Latest News
Cadets Take to the Skies
On Saturday, a group of Cadets from 104 Squadron travelled to RAF Wyton near St Ives to experience the joys of flying.
No 5 Air Experience Flight flies cadets from all over the south east of England in its Grob 115 Tutor aircraft that are shared with the University Air Squadron.
The Grob Tutor is a two-seat, fully-aerobatic light aircraft that is also used by the RAF to provide new pilots with their Elementary Flying Training. The Cadets, aged 13 to 19 are flown by highly experienced retired or currently serving RAF pilots who love to pass on their love of flying to their young passengers.
Those Cadets who have flown before are given the opportunity to take the controls themselves under guidance from the pilot or they may have their stomachs turned by some aerobatic manoeuvres such as loops, rolls or stall turns.
104 Squadron?s Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Richard Slack said of the flying ?This is one of the things that really sets the Air Cadet Organisation apart from all other youth organisations. How many teenagers can go to work on a Monday and tell their mates that they were doing aerobatics at the weekend??
?You only have to look at the cadets? faces when they climb out of the cockpit to know just how worthwhile this experience is. For those with aspirations to pursue flying careers, being Air Cadets takes them a step closer to that dream.?
The Air Training Corps is open to all young people from 13 to 16 year of age. If you want to find out more go to www.aircadets.org.
Air Cadets Celebrate 70 Years
Air Cadets from Cambridge, Newmarket, Sawston, Ely, Linton, Haverhill and Oakington combined to parade through Newmarket
Air Cadets from Cambridge, Newmarket, Sawston, Ely, Linton, Haverhill and Oakington combined to parade through Newmarket Town Centre to commemorate the 70th Annivertary of the Air Training Corps.
The parade was led by a section of the band of 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron and consisted of more than 100 cadets and staff from the seven local Squadrons. Marching down the High Street, the salute was taken by Squadron Leader Tim Brain who is in charge of the seven Squadrons.
The parade then made its way to All Saints Church for a service led by Newmarket Squadron's Chaplain and with music provided by the Newmarket Town Band.
Following the parade Sqn Ldr Brain said that he was "very impressed by the number of cadets on parade and proud of their very smart turnout".
The Air Cadets operate right across the country and provide teenagers with a wide range of activities. We are also looking for adult volunteers from the age of 20 to join the Staff team in the area. Contact Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing Headquarters on 01223 210954 for more information.
Air Cadets All Fired Up
The Air Cadets in Cambridge have been treated to a special evening with the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service.
The Fire Crew brought their fire engine to Cambridge Airport so that the cadets could see the appliance close-up, learn more about the Service and ask a lot of questions.
During the visit the cadets were able to try on a breathing apparatus set, and to use the thermal imaging camera equipment that is so vital to finding casualties in smoke-logged buildings and to look for the seat of the fire or hot-spots that might be critical in fighting a fire.
The crew-chief spoke at length to the cadets and answered a myriad of questions from them. He was frank and open about his work and experiences and was very keen to explain anything that the cadets wanted to know about.
The evening finished with a touch of excitement as the Fire Crew were called away to a suspected fire and the sudden change to a real sense of urgency. The lights and sirens came on and the fire engine rushed off into the night down Newmarket Road ? Back to work!
Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant Richard Slack thanked the crew before they were called away. "This type of opportunity is great for our cadets as they get to know so much more about the Emergency Services than most young people. I hope that we are able to continue or relationship with the Fire Service and learn more about their important work"
The squadron, who meet between 19:00 and 21:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays, is currently looking for Adult Volunteers from the age of 20 to join the Staff team in Cambridge. Contact Richard Slack on 01223 295 324, email info@104atc.org or visit the Squadron in person at 730 Newmarket Road, Cambridge.
More Success for 104 Squadron
Cambridge Air Cadets have had a very successful time at this year's Wing Adventure Training Weekend and Parade. During an action packed weekend the Squadron was presented with trophies for the Best Squadron, Best Male Cadet and Best Band in the Wing
Every year the 29 Squadrons from the Wing come together at RAF Wyton to take part in a series of exercises designed to test a wide range of skills from drill to first aid, aircraft recognition to teamwork and leadership.
Overall, the Squadron came sixth in a very tight competition that was won by 2331 (St Ives) Squadron. In the Drill competition, Cambridge equalled last year's second place as runners-up to 134 (Bedford) Squadron.
During the Wing's Annual Review Parade on Sunday 104 Squadron's Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Richard Slack was presented with the Walker Trophy for the Best Squadron in the Wing. "This was a very proud moment for me as I was able to collect this prestigious trophy for the second successive year. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the Staff and Cadets that we have been able to retain this trophy in 2008".
