Wharfedale Cadets Complete Prestigious Scholarship

 by Sgt (ATC) Sam White

Two members of 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron are celebrating after being selected for, and completing the prestigious Air Cadet Pilot Scheme (ACPS).

Cadet Flight Sergeant Jamie Partovi and Cadet Sergeant Callum Parker were both selected to take part in the scheme, which takes place at Tayside Aviation near Dundee, and were two of only around 140 Cadets selected to take part in the scheme each year.

They were the first cadets from 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron to have completed the scholarship in a number of years!
 
The two-week long course involved both FS Partovi and Sgt Parker learning how to fly the Grob Heron (an aircraft very similar to the Grob Tutor that the Air Experience Flights use) and becoming familiar with radio procedures, which were a step up from anything either of them had experienced before as Tayside Aviation is based at Dundee Airport.

Towards the end of the course the candidates took an exam, which assessed the basics of the ACPS and the aircraft we fly, such as runway markings, Air Traffic Control signals and the aircraft specifications.

Both Cadets have done especially well to complete the scholarships and we hope that it will go a long way in helping both FS Partovi and Sgt Parker with their future careers.

Flying Scholarships are just one of the many opportunities that can be offered by the Air Training Corps, if you are aged 13-17 and interested please visit www.ilkley-atc.co.uk

1224 at the National Air Cadet Band Championships 2013

 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron are no strangers to the National Air Cadet Band Championships having taken part in the ensemble section in both 2009 (placing second) and 2011 (placing first).

The ensemble section of the Squadron's band - FS Kjersti Moore (19),  Sgt Jørgen Moore (17), Corporals Daniel Chivers (15), Tom Hepworth (15), Sam Shaw (15) and Cadets Hannah Mayfield (16), Sam Shaw (16) and Helen Yeadon (15) along with Cpl Joanna Kelly from 264 (Skipton) Squadron travelled with other cadets and staff from Central & East Yorkshire Wing down to RAF Halton to take part in the championships.

The band played a medley of For Good (from the musical Wicked) - With lead vocals from FS Moore, Man In The Mirror (Michael Jackson), Forget You (a Cee-Lo Green song) and Party Rock Anthem (LMFAO).

The cadets with Air Commodore McCafferty

The routine went down very well with the crowd with Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty coming over to speak to the band after the performance!

In the end in the band were awarded a very good second place and went back home in high spirits.

Flt Lt Sue Leighton, OC 1224 said "Ensemble team were excellent. Congratulations to Central and East Yorkshire team for a brilliant performance.".

Flt Lt Max Puller, North Region Music Officer - "Congratulations to 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron for their excellent performance in yesterday's Corps Band Competitions. They were awarded 2nd place in Ensemble, which was a category as impressive in its variety as its quality. Well done to all involved!"

From Wing Commander Wiggins, OC C&E Yorks Wing - "Well done to all C&E Yorks team at ACO band competition. Some great success & placings"

Wharfedale in Remembrance 2013

On Remembrance Sunday in 2013, 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron took part in various parades and services in the local area.

The first event took place in the town of Addingham where a church service was followed by a parade led by the Squadrons band to the memorial in the town. Here the Last Post and Reveille were played excellently by Cadet Sam Shaw. A wreath was also laid here by Cadet Warrant Officer Tom Smith on his last Remembrance day as a cadet.

Following the Addingham parade the Squadron made its way to the Abbeyfield Care Home where an excellent lunch was provided for the cadets and staff by the Squadrons Civilian Committee. At Abbeyfield the band played a few pieces of music for the residents of the care home before setting off for the Ilkley parade.

The Ilkley parade was in a slightly different format than in previous years and set off from the Town Hall to the Memorial Gardens led by the band. The Squadron were also joined for this parade by the OC Central & East Yorkshire Wing, Wing Commander Wiggins.

The service at the Ilkley Memorial gardens was host to a number of dignitaries who paid their respects and the Squadrons wreath here was laid by one of the Squadrons newest members, Cadet Isla Lury. The Last Post and Reveille were also played by Cadet Sam Shaw here. Cadet Callum Carslaw also played a Lament on the bagpipes.

Overall it was another excellent parade by the Squadron who definitely did themselves proud!

From Wing Commander Wiggins - 'Just a quick note to say thank you for your hospitality and the invitation to attend as part of your Sqn Remembrance Parade.

