S&NI Region News

2013 Issue 10

Newsletter DateDec 2013In this Issue:

1. CommandantsChristmas Message

2. Banchory into Shooting3. Drill success for NE Scot5. End of an Era at 2876. Cumbernaulds new

wheels7. New role for RC(N)8. Santa brings RAF new

Toys!!

Over the last 12 months, we have had an array ofsuccesses across the Region - too many to

mention in this message. Also, we have seen significantprogress on a range of projects which includes theformation and build of a new integrated WgHQ/RAC/accommodation block at RAF Lossiemouth.

Also, we were very privileged to have our ACOAmbassador, Gp Capt Sir Chris Hoy, attend our RegionField Day in Sep where he got a great appreciation ofthe activities we undertake along with the high calibre ofour cadets and CFAVs.

Overall, the Region has had a most successful year and thank you all for the support,influence and energy.

My very best wishes to you and your families over the festive season.

Jim LeggatRgnl Comdt

REGIONAL COMMANDANTS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

For only the seventh time in history nonmembers of the House of Lords held a debate

in the Lords Chamber. Cadets from Scotland &Northern Ireland Region were among theparticipants in the debate.

Cadets from 432 (Elgin) 869 (Penicuik) and 2180(Galashiels) Squadrons travelled to London totake part in the debate which was held on 29November 2013 The tri-service event, organisedby the Royal British Legion and English SpeakingUnion, was to debate the legacy of World War 1 -"The Great War: Listening to the Past; Talking tothe Future.

House of Lords Debate

For the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme (Flyingscholarships).....SNI Region will complete the

paper board of applicants in Jan 14.....although youcan apply at anytime...the majority of places areworked out for the year during Jan, as per theACTO.

Get your applications in to your Wg HQs ASAP!!speak to your staff.

FLYING SCHOLARSHIPS 2014Congratulations to all the cadets of 870 and 2466 who took part in the

First ClassGraduationWeekend and havenow officiallycompleted their firstclass training.

Thanks also go to allthe cadet and adultinstructors! Welldone again and goodluck moving onto theLeadingClassification!

27 New First Class Cadets

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This time last year I wrote myfirst Christmas message tothe ACO when I had only

been in post a few months. Thistime, I have been in command forthe entire year so I know evenmore about the amazing thingscadets, volunteers and staff haveachieved.

It has been an incredibly busyyear and there have been somesignificant highs as well as a fewvery sad lows. I take this momentto remember members of the ACOwho lost their lives this year and tosay that our thoughts and prayerscontinue to be with their lovedones. We will remember them.

Turning to more positive memories of 2013, I could write pages andpages about the many achievements our cadets have enjoyed,supported as always by the incredible team of adult volunteers andpermanent staff who make the cadet experience possible. If I namedsome events and not others, I would be bound to upset someone so,instead, I will simply say that I am incredibly grateful to everyone whohas worked so hard this year to ensure that our cadets continue to beseen as world class young people who are an inspiration to others. Ourvolunteers, too, are the envy of many other voluntary organisations andI pay tribute to their talent and their dedication - we simply could notexist without them.

On the strategic front, we have made some real progress and I amlooking forward to taking forward some big projects in 2014, all aimedat enhancing the cadet and volunteer experience, as well as supportingour small team of permanent staff as best we can. The establishmentof our first ever Duty Holder Gliding and the rebirth of No 2 FTS as thehome for all cadet gliding activity is a very exciting development andwe will keep you updated as plans evolve.

Father Christmas has come early this year and, whilst I can't go intodetails here, I can advise that we have some significant donations fromthe RAF Charitable Trust and the RAF Waddington Air Show which weintend to invest in supporting the delivery of cadet gliding and flying.The VGSs will see some significant investment and I hope to announcedetails in the New Year.

I, for one, am looking forward to some family time over the Christmasand New Year period and I hope that many of you will find time to relaxand enjoy the festive season. It goes without saying that I amthoroughly enjoying my role as your Commandant and I look forwardto another full and exciting year of cadet activity and achievement. I willtry to visit as many of you as possible but if we don't get to meet inperson, you can always connect via social media and let me know whatyou are doing out there in cadet land.

