DEVON & SOMERSET WING A.T.C

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1 DEVON & SOMERSET WING A.T.C The mercury June/July 2011 Welcome to another edition of the Devon and Somerset Wing Magazine. There is plenty to check out about what's been happening right across the Wing, in this the biggest ever edition we have published in our five years. IN THIS EDITION The stories on the front page are just a few of the varied things that happen right here in Devon and Somerset. An award winning first aider from Chivenor, find out more on page 4 Another successful year at Ten Tors see pages 2, 3 and 22 Another good year at the Wing Athletics see page 21

2 P AGE 2 T HE M E R C U R Y A WORD FROM THE BOSS Summer is here, which means lots of camps; RAF Henlow, Germany, Windermere, USA and Canada. If you have been selected please ensure that all your paper work is returned to your squadron in plenty of time. Every year we seem to have to chase a few cadets who have known for a long time that they are going, but have not asked their parents to sign the consent forms. Please make sure you are not one of them, otherwise you could miss out. This year s Ten Tors was another great success for the Wing with all cadets finishing the course. This is a brilliant achievement which shows that good training pays off. My thanks to all the staff in the Wing who gave up so much time during the winter months to under take the training, your efforts were rewarded. This year we are celebrating the 70 th Anniversary of the ATC and the Wing Parade, on the 26 June in Taunton which will soon be here. The Commandant, Air Commodore Cooper, will be taking the Salute together with the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset. Every unit should be represented so I hope you will be part of this memorable occasion. We are also holding a dinner at the Tiverton Hotel for Uniform staff, Civilian Instructors, Committee members and Cadets on Saturday 16 July so I hope you will all join me that evening. Starting in September is the new Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course at Boscombe Down. If you are interested in aviation, and who is not, then this course could be for you. It is the equivalent to the Junior Leaders course so it is not for the faint hearted. It runs from September to April but will be a great qualification to achieve. You can get more information from you CO. This year we are holding another Griffin camp at the home of Griffin at Penally nr Tenby. Cadets who have attended Griffin camps in the past will know how popular they are so keep the 22 nd to 29 th October free in your diary. We will have places for about 300 so you should not be disappointed. The command team are visiting this month so more information to follow. At the same time as Griffin we have been given the opportunity to attend RAF Waddington an opportunity not to be missed but places are very limited. As the summer is with us, then I know a number of you will be completing your DofE Expeditions. Several units are holding expeditions during the summer months and if your unit is not holding the level you require then I am sure your CO or Sector Commander will find a unit to take you. I hope the summer weather continues and you take advantage of all the opportunities available to you during the summer, especially the flying at St Mawgan and Colerne. There will also be many opportunities to glide during the summer with a special ACO 70 at Chivenor and a dawn till dusk at Hullavington. More information from your CO. Have a good summer! B W Wills-Pope Wing Commander

3 J U N E /JU L Y 2011 P AGE 3 41F (TAUNTON AND DISTRICT) SQUADRON PERSPECTIVE ON ten tors This year, I together with many other cadets from around the Devon and Somerset Wing successfully completed the Ten Tors Challenge. It was a very rewarding experience and ticked off my third year attending this event. Our training began in late February when we hopefuls assembled at Okehampton Camp to be introduced, or re-introduced, to the beauty and potential perils of Dartmoor. The training demands escalated week-on-week under the watchful gaze of the Wing Staff, including Flight Lieutenant Jan Moor and Bramble. Eventually the teams were confirmed and we awaited the great day. On the Friday before The Start we assembled good and early at the Squadron HQ and set off at a gentlemanly pace no other pace is possible - in our squadron minibus. Meanwhile, our hard-working staff had erected tents at Okehampton ready for our arrival. After scrutineering and visits to the many entertainments such as climbing walls, simulators and careers information stands, supplied by the Armed Services, we settled down in our tents and awaited Saturday morning and The Start. Woken by Chariots of Fire we prepared ourselves and assembled along with thousands of others on the hillside flanked by field pieces from the Royal Artillery. After the Ten Tors Prayer and the bark of the guns the mass of teenagers set off at a run, with banners rippling in the wind, to their first Tors. My 45 mile team comprised 6 cadets from 41F; however, my squadron also fielded a 35 mile team as well as contributing to the Devon and Somerset Wing 35 and 55 mile teams. Several of our cadets had little previous interest or knowledge of this type of event; however, I think each of us has resolved to take up the Challenge again next year it really is addictive whatever the weather! Before I sign off I must thank, on behalf of my fellow cadets, the Squadron and particularly the Wing staff, who designed and supervised our training. Thanks again, and see you next year! By Cpl Tom Washington-Smith (Look out for more Ten Tors pictures later in the magazine)