Cadet Flight Sergeant William Stagg was also presented with the Nolan Cup as the Best Male Cadet in Beds & Cambs Wing. Cadet Sergeant James Barton-Williams, the Squadron's Drum Major was presented with the Bower Shield for the Best Marching Band.
The parade was a very special event for the Wing as the Reviewing Officer was our new Commandant, Air Commodore Ian Stewart BSc RAF who only took up the post last month. In his address he commented on the very smart turnout of the cadets and his pride in being able to lead such an impressive organisation. He said "Beds and Cambs Wing have set a very high standard for the others to follow. Again!"
The squadron, who meet between 19:00 and 21:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays, is currently recruiting girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 17 and Adult Volunteers from the age of 20. Contact Richard Slack on 01223 295324, email info@104atc.org or visit the Squadron in person at 730 Newmarket Road, Cambridge.
Cambridge Band Wins Again
The band of 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron have won the Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing Marching Band Competition for the sixth year in succession.
During the competition, which took place at Cambridge Airport on Sunday, the Cambridge band beat some very close competition from 1220 (March) Squadron to come away with the top, Full Marching Band Trophy. They also won the Percussion Section and Solo Bugle categories, whilst the Fanfare and Ensemble Section categories were awarded to the March Cadets.
The Cambridge band kicked off their routine with a succession of well-known marching tunes including the RAF March, Dambusters and Tipperary before slowing the pace with a rendition of Greensleeves. Back at full pace and without a pause in the music during the 12 minute routine, the band then brought their performance to a moving finish with the stirring Highland Cathedral.
Throughout the performance Drum Major, Cadet Sergeant James Barton-Williams led the band through a series of turns, wheels and counter-marches. The 14-strong band aged from 13 to 18 have mastered the art of playing their instruments whilst marching during their regular cadet training nights.
Judging the competition, Beds and Cambs Wing Commander Paul Bower said "Once again this year I have been incredibly impressed by the quality of the performances given by all of the musicians here today. You have made my job of selecting the winners very difficult indeed and I wish that I didn't have to choose between you"
In spite of their success, the Cambridge Air Cadets are looking to recruit some new cadets in June and are especially keen to welcome anyone who may be interested in joining the band. Musicians who join will, like all of our cadets, have the opportunity to fly and glide, take part in sports, camps, adventure training and will be a part of a close-knit team of enthusiastic young people.
The squadron, who meet between 19:00 and 21:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays, is currently recruiting girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 17. Contact Richard Slack on 01223 295 324, email info@104atc.org or visit the Squadron in person at 730 Newmarket Road, Cambridge.
BTEC Certificates Presented
Local Air Cadets have been some of the first to be awarded a new qualification. Cadets from 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC) were presented with a BTEC in Aviation Studies, which is worth two GCSEs at A*-C grade.
Marshall Aerospace Chief Executive Michael Marshall, who is also the Squadron's Civilian Committee Chairman, presented the certificates, while the Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing BTEC Officer, Flight Lieutenant Rob Bradshaw, spoke about the potential importance that the award could have to a cadet's future career. As well as the BTEC in Aviation Studies, cadets also have the opportunity to gain BTECs in Music and Public Services, meaning that during their time in the ATC, a cadet could gain the equivalent of 6 GCSEs.
To gain the BTEC in Aviation Studies, the cadets have had to study various subjects over a minimum of three years, including Principles of Flight, Air Navigation and advanced radio communications. The award can also count in lieu of GCSE Physics for cadets applying to join the RAF.
The parade also saw six junior cadets being formally enrolled into the ATC by the Squadron Chaplain, Reverend Dr Roger Williams. These cadets have almost completed their basic training, which will allow a new cohort of junior cadets to join the squadron on Wednesday 4th June. Even during their time as junior cadets, the six have learnt about a whole array of subjects, such as the history of the RAF, basic navigation techniques and Airmanship.
They also spent last weekend learning basic field-craft skills, which gave them a good grounding into what to expect at larger exercises, which can involve up to 150 cadets and can last up to two days at remote military training areas.
Flight Lieutenant Richard Slack, Officer Commanding Cambridge Squadron, said "The cadets presented with their BTEC certificates tonight have worked incredibly hard, and I hope that it has inspired the newly-enrolled cadets about how much they can achieve by being a member of the Air Training Corps".
The squadron, who meet between 19:00 and 21:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays, is currently recruiting girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 17. Contact Richard Slack on 01223 295 324, email info@104atc.org or visit the Squadron in person at 730 Newmarket Road, Cambridge.