It is only as part of the organisation at grass routes level that you really appreciate the time and commitment by staff and cadets to support these local events and the pivotal part units play. 1224 Sqn made a significant contribution with the band and cadets on parade. Please pass on my sincere thanks to all for their willingness to be on parade. The individual cadets performing with pipes and bugle did a great job despite the cool conditions and the spectacle of the occasion.

It was a pleasure to join with you today and would request you pass on my thanks to all at 1224 for the opportunity.'

From Pat Bateman, Vicar at All Saints Church Ilkley - 'The contribution of your squadron was excellent and very much added to the Ilkley remembrance parade.'

RAF Akrotiri October 2013 Camp Report

By Sgt Karl Verspyck

I was lucky enough to be offered a place on the Autumn Camp to Akrotiri in Cyprus. I started my journey at York Station where I met the other 5 cadets from my wing. We met up with the whole 46 cadets at Heathrow for our flight out to Cyprus. We arrived at the base late at night and we were all tired so we went to bed for an early start in the morning. 

Friday: We all got ready in DPM’s for our camp photo before we set off on an exercise to familiarise ourselves with the base. RAF Akrotiri is massive, especially when you have to walk around it in the 28 degree sun! The afternoon was spent at the beach relaxing and getting to know the other cadets on the camp. We had a small history lesson in the evening on the history of the island.

Saturday: We got up early and headed to the north of the island in anticipation because of what we had learnt the night before about the conflict between the North and South of the island. When we did get across the UN Buffer zone and into the Turkish part of Cyprus we headed to a castle on a mountain for some amazing views! We then headed into a coastal town and had dinner at a restaurant by the sea.

Sunday: We had a great day in a waterpark about 2 hours away from the base. It was great fun and nice to get cooled off in the water.

Monday: We spent the morning doing command tasks which was interesting and certainly gave me some ideas to bring back to this squadron. We headed off to a local shopping centre in the afternoon before retiring to our rooms at night.

Tuesday: In the morning we headed to some of the sectors that this base has. We started at the Bomb Disposal unit which was interesting to see the kinds of things that they are dealing with on the island and also out in Afghanistan. We then went to a top secret part of the base which I’m afraid I cannot publish on here!

Wednesday: On Wednesday we travelled to the UN Buffer zone again, but this time we visited the abandoned Nicosia Airport. It was strange to see how much was still intact after over 30 years of it being unused.

Thursday: This was probably the most enjoyable day of the trip with us travelling to a local army base in Episkopi to do some shooting. We then went banana boating back in Akrotiri before we spent the evening on a cruise around Paphos bay. We had a BBQ on board and jumped off the boat in to the warm Mediterranean. A truly great way to end a great day!

Friday: This was our final day in Cyprus and we headed into the Troodos mountains to a lovely local village and then to Troodos camp for lunch. We had our last meal on the beach at Akrotiri where we had a BBQ and gave out paper plate awards.

It was great to visit such an active RAF base at the forefront of the conflicts we are involved in today. This camp has been the best thing I have done with cadets so far and I would recommend this or any other overseas camp to every single cadet. You get to meet some great people, great staff and have so much fun at the same time, doing activities you can’t do in England.

  

Air Cadet Pilot Scheme Report

by FS Partovi 

Out of around 44,000 cadets in the ATC, and many more in the CCF (RAF), only approximately 140 cadets are offered a place on the Air Cadet Pilot Scheme (ACPS) each year. So I was of course both excited and honoured to have been offered a place.

 

The cockpit of the Grob Heron

The Scholarship I had been granted allowed for me to travel to Dundee with free accommodation in a four star hotel. After the two hour train ride, I arrived at the hotel shortly after some of my cadet colleagues that I had yet to meet. I was then given my room number and a free warm cookie! My roommate and I made our way to the room, settled in and later met the rest of the five cadets on our course, and the five on the overlapping course from the week before.

 

 FS Partovi (second from the right) with the other students on the course

My first full day at Tayside Aviation -The flying club where the ACPS is held – was a good one, there was only one hour’s flying for me, however this was when I got to know the instructors and the rest of the staff who would be teaching me and the rest of the cadets. We were introduced to the club, given welcome packs and given a guided tour. During the first day I got to know two boys who were there on a Bristow Scholarship with the Air League. They were flying Warriors for hours towards their PPLs, a slightly bigger aircraft to the Grob Herons which the cadets fly.

