to switch on as soon as I arrived at Cranwell. I had done a lot of preparation for the course and this helped me a great deal. The course overall was hard going due to being on our feet 90 per cent of the day, but at the end of it I have gained a confidence that no other course could have given me and I am immensely happy that I have passed and that I am now a fully qualified Drill Instructor.”

The team lead by Cadet Flight Sergeant Chris Ball did not complete the task however; they dominated in all aspects of the planning delivery, briefings and execution. The team from Rushden competed against the other 28 squadrons within South and East Midlands Wing and came out champions.

The task was to survey and replicate a mine field to scale within a set time limit. Flight Sergeant Ball’s team comprised Corporal Dan Brown, Corporal Rebecca Moore, Corporal Matt Valentine, Corporal Martyn Bailey and Corporal Michael Stretton. Flight Sergeant Ball acted as team leader throughout the exercise. Chris Ball displayed a great aptitude in his leadership abilities and the rest of the team worked together exceptionally and effectively to secure a mark of 38 out of 40.

The team were taught by Flying Officer Will Kellock who has an in-depth knowledge of principles of leadership as he went through Initial Officer Training with the RAF back in 2002.

Pictured above L to R:Cpl Matt Valentine, Cpl Dan Brown, Flt Sgt Chris Ball,

Cpl Michael Stretton, Cpl Martyn Bailey, Cpl Rebecca Moore

Leading The Way - added 13 July 2011
 

At the recent South and East Midlands Wing Field Day competition 858 (Rushden) Squadron won the Wing Commander Philip Giles trophy for winning the leadership competition.