I wish every member of the Air Cadet Organisation all you would wishfor yourselves and your loved ones at Christmas and in 2014.

Dawn McCaffertyAir Cdre

Christmas Message from the CommandantAfter close to eight months in the role of Honorary

Ambassador for the Air Cadet Organisation,Group Captain VR(T) Sir Chris Hoy has sent thefollowing Christmas message to cadets andvolunteers.

“As air cadets andvolunteerseverywhere lookforward to the festiveseason, I want totake this opportunityto send you mypersonal best wishesfor a very enjoyableChristmas. Per Adua Ad Astra!”

Group Captain Sir Chris Hoy

379 (County of Ross) Squadron's recent visit to theScottish Air Ambulance service based at DalcrossAirport, Inverness.

A very interesting and informative evening was hadby all who went on the visit.

Air Ambulance Visit

Regional Activity CentreVHF Radio Course Jan 14

The Regional Communications Officer will berunning the above course in the new year. This isan entry level course and a prerequisite for fur-ther RAC Radio training courses in 2014, leadingto the award of the Communicator Badge.

This course is only open to cadets who haveachieved Leading Cadet classification.

See you staff for details, as applications are onBader!

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The third issue of the Royal Aeronautical Society’s FREEin-house aerospace and aviation careers magazine,

Career Flightpath, is now available covering a wide range offeatures, ranging from entry routes into aerospace andaviation career pathways – including university study andapprenticeships - as well as career development advice suchas how to make the most of networking opportunities andgraduate/internship recruitment tips.

There are also features ontechnology and the outlookfor UK aerospace andaviation with specialfocuses on UAVs and theUK space industry. We alsohave interviews withinspirational individuals ontheir aerospace journeyincluding:

UK astronaut-in-training,Tim Peake Gautam Lewis ofFreedom in the Air who isopening up access to flyingfor disabled people James Smart, Head of Flight Crew Training, Flybe Dawn Elson, Head of Engineering at London Gatwick Airport

… as well as interviews and case studies of early careerprofessionals from Marshall Aerospace and Defence Group;Eastern Airways, Rolls-Royce and Newcastle Collegegraduates now working for Ryanairand Monarch AircraftEngineering Ltd - offering you a fantastic insight into a widerange of flying and engineering career opportunities.

We are very grateful to the following advertisers for theirsupport to the third edition:

CTC Wings; Safran Group; Raytheon UK; Bucks NewUniversity; Cranfield University; University of Manchester; MScAerospace Bursary Scheme.

You can download the magazine at the link below, or, for yourFREE printed copy please email your name and postaladdress to: careers@aerosociety.com

We are also able to offer schools, colleges and universities aswell as youth groups such as air cadet groups andengineering/STEM clubs additional free copies, subject toavailability. Please use the above email address for furtherenquiries.

Download a copy from here:

http://media.aerosociety.com/news/2013/11/28/brand-new-issue-3-of-career-flightpath-magazine-out-now/9947/

Career Flightpath Magazine Airbus - Apprenticeships in the UKWe offer highly sought-after apprenticeship programmes at

both our UK sites, Filton (Bristol) and Broughton (NorthWales). All our programmes last three years and combinecollege or university studies with practical training.

Together these programmes provide a clear route forprogression and applicants can choose between different entryoptions according to their level of educational achievement andabilities.

THE APPLICATION PROCESS FOR OUR 2014APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMME IS OPEN.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CLOSING DATES FORAPPLICATIONS ARE 14TH FEBRUARY 2014 FOR CRAFTAND 31ST MARCH 2014 FOR THE HIGHER AND‘UNDERGRADUATE’ APPRENTICESHIPS.

More Info here ::http://www.airbus.com/work/early-careers/apprenticeships/apprenticeships-in-the-uk/

The Squadron reintroduced shooting back into the mix today,with eight cadets firing the No.8 and Anschutz rifle on our

15m tube range. The Cadets passed their Weapon HandlingTests on Saturday to allow them to fire the rifles. Today's rangewas used as a familiarisation session, and was extremelysuccessful in that aim.