4 P AGE 4 T HE M E R C U R Y Young first aider of the year An 18-year-old from 722 (Chivenor) Squadron ATC has been awarded a St John Ambulance Young First Aider of the Year Award for using her initiative in a dramatic situation when a friend was involved in a cycling accident and a piece of railing became impaled in his side. The annual awards ceremony hosted by St John Ambulance celebrates young people s quick thinking by putting their first aid knowledge into action in exceptional circumstances. This year there were 20 deserving winners including a 16-year-old who saved his mum s life with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on Christmas Eve, a five-year-old boy who attended to an unconscious woman in a supermarket and an eight-year-old who helped to treat her mum s burns after she had been badly scalded by a hot water bottle that had burst. Isobel, who is currently studying for her A Levels at Petroc College, Barnstaple with the aim of becoming a doctor, put her first aid skills into practice after seeing the cyclist collide with railings on Old Sticklepath Hill, Barnstaple in November last year. Isobel, who learnt first aid through the Air Training Corps, knew immediately what she had to do. But it was only when she reached the cyclist that she discovered it was in fact one of her friends, 18-year-old Ben Foulds. He had a large section of railings in his side and severe head injuries. Someone else was on the phone to the ambulance so I checked his breathing and his injuries. I decided it was important to keep him still as he had a large piece of railing in his side. When he came round Ben tried to put himself up but I knew he had to keep still so I held his head so he didn t move any further and reassured him until the ambulance arrived. An ambulance initially took Ben to North Devon Hospital and he was later transferred to Derriford. His injuries included a broken back and swelling on the brain. He spent months in hospital and at a rehabilitation unit and has been told he may never walk again. Isobel said she had told Ben about the award and he was very pleased for her. We have spoken about the accident because he can t remember anything of the day itself and I know he is pleased that my actions have been recognised. As I want to be a doctor, winning this award means a lot to me because it enforces my desire to help people and dedicate my life to first aid and medicine.

5 J U N E /JU L Y 2011 P AGE 5 Young first aider of the year (con t) Actor Warwick Davis, who has appeared in films such as Harry Potter and the Chronicles of Narnia, presented Isobel with the award at a ceremony at St John Ambulance s historic headquarters in Clerkenwell, London. He is also a senior volunteer for St John Ambulance in Cambridgeshire. Warwick said: These courageous young people who have been awarded today have shown how invaluable first aid skills are and that they truly can be the difference between a life saved and a life lost. I hope they re an inspiration to others, and encourage more people to learn this important skill. New affiliation for 13 squadron 13 (City of Exeter) Squadron is about to become one of the first (if not the first Squadron in the ATC) to be affiliated to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron. 13 Tornado Squadron RAF sadly disbanded on Friday the 13 th May, as part of the MOD s reduction of two Tornado GR4 units but in a surprise move the Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton announced that the 13 Squadron number will transfer to the second RAF Reaper Squadron, to be formed at RAF Waddington next year. With its array of high tech sensors and precision guided weapons, Reaper can carry out a wide range of missions that are currently controlled by 39 Squadron crews on the other side of the world at Creech Air Force Base in Nevada. Reaper can use its sensors day and night to spy on insurgent activity for hours at a time and at a range where they are undetectable from the ground. 13 Sqn is also affiliated to HMS Defender, one of the Royal Navy s brand new Type 45 Destroyers.

6 P AGE 6 T HE M E R C U R Y Glastonbury Air Cadets Host Open Day 914 (Glastonbury and Street) Squadron Air Training Corps recently held an open day at their Squadron Headquarters, The squadron demonstrated a variety of displays of air cadet activities including a flight simulator, first aid, field craft and adventure training. The staff and cadets of Glastonbury squadron are also hard at work preparing for an inspection by the Commandant of the Air Cadet organisation, Air Commodore Barbara Cooper. Glastonbury air cadets have been selected as one of the top six squadrons in the country competing for the coveted Lees Trophy - there are currently over 900 ATC squadrons throughout the UK. The trophy was named after Air Chief Marshall Sir Alan Lees, who was the former Commander-in-Chief of the RAF Reserve Command ( ). Before retiring he introduced the Lees Trophy to be awarded to the best squadron in the ATC and the competition has been running ever since. Last year the trophy was won by No 1475 (Dulwich) Squadron of London Wing ATC. Air Commodore Cooper will be carrying out her inspection of Glastonbury squadron in June. The squadron will be assessed on various aspects including general administration, community engagement, training, recruiting and participation in activities such as adventure training, flying, gliding and the Duke of Edinburgh s Award scheme. Glastonbury squadron s Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Cris White said, The competition for the Lees Trophy is fierce, we have done very well to get to the top six contenders. Our achievement so far is a tribute to the dedication of my volunteer staff and the cadets of the squadron.

