RAFA success for Wharfedale

On Sunday 23rd May 2010 a team of 9 cadets along with WO Wood travelled to (very sunny) Blackpool for the annual Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA) conference and parade.
In the morning the cadets joined representatives from RAFA branches all around the country for a parade, in which Air Marshall Phillip Sturley - a former guest at 1224's annual dinner, took the salute. The parade was followed by a service of remembrance by the war memorial.
Following the parade the cadets travelled to the Winter Gardens for the conference where the Squadron collected, for the fifth year running, both the Sir Douglas Bader Trophy for the most money collected per capita and the Sir Robert Saundby Trophy for collecting the highest net Wings Appeal amount.
The day was enjoyed by all cadets and we hope to be able to win again next year!

1224 cadets and WO Wood collecting their trophies from AM Phillip Sturley

Wharfedale Success at Wing Training Day

On the 16 of May 2010, cadets from 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron travelled up to RAF Linton-on-Ouse to take part in the annual Central and East Yorkshire Wing Training Day.
The day consisted of various events including volleyball, drill, media, aircraft modelling, aircraft recognition, the snare drum competition & first aid and 1224 managed to enter every single event.
The cadets performed very well throughout the day and had the silverware to show it at the end of the day when the first aid and the snare drum teams won their competitions.
The first aid team consisted of Flt Sgt Cunningham, Sgt Austin, Cpl Connor and Cdt Leighton who had previously won the competition at Wing and Region and had gone on to place 5th at Corps (national) level.
The snare drum duo consisted of CWO Bridge and Cpl Partovi who beat off fierce opposition from Hull and previous winners from Yeadon. The duo will go on to represent the Squadron and Wing at Region.
1224 also placed well in the other events including the drill competition and the aircraft recognition competition (where the team led by Sgt White placed 4th).
After the competitions had finished it was time for the final marchpast and which was reviewed by Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Ian Stewart - his last Wing Review before being re-posted to NATO!
During the final marchpast, the 1224 marching band led one of the flights and played favourites including Aces High, Highland Cathedral and the 1224 March.
Overall it was a great day enjoyed by all.

DofE start for Wharfedale Cadets

Two teams of cadets set out on Saturday 8th May 2010 on their practice Duke of Edinburgh weekend.

The Silver Team.

The silver team included Cadet Warrant Officers Bridge and Watson, Sgts White and Chambers, Cpl Connor and Cadets Haynes and Leighton. The team were observed and their progress monitored by CI's Clemence and Pearson from Lawnswood Sqn.

Silver cadets ready to set off

The silver team set off from 1224 (Wharfedale) HQ at 1000hrs and followed a route up into Middleton and then across to a small camp site at Blubberhouses. The aim is to be self sufficient, so in the rucksacks contain tents, sleeping bags, water, food and cooking equipment.

At the camp site, the cadets made good friends with General Kevin Plumage the peacock. But they weren't too impressed with his early 5 am start on Sunday morning.

On Sunday, it was a 0830am start back to Sqn. The cadets had a fantastic weekend.

Cadets meeting Kevin the peacock

The Bronze Team

The bronze team was separate into two team. Team 1 was led by Cdt A Atkinson and his team members were Cdt Hargrave, Cowley, Womersley and Raabe. Team 2 was lead by Cpl Partovi and his team members were Cpl Cavaliere, Cdt Silverwood, Wingate and Owens. This was the first practice for the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze and really gave them a good grounding for future.

The Bronze cadets set up camp.

They followed a route over Ilkley moor to Silsden, camping in Silsden and then returning on Sunday via Addingham. The progress of this team was monitored by Sqn Ldr Tune and Warrant Officer Tune. In addition, there were three members of staff involved in the weekends exercise.

Flight Sgt (ATC) Howe said, "We've all had a great weekend. The cadets have learnt a lot especially the importance of good planning and preparation".

Additional training is planned as the cadets work towards the real test in July.

See more pictures from the weekend in our gallery.

Carnival Fun for Cadets

On May Day, cadets from 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron had a busy and successful day at Ilkley Carnival.

An early start was required to set up on the Carnival Field. At 1130hrs, the band took part in the 52 minute parade through town. 1224 had two special visitors; Sgt (ATC) David Pagdin on tuba and Cadet Cpl Chris Pagdin on cornet from 23 (South Elmsall) Sqn.

1224 Band just before the parade

The parade is very community based and was extremely well attended by the people of Ilkley and the wider community. For the band it was their first opportunity to fully play their new routine for this year including Aces High, but it was their version of Highland Cathedral that attracted great applause and recognition.

35 mintues into the parade and going strong

Once on the carnival field the cadets were busy with the 1224 stand. Mrs St John, Mrs Turnbridge and Mrs Dowling from the civilian committee operated a busy and successful tombola stall. Face painting, which proved to be very popular, was available from Cdt Whittaker and Cdt Palfreyman supported by a very clever Mrs Whittaker. Sgt White and his team displayed a good media package and Cpl Cavaliere and his team offered a realistic cockpit and flight simulator exercise. FS Cunningham and Cdt Womersley raised £50 for the Royal Air Force Association with the 'Name me claim me" RAFA Teddy bear.

Cdt Whittaker facepainting

Flight Lieutenant Hitchen, OC 1224 said "It's been another successful day for the Squadron. Again the band have received fantastic recognition for their standard of music and presentation. It has been a great opportunity for all the cadets and staff to be so actively involved in the community."