RAF Air Cadets supported a Special Evensong and Commemoration at Gloucester Cathedral marking the 50th Anniversary of the withdrawal of British Forces from Aden on 29 November 1967. Immaculately turned out cadets from 181 (City of Gloucester) Squadron, 2328 (Bishop’s Cleeve) Squadron, 2342 (Innsworth) Squadron and 2419 (Quedgeley) Squadron acted as Banner Bearers and ushers at the event attended by many Gloucestershire VIPs including HM Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff and Chief Constable as well as Aden Veterans.
Gloucestershire Royal British Legion’s County Youth Standard Bearer’s Penultimate Duty
On Sunday 20 November 2017 Cadet Sergeant Jamie Molony’s (2328 (Bishop’s Cleeve) Squadron) penultimate duty as the Gloucestershire British Legion’s County Youth Standard Bearer was to carry the Youth Standard at the Annual Patchway Remembrance Parade. He joined other RAF Air Cadets and staff from 2152 (North Bristol) Squadron, 2152 (Downend) Detached Flight and 37 (Frampton Cotterell) Squadron on the Parade.
Jamie’s final engagement will be on Sunday 26 November 2017 at Gloucester Cathedral for a special Choral Evensong and Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the withdrawal of British Forces from Aden. In January 2018 the winner of this year’s Gloucestershire British Legion competition, another RAF Air Cadet from 614 (Lydney) Squadron takes over as Youth Standard Bearer.
Super moon aids night navigation training
RAF Air Cadets from 2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron took full advantage of a super moon during a night navigation training exercise, code named Exercise Nite Site on Cleeve Hill near Cheltenham.
The exercise was planned to coincide with the full moon. In this case a super moon that is 30% brighter and 14% larger than a normal moon.
Three cadet teams, each accompanied by a qualified leader, navigated across a large area of open ground to radio masts before returning via different routes. The teams paused on the Cotswold escarpment to observe spectacular firework displays taking place in a number of venues from Cheltenham to Tewkesbury.
After the exercise, the teams returned to the Squadron Headquarters where members of the Civilian Committee served up hot dogs and soup.
The evening exercise rounded off a busy day for 2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron that began with cadets collecting for the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal in Bishop’s Cleeve.
2342 Squadron Rewarded for Community Service
Flight Lieutenant David Park, Officer Commanding 2342 (Innsworth) Squadron received on behalf on the unit, the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire (HCG) Award, presented by Air Chief Marshal Sir “Dusty” Miller KBE, Warden of the HCG. The Squadron also received £500 for their contribution to helping their local community.
Gloucestershire Airport Charity Open Day 2017
Cadets from 181 (City of Gloucester), 2328 (Bishops Cleeve) and 2342 (Innsworth) Squadrons together with staff from 2322 (Dowty) Squadron assisted at the very well attended charity event at Gloucestershire Airport, the “Gateway to the Southwest”, where the public were invited to view the aircraft and static displays and get the kids involved in the funfair and face-painting. Some had the opportunity for pleasure flights.
The Wing Recruiting and Educational Vehicle (WREV) attracted a large number of visitors, some of whom will hopefully join as cadets and staff.
The Charity Open Day grows year on year raising money for charity and the local RAF Air Cadets are proud to support it. It also offers the cadets a great opportunity to interact with the public and promote the Air Training Corps to young people in Gloucestershire.
At the event’s conclusion, the cadets posed for a photograph with Honorary Group Captain Carol Vorderman’s aircraft.
Community Spirit in Bishops Cleeve
Cadets and staff from 2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron raised over £900 at the Bishop’s Cleeve Street Fair.
Crowds flocked to the unit’s ‘Burger Bar’ and also their ‘Tea and Cakes’ stand in the village’s historic Tythe Barn.
At the same time, other cadets and staff were on car parking duties at Court Farm Open Day near Stoke Orchard, which also attracted hundreds of visitors. During the afternoon a USAF B2 flew over at low level. Some people thought it was a pre-arranged ‘Fly Past’!
2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron works hard to promote the RAF Air Cadets and the Royal Air Force in the local community. Their efforts were rewarded with a new staff volunteer!