7 J U N E /JU L Y 2011 P AGE 7 FROME CADET MARCHES TOWARDS GOLD Sgt. Michael Dyer, of 1031 (Frome) Squadron Air Cadets, is not one to rest on his laurels and is heading off to Holland again to march 100 miles over 4 days as part of a team of cadets from the Devon & Somerset Wing ATC. As he did last year, Sgt. Dyer, has spent the past few months training to take part in the gruelling march which is held in Nijmegen each year. This year, 48,000 participants, both military and civilian, from all over the world have registered to take part in the march. A milestone in the cadets training is taking part in the annual WARMA March at RAF Cosford, where they have to complete a two day march, covering 25 miles each day, to prove their fitness in order to go on to Nijmegen. Following Sgt. Dyer s successful completion of this year s WARMA March, he was presented with a second year bar for the medal he earned last year by Wg. Cdr. Brian Wills-Pope when he visited the Frome Cadet Centre. Sgt. Dyer said, Having completed my Bronze and Silver levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, I wanted to find a challenge that would stretch my personal limits when I signed up to take part in the Gold level of the Award. Knowing how long and hard the training was for Nijmegen last year, I thought I would sign up to take part in the march again this year as one of my challenges. Completing Cosford was slightly easier this year as I was prepared for the mental hardship of marching the 50 miles in two days and getting past that milestone in the training programme gives the whole team a boost as it reinforces our belief that we can complete the 100 miles in Holland in July. Wg. Cdr. Brian Wills-Pope said, I am not only delighted that Sgt. Dyer has taken up the challenge of Nijmegen again this year but also that he is using it as part of his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is something that the Air Cadet Organisation is proud to offer cadets as they can use a lot of the activities they take part in during their time as a cadet to qualify for each level. Furthermore, I was personally delighted to be invited to attend at the Frome Squadron to meet all the cadets and be able to present Sgt. Dyer with his second bar for his Cosford medal.

8 P AGE 8 T HE M E R C U R Y Former Exeter Squadron reforms in Northern Ireland We are all told these days it s a good idea to recycle, but members of 13 (City of Exeter) Squadron were pleasantly surprised to find this applies to half of the Squadrons previous identity! 2350 (Vincent Thompson High School) Sqn was one of the three post war Exeter Squadrons, forming in March In September 1992 it disbanded, along with 1169 (Exeter) Sqn (formed 1941) and merged into the reformed 13 (Exeter) Sqn, the City s historic ex-air Defence Cadet Corps Squadron which had originally closed in The new Squadron to use the numberplate is 2350 (Coleraine) Sqn based in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It stood up on 27 April 2010 having formally been a DF of 2349 (Ballymena) Squadron. An ex-cadet of the Squadron, Sector 2 Commander Sqn Ldr Rick Webb is apparently keen to visit the new unit with the current worrying resumption of Republican terrorism in the Province, his enthusiasm for a highly published visit to Co. Antrim in RAF uniform is not shared by other ex members still in the ATC! The original 2350 Sqn still has a strong presence on 13 Sqn nineteen years after its demise with 6 members of its ex-staff & cadets still on the books. Four of the 6 O.C s since its reformation have come from the old Vincent Thompson unit and in addition to this, two of Devon & Somerset Wing s current Squadron Leaders are ex-members of staff. Famous ex-cadets/ staff of the old Squadron include Squadron Leader Lloyd Grose, a 1978 Red Arrow and Sub-Lt Ian Watson, the Royal Navy fighter pilot who in 1983 landed his Sea Harrier on the back of a Spanish Container ship after the jet ran of fuel. CARTOON CORNER WO OF ALL TRADES (C) GAZ 2011

