ATC Sunday 2012

Every year Cadets throughout the organisation get together to celebrate ATC Sunday. 2012 was no different, with over 650 Cadets and Staff from the newly formed Cumbria and Lancashire Wing getting together for a Church service and then march past in Lancaster.

As part of the service the new Wing Banner was dedicated by The Reverend (Group Captain) Richard Lee QHC AKC df FRSA RAF Ret’d, Wing Chaplain and Rector of Egremont.

The route took the parade along Lancaster’s one way system, bringing the whole of the City to a halt. 967 Squadron’s Commanding Officer played a pivotal role – commanding Number 3 Flight. The flight consisted of almost 100 Cadets and Staff from Squadron’s on the Fylde coast. Cadet Spencer commented on what it was like to be part of the parade:

Being part of such a huge group of Cadets was truly aweinspiring.

There was an excellent turn out from the 967 (BAe Warton) Squadron’s Cadets, with 13 on parade.

Flight Lieutenant Steve Faulkner, Officer Commanding 967, later commented:

It fills me with great pride that Cadets from 967 join in celebration of the formation of the ATC. The history of the ATC dates back to 1941 and we are honoured to play our role in continuing the great work of the Cadets in their communities and wider afield.

Cadet Parker summed the day up:

What is not to like; tea and biscuits after showing Lancaster our image!

Many thanks to WO Barnard for the photos.

Related posts:

1. Warton Cadets Parade Twice in Remembrance
2. Squadron Receives Top Marks

All ATC Squadrons are inspected annually by the Officer Commanding their Wing, in the case of 967 Squadron this is by Wing Commander Steve Molloy and Squadron Leader Eddie Kay. As part of the inspection an assessment of the Squadron is made and in the case of 967 Squadron an excellent score of 7 out of a possible 7 was given.

As well as over seeing the assessment process, Wing Commander Molloy inspected and spoke to each and every Cadet during parade. Cadet Heap reflected on her conversation with the Wing Commander…

I felt privileged to have a  conversation with our Wing Commander.

Following parade, the Cadets carried out activities from their normal training programme, in particular taking advantage of the Squadron’s new leadership equipment. The Wing Commander took the opportunity to sit in on the activities, asking questions and taking a keen interest. The Squadron’s Civilian Committee were also in attendance to continue the planning for the Annual Dinner. If rumours are to be believed, the Wing Commander may be a raffle prize!

During final parade Sqn Ldr Kay highlighted areas where the Squadron should look to improve, re-assuringly these were areas which the Squadron staff are already working on, including participation in the BTEC awards and First Aid training for Cadets. Despite these areas, the Wing Commander announced to the assembled Staff, Cadets and Civilian Committee that the Squadron had received the top score of 7. An excellent result. Cadet Saxton later said…

It was good to be part of the Squadron when we received a 7 on our first annual inspection from the new Wing Commander and we showed him what 967 is about.

To round off the parade, the Squadron’s Commanding Officer Flt Lt Steve Faulkner, invited the Wing Commander to carry out the promotion of our two Cadet Sergeants to the rank of Flight Sergeant. Congratulations to Cadet Flight Sergeants Ruth Haynes and Shaun Perry. You can read more here.

Flt Lt Faulkner commented…

The Annual Formal Inspection (AFI) is a very important date in the Squadron calendar. Due to the dedication of all those involved in running the Squadron the Cadet experience at 967 is positive and filled with opportunities. The Cadets have taken full advantage of those opportunities and along with a solid performance in terms of administration and training set against the very real time contrainst staff volunteers have, makes this result all the more pleasing

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1. Sergeants take Flight
2. 967 Squadron Are Looking For Their Next JNCOs
3. About 967 Squadron

At 967 this has recently been aided by the purchase of the MTa Insights package, with money raised through the work of the Cadets and civilian committee. MTa were also able to give 967 a significant discount over the list price. Using specialist leadership products will allow the Cadets of 967 to explore their leadership potential much more than has previously possible. So it’s time to stop taking and start playing…I mean start leading!

967 Squadron would like to thank MTa for their assistance. You can find out more about MTa products here.

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The promotions were carried out by Wing Commander Steve Molloy who was attending the Squadron’s Annual Formal Inspection.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Perry joined the Squadron in 2008 and has developed into a mature and respected member of the Squadron. He consistently achieves a high standard of deportment whilst still ensuring that those around him enjoy the Air Cadet experience. Shaun’s achievements stretch beyond the Squadron representing the Wing on overseas camp to RAF Akrotiri.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Haynes joined the Squadron in 2007 and has developed into a confident and valued Cadet. She’s attended a wide variety of Cadet events, including annual Camp at RAF Kinloss, adventure training camps at Halton Training Camp and the Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre Llambedr and a variety fund raising activities. Ruth has also been awarded the BTEC in Public Services.

Both of these Cadets are assets to the Squadron, Wing and Corps. Congratulations to them both.

Related posts:

1. Say Hello to Flight Sergeant Ashcroft
2. Cadet Rank Structure
3. NCO Training Resources

Two Chevrons - Cadet Corporal

The Squadron will shortly be looking to promote the next Cadet (or Cadets) to the rank of Corporal. In recent years we have ensured a fair system whereby Cadets are given the opportunity to apply for selection, and this year is no different. If you meet the minimum requirements (see below) then you should submit your application to the CO using the attached form no later than Monday 13th February 2012. Copies of the form will also be available on the Squadron.

