NEWS
MARCH 2019-
The Gold D of E team undertook Advanced Navigation Training in the New Forest.
Cpl Vine is now proudly sporting her new Civilian Gliding Wings badge. This is a first for the squadron and is awarded for having completed multiple solo flights in a civilian Glider. Congratulations!
FEBRUARY 2019-
Cdt Stinton has been awarded her Corps Gold Band Badge for her performances at the Corps String Ensemble Camp.
Two NCO's have been attending Leadership courses. Sgt Drescher was on his SNCO course, and Cpl Harris-Tanzer was on his INCO course. Great to see Leadership skills developing.
During the half term break Cdt Newman was away in Austria with cadets from across the corps.
JANUARY 2019 -
Everyone enjoyed the Burns Night Dinner. The piper and speaker were a superb addition to the nights entertainment. The squadron took the opportunity to pay tribute to CWO Bridel and CWO Relyea who have now aged out this year.
The Annual Presentation evening celebrated the success of the Squadron throughout 2018. Air Marshall Nickols was present to hand out the awards.
Three Cadets competed in the Regional Cross Country Competition helping Kent Wing secure 1st place overall.
Two Cadets have been selected to represent Kent Wing at the upcoming Inter Wing Netball Competition.
DECEMBER 2018-
The Wing Cross Country competition saw three of our Cadets selected to represent Kent Wing. This was due to achieving a 1st place, 3rd place, and 4th place in various age groups. Congratulations to all involved.
Congratulations to the Cadets recently rewarded for their hard work and skills. The following awards were presented - 2 Bronze Dof E Awards, and 8 Skilled Marksmanship Badges. Three promotions were also awarded to the following Cadets - Sgt Drescher, Cpl Perry and Cpl Harris-Tanzer. Well done to all involved.
To mark the end of a successful year, and to start the Christmas break, the Cadets went Ice Skating. A mixture of accomplished skaters and Bambi look-alikes enjoyed a fun filled evening.
NOVEMBER 2108-
Four Cadets joined the Mayor of Sevenoaks at the Stag Theatre in the lead up to Remembrance Sunday. They dropped off letters of thanks to the soldiers that gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Cpl Vine continued to develop her aviation skills, and after attending a local Gliding Club, she completed her first solo flight. An amazing achievement - Congratulations.
The Exercise Partisan Shadow Team attended The Royal Geographical Society headquarters in London to present their experience as contenders in the Shackleton Trophy Competition. This trophy is for the best overseas expedition of the year. The Cadets showcased the presentation very well, but narrowly missed out on the trophy to 282 East Ham squadron.
Once again, our Cadets were exceptionally turned out for the Remembrance Parade and Service at the Vine.
OCTOBER 2018-
An interesting evening at squadron saw our Qualified Junior Leader, CWO Bridel pass on his knowledge regarding Briefing Techniques with the use of Field Models.
Our Training Officer, Pilot Officer Mutch has successfully passed his Obstacle Course Instructors course. This opens up more opportunities for the squadron. Congratulations Ben Mutch.
Cadets recently enjoyed Navigation Training, and Paddlesport Training. They learned Map Reading skills in the Kent countryside, and experienced Canoe and Kayaking skills on the River Medway.
SEPTEMBER 2018-
Our latest intake of cadets were formally enrolled, along with our new squadron Padre. It was fantastic to see our new cadets looking so smart as they start their cadet careers.
Congratulations to Flt Sgt Hamon, who was selected to attend this years Qualified Aerospace Instructors course after a tough selection weekend. Well done, and good luck.
The second Annual Summer Ball was well attended at Donnington Manor, and Staff, Committee, Parents and cadets were joined by distinguished guests. Everyone enjoyed the fun, food and disco dancing, however no photographs have been forthcoming (maybe a good thing!).
Wing Field Day was a success for the squadron, seeing us walk away with 3rd place in the Junior Aircraft Recognition competition. We also took 3rd place in the STEM competition. Well done, and congratulation to all involved.
The Kent Wing Pentathlon was yet another success with the squadron bringing home the Junior Trophy - sharing joint 1st place with Gravesend squadron. We also picked up 2nd place in the overall competition. An amazing achievement - congratulations to the cadets involved.
AUGUST 2018-
Twelve members of the squadron travelled to the Dolomites, Italy on Exercise Partisan Shadow. It was a five day via ferrata expedition in the terrain that the partisans defended against the Austro-Hungarian forces during WW1. Now, 100 later and our intrepid adventurers conquered the same challenging terrain and completed the task. An amazing experience.
AUGUST 2018-
Three of our Cadets joined other Kent Wing cadets on a Camp to RAF Odiham. They enjoyed the opportunity to experience life on an operational TAF Station, as well as experience two flights on a Chinook.
