1982 (Huyton) Squadron Newsletter

82

Issue 3 - December 2012

Find out what’s happening at 1982 (Huyton) Squadron in our quarterly newsletter

1982 (Huyton) Squadron McCarthy House

The Park / Rydal Road Huyton

Liverpool

www.1982.org.uk

Nineteen

We Will Remember Them

www.1982.org.uk


Remembrance Sunday

On Sunday 11th November, 48 uniformed cadets and staff from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron and

1438 (Prescot) Squadron Air Cadets, gathered at Prescot Parish Church to mark

Remembrance Sunday.

Assembling at Prescot School on Maryville Road the

cadets along with the Territorial Army and their

counterparts from the Sea Cadet Corps and Army

Cadet Force paraded to Prescot Parish Church where

the Remembrance Service and 2 minute silence was

held.

The wreath for the Air Training Corps was laid by

Officer Commanding Merseyside Wing, Wing

Commander Les Keane on behalf of Merseyside

Wing.

Corporal Jack Lynch, 16yrs, also took part in the

service after being picked to recite the act of

remembrance to the congregation.

Officer Commanding 1982 (Huyton) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose, commented “I

was so very proud to lead the Air Cadet contingent during the parade, the cadets turnout was

of a very high standard and they represented both their squadrons and the Air Cadet

Organisations as a whole in a very smart and professional manner, I commend them all for

their efforts”.

www.1982.org.uk


Cadets Complete Tower Run For Cystic Fibrosis On Sunday the 28th October cadets and staff from

1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets, converged on

Beetham Tower in Manchester to assist with and take

part in the Cystic Fibrosis Trust Tower Run.

The run itself took place in the stairwell of the tower

and challenged participants to a gruelling timed run

from the ground floor up to the 48th floor, with quickest

time being just less than 5 minutes and the slowest

time just over 20 minutes.

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust is the UK’s only national

charity dealing with all aspects of Cystic Fibrosis

(CF). It funds research to treat and cure CF and aims

to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for

people with Cystic Fibrosis.

During the day Huyton Squadron was also approached

by Lee Riley, a former Royal Marine and world-class all

-round athlete, who completed the run carrying a 40lb

pack, he asked if one of 1982’s cadets could run with

him to carry his camera and record his efforts. This task was undertaken by Cadet Warrant Officer

Ashley Stott (19yrs) who as the Air Training Corps Male Sports Cadets of the Year for 2011 was more

than capable of completing the task.

Civilian Instructor Greg Jennings commented “Having worked with the CF Trust before the cadets and

staff were more than happy to accept the challenge to raise funds for such a worthy cause,

congratulation to all who took part including our Civilian Committee Chairman Mr John Sharkey, who

completed the run in a very respectable time!”

Cadets Collect for the Wings Appeal

Cadets from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets, made the most of the great weather

last weekend as they went out in force collecting for the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA) Wings

Appeal in Huyton Town Centre.

Each year the cadets proudly support the RAF Association who is committed to supporting the RAF

Family, whether currently serving, or former-serving, in a wide range of ways, delivering help and

support where it is needed.

Squadron Warrant Officer, Edd Vose commented “The cadets are always very enthusiastic when it

comes to fundraising, we are very proud of all the effort they have put into raising funds for such a great

cause.”

www.1982.org.uk


Nesscliff Field Training Camp

A contingent of cadets and staff from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron have spent the past week at Nesscliff

Training Camp in Shropshire, taking part in the Merseyside Wing Field Training Camp.

This year Huyton squadron sent 11 cadets

along with Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose,

who took on the role of Camp Training

Officer, Flying Officer Neil Osborne, who

ran the Climbing Wall as well as Pilot

Officer Ian Raynor, Warrant Officer Edd

Vose, Civilian Instructor’s Greg Jennings

and Tim Pottle and Cadet Warrant Ashley

Stott who ran the Day Exercise.

The camp which is held each year saw cadets and staff from squadrons around Merseyside Wing come

together to participate in a vast range of activities including Full & Small Bore Shooting, Climbing, Blow

Karting, Day Exercise, Radio Exercise, Clay Shooting and Initiative Exercises to name but a few.