9 J U N E /JU L Y 2011 P AGE 9 FROME CADET QUALIFIES AS WING MARKSMAN Cpl. Beth Lucas of 1031 (Frome) Squadron ATC has gained her Wing Marksmanship qualification and was presented with her Certificate and badge by the Commanding Officer of the Frome Squadron, Flt. Lt. Andrew March at a presentation evening held in front of her fellow cadets. Cpl. Lucas is a keen marksman and is currently training to take part in the Inter-Service Cadet Rifle Meeting a competition between all the cadet forces held at Bisley every year. This year will be Cpl. Lucas second time competing in the ISCRM competition. Flt. Lt. March said, Cpl. Lucas has been training hard for this year s ISCRM competition and it is her dedication to her training that has paid off with her qualification as a Wing Marksman. I was extremely proud to present her with her Certificate and badge and I hope that she will prove to be an inspiration to the Squadron s newer cadets to develop their own skills in this activity. Cadets join forces Staff and cadets from 290 Squadron Air Cadets along with Royal Marine Cadet Detachment from TS Weston both based in Weston-super-Mare, joined forces to learn advanced military field craft during a day long exercise in Weston. The exercise led by adult instructor Sergeant Darren Fulcher of the Royal Marine Cadet detachment taught the cadets all about moving through open terrain using techniques used by snipers to evade detection by enemy forces as well as demonstrating the equipment needed to survive in hostile territory. Fg Off Garrett from the Air Cadets added This was an excellent day in which the Air Cadets learnt some great new skills to add to our field craft training. What a great start to a relationship between the two cadet forces in which we hope to continue in the future.

10 P AGE 10 T HE M E R C U R Y CADETS ON THE WALL As we know most second parade nights at Squadrons are usually on a Thursday, however on the 5 th May, 2401 (Dawlish) Squadron did something a little bit different. The Staff and Cadets spent the evening learning the ropes of rock climbing at the Indoor Dart Valley Rock Climbing Centre. We had three excellent staff members who taught us about the safety aspects from putting on the harnesses correctly to tying the ropes securely. Before we got on the big climbing walls we had to just use our hands and feet to go across a wall no more than approximately 7ft tall no mean task I can tell you. Then it was down to the big walls where team work really played a part as everyone was paired off together. As one person went up the wall, their partner was the safety person holding the rope and threading it up through the bull rings attached to each other s harnesses. When the climber reached the top it was time to abseil down and you had to trust your partner on the floor not to let the rope out too quickly just nice and smooth. The biggest challenge was yet to come as at the Centre they have a wall that is 30ft tall. However, the Cadets and Staff took this all in their stride and conquered this monster wall. The Instructors gave a challenge to two of the Squadrons Staff members on a smaller wall. One member was blind folded so had to feel his way around all the hand and foot holes to reach the top and the other staff member had to climb the wall with minimal use of his hands. All in all it was a very good night and worth recommending a visit as all the equipment and training is provided by the excellent instructors at the Centre. Cobweb corner Flt Lt David Chivers being presented with the best Sqn at camp award. What was the year and camp? Find out in the next edition.

11 J U N E /JU L Y 2011 P AGE 11 HELP FOR HEROES DONATION CI Jared Colclough and cadets from 41F (Taunton and District) Squadron recently collected nearly 1500 in Taunton for Help for Heroes. Mr Peter Bell, Help for Heroes Local Co-ordinator, accepted the cheque with thanks and added that this was an outstanding effort and that the money would be put to immediate use. Sector 1 visit rnas teovilton On Wednesday 18 th May, 22 cadets and staff from No 1 Sector visited RNAS Yeovilton. The visitors from Illminster, Castle Cary and Glastonbury were welcomed to 848 Sqn, who are responsible for final training on the Sea King. Sqn Ldr Heath (Sector Commander) said we were all treated to a 15 minute flight around the local area, in a Mk 4 Sea King, in special markings for the Centenary of the Fleet Air Arm. The cadets and staff upon their return all had broad grins across their faces. We then had lunch in the mess, followed by a look around the fire section. The day ended with a very interesting visit to the Royal Navy Historic Flight, we were allowed to sit in the Swordfish, which had seen action in World War 2, treated to a fascinating history talk on the aircraft in the flight, the Sea Hawk, Sea Fury and Chipmunk. The sector are planning another visit after Air day in July. I would like to offer my thanks to the staff who made our visit so memorable. Thank you Sqn Ldr John G Heath RAF VR(T) No 1 Sector Commander