AUGUST 2018-
Several of our Cadets attended the Biggin Hill Festival of Flight, joining other cadets from Kent. They helped across the Festival with duties on the Flight Line, Static Display and general PR.
AUGUST 2018-
Sgt Campbell visited Germany attending the Sennelager Camp and enjoyed a busy week. Please visit our Blog section to read her diary of events.
AUGUST 2018-
Two of our Cadets attended a Summer Camp in Cyprus focussing on Adventure Training. It was an amazing experience, and for a full report please see the Blog by Sgt N. Barnes.
JULY 2018-
*** EXCITING BREAKING NEWS ***
The squadrons Flight Simulator is now in full working order after many updates and improvements. Amongst other updates a Typhoon and a 747 have been loaded, and the speed barrier has been broken for the first time.
Many of the improvements are in line with the recently introduced Projects, that are currently underway.
JULY 2018-
The Squadrons Annual Ten Pin Bowling event took place, and was well attended by Cadets, Staff and Committee alike. A fun packed evening finished with Cdt Ayres lifting the trophy for top scoring Cadet, and CO Howes the best of the Staff and Committee.
JULY 2018-
An incredible effort from some of our Cadets in the recent Nijmegen Marches, A gruelling 100 miles in 4 days in heatwave conditions saw CWO Bridel and the Kent Wing Team awarded the Jon Ford Trophy for the Best Air Cadet team at the Nijmegen Marches. This is the third year running that this award has been picked up, which is an unmatched achievement. Very well done to our Squadrons representatives - CWO Bridel, Flt Sgt Hamon, Cdt Tate and Cdt Perry.
JULY 2018-
Some Cadets and Staff enjoyed a weekend at the Royal International Air Tattoo and were able to see the aircraft up close, and meet other Cadets from around the Corps.
JULY 2018-
Our Squadron was represented at the Inter Service Cadet Rifle Meet at Bisley, and competed extremely well despite the very hot conditions. Special mention to Cdt Tate who returned with a "Cadet 100" recognising that she is one of the top 100 Cadet shots in the country.
JULY 2018-
The Squadrons AGM was well attended with parents having the opportunity to understand how the Committee run. They were then invited to have a go at many of the activities enjoyed by Cadets under the tuition of their sons and daughters.
JULY 2018 -
The RAF 100 Celebrations were enjoyed by Cadets with two trips to London. Firstly The Static Aircraft Display at Horseguards, where Cadets were given the VIP treatment and shown around many of the aircraft. A few days later saw Cadets join the crowds at The Mall to witness the incredible March Past and Fly Past.
JULY 2018-
Our Cadets joined Squadrons from across Kent to remember the "few" at the Battle of Britain Memorial at Capel Le Ferne. Among other cadets from our Squadron, CWO Relyea was on duty as the Lord Lieutenant of Kents Cadet where he read a poem at the Service, and mixed with Royalty and Veterans alike.
June 2018-
The Squadron were represented at the launching of the Armed Forces Day at Sevenoaks Town Council, and indeed supported the Ceremony and Event at The Vine on the day.
JUNE 2018-
Local MP Sir Michael Fallon visited the Squadron to see what we do and what opportunities we offer to the young people in the local area.
JUNE 2018-
Four Cadets passed out from their Nijmegen training. Next step is the 100 mile marches in Holland. Good luck to Cdt Perry, Cdt Tate, Flt Sgt Hamon and CWO Bridel.
JUNE 2018-
Sgt Smith and Cdt Bannister received their Bronze DofE certificates, whilst Flt Sgt Winkett picked up her Gold DotE certificate, and looks forward to a visit to the Palace to collect her award. Flt Sgt Winkett was also awarded her BTEC in Teamwork and Development.
MAY 2018-
Cdt Newman had a once in a lifetime opportunity as he was part of the London and South East Region band playing the anthems at Twickenham before the England v Barbarians match.
MAY 2018-
CWO Relyea and Flt Sgt Hamon were at Buckingham Palace helping support the Duke of Edinburgh Presentations, and enjoyed the chance to rub shoulders with royalty and celebrities.
APR 2018-
Our cadets enjoyed a successful day at the Inter Squadron Athletics meeting, bringing back a selection of medals.
APR 2018-
Training for the Dolomites trip continued with a weekend at the Lake District, putting the cadets through their paces.
A tougher weekend followed as they took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. Despite battling 30 mph winds the task was completed in an impressive 11 hours and 5 mins.
APR 2018-
Flt Sgt Winkett and Cdt Perry were among representatives at the St Georges Parade at the Cenotaph, Whitehall. They were selected to form the Guard of Honour at the Grave of the Unknown Warrior in Westminster Abbey.
APR 2018-
Flt Lt Howes and CWO Relyea attended the Guildhall, London at a reception given by the Lord Mayor of London as part of the RAF 100 celebrations.