After gaining his Range Conducting Officer certificate earlierthis year, Fg Off Andy Miller - OC Squadron - ran the range withthe assistance of WO (ATC) Rob Bruce.

This marks the beginning of regular shooting for the Cadets,and will hopefully lead us to gaining badges, qualifications, andmedals!

Pictured: some of the cadets and staff at the range day.

Banchory back into shooting!

A successful night took place on 12 Nov with the formal opening of the Blairgowrie Combined Cadet Centre by the Lord-Lieutenant of Perth and Kinross, Brigadier Mel Jameson. The new building replaces the former Victorian militia drill hall that inrecent years had been home to the Blairgowrie Detachment of Korea Company, Black Watch Bn ACF and 2519 (Strathmore)Squadron of the ATC. The cadets from both units provided a guard of honour which was inspected by the Lord-Lieutenant,accompanied by his two Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadets, FS Jillian Reid and Sgt Megan Campbell, both from Blairgowrie.

STRATHMORE GETS A NEW HOME

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Congratulations to Banchory squadron on coming 2nd in the corps drill competition and toBridge of don squadron on coming 3rd in the corps banner drill competition. Both units come

from North East Scotland Wing.

Both competitions were held on Saturday 23 November at RAF Halton.

The regional commandant, Group Captain Leggat said "This is an excellent result for the region,and I would like to congratulate the units on their success."

Pictured(right & below): Drill judges and North East Scotland Wing Teams participating in theCorps Drill Competition at RAF Halton.Pictured(bottom): Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, joins the NorthEast Scotland Wing Drill and Banner teams after the 2013 ACO drill championships at RAF Halton.

DRILL SUCCESS FOR NORTH EAST SCOTLAND WING

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End of an Era at 287 SquadronIt was an emotional Halloween for

the Cadets and staff of 287 (4thEdinburgh) Squadron as theirCommanding Officer stood down.

With 42 years uniformed serviceunder his belt, Flight Lieutenant TomGray is undoubtedly one of thelongest serving officers in both SouthEast Scotland Wing and Scotland &Northern Ireland Region, if not theentire Corps. He joined the now sadly disbanded 1141 (6th Edinburgh)Squadron at the age of 13, and rose to the giddy heights of Cadet WarrantOfficer. Upon aging out as a Cadet, he remained with 1141 Squadron. He wascommissioned in 1971 and remained with his original Squadron for over 30years; with several years at the helm.

After a brief spell in command at 870 (Dreghorn) Squadron, Flt Lt Grayassumed command of 287 Squadron in 2009, where he was tasked withturning around the Squadron’s fortunes. When he first arrived, 287 had lessthan 10 Cadets and no staff at all. Five years later, the Squadron canlegitimately claim to be one of the largest and most active in South EastScotland Wing with almost 30 Cadets and a dedicated team of 10 staffmembers. This turnaround alone is testament to Flt Lt Gray’s hard work anddedication to the Corps.

In recognition of his services to the both 287 Squadron and the Corps as awhole, Flt Lt Gray was preFlt Lt Gray with his gifts from the Squadron.sentedwith a plethora of gifts from the Squadron, including a framed Squadron photoand a commemorative quaich.

Present to witness the end of an era were Flt LtGray’s wife Carolyn, his daughters Katie and Aileen,and his sister Mary, who served as treasurer at theold 1141 Squadron for many years. All of them werealso presented with flowers as a thank you for theirsupport for Flt Lt Gray- and by default the Corps-over the years.

Flt Lt Gray originally planned to retire from uniformedservice completely, but it was recognised howvaluable an asset he can be to the Wing and theCorps. As such, OC South East Scotland Wing,Wing Commander Colin McCrae, managed toconvince him to remain in uniform. He now assumesthe

position of Flying and GlidingLiason Officer (FGLO) for SouthEast Scotland Wing. We wish himall the best in his new role and trusthe won’t be a stranger to theSquadron.

Flt Lt Raymond Smart nowassumes command of 287Squadron, a position he heldpreviously from 1999-2008.