12 P AGE 12 T HE M E R C U R Y DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD A CADET S POINT OF VIEW The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is a bit like Marmite you either love it or hate it. But just like Marmite, unless you try it, you won t know whether it s a good thing for you or not. 3 years ago, it was suggested that I make a start on my Bronze DofE but, quite frankly, I didn t see the point in it or how I would find the time to carry out all the things I would need to do to get the Award. Eventually, after all the arguments I could think not to take part in the Scheme failed, I reluctantly signed up to do Bronze. I soon realised that most of the elements I needed for the Award service (being an Air Cadet counts), skill (e.g. learning to shoot), physical recreation (we have sports nights on Squadron) and expeditions I was already doing so there wasn t much else to find time to do outside my normal attendance at cadets. Going out on the expeditions was the only extra time I needed to find but, as I like camping and hiking, it wasn t exactly a great hardship to undertake. So I got through and qualified for my Bronze award quite easily and I thought I would just leave it at that. Oh no the firm but gentle hand of someone who knows best started edging me towards doing the Silver level too. Again, everything at Air Cadets could have got me through this level but I chose to add different elements with activities I was involved in outside of cadets to add a little variety to my CV. I am now signed up to the Gold level (this time I learnt my lesson and gave in straight away..) which I could finish within 12 months as I obtained my Silver level. Again, I am using time I spend with the Air Cadets, such as my training for the 100 mile march in Nijmegen, for some of the requirements. I ve already completed a practice expedition and have plans for a full expedition in July. The only extra element needed at this level will be a residential but with summer, autumn and Griffin camps that would count, I m spoilt for choice.

13 J U N E /JU L Y 2011 P AGE 13 DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD A CADET S POINT OF VIEW (con t) So, you think that you haven t got what it takes to do the Duke of Edinburgh? You are an Air Cadet therefore you do. The great thing about the Award Scheme is that every goal you set out to achieve is your OWN personal goal you don t have to keep up with or beat anyone else s goals. For example, you could use shooting as your skill you may not have shot before so your goal could be to learn how to shoot to show that you have improved from your starting point or you may have done a bit of shooting and you re your goal to qualify for a marksmanship badge (and it doesn t matter if you don t get marksman as long as you train, try your best and improve). All I can say is that you have nothing to lose. The ATC are giving you entry to the Bronze level for free and your Squadron is no doubt giving you all the elements you need to succeed any way. I know that not all Squadrons are able to go out on expedition but I bet there is another Squadron near you that does who would be happy to help after all, as an Air Cadet, we are all part of the same family with the ethos of helping each other. I am sure your staff will be more than happy to give you more details even if you re too old to start on your Bronze, you could start with Silver or even sign straight up to start at the Gold level (a few of my friends have done just that). Why waste what you already do in Air Cadets when it can give you something in return something that might just make the difference on your application to go to College, University or getting a job. So wish me luck and hope that, maybe, sometime next year, I will be off to London to be presented with my Gold Award. When I do, I will be proud to say that I did them all - Bronze, Silver and Gold and that I did it with the help of the Air Cadets. Just don t tell my nagging mentor that she was right all along.. FS Michael Dyer 1031 (Frome) Squadron ATC

14 P AGE 14 T HE M E R C U R Y 41F (TAUNTON AND DISTRICT) SQUADRON TRAIN AT FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM For some time we have been developing our technical training in line with the Corps aim to promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation. Having committed the ACP 33 syllabus to a series of colourful, bite-sized Powerpoint presentations we examined how we might introduce a more practical element to our training. This is where the Fleet Air Arm Museum came in. Head of Visitor Services at the Museum explained that one of the core aims of the Museum s work is education and access. To this end they have established Learning Programmes for children up to and including GCSE standard and for A Level students, engineering apprentices and aeronautical engineering undergraduates. Working closely with us, Head of Visitor Services developed a one-day ATC programme aimed at consolidating our technical training and enthusing cadets about aviation in general. We premiered the programme on 14 April with a party of 25 cadets. On arrival the cadets competitive instincts were mobilised by being split into pairs for the day to compete for prizes in aircraft design competitions and a quiz. Needless to say, interest was further focused and pencils sharpened when they learned that all the answers to the quiz would be in the words that fell from the lips of the Museum s explainers who would facilitate the day s training. The programme started with a presentation by a retired AugustaWestland Design Engineer, one of the Museum s explainers, on lift, weight, thrust and drag. Although he based his presentation on ACP 33, he illuminated it with a career s worth of design experience and a handful of indoor gliders dozing definitely was not an option! Next, the cadets put theory into practice with a guided tour of selected aircraft and engines. Where else could you demonstrate that a tie is in tension by simply strumming the landing wires of a Sopwith Pup..?