All applications will be reviewed and a short list produced. Those selected for the short list will be invited to an interview run by 2 members of the Squadron uniformed staff, likely to consist of 1 SNCO and 1 Officer.

The interview will follow a structure similar to previous years, so anyone interested should speak to the current NCO team for advise. More details of the interview requirements will be given to those selected.

Minimum Requirements:

• 1 Years Service
• Leading Cadet or above

If you want to learn more about the roles and responsibilities of a JNCO, then have a look at the website Resources section.

• Application Form

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1. About 967 Squadron
2. e-DofE
3. Squadron Launches Recruitment Leaflet

A similar fire vehicle to those seen by Warton Air Cadets on their visit to BAE Systems. Photo: © Rosenbauer

On Thursday night Cadets and staff from 967 (BAe Warton) Squadron Air Cadets had a rare opportunity to visit the Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (RFFS) at BAE Systems Warton Aerodrome.

The Cadets were given a briefing on how the Fire Service is organised and operated, by Watch Manager Kieran Merriman, before being shown around the hi-tech Rosenbauer fire vehicles and all the specialised equipment they carry by Watch Manager Tony Nickson and Firefighter Keith Thompson.

Cadets were given the chance to try on the breathing apparatus used by the firefighters, run out lengths of hose and find out the capabilities of the ‘jaws of life’ carried on board the vehicles.

The visit culminated with the opportunity for the Cadets to get the Firefighters’ perspective by taking to the fire appliances and experiencing what it would be like to ‘turn-out’ to an emergency on the airfield at night. Cadets rode on board the appliances and operated sirens, lights and even the water and foam sprays mounted on the roof and bumper of the vehicles as they went down the runway.

967 Sqn would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of the BAE Systems RFFS for giving up their time to show the Cadets around and for giving them an insight into life on the front line protecting the safety of passengers, aircrew and local residents on and around Warton airfield.

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Cadet Eats Cake - All Of It.

After a long year of Cadet activities, the Cadets and staff of 967 (BAe Warton) Squadron let their hair down and celebrated Christmas with a pizza and chocolate cake night. The highlight for most of the Cadets was the Karaoke machine kindly provided for the evening by Cadet Wilson.

The Cadets belted out some interesting renditions of well and less well known festive favourites, including Last Christmas, YMCA and Barbie Girl.

Everyone had a great night, with the Commanding Officer finishing the night with a look forward to the coming year.

Merry Christmas to all of our Cadets, Committee, Staff and everyone else who helps make 967 Squadron such a success.

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1. Christmas Fundraising Bag Pack
2. Cadets Support Annual Poppy Appeal

Cadets Celebrate after a Day of Bag Packing

Cadets, Committee Members and Staff from 967 (BAe Warton) Squadron helped Christmas shoppers pack their dinners at a local Morrisons Superstore in Preston last Saturday.

After last years Christmas bag pack was cancelled due to most of the Cadets and staff being snowed in, the Squadron was keen to have a successful day fund raising. With excellent support from the Committee, Cadets managed to pack hundreds of bags without breaking any eggs, crushing bread rolls or dropping Christmas drinks.

An excellent day was had. Many thanks to the Staff, Committee Members and Cadets who helped and of course to Morrisons and their customers who supported us.

Cadets Bag Packing at Morrisons

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Flt Sgt Sam Ashcroft

Its not only the Squadron’s Cadets who are rewarded for their performance on the Squadron.

Congratulations to one of our uniformed members of staff, Samantha Ashcroft who has recently been promoted to Flight Sergeant (FS). Since joining 967 Squadron from 2376 (Bamber Bridge) Sqn, FS Ashcroft has been working hard helping to deliver our First Class Cadet Training Programme and also making her mark within other area of Squadron life.

Well done from the Officer Commanding 967, the staff and the Cadets!

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Sqn Ldr Gerrish Presents Cadets with Their Bronze DofE Award.

Squadron Leader Helen Gerrish recently took time out to visit 967 Sqn and present 5 Cadets their Bronze DofE awards.

Sqn Ldr Gerrish is not only the Wing DofE Officer but is also responsible for the DofE process and management for the whole ATC. Sqn Ldr Gerrish was delighted to be invited to the Squadron to present the awards and it was the first time she had ever been invited to do so.

On the same evening it wasn’t just the Cadets were got a visit, Lt Col Mike Gerrish visited the Squadron to talk to the staff about the new eDofE record system.

Sqn Ldr Gerrish Presenting Cdt Sgt Ruth Haynes with a Bronze DofE Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-24. eDofE enables them to record their intended aims, track their progress and upload evidence of their achievements. This training will allow the Squadron to start using eDofE to its full potential and allow all participants to take more of a lead in their own DofE activities. 967 were also able to host staff from 2454 Warbreck and 2486 Lytham Squadrons who were able to attend this invaluable training.

967 would like to thank both Sqn Ldr Gerrish and Lt Col Gerrish for taking time out to visit the Squadron, we hope you had a great night!

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2. e-DofE Enrolment Form
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