APR 2018-
Cdt Perry represented our squadron at Biggin Hill Airport to receive the RAF 100 baton on its relay around the UK.
APR 2018-
Cdt Armstrong joined cadets from several other squadrons in Kent to walk the length of Hadrians Wall, completing 84 miles in 6 days.
APR 2018-
Four of our cadets, along with members from other local squadrons endured a very wet and windy 4 days in Snowdonia as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Gold expedition.
MAR 2018-
CWO Relyea completed the Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course over a 6 month period, and duly graduated.
MAR 2018-
CWO Bridel attended an Authorised Fieldcraft Instructors Course, which will see him able to plan, arrange and teach fieldcraft to cadets at the squadron.
MAR 2018 -
Five of our cadets represented Kent Wing in the Inter Wing Sports, seeing two 1st places, a 3rd and 4th. Congratulations to those selected to represent at Regional level.
In addition, four cadets completed another 50 miles of marching as part of the Nijmegen training.
MAR 2018-
The Passing Out Parade at St Lukes Church was very well attended, seeing new recruits enrolled, along with various Promotions and Awards. See photos here.
MAR 2018-
A very well organised Recruitment Evening saw parents and potential cadets enjoy an insight into the Squadron. Our numbers continue to swell.
MAR 2018-
Selected Cadets visited Kenley for a PTT Gliding day which saw Cdt Isted, Cdt Bryan, Cdt Harris-Tanzer and Cdt Leonard all obtain their Blue Wings. See photos here.
FEB 2018-
A trip to the IWM Duxford was enjoyed by Cadets, as a day at the Aviation Museum was conducted by Jonathan Campbell and CWO Relyea.
FEB 2018-
The Cadets paid a visit to Tonbridge Fire Station where they were given an in depth insight into the life of a Fireman. There was also a chance to get some "hands on experience" with the water hose.
JAN 2018 -
Burns Night was held at the Hever Castle Golf Club, and a packed room enjoyed the food and entertainment.
JAN 2018 -
The Annual Awards Night at the Squadron was a huge success, with an evening full of celebrating the achievements of 2017. Flt Lt Paul Howes hosted the night and the awards were presented by Kent Wing Commander Russell Goodayle and Mayor Cllr Maxine Chakowa.
DEC 2017 -
The Annual Christmas Curry Evening went well, although some of the Secret Santa gifts needed an explanation.
Nov 2017-
CWO Relyea featured in the Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. He was part of the tribute to the Battle of Passchendaele.
Cdt H. Callum represented Kent Wing in a Regional Netball Competition, with the team finishing second overall.
Four more Cadets enjoyed their first Air Experience Flight alongside experienced RAF pilots.
Oct 2017 -
Staff development saw CI Boakes completed an Archery Leaders course, and Plt Off Mutch complete his Basic Expedition Leaders Course.
An amazing performance by our 3 teams saw our senior team winning their category, and the squadron finishing 3rd overall.
Sept 2017 -
A double celebration as Committee Chairman James Richards was awarded the Lord Lieutenants Meritorious Service Award for his long standing commitment to the squadron. In addition, CWO Bradley Relyea received the Lord Lieutenants Cadet of the Year Award.
An eventful Wing Field Day saw us gain 3rd in the Comms section, and both a 1st and 2nd in Shooting.
CWO Relyea was selected to be one of only 20 across the Corps to attend the Qualified Aerospace Instructor
Course running until next March.
Aug 2017 -
Cdt Winkett enjoyed a summer break in Gibraltar alongside cadets from around the Region.
FS Relyea joined cadets from across the Corps on the National Aerospace Camp, and whilst enjoying an insight to the aviation world, he also gained his Wings in the Glider.
July 2017 -
Cdt Campbell and FS Relyea competed in the Inter Service Cadet Rifle Meeting at Bisley. This tournament is for the best shooters in the Corps, and both now have Gold Corps Marksman status.
FS Relyea enjoyed a visit to Canada for the International Air Cadet Exchange.
Sgt Winkett was part of the Kent Wing Continuity Arms Drill Team at the Battle of Britain Parade.
Sgt Bridel travelled to Ghana with fellow Junior Leaders working on a community programme.
June 2017 -
Four of our cadets represented Kent in an Inter Wing Athletics competition, with medals won by three of the four. Congratulations to Cdt H. Callum, Cdt Z. Callum, Cdt Armstrong and Cdt Vine.
May 2017 -
Our Commanding Officer Flt Lt Howes passed his Mountain Leader assessment.
The Inter Squadron Athletics Competition saw the cadets bring home an astonishing 13 medals., with the boys under 15's finishing 3rdoverall.
April 2017 -
Many congratulations to Sgt Bridel who graduated as a Junior Leader. He now wears the distinct and hard earned maroon lanyard.
Cdt Perry attended the National Choir Camp and has the honour of being the squadrons first recipient of a Gold Musicians Badge.