15 J U N E /JU L Y 2011 P AGE 15 41F (TAUNTON AND DISTRICT) SQUADRON TRAIN AT FLEET AIR ARM MUSEUM The morning continued with hands on experience at the simple but highly effective wind tunnels the Museum uses to demonstrate principles of flight. After lunch we embarked on the practical phase. Each team made 2 models. The first was made from pre-cut balsa components that could be assembled in accordance with sound principles or, in some cases, wild optimism. The second was made from a card template that could be folded either to a standard pattern or to a unique cadet design. Both models competed for the best distance prize. Oh, I forgot to mention that the balsa model had to be catapult launched from a rolling, heaving and pitching carrier deck supplied for the purpose lesson one was don t launch when the deck is pitching! The card aeroplanes were hand launched under Concorde along the path that indicated the length of Wright Brothers first flight, a nice touch. The day ended with points which in turn meant prizes and some light hearted triumphalism among the winning teams. For this first visit, we took a party of cadets of mixed age and experience. On balance, we considered that all would benefit from exposure to highly qualified professional explainers in an aeronautical environment. To make doubly certain, we prepared for the visit with a syllabus brief to prepare the juniors and refresh the older hands. This seemed to do the trick. The Museum charged 7.50 per cadet (staff were free) which covered a child s entrance fee and 50p per activity. Contact details etc can be found on the Fleet Air Arm Museum website, Overall the day was a great success and bodes well for possible future cooperative work.

16 P AGE 16 T HE M E R C U R Y His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester Opens Minehead Joint Cadet Centre Army and Air Cadets from Minehead paraded outside their new Joint Cadet Centre in the town on Tuesday, 3 May for the visit and opening ceremony by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester. He was accompanied by the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Lady Elizabeth Gass. The Joint Cadet Centre was completed in early April and replaced much older premises. The new centre comprises purpose built accommodation for both units consisting of classrooms, stores and a parade area, some facilities are shared and others belong solely to each unit. The Duke toured the facilities and was escorted by the Somerset Army Cadet Force s Commandant, Colonel Paul Richardson, and the Devon & Somerset Air Cadets Commanding Officer, Wing Commander Brian Wills-Pope. Pupils and staff from Minehead Middle School were also in attendance nearby to greet the royal visitor. The Duke took the opportunity to talk with many of the cadets and staff. Parents and civilian committee members from both cadet organisations were invited to attend the event. The Duke was able to view displays showing many aspects of cadet training, including the air cadet s flight simulator and the army cadet s survival training and field craft display. The Duke was also briefed on other aspects of training including the Duke of Edinburgh s Award scheme, cadet first aid qualifications, flying and gliding, as well as map reading and camp craft. A commemoration plaque marking the opening ceremony was unveiled by the Duke who took the opportunity to praise the work undertaken by the cadet forces in the community. He also commended the dedication and time given by the volunteer adult instructors of both cadet services in providing training and opportunities for the cadets.

17 J U N E /JU L Y 2011 P AGE 17 Air Cadets take flight Weston and Burnham based staff and cadets from 290 Squadron Air Cadets took to the skies in a Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter during a recent visit to Royal Marine Base Chivenor, North Devon. The cadets were firstly shown around A flight, 22 Squadron before being involved in the duty pilots briefing then learning about the hoisting equipment they were winched up to the helicopter as it hovered 40 feet above the ground. After a 20 minute low level flight along the North Devon coast line the cadets were winched down to the ground. Cadet Sergeant Daniel Hopkins 16 added What a fantastic visit, being winched up was amazing! I can t wait for the next trip (DAWLISH) SQN MEET RAF CAREERS The Squadron recently had a visit from Cpl Paul Bovey from the RAF Careers Office in Exeter. He gave the Cadets the latest news about recruitment, vacancies and career advice on the particular jobs that the Cadets were interested in. There was also news about a new job that the RAF has introduced which is the role of a Physiotherapist. This role has come about due to the injured Service men and women returning back to the Country after sustaining injuries whist overseas. The Cadets got involved in an interactive session. They were given a mission which was that the Squadron had been deployed and had to set up a camp with an airfield. They had to think what and who was needed to make this camp fully functional for the duration of the deployment. Each Cadet had to make a suggestion and write and draw pictures so everyone could see what the Camp looked like. The Camp was known as RAF It was a very good informative evening.