Because Tayside Aviation is situated in Dundee Airport, the Radio Communications and procedures were a considerable step up from my Gliding Scholarship, this was on top increased air traffic. Towards the end of the course candidates took an exam, which assessed the basics of the ACPS and the aircraft we fly, such as runway markings, ATC signals and the aircraft specifications.

Luckily I achieved my solo flight just before the runways were to change because the wind, and after received my Flying Scholarship Wings.

 

This scholarship is a fantastic experience which I would love to do again. I would recommend this course to anyone.

RAF Swing Wing Concert

by Cadet Sergeant Lisa Whitaker

On Tuesday 10th September, a group of cadets suited up to attend the 4th annual concert performed by the RAF Swing Wing Band at Skipton Town Hall.

Conducted by WO Gary Stevens, they began with their signature piece of music written by their own pianist, and with a quick introduction, they started to play. They performed pieces of music written by Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey.

They also performed music from The Andrew Sisters, which included vocals by a trio of women called The Bluebells, formed of Cpl Beverly Kirk, Jnr Tech Cara Palmer and SAC Tracey Hodgetts. They entertained the audience with favourites such as ‘Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy’, ‘Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny’ and ‘Shoo Shoo Baby’.

After an hour of melodious music, we parted for a quick break of tea and biscuits before returning to our seats for another hour of the Swing Wing Band. They started up with Glenn Miller, followed by pieces getting progressively more lively and fast paced. There was even some of the audience dancing!

When it was time for them to leave, the cheering crowd brought them back for one more song and then that was the end of the concert. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the performance and we are already looking for to their future performances.

1224 Visit London

by Sgt (ATC) Sam White

Following on from a meeting with the Squadrons local Member of Parliament, Kris Hopkins MP earlier in the year, the Squadron was invited down to London on Wednesday 4th September 2013.

The day started bright and early as a party of 10 cadets and staff departed Ilkley at 0600 for London, with our first stop being RAF Northolt to leave the minibus before getting the London Underground into the city centre.

The first stop of the day was the Houses of Parliament where the cadets were given a tour round the buildings including visiting the House of Lords and the Queens Robing Room and taught about the vast history of the Palace of Westminster.

 The Cadets and Staff with Kris Hopkins MP

Following on from lunch the Squadron met with Mr Hopkins and were escorted to the Ministry of Defence where the cadets were introduced to The Rt Hon Andrew Robathan MP, The Minister of State for the Armed Forces along with Lt Col Andrew Watkins of the Royal Marines and Wing Commander James Beck RAF who has been selected to be the Commanding Officer of the first RAF F-35B Lightning II Squadron.

Following on from the MoD visit the cadets were given the shock announcement that permission had been granted for them to go to Downing Street to have their photo taken outside of No.10!

 The Cadets and Staff outside No.10.

After leaving No.10 the cadets were escorted back to the River Thames where they laid a wreath at the Battle of Britain Memorial before saying goodbye to Mr Hopkins MP.

Cadet Sergeant Jørgen Moore laying a wreath at the Battle of Britain Memorial

The cadets then went on a walk round the sights of London, visiting Horse Guards Parade, Trafalgar Square, The Mall. Buckingham Palace and Green park before laying another wreath at the Bomber Command Memorial.

 Cadet Michael Palmer laying a wreath at the Bomber Command Memorial

By this time it was starting the get late so the cadets made their way through Hyde Park before getting the Tube back to Northolt for the long journey back home.

Both the cadets and the staff had a fantastic time on the trip and without the fantastic assistance from Mr Hopkins MP and his office staff none of this would have been possible!

Ocean Youth Trust Scotland Expedition 2013

by CWO Tom Smith

On Monday the 5th of August and after a long drive up from Ilkley I arrived in Oban, on the west coast of Scotland for my second Air Cadet Offshore sailing expedition with Ocean Youth Trust Scotland.
After meeting the expedition leader, Sqn Ldr Mike Blakey, we set off to pick the rest of the team up from the station and headed for the boat.

Alba Explorer is a 72 foot BT global challenge boat that has been round the world twice! After some fish and chips from a local shop we were ready to get going.

Once back on board and after going through the safety gear, we sat down round the saloon table to look at the chart. Ian the skipper announced the aim for the trip would be to reach St Kilda - an Atlantic island roughly 158 nm out from Oban, and one of the last bits of land before you reach North America - and that we would be setting off that evening. After some short man overboard drills we headed up the Sound of Mull and into the night.
As dawn broke we were passing rough the sound of Barra with a large number of the crew down due to sea sickness. After 26 hours of non stop sailing and with an escort of at least 20 common dolphin we finally arrived in Village Bay, St Kilda.