During the camp the cadets where split into 4 Squadrons of 2 Flights each, these flights were then

scored for each activity they took part in, gaining the bulk of the points for their effort and gaining bonus

points for exceptional performance or skill shown during the activities.

Congratulations to Cadet Emily Ballard, 14

yrs. for receiving ‘Best Cadet in Flight’,

Congratulations also go to 4 Squadron, A

Flight and Flight Commander, Flight

Lieutenant Louie Hall of 1913 (Knotty Ash)

Squadron on winning the ‘Best Flight’

competition.

Civilian Instructor Greg Jennings

commented “Yet again it was a fantastic

week away for Huyton Squadron, with such a varied amount of activities, both the cadets and staff

thoroughly enjoyed the experience, we can’t wait for next year’s camp!”

Special thanks go to Squadron Leader France and all the Directing Staff for making the week so

enjoyable.

www.1982.org.uk


NCO Skills Course

Over the weekend commencing 21st September, seven cadet Non-Commissioned Officers from 1982

(Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets took part in a squadron run NCO Development Course, held in

Abersoch, Wales.

The course focused on developing the basic skills the

NCO’s require to perform their day to day tasks, such as

Leadership, Communication Skills, Drill and Discipline,

the course also gave the staff the chance to inform the

NCO’s of changes in Dress Regulations, Drill &

Ceremonial and general squadron procedures that have

changed recently, as well as answering any questions the

NCO’s may have had.

Over the two days the NCO’s had the opportunity to take part in various communication scenarios;

simulating different situations they may have to deal with, group presentations & debates and also

leadership exercises, allowing them to practise their briefing, organisation and team management skills.

Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose, Officer Commanding 1982 (Huyton) Squadron commented, “The aim of

this course was to reinforce the standards currently in place on the squadron and to provide a more

stable base from which the NCO’s can develop and grow, both as a team and as individuals, I have no

doubt that the NCOs will return to the squadron with greater knowledge and put into effect all they have

learnt, well done to you all.”

Promotion to the Top

Ashley Stott (19Yrs) from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron ATC, has recently been promoted to the dizzying

heights of Cadet Warrant Officer, after five years of hard work and dedication to the squadron.

Ashley, who has had a long and distinguished career in the Air Training Corps, has taken part in many

activities including, flying, gliding, shooting, summer camps at RAF stations, fundraising and most

notably sport, after being awarded the Air Training Corps Male Sports Cadet of the Year for 2011.

Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose, Officer Commanding 1982 (Huyton) Squadron commented, “Cadet

Warrant Officer Stott has worked tirelessly as the Senior Cadet NCO on squadron, it seems only fair

that he be promoted to the highest cadet rank the ATC has to offer, a rank very few cadets will ever

achieve, congratulations!”

Cadet Warrant Officer Stott Commented, “I am looking forward to the responsibilities and challenges

that my new rank will bring.”

Ashley is currently working towards completing his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award and continues to

take part in all squadron events, working with the staff in a junior management role, developing and

training the cadets.

www.1982.org.uk

Word Search—Air Cadet Activities

Can you find them all?


New Appointment for Huyton Air Cadets

Cadets and staff from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets are please to congratulate Pilot

Officer Ian Raynor RAF VR(T) on his appointment to the rank of Pilot Officer, following the

successful completion of his Officers Initial Course

held at RAF College Cranwell, Lincolnshire.

The week long course, aimed at preparing newly

appointed officers to the RAF VR(T) to carry out

their roles effectively, provides instruction on

Officer Qualities, Leadership, Health and

Safety and Welfare Matters to name but a few.

Following the course a small graduation ceremony

takes place in the RAF College Hall where the

newly appointed Pilot Officers are presented their commissioning scrolls by Group Captain J

Lawlor, Chief of Staff, Air Cadets.

Pilot Officer Raynor commented, “It was a tough week, but thanks to the skilled instruction

given by the staff at the Adult Training Facility, it was an enjoyable one.” further adding “It was

made even more enjoyable thanks to a lone Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

which practiced a display of impressive rolls and graceful turns over Collage Hall, it was an

awe inspiring sight at such a historical location, a memorable end to a fantastic week!”