18 P AGE 18 T HE M E R C U R Y RECOLLECTIONS OF EASTER CAMP IN CYPRUS Having given several micro-seconds of deep thought to the request for cadets to apply for Easter Camp at RAF Akrotiri I completed the paperwork, presented it smartly to OC 41F and waited expectantly for good news. Sure enough, it came and I and 4 other cadets from the Devon and Somerset Wing set off in the very early hours of 13 April to join a party of 56 cadets from across the Corps en route to the sun. Whisked to Cyprus by Boeing 737 via Larnaca Airport we arrived at RAF Akrotiri in the early evening. Lights out at 2230 was a pleasure! It had been a long day, but the travelling was to prove well worth it. Day 1 of the camp started with a Familiarisation exercise to help us understand the geography of the station. Then we were marched to the Lightning gate guardian for the Camp photo before listening to a multitude of briefings at the Station Library. We then underwent a basic swimming test to ensure we could swim safely at RAF Akrotiri s own beach where the water is warm and no higher than your knee. The second day started with a tour of the MT Flight and continued with go-karting where I played a modest part in Charlie Flight s victory. Later we went up for air experience flights in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk. On reflection, go-karting, flying over the blue Mediterranean followed by sports and more beach is a very acceptable way to enjoy the Easter hols. The Camp continued with personal leadership tasks staffed by RAF Akrotiri personnel in which we competed for best flight and best cadet. One morning was spent with EOD (bomb disposal) watching things get blown up and playing with robots. This was serious stuff and gave a good insight into how the Services went about this potentially dangerous work. We also went across to the nearby base at Episkopi where we were invited to fire a vast array of weapons - what an experience! Back at RAF Akrotiri we had a good look around the various aircraft there including the Red Arrows who were there for their pre-season work-up. They even put on a display for us The return trip was a repeat of the outbound trip, complete with nearly instant sleep once through my front door. However, this time I carried memories of the wonderful hospitality of the people at RAF Akrotiri and Episkopi who made our Camp so memorable. Thanks to you and to ACO staff for making this trip possible. SERGEANT JOSH DURBIN 41F (TAUNTON AND DISTRICT) SQUADRON

19 J U N E /JU L Y 2011 P AGE 19 Cadets dial 999 The Police and Ambulance service attended 290 Squadron Air Cadets headquarters in Weston-super- Mare last week but fortunately to teach them about what they do as a career. The evening was run by Air cadet staff Flt Lt Will Stephens RAF VR(T), OC 2282 Squadron who is a police response officer and Fg Off Chris Garrett RAF VR(T) of 290 Squadron who is as an ambulance Technician. They took the cadets through the equipment that both services carries and showed them what they can do to help and protect people on a daily basis. The highlight of the evening was getting the cadets to complete various different scenarios involving the equipment used by the two services. Fg Off Garrett added It was such a great opportunity to show our cadets what we do on a daily basis. Hopefully they will not need to be in a situation where they need to contact the emergency services, but if they did they now have an understanding of the 999 system and the equipment used. World Record Broken! On Sunday 15 th May, Flt Lt John Blackburn OC 1955 (City of Wells) Squadron took part in the Bristol 10k Business Challenge. He was part of his employer s team of runners raising funds for Help for Heroes. After many weeks of gruelling training, on the day he finished the event in a time of 56 minutes 33 seconds. After conferring with the official timekeepers, it became apparent that he had broken the World Record in the 54-year old overweight VRT officer category. At the present time, donations to Help for Heroes on the team s justgiving website have passed the 1400 mark. The donation page will be left open until August in case anyone would like to make a donation to Help for Heroes go to Flt Lt Blackburn would like to thank all those that sponsored the team and made the drudge of the training worthwhile. The photograph is of Flt Lt Blackburn just before he crossed the finishing line for those interested, no it wasn t a sprint finish!

20 P AGE 20 T HE M E R C U R Y Wells move out, and then in! The beginning of May saw 1955 (City of Wells) Squadron move out of their home whilst their new cadet centre is being built have been on the site for over 40 years, so the old buildings held a lot of memories (and junk!). WWO Gary Tonks, who works at the Wells Cathedral School stepped in to help the squadron when the proposed temporary home in Wells fell through. He proposed a solution where we used some of the facilities the CCF have at the school whilst we were off site. A really good solution came out of it; so many thanks are owed to Mr Tonks (also the Bursar, head teacher and the CCF staff at the school). We started parading at the school in mid April, and finally moved out of the old buildings, as mentioned, at the beginning of May. Things are going really well, and we have even had several new recruits since the move! Rank Swap evening at 13 (City of Exeter) Sqn Recently cadets, NCO s and staff participated in an evening of drill, inspection and PLT s with a new team of NCO s and officers. Following a charity raffle of ranks to raise money for Comic Relief, the CO, myself, other commissioned staff and a variety of NCO s were demoted whilst cadets got immense pleasure in being promoted to staff and NCO ranks. Unsurprising amounts of banter and practical jokes were quick to follow with the CO and I soon finding ourselves being shouted at and marched around the parade square as punishment. The cadets thoroughly enjoyed their new positions of authority, and I m sure even the staff liked the change from normal sqn duties. CWO Tom Hunt

