241 (Wanstead & Woodford) Squadron ATC

On a cold but bright January the first, 19 cadets from the Squadron and Sgt Dan Goldman participated in the annual London New Year Parade as part of the Borough of Redbridge contingent. The Mayor of Redbridge, Clouncillor Chan decided that the theme of the Borough would be YOU - Youth Organisations in Uniform, and invited us, together with the Police Cadets, Scouts and other groups to participate, with other groups and musicians. The parade winds through the streets of central London passing landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, and has a large contingent of American High School Marching Bands, and our cadet provided a smart marching contingent with the Sqn Banner past the reviewing stand. OC 241, Sqn Ldr Godden stated "This was an excellent turnout on a day when most people are in bed till lunchtime and the cadets and Sgt Goldman did an excellent job of representing the Air Cadet on a national stage, as well have having fun with the other participants and the spectators".

The photos show the cadets on the march and with other participants, and the video shows, in the first portion, the cadets on the marchpast.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HR2vEHifRxk

The Squadron is partially funded by the RAF, but we have to raise funds for essential equipment and the Sqn vehicles which are not funded. Without money we would be unable to have the equipment required to give the Cadets safe and challenging activities. The unit therefore has to find ways of raising money to meet these needs. The Sqn decamped to Chingford Sainsburys who very kindly allowed us to pack peoples bags, hoping for a small donation, on Saturday 16 January between 0900 and 1800. The Staff and Cadets did shifts of 3 hours each, and the total amount collected for was over £2000, an excellent reward for all the hard work! However this was also an event where the cadets put themselves out to help others and we will be donating a portion of the funds raised to Haven House Childrens Charity and Woodford Guide Dogs for the Blind.

Cadets from the Sqn braved the Siberian Winter Conditions accross the South East to attend a training shoot on the L81 7.62mm Target Rifle at Pirbright Ranges. Many of the cadets were new to the rifle and will be competeting for a place on the Sqn Team for the Inter Service Cadet Rifle Meeting at Bisley in July, when the weather will hopfully somewhat warmer.

The day saw the cadets trained on how to assemble, clean and operate the rifle, before zeroing each rifle at 25 metres to an individual cadet, in readiness for the first shoot at 300 metres in March. CI Dave Grant said "this was an excellent introduction to the rifle for the cadets and gave us an opportunity to note the sight settings for them, with the snow being an added bonus to the day!".

The photos show the cadets during the training, live firing the rifle, and with a temporary new recruit to the unit!

The Sqns annual Xmas party was scheduled for December, but had to be postponed due to the snowy weather, and after some frantic work by Cpl Jess Murphy was reschuled for Saturday 16 January. The event was fancy dress and gave the cadet the opportunity to let their hair down and celebrate after all their hard work over the last 12 months. Held at Wanstead Rugby Club the event saw some excellent fancy dress, as seen below, and was excellently organised by Cpl Murphy including hire of the DJ whose music choice appeared very popular with the Cadets, although less so with the OC!