Want to get involved in a Squadron near you? Get in touch now to find out more.
Wing Alumnus Breaks Records!
An ex-cadet from Bristol & Gloucestershire Wing, apart from having a successful career in the Royal Air Force, is breaking records in the name of charity.
At about 6pm on 4 May 2017 (Star Wars Day), Squadron Leader Jez Allinson of RAF Benson crossed the line at Pinewood Studios in London after an epic 40 mile run wearing a genuine (heavy) Star Wars Storm Trooper outfit from the film series on its 40th birthday!
This is especially noteworthy as last Sunday he ran the London Marathon in the same outfit and was awarded a Guinness World Record Certificate for “fastest marathon dressed as a Star Wars character”.
Furthermore, in the week before that he ran three Half Marathons in three days in Orlando Florida at the Star wars Convention.
Jez, 42, did all this to raise money for his favourite charity, The Children’s Make a Wish Foundation, which provides fantastic experiences for very sick children.
He easily achieved his £10,000 target and the JustGiving pot keeps on rising!
Jez went to Filton High school and while still there joined 2152 (North Bristol) Squadron in Filton. A big highlight of his cadet career was being selected for the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet. We were lucky enough to keep Jez as a staff member at 2152 until 1999, when he joined the RAF as Non-Commissioned Officer Aircrew (Rotary Wing).
His made and in 2008 he was encouraged to apply for a Commission.
He graduated from his Initial Officers Course with a distinction, and since then his career has taken off. Last year he reached the rank of Squadron Leader and has served all over the world.
Whilst at RAF Benson he acted as the Air Cadet Liaison Officer, working hard to make sure that the new generation of air cadets got the most out of their camps & visits.
He continues to be an avid supporter of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, and we wish him all the best in his future fundraising efforts.
Cadets represent RAFAC at St George’s Day Event
On Monday 24th April 2017 The Royal Society of St George, Gloucestershire Branch held their 39th St George’s Tide Service at Gloucester Cathedral.
The hour service saw music provided by the band of the Gloucestershire Police, concluded with a reception in the charter house.
The Royal Air Force Air Cadets were represented by Cadet Corporal Tiarna Crowther (1329 (Stroud) Squadron), Cadet Sergeant Thomas Corder (181 (City of Gloucester) Squadron), Cadet Corporal Jamie Molony (2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron) carrying the RBL Youth Standard, and adult instructor Flight Sergeant Edward Smart.
3 members of the public were awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) during the service by Dame Janet Trotter DBE.
Captain Robert Nairac GC Youth Awards were handed out by Mrs Pat Ayres MBE. In his memory awards are presented annually to Gloucestershire youngsters who have demonstrated some of the qualities and characteristics which Captain Naiac epitomised.
Big well done to our cadets for helping to make the event a success!
Innsworth Cadets Make Great Impression on Jon Culshaw
Twenty five cadets from 2342 (Innsworth) Squadron recently helped raise £5,254.09 for Macmillan Cancer Support at “Another Evening with Jon Culshaw” in Gloucester.
The cadets received a huge thank you for all their help from Jon Culshaw, the leading impressionist and comedian, and have been invited back to help again next year.
Congratulations to all for supporting such a fantastic cause.
RBL National Standard Bearer Competition
On Sunday 9 April the Royal British Legion held their annual National Youth Standard Bearers Competition in Manchester.
Competitors arrived at 1130 and were given a buffet lunch before changing into parade dress uniform. At 1330 the competition began with a full inspection of their clothing, neatness of dress & general bearing. They also had to demonstrate maintenance of their sling and gauntlets, along with care and presentation of the standard.
The journey to the national competition consisted of individual representation by each competitor, demonstrating their skills in The Carry, The Dip, Royal Salute, The Carry & Slow March, followed by winning the regional compeition in order to qualify. All competitors were nervous and deserve high praise for their dedication and commitment.
Well done to Cdt Jamie Molony from 2328 (Bishops Cleeve) Squadron who came 4th overall!
Whilst waiting his turn, Cdt Molony spoke to the other competitors in his changing area and it turns out they too were all Air Cadets - all fine examples of young people going the extra mile to support other causes and charities in their area.