21 J U N E /JU L Y 2011 P AGE 21 Athletics 2011 In early the May the Wing gathered for its annual athletics meet at the Exeter Arena. The weather was kind with just the odd shower handily around lunch time but this did dampen the competitive edge amongst the Cadets or their Squadrons. Well done to everyone who took part below are the results from this years event. PETER HARDING CHALLENGE CUP - BOYS CLASS A 1ST 1064 HONITON SQN - 52 POINTS 2ND 2381 ILMINSTER SQN - 39 POINTS BULLELD CHALLENGE CUP - YOUTHS CLASS B 1ST 41F TAUNTON SQN - 44 POINTS 2ND 299 EXMOUTH SQN - 32 POINTS GREENSLADE CHALLENGE CUP M- JUNIOR BOYS CLASS C 1ST 41F TAUNTON SQN - 52 POINTS 2ND 1064 HONITON SQN - 43 POINTS THE PAULL TROPHY - JUNIOR GIRLS CLASS D 1ST 1182 SHEPTON MALLET SQN - 45 POINTS 2ND 41F TAUNTON SQN- 36 POINTS THE WILLS-POPE CHALLENGE CUP - SENIOR GIRLS CLASS E 1ST 41F TAUNTON SQN - 44POINTS =1ST 914 GLASTONBURY & STREET SQN - 44POINTS 2ND 299 EXMOUTH SQN - 32 POINTS THE WING SHIELD - OVERALL WINNING SQN 1ST 41F TAUNTON SQN POINTS 2ND 1064 HONITON SQN POINTS SECTOR TROPHY 1ST SECTOR 5 2ND SECTOR 2

22 PAGE 22 THE MERCURY Ten tors 2011 Once again the Wing had another successful year at Ten Tors with all our teams crossing the line with the same number of cadets they started with. Below is a selection of pictures from the weekend. Well done to everyone involved.

23 J U N E /JU L Y 2011 P AGE 23 DEVON COUNTY SHOW 2011 Once again the Wing attended the three day Devon County Show at Westpoint just outside of Exeter. Taking with us the Wing Marquee, Regional Media Caravan and also the Regional climbing wall. The climbing wall and also the flight simulator proved a big hit with the crowds, with the wall especially keeping Flt Lt Dunn and WO Collman very busy on the Saturday. The idea of attending was to show off what the cadets has to offer both the young and not so young. With a selection of detail being taken and plenty of literature and stickers handed out, its hoped we will gain a few new recruits. Celebrating 70 years of air cadets On Thursday 26th May 2011 Wing Commander Brian Willis-Pope and Flying Officer Chris Trengove attended the Houses of Parliament to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Air Training Corps. ACO members, The Right Honourable Liam Fox Secretary of State for Defence, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Commodore Barbara Cooper, Commandant Air Cadets and supporters of the ACO as well as Cadets from both London and Middlesex Wings gathered in celebrating the 70th Anniversary of the Air Training Corps at a dinner held at The Houses of Parliament. A letter from the Prime Minister, David Cameron was read out to the gathered audience. The letter congratulated the ACO for reaching a momentous point in our history, wishing all of us and our Organisation all the best for the future. An after dinner speech from the Chief of the Air Staff commented that he was humbled to see that the ACO has not lost touch with it roots; the cadets, which was demonstrated by having them in attendance. After dinner there was a guided tour of The Houses of Parliament and even the chance for guests to see inside the House of Commons and House of Lords.

24 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY JUNE 2011 THE DEVON AND SOMERSET MERCURY IS PRODUCED BY THE MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS TEAM FOR DEVON AND SOMERSET WING AIR TRAINING CORPS. 26TH 70TH ANNIVERSARY PARADE AT TAUNTON. 30TH PRESENTATION EVENING BLUNDELLS SCHOOL TIVERTON JULY 2011 YOU CAN SEND YOUR ARTICLES TO US VIA; DEVON AND SOMERSET WING ATC WYVERN BARRACKS BARRACK ROAD 7TH PRESENTATION EVENING AT KINGS SCHOOL TAUNTON 15TH TO 23RD NIJMEGEN MARCH EXETER DEVON EX2 6AR 16TH TO 23RD WINDERMERE CAMP E MAIL 16TH WING DINNER AT TIVERTON media.devonsomerset@aircadets.org PHONE THE DEADLINE FOR THE NEXT EDITION WILL BE SUNDAY 31 JULY 2011 Devon & Somerset Air Training Corps would like to thank Thales UK for their support 30TH AIRBORNE MARCH TRAINING AND SELECTION DAY RMB NORTON MANOR AUGUST TH AIRBORNE MARCH TRAINING AND SELECTION DAY RMB NORTON MANOR