After a day spent wondering round the island in what seemed like Mediterranean weather with azure blue seas and clear blue sunshine we set off for the Sound of Harris, sailing past the Island of Boreray and its sea stacks as the sun fell on the North Atlantic Ocean.

After a clear starry night sail and a beat to windward across The Minch we arrived in Dunvegan on the Isle of Skye after an overnight here we headed south though the small Isle round Ardnamurchan Point and down to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

The last day seemed to have come round far too quickly and after a morning shopping in Tobermory we set sail back down the Sound of Mull for Oban. After an eventful last night with a talent contest which included a parrot, Britney Spears and Spice Girls tribute acts and secret Santa the week was over - far too soon!

It was an amazing week with some truly remarkable people and I am looking forward to going back next year.

 

Higher and Higher

by Sgt (ATC) Scott Watson

The 16th June provided the culmination of months of hard work for a group of 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron cadets as they set out to climb the highest mountain in the world...with a slight twist.

The goal was to climb the vertical equivalent of Everest Base Camp to the summit of Mount Everest from the safety of RAF Linton-on-Ouse, using the mobile climbing tower and indoor climbing wall. This equated to a vertical height of over 3000m or just under 400 ascents of the wall!

Prior to the event cadets had been obtaining sponsorship from friends and family with the aim of collectively raising over £500 to purchase climbing equipment. This would facilitate the Squadron’s qualified climbing instructors: Sgt (ATC) Scott Watson and Sgt (ATC) Luke Dowling, delivering the National Indoor Climbing Award Scheme (NICAS) syllabus to 1224 and other local squadrons. The cadets were given several training sessions before the event at our local climbing wall where many realised they had a knack for indoor climbing and were eager to develop after the event had passed.

We completed the climb in six hours with some very tired arms and proud cadets. The day was also host to North Region’s Regional Training Day and with help from the Regional Adventure Training Technical Officer, Squadron Leader Tony Staincliffe RAFVR(T) and climbing instructor in training, Cadet Warrant Officer Tom Smith, we were also able to provide climbing for cadets across the region as they waited between activities.

 Cadet Laura Pennington prepares for her climb

MAF Presentation

by Cadet Sergeant Lisa Whitaker

On the 30^th May, Brian Harris, who was a CCF officer, and Mike Beetham, who was in the ATC, visited 1224 Wharfedale Squadron to educate us on Mission Aviation Fellowship's (MAF) work, including flying over 130 aircraft all over the world for medical evacuations and safaris, blood and equipment ferrying and carrying mail, with planes taking off or landing every 3 minutes.

They started their presentation with some facts about the MAF. They revealed that 25 countries now have their planes, flying to over 1500 different destinations worldwide, more than any other airline. MAF have many different models of planes, specialised for their cargoes and destinations. Bangladesh is mostly covered by water, so MAF brought in the Cessna 208 Floatplane so that they could land on water. Other planes are designed to carry large loads, such as the Twin Otter, capable of carrying 22 people, or the Cessna 208 Caravan, which can fit a quad bike in it's hold.

 

MAF have helped to bring aid and rescue to the Boxing Day tsunami in Haiti back in 2004, battling rugged airstrips with rough landings. In many countries the MAF are under threat from rebel attacks and so keep their time on the ground to just 20-30 minutes. But MAF have had good flights aswell, such as flying with Princess Anne, who is a patron to Save the Children, who work alongside MAF.

Mike told us that MAF started out in 1948, with 3 men who served in the RAF flying out to Kenya to meet locals and find out if aid was needed. Their flight took nearly a month with endless refuelling. MAF now can turn a 2 and a half day drive in a 2 hour flight, supplying those in need with life-saving supplies and doctors. They can also provide flights for nearly half the price of most airlines.

The MAF have a display of a Cessna 182 on the 6^th July in Sherburn in Elmet, from 10:30am – 3:30pm.

Silver D of E Expedition

by Cadet Sergeant Lisa Whitaker

Saturday 25^th May brought the first day of a Silver D of E expedition for four cadets and an adult sergeant from 1224 Wharfedale Squadron.

