Wharfedale Cadets take to the skies!

Some Cadets from 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron recently had their first taste of flying in the Grob Tutors of 9 AEF at RAF Church Fenton.

The Cadets took to the skies with their instructors (many who are ex-RAF pilots including some who have flown in the Red Arrows previously) above the Yorkshire airbase for around 30 minutes each in the single-engined aerobatic aircraft.

Cadet Karl Verspyck getting ready to set off.

During the flights the cadets were allowed to take control and some even did some aerobatics including loops and rolls.

The same Grob Tutors are those that RAF pilots first learn to fly in during their training before being streamed onto either fast jets, multi-engined aircraft or helicopters.

At the end of the day all of the Cadets said that they had enjoyed their flights.

Cadet Jack Croft waiting for his flight.

Flying is just one of the activities offered by the Air Cadets, for more information visit the Air Cadets website @ http://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/.
Alternatively, if you want to find more about 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron either visit our website (www.ilkley-atc.co.uk) or come down to one of our parade nights which are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 1945-2130.

Wharfedale are Top of the Shots

Cadets from Wharfedale have had great success in the National Air Rifle competition. Sgt Tom Smith, Cpl Jamie Partovi and Cpl Chris Cavaliere came 8th in the two positional Air Rifle competition. CWO Scott Watson, FS Dan Connor and Sgt Alex Chambers came 5th in the three positional Air Rifle competition.

Warrant Officer David Wood said "We are really proud of the cadets achievements. This is the second year we have entered the competition and there has been a significant improvement. There is keen competition within the squadron to gain a place on next years team."

Photograph by Cdt FS Sam White

Order from left to right

CWO Watson, Cpl Partovi, Sgt Smith, Cpl Cavaliere, FS Connor & Sgt Chambers

Training Success for Wharfedale

The Squadron have been celebrating from success recently at both Central and East Yorkshire Wing's Training Day and the North Region Training Day.
After successes during 2009 in Band and First Aid at both Regional and Corps levels, the Squadron were feeling reasonably confident as they entered these competitions again at Wing level this year.
The First Aid team, consisting of Flt Sgt Cunningham, Sgt Austin and Cpls Connor and Leighton, came out on top and went through to compete at Regional Training Day.
The Solo Drummer team, CWO Bridge and Cpl Partovi, came first as well, also going on to compete at Regional Training Day.

At Region Training Day, 1224 went on to win both the First Aid competition and the band ensemble category (having come 5th and 2nd in the Corps last year respectively).
There was also success for Cpl Partovi who finished 2nd in the solo drummer competition at Region and Cpl Leighton who finished 2nd in the solo bugle competition. Both will also go to the National Air Cadets Marching Band Championships along with the ensemble band later this year.


These are just some of the activities that Wharfedale Squadron participate in. Wharfedale squadron is recruiting at present. Girls and boys aged 13 or over interested in finding out about the activities on offer, should call in at the Cadet Centre, Ashlands Road, Ilkley at 7pm on Monday or Thursday.

Promotions at 1224 during Wing Commanders visit

On Monday 7th June 2010 Officer Commanding Central and East Yorkshire Wing, Wing Commander Wiggins inspected the Squadron as part of his annual inspection program.
Preparations were well underway during the days before the inspection to make sure that the Squadron was spotless!
The Senior NCOs organised a formal parade for the Wing Commander, giving him a chance to inspect the cadets individually, and speak to some of the Junior NCOs and new cadets.
Following the inspection during the parade various promotions were made.

To Corporal, Cadet Rhys Leighton

To Sergeant, Cpl Tom Smith and Cpl Georj Cooke

To Flight Sergeant, Sgt Sam White

These most definitely came as a welcome surprise to each of them, but were thoroughly deserved for their hard work and the effort that each of them have put in over recent months.

The following parade night, one cadet who wasn't down on Monday was also promoted

To Corporal, Cadet Greg Haynes

(L-R) Cpl Haynes, Sgt Smith, Flt Sgt White, Sgt Cooke, Cpl Leighton

Cadets help Thomas the Tank Engine

During the Bank Holiday weekend Cadets from 1224 (Wharfdale) were deployed to Embsay station helping Thomas the Tank Engine.
The cadets helped the other voluteers at the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Railway by handing out certificates to the children visiting the railway as well as manning the gift stalls.
1224 have a long history of helping out at the railway and can often be found at the special Thomas weekends and even helping out Father Christmas as the railways Santa Specials throughout December.

Cdt HeatonCpl Partovi in the cabCdt Brown giving Thomas a clean.