Cadets Survive in the Field
Cadets at 104 (City of Cambridge) Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC) have spent a weekend learning how to live efficiently in field conditions.
As part of their basic training course, 10 junior cadets learnt basic field-craft skills which they put into practice over the Bank Holiday weekend.
During both Saturday and Sunday, there were theoretical and practical lessons in general map-reading and radio communications, as well as sessions on more specialist topics such as Camouflage & Concealment, Observation & Reconnaissance and Field Cooking. The cadets then put these newly-learnt skills into action, initially by cooking their own meals on the exercise area, and then taking part in two exercises, both of which tested the cadets' leadership and teamwork abilities.
Following a well deserved night's sleep on Sunday, the cadets spent Monday morning using their brain-power by solving a series of challenging initiative exercises!
These are the first cadets to get a taste of the new Air Cadet Field Training syllabus, which will give them a good grounding into what to expect at larger exercises, which can involve up to 150 cadets and can last up to two days at remote military training areas.
Flight Lieutenant Richard Slack, the Officer Commanding Cambridge Squadron, said of the cadets "It's brilliant to see how much the cadets enjoy activities such as this, and how much they can take home from them. As well as learning to work as part of a close-knit team, they also learn the importance of independence and self-sufficiency".
A number of the cadets taking part in the weekend's activities will be being formally enrolled at a ceremony at Cambridge Squadron's headquarters on Newmarket Road this Wednesday, allowing a new cohort of junior cadets to join the squadron on Wednesday 4th June.
As well as taking part in field-craft activities, during the course of their time in the ATC, these junior cadets will have the chance to fly at Air Experience Flights under the supervision of experienced Royal Air Force pilots, participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, visit RAF stations and complete a BTEC in Aviation Studies, which in itself is worth two GCSEs at A*-C grade.
The squadron, which meets between 19:00 and 21:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays, is currently recruiting girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 17. Contact Richard Slack on 01223 295 324, email info@104atc.org or visit the Squadron in person at 730 Newmarket Road.
Athletics Result!
104 Squadron shared in the success at the Wing Championships.
On April 20th, a large team of cadets from 104 Squadron took part in the annual Wing Athetics Championships at Bedford.
Winning several medals during the competition and fighting hard against the other 28 Squadrons in the Wing, we came away with a points tie with 1406 (Spalding) Squadron in the Class C (Young Men) group.
Amongst the gold medalists in this group was Cpl Guy Hardwick who won the Javelin competition.
Four Cadets from 104 Squadron have been invited to join the Wing Team in the Region competition in June.
Cambridge Best in Wing
104 Squadron was named as the winner of the Walker Trophy back in February, beating the 29 other squadrons that make up the Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire Wing.
It is the second year in a row that the Newmarket Road-based squadron has picked up the award. The latest parade evening of Cambridge Squadron saw them being inspected for the next stage of the national competition, in which they are up against five other squadrons who won their respective Wing awards.
These five wings, plus Bedfordshire & Cambridgeshire, make up the Central & East Region of the Air Training Corps, ranging from Chesterfield in the far North West of the region, to Ipswich in the South East.
The winner of the best ATC Squadron in the UK is awarded the prestigious Lees Trophy, named after Air Marshal Sir Alan Lees who started the competition in 1949. Flight Lieutenant Richard Slack, Officer Commanding Cambridge Squadron, commented "I am immensely proud of the all the cadets at 104 Squadron. They have worked incredibly hard for the squadron to be named as the winners of the Walker Trophy for two consecutive years".
It is not just formal inspections that are used to decide on the performance of a squadron. All activities that cadets take part in throughout the year count, such as the proportion who take part in sports activities, participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, or who complete a BTEC in Aviation Studies, which in itself is worth two GCSEs at A*-C grade.
One of the Reviewing Officers, Squadron Leader Alan Wiggins, who travelled from RAF Brampton, near Huntingdon, to perform the inspection said "It is justifiably correct that Cambridge Squadron is proud of the achievements so far this year. I am delighted that these cadets are fully participating in all of the activities available to them from Air Experience Flights under the supervision of experienced Royal Air Force pilots, to Adventure Training, such as at a recent week-long camp on the North Yorkshire Moors."
The squadron, who meet between 19:00 and 21:30 on Wednesdays and Fridays, is currently recruiting girls and boys between the ages of 13 and 17. Contact Richard Slack on 01223 295 324, email info@104atc.org or visit the Squadron in person at 730 Newmarket Road.