Pilot Officer Raynor will continue to serve as the Squadron Training Officer, responsible for all

aspects of cadet training.

www.1982.org.uk


The final and most coveted award to be given out during the evening was the Best Overall Cadet Plate; this is awarded to the cadet who has impressed the staff with their commitment and determination during the previous year, this was awarded to Cadet Sophie Grimes, 17 yrs.

To conclude the evening, Officer Commanding 1982 (Huyton) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose announced some well-deserved promotions amongst the ranks, these included:-

From the rank of Cadet to Corporal:-

Corporal Craig Brothwood

Corporal Sophie Grimes

Corporal Lauren Igglesden

Corporal Holly Ryan

From the rank of Corporal to Sergeant:-

Sergeant Jack Lynch

Sergeant Declan Knowles

Sergeant Liam Mellor

From the rank of Sergeant to Flight Sergeant:-

Flight Sergeant Scott Gibson

Flight Sergeant Laura Brothwood

Flight Sergeant Tom Horwood

Flight Lieutenant Sarah Vose commented on the evenings proceedings, “Both the cadets and staff look forward to this evening each year and each year nominating cadets for the awards never gets any easier, there is always so many deserving cadets.” She continued “I congratulate all of the cadets on their hardwork and commitment to the squadron over the past year and urge them all to carry on and make 2013 our year.”

www.1982.org.uk


Awards Night 2012

Friday 14th December saw the most anticipated event in 1982 (Huyton) Squadron’s Calendar,

the squadron annual awards evening.

This year as per previous years the presentation was held at St Gabriel’s Church in Huyton, with kind permission of Reverend Malcolm Rogers, Squadron Padre.

The evening began with a video presentation of events from the past year and an enrolment ceremony in which the new cadets that had joined and completed their first class cadet training over the previous year were formally enrolled into the squadron.

This was followed by the presentation of certificates to all cadets in attendance,

acknowledging their personal achievements over the year.

After a short comfort break the cadets and guests were all seated for the most awaited part of the evening, the awards.

Each award and potential nominees were thoroughly deliberated between the staff, this proved to be very challenging as each award was hotly contested by all the cadets. The awards and winning cadets were as follows:-

The Rotary Club Trophy for Best Recruit - Cadet Abagael Vose

The RAFA Aero modelling Shield - Corporal Karl Rio

Frank Peakin Award for Shooting - Corporal Jack Lynch

M.R.S. Trophy for Sports Cadet of the Year - Warrant Officer Ashley Stott

The Civilian Committee Award - Sergeant Tom Horwood

Warrant Officer Award for Discipline - Cadet Craig Brothwood

Prescott Memorial Trophy for Best NCO - Corporal Jack Lynch

The President’s Trophy for Runner up Best Cadet - Cadet Lauren Igglesden

The Michael Trophy for Service and Commitment - Cadet Ryan Taylor-Smith

Jock Coates Memorial RAFA Wings Collection - Cadet Holly Ryan

The McQueen Shield Inter-Flight Competition Winner - A Flight

Leading Cadet Trophy for Best Results - Corporal Aron Stott

Senior Cadet Trophy for Best Results - Sergeant Laura Brothwood

Master Air Cadet Trophy for Best Results - Sergeant Scott Gibson

www.1982.org.uk


Senior Non-Commissioned Officer Appointed

Staff and cadets of 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets would

like to congratulate Greg Jennings on his appointment to the

rank of Sergeant (ATC).

Greg started his cadet career on the 9th October 2006 when

he joined 2359 (Woolton) Squadron at the age of 14, he

quickly passed his First Class Cadet training just less than a

month later and moved on to complete both his Leading and

Senior Cadet training within the next 18 months and his Staff

Cadet Classification, now called Cadet Method of Instruction,

less than 8 months later.

Alongside this he also progressed through the ranks, achieving Corporal a year after joining

and Sergeant 6 months after that, it was a further year before Greg was promoted to Flight

Sergeant and finally Cadet Warrant Officer.