We set off on saturday morning from the town of Addingham at 10:30am, starting with a long hill climb. After a very slow start we reached the village of Draughton where we stopped for lunch. With the sun glaring down upon us, we headed for Halton East and began the second big hill climb of the day, after which we walked along a very scenic route parralel to the River Wharfe and eventually arrived at our campsite in Appletreewick. We set up our tents and started cooking some food, and one of us enjoyed two steaks for dinner! After a satisfying meal, hot showers were in order followed by a bit of social time before we settled down for the night.

We awoke on Sunday to a chilly morning, with sore feet from many blisters and looking rather red from sunburn. We set off at 9:45am, ready to take the day of a slightly longer walk of 17km. We walked through the town of Burnsall then down into Hebden and after one steep rocky hill and a boggy marshland we reached Mossy Moor Reservoir, where we stopped for well deserved lunch. We then proceeded down the valley into Grassington and then on to the town of Linton and continued to the campsite in Threapland, just outside of Cracoe, where we were to spend our second night of the expedition. We arrived at around 6pm, quickly set up camp and ate our dinner, indulged in a shower and got an early night.

Monday morning started rather cloudy as we crept out of our sleeping bags to cook breakfast. Setting off at 10am with high spirits knowing that it was our last day, we headed for the small village of Flasby, which was at the bottom of a hill that stood between us and the town of Embsay, which was our finishing point. At the top we had a quick rest and looked upon the villages of Hetton and Rylstone, which we had travelled through previously and where we had yet to walk. The rain starting to come down as we trekked the last few kilometres to Embsay where we all gladfully removed out rucsacks and tucked into our remaining snacks from the expedition.

Wharfedale Adventures Over and Up Hills

Cadets from Wharfedale are having a great time now that Sergeants (ATC) Luke Dowling and Scott Watson have completed their Basic Expedition Leaders Award.

Already cadets from 1224 have been out on a two day assessed Duke of Edinburgh Bronze expedition and a three day expedition in preparation for Silver and Gold DofE levels.

The expeditions are only part of the scheme, with cadets also participating in the community, taking part and improving in sport and developing a skill.

Another of the new opportunities offered this year is the climbing wall - Sgts Dowling and Watson are newly qualified CWA/NICAS instructors and cadets have literally become hooked on the activity. Cadets are taking part in a sponsored indoor climbing challenge at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in mid June where they will climb the equivalent of Mount Everest on a climbing wall to raise funds to purchase more sets of equipment.

In addition two team of cadets have just completed the final round of the National Air Cadet Rifle competition and we eagerly await the results.

Cadets are taking part in a number of local activities in June and July including Armed Forces Day events at Skipton and Bradford and Addingham Gala. In-between all of this, they also have a planned trip to the Waddington Air Show.

Should you be interested in the Air Cadet organisation please look at our website for further details - www.ilkley-atc.co.uk

Haworth 1940's Weekend

During the weekend of 18/19th May, the band of 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron took part in the Haworth 1940's weekend.

The band played both static and marching routines during the event which also featured a Hawker Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast. The band entertained the large crowds as they marched down Haworth High Street in front of hundreds of 1940's re-enactors as well as the general public.

The band also featured Cadet Sergeant Tom Smith (trumpet) from 2431 (Keighley) Squadron and Cadet Joanna Kelly (clarinet) from 264 (Skipton) Squadron, two regular performers with the band.

The Cadets enjoyed both days, though the weather was significantly better on the Sunday!

Nikki Carro - event organiser Haworth 1940's/ Dambusters event said - 'Your squadron should be commended, they were absolutely superb and a genuine honour to have them perform at our event, Thankyou so much...Your participation in the church service and to hear the band play in conjunction with the Hurricane was emotionally overwhelming! Having spoken to the veterans later, they were very pleased.'

Wing Training Day Success for Wharfedale

On Sunday 12th May, a team of cadets and staff from 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron made the journey to RAF Linton-on-Ouse to take part in Central & East Yorkshire Wing's Annual Wing Training Day.

The day started bright and early as the first event that 1224 had to take part in was the First Aid competition at 09:30!

The Squadron entered a host of other competitions during the day including Drill, Media and Communications, Aero Modelling, Aircraft Recognition, Volleyball and the Balsa Model competition.

The band was also involved in the day, taking part in both the Full Band and Ensemble competitions.

The day was ended with the final parade during which it was announced that the Squadron had won both the Full Band and Ensemble competitions. There as a surprise when it was announced that Cadet Sam Shaw had won the Category B Aero Modelling competition.

Other results for the Squadron included Sergeant Raabe placing as the third best overall Drill Team NCO i/c, a second place in the Media Comms, Balsa Model and Air Rifle Shooting competitions.