Looking for an unusual but great valueChristmas present for an aviation mad

youngster aged 13-17 years old...then a rafaYOUTH Gift Membership may be JUST whatyou are looking for........

rafa YOUTH is open to all young people aged13-17 who are currently members of the AirCadet Organisation, Girls Venture Corps AirCadets or Air Scout/Air Explorer Scouts.

A Gift Membership costs just £10 for 12months and the rafa YOUTH member willreceive an online membership card, access tohigh street discounts and offers, opportunitiesto volunteer and support the Charity and afree new design rafa YOUTH wristband. But itgets EVEN better – all rafa YOUTH memberswill be able to enter monthly free prize drawsto win amazing prizes which include civilianflying lessons, one-day mini gliding courses,microlight flying, VIP days with the Royal AirForce Aerobatic Team (Red Arrows) and theBattle of Britain Memorial Flight, Experiencedays with the Royal Air Force and BAESystems, tandem sky-diving experiences ortickets for up to 10 people to spend a wholeday paintballing at a local Delta ForceEntertainment Centre…

To purchase a Gift Membership pleasecontact the Association on 0116 266 5224 andselect Option 4 for the Finance Team. Pay bydebit/credit card or Paypal and by return you'llreceive an e-mail containing a voucher code.The 13-17 year old who receives a giftmembership voucher code then just signs upat www.rafayouth.org.uk

RAFA Youth Scheme

Cadets from 107 Squadron attended theSquirrel Woodland Conservation Day atHazlehead Park organised by theCountryside Ranger Service.

They helped in the removal of Spruce tree saplings from a 2” high upwards toencourage the regeneration of the Scots pine. The Scots pine seedlings arethe favourite food of the Red squirrels and this exercise will help to increasetheir numbers in the area in future.

This activity will count towards both the John Muir Trust and Saltire Awards forthe cadets that attended.

Woodland Conservation Day

That’s all for this Regional Newsletter. If you have any articles that you would like published in the nextedition, then send them to Regional HQ for the attention of Sqn Ldr John Walker RAFVR(T).

We always try to publish a regular newsletter. Cadet reporters from all wings welcome.

You can also submit news and photos to the following e-mail address media.sni@aircadets.org .

E-Mail - Text in either Word document or plain text files. Photo’s, preferably jpg or png formats (files nogreater than 2.5 Mb in Size please) and use E-Mail heading “Regional Newsletter Article” so that it isobvious as to the content.

In between issues of the Regional Newsletter, why not keep up to date by logging on to the Regionalweb site, http://www.aircadets-sni.org.uk of follow us on Facebook

Indeed we have a number of people who can submit news items directly onto the Regional Website (bothstaff and cadets). If you are involved in your squadron or Wing in newsletter creation or media commsand would like to become a cadet reporter for your wing, please get your squadron commander to dropan e-mail to media.sni@aircadets.org with your relevant details.

Note from the Editor

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2496 Cadets and Staff with Air Marshall Sir Kevin Leesonat the recent handing over of the Sqn's brand-new

14-seat minibus (Official Photo: Kimberly MilnePhotography.)

Cumbernauld get new wheels New Role for Group Captain MiddletonGroup Captain Middleton

(RC North) has beenappointed OC No 2 FlyingTraining School and GlidingDelivery Duty Holder and willmanage Gliding in the ACO.

On the second day of Christmas the RAF gave to me... TwoVoyagers at RAF Brize Norton.

The new, exciting RAF Voyager is a modern, fully-equippedpassenger aircraft that can carry cargo in its lower decks. It willprovide Britain with strategic transport, Air-to-Air refuelling andairborne medical evacuation capabilities for the next 25 years. (Image by Steve Lympany )

SEE WHAT SANTA BROUGHT THE RAF……

There continues to be examples of inappropriate andunacceptable ‘Postings' on Internet web sites (Facebook,

Bebo, ACC Etc) that are not only libellous but can causeenormous personal offence and stress.

This standard of behaviour has no place in the Air CadetOrganization and any member of staff, or any cadet, whouses the internet or any other medium in an inappropriate orunacceptable manner, will face dismissal from the Corps.

Further, they may leave themselves open, under civil law, forlibel, which can carry very heavy financial penalties.

PUBLISHING (OR POSTING) ON THE INTERNET