During this time he took part in the vast amount of activities and courses the Air Cadets had to

offer, some of which included, working his way through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Scheme, becoming a Flight Staff Cadet at 10 Air Experience Flight and representing the

squadron at not just Wing and Region competitions but also Corps and National levels for

Banner Drill and First Aid respectively.

Greg transferred to 1982 (Huyton) Squadron in December 2011, 3 weeks before ageing out as

a cadet and making the transition to adult staff as a Civilian Instructor.

At present Sergeant Jennings looks after Recruit Training, Uniform & Supply and Media

Communications on the squadron, as well as assisting the Squadron Warrant Officer with all

aspects of Drill, Dress and Discipline.

www.1982.org.uk


Annual Dining In - 70th Anniversary

Saturday 17th November marked the

formal celebration of 70 years of 1982

(Huyton) Squadron, as cadets, staff and

dignified guests gathered at the Huyton

Suite in Huyton Village, for a formal

evening of dining and celebration to

mark this prestigious milestone.

The event, which was organised by the

President of the Mess Committee and the Civilian Committee, was the perfect opportunity for

the cadets to experience a Mess Dinner and let their hair down following such an eventful year.

After the meal there were speeches from

Officer Commanding 1982 (Huyton)

Squadron, emphasising both the hardship

and the success the squadron has endured

throughout the year, before introducing our

Guest of Honour and Ex cadet, Master

Aircrew Charles McHugh who talked about

his life in the Royal Air Force and how the

Air Cadet Organisation helped shape such a

successful career.

To close the evening the Squadrons Wing Staff Officer, Squadron Leader Claire Sarsfield

made the toast to absent friends before the

cadets and staff were treated to a post

dinner disco, courtesy of Ex Cadet Tom

O’Sullivan.

President of the Mess Committee, Pilot

Officer Ian Raynor, Commented “The

evening was very successful indeed, all of

the cadets, staff and guests had a great time

and cannot wait for next year!”

www.1982.org.uk


Festive Fundraiser

Cadet and staff from 1982 (Huyton) Squadron Air Cadets, have been helping out at the St Gabriel’s

Church Christmas Fundraiser, with the squadron providing yet another fantastic Christmas Grotto and

Santa for the children (and adults!) of

Huyton and the surrounding areas to

visit!

Alongside the Grotto there was also

some other stalls staffed by Huyton

Squadron, including a raffle stall offering

some great prizes, such as a Free

Beauty Treatment at a local salon,

numerous gift packs and jewellery.

The Squadron also provided a “paint your own picture frame” stall so that all the children who visited

Santa could decorate a photo frame to proudly display the photos of them with Santa.

Each year Huyton Squadron supports

St Gabriel’s Church with their

fundraising efforts and each year we

aim to make it even bigger and better

than the last.

Squadron Warrant Officer, Edd Vose,

commented “It’s always a pleasure to

help St Gabriel’s Church with their

fundraising efforts; the cadets worked

very hard and as always represented

the Air Cadet Organisation and the RAF very professionally, I would also like to thank the volunteers at

St Gabriel’s for the fantastic Christmas Dinner the cadets and staff were provided with after the event, it

was enjoyed by all!”

www.1982.org.uk

Air Cadets Take-off with RAFA Wings Lotto – Now You Can Enter…

Now, for the first time ever, members and supporters of the ACO over the age

of 16 are able to enter the Lotto, with ten percent of the money from each ticket

purchased going to a squadron of each player’s choice.

And the good news is it couldn’t be easier to enter…

RAFA have kindly created a dedicated easy to use Air Cadet Webpage, allow-

ing members and supporters to sign-up. A box to enter the squadron of your

choice is included on the web page, which ensures your chosen unit will benefit.

To visit the page and sign-up to the Lotto, which will allow you to play for prizes

up-to £1,000 per week and possible rollover prizes of up-to £10,000, please visit

the following Air Cadet sign-up page:

https://www.securecollections.com/dd/rafa/details.asp?cadet=y

Or search the web for “Air Cadets Wings Lotto” and support ACO Squadron

1982 HUYTON

https://www.securecollections.com/dd/rafa/details.asp?cadet=y

Documents

1982 (Huyton) Squadron Newsletter