All cadets did very well during the day and the Squadron hopes to do even better at next years event.

Cadet Brave the Sun for Ilkley Carnival

On Monday 6th June the Cadets and Staff of 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron braved the baking sun to take part in the annual Ilkley Carnival.

The Squadron paraded with the procession watched by a crowd of thousands - the biggest in the carnivals history - through the centre of Ilkley to East Holmes Playing Field to the carnival.

At the Squadrons stall on the field there was the usual tombola - run by the Squadrons civilian committee - as well as recruitment display boards set up by Cadet Corporal Lisa Whitaker and a cake stall run by Mrs Whitaker.

The Squadron also held a collection for RAFA during the day with a 'name the bear' competition as well as selling pin badges.

Another fundraiser was the 'Guess the weight of the rucksack competition'.

As with last year three cadets were asked to accompany Cllr Heathcliffe Bowen, Chairman of Ilkley Parish Council as his equerries for the day.

Overall the day was a huge success and the cadets, staff and civilian committee were a huge credit to the Squadron.

More pictures can be seen on the Squadrons Facebook page: fb.me/1v8KLtVri

Wharfedale Staff Honoured for Exceptional Service

Two long serving staff members of the Squadron have been honoured by Dr Ingrid Roscoe, the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, at a private ceremony held at Ceres Division Royal Naval Reserve in Carlton Barracks,

Squadron Leader J Hitchen RAFVR(T) and Warrant Officer (ATC) D Wood were awarded the Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificate – an achievement recognised as one of the highest honours in the forces, ranking alongside the MBE - in recognition of their service with the Squadron and the Corps.

Squadron Leader Hitchen joined 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron in 1987 and was made Officer Commanding in 1991, retaining that position until he stepped down as OC to take the post of Sector Commander for Sector 5 of Central & East Yorkshire Wing.

Reflecting on the ceremony, John, commented: " I feel very honoured to receive this award, which is wonderful recognition of nearly 25 years of service. The Air Cadets have taken up a big part in my life, which I have enjoyed immensely, and I'm glad that I've been able to make use of my experience in aviation to the benefit of so many young people over the years."

The other recipient of the award, Warrant Officer Wood joined 1224 in 1991 as a Civilian Instructor while his children were attending the Squadron before moving into uniform as an Adult Warrant Officer and later taking up the position as Squadron Adjutant, a role he has held to this day. 
He was instrumental in forming the Squadrons band in 1997 which is still going strong today and has been the driving force behind the Squadrons huge success in collecting for the Royal Air Force Association.

Of his award David said: "Having joined initially in support of my children, I never imagined I'd still be here over 22 years later. But I found it so rewarding, and such a great privilege, to see all these young people achieving so much as they grow into responsible young adults. That hasn't changed to this day, and I feel extremely honoured to have received such a prestigious award."

Also honoured at the ceremony were Flt Lt Keith Christmas RAFVR(T), currently the OC of 2527 (Lawnswood) Squadron who had previously served with 1224 (Wharfedale) Squadron on two occasions and Flt Lt Tony Young of 2168 (Yeadon) Squadron.

Sqn Ldr Hitchen (fourth from the left), WO Wood (third from the right), and Flt Lt Christmas (Far Right) at the ceremony.

Wharfedale Cadets play for QAIC Graduation

by Cadet Sergeant Kjersti Moore

On the 26th of March Sergeants Kjersti (flute) and Jørgen Moore (drum kit) and Corporals Tom Hepworth (Alto Sax) and Samuel Shaw (Clarinet) from 1224 Wharfedale Sqn were invited to play as part of a new North Region Mess Band for the QAIC graduation dinner at RAF Linton-On-Ouse. We arrived at Linton at 10am and spent the whole day rehearsing brand new mess band music and a few old favourites including Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines, a QAIC favourite. During the day we also got the chance to meet some of the distinguished guests attending the dinner as they arrived on base including Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty who wished us luck with the performance. The band consisted of 11 cadets (including some from 1324, 740 and 58 Squadrons in C&E Yorkshire Wing), CI Adam Waudby (C&E Yorks Wing Bandmaster) and of course the Region Music Officer Ft Lt Max Puller who worked hard all day to make sure we were fully prepared for the performance. This was the first time this group of cadets had come together to form a band, many meeting each other for the first time so the pressure was on but all played well and the music was well received by the guests.

 

Photo courtesy of CI Adam Waudby