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Written by Jerry Godden
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Monday, 09 August 2010 11:36 |
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A report by Cdt Mian on the Sqns particiaption in the Nijmegen Marches "On Friday the 16th of July 2010 Cadet Corporal Akshay Mandalia and Cadet Shan Mian departed for what would be their first ever experience of the Nijmegen marches, these marches held every year in the small Dutch town of Nijmegen attract over 65,000 participants. Participants who walk 30, 40 or 50 Kilometres (depending on age) each day over four consecutive days, the march has been a huge success since its inception almost 90 years ago. And this year saw the third and fourth walkers from 241 Squadron taking part. These two fine young men have had to spend over 9 weekends training and preparing themselves physically for this gruelling endurance challenge, the cadets were sent out as part of a London wing contingent, and therefore represented the Air Training Corps at a wing level.
Upon arrival the cadets had 3 days to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, and get to know the town as well as relax and prepare themselves for the march, the cadets from our Squadron had the opportunity to bond with others from the Wing as well as other cadets from all over the Corps. On Tuesday the marching began and the cadets had an early start having to wake up at 1 am in order to prepare to depart at the starting line at approximately 5 am. But when they got on the road the true fun began, because on top of the 65,000 walkers who come from distant lands to attend the march there were approximately 1.1 million people who would wake up at the same time as the participants just so they could line the routes in support of the walkers. Every nook and cranny of the route was crowded with supporters who would hand out free food and drink as well as create a party atmosphere. This atmosphere is an essential part of the walk as it alleviates many of the mental stresses and burdens that a walker has to bear. Thankfully both of the cadets from our squadron completed the march this year, and at least one of the aforementioned cadets is set to return next year to do it all again! They both had a wonderful time and they hope to share their experiences amongst the other cadets from the squadron and get more people involved in this great opportunity, where cadets will be making friends from all over the Corps, as well as do something which many people could only dream to attempt. To be a Nijmegen marcher takes a lot of commitment, mental strength and willpower, but what one gets in return is truly astonishing. We hope to see more cadets from our squadron partaking in the march next year, and letting them experience, what is truly, the walk of the world"
The Sqn Commander, Sqn Ldr Godden stated "this is a excellent achievement by the Cadets, and I would like to thank WO Adrian Munday for organising the training and the actual event". |
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Last Updated on Monday, 09 August 2010 12:05 |
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Written by Jerry Godden
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Saturday, 31 July 2010 19:10 |
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Cadets attempting their Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburghs expeditions in August attended a final training and practise weekend on 23 - 25 July. This weekend saw the cadets wild camping on the Friday and Satururday nights in the glorious landscape of the Lake District.
The first day saw the cadets navigating from the end of Wast Water in Wasdale to the popular wild camping area of Styhead Tarn at a height of over 400m above sea level. The cadets carried all they needed to survive (including tents, food, and stoves) in their rucksacks, giving a significant and relistic practise of the 3 and 4 day expeditions ahead. This also meant their culinary skills where challenged to make tasty meals from the issued ration packs.
On the Saturday a high level route was followed, with all groups ascending Great Gable (at just under 900m high) in benign conditions (a little light cloud) and then onto the twin Peaks of Kirk Fell. Whilst at Black Sail Pass the next objective of Pillar could be seen, but as soon as the groups started the weather changed dramatically and we were soon in fierce winds, thick cloud and rain, which didnt lift for the next 12 hours. Eventually the weather dictated a descent into Mossdale and a lower level wild camp that programmed.
This was just what the Instructional Staff had ordered to test admin and team skills in adverse weather conditions, a challenge to which the cadets rose. On the Sunday the teams then navigated back to the MT and returned to London, with the obligatory stop off for some welcome fast food! |
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Cadets visit the Old Bailey |
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Written by Jerry Godden
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Thursday, 22 July 2010 11:37 |
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Cadets from the Sqn were luck enough to have a behind the scenes tour of the world famous Old Bailey Courts in London last week, courtesy of Flt Lt Pete Gourri of London Wing who organised the trip. Cadets from 27F (Chingford) Sqn also attended, and Cdt Isabel Hulbert reports on the evening: "On 15th July, 12 Cadets and 3 staff had the privilege of visiting one of England’s most eminent criminal courts, the Old Bailey. To begin, after being seated inside one of the courtrooms, we were given a captivating talk by the effective boss of the Old Bailey about his working- life, the history of the building itself, and also a riveting insight into the types of trials held at the court. The actual tour of the building began with the chance to find out for ourselves what it feels like to stand in the docks – the same docks where countless infamous murderers, terrorists and others such like from recent times, as well as those back when capital punishment was still draw upon, have found themselves being convicted. We were then lead to one of the main halls, and were all undoubtedly surprised by the grandeur of it – artwork scaling the marble walls and ceiling was the least we were expecting to be met by in such a serious place! Following this, we were shown around the prison cells (being warned against pressing any big red buttons on the walls!), whilst learning about many more intriguing cases dealt with at the court and various other goings on – including the tale of one man who vaulted into the building wearing a jacket full of explosives ! Before we departed we were shown where and how criminals are transported around, and what security measures are taken whilst doing so, and subsequently we were taken into another slightly smaller courtroom and learnt more about how different trials are treated. Overall, this rare opportunity (which as we learnt is in fact not open to the general public, and truly is invitation only) was certainly not one to be missed, with a clear fascination about all that we learnt being very evident amongst all cadets in attendance".
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Last Updated on Thursday, 22 July 2010 12:04 |
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Written by Jerry Godden
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Wednesday, 21 July 2010 11:26 |
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Air Cadets from across the country joined their counterparts in the Army and Sea Cadets to meet distinguished guests and at The House of Commons Speaker’s at a special reception to celebrate Cadet 150.John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, hosted the reception in his apartments in the Palace of Westminster. Cadets and adult volunteers from across the cadet movement mingled with Government Ministers and a host of members of both Houses of Parliament. Chief amongst the guests were: Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Home Secretary; Rt Hon Dr Liam Fox MP, Secretary of State for Defence; Tim Loughton MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Children & Families; Andrew Robathan MP, Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans; Rt Hon Cheryl Gillan MP, Secretary of State for Wales; and John Hayes MP, Minister of State for Further Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning. The cadets were also joined by former Defence Minister, Rt Hon Bob Ainsworth MP. The host, Mr Speaker, explained how he offered to host the reception after one of his constituents impressed upon him how important it was to support the cadet movement in this, its 150th year. He also spoke about historic accounts of the Houses of Parliament that joked that his official apartments as merely “adequate” accommodation for a gentleman. Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and Cadets), Major General Greg Smith QVRM TD DL, then made a brief speech thanking Mr Speaker for his hospitality and paying tribute to the cadets and adult volunteers and the contribution they voluntarily make to society. Finally the three Lord Lieutenants’ cadets spoke about what the cadet movement means to them, which all present regarded as the highlight of the evening. Cadet Flight Sergeant Alex Dutch of 241 (Wanstead & Woodford) Squadron spoke on behalf of the Air Cadets. Afterwards she said:“It was a great experience to be able to look around the House of Commons, and to meet the ministers and MPs that run our country. They really seemed to care about what we had to say.I spoke about what being a cadet means to me, my highs and lows (highs being my first solo flight and visit to the Falklands, and lows – I couldn’t think of any!) and our involvement with the community, as well as what Cadet150 is and what the cadet movement is all about.” |
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Last Updated on Thursday, 22 July 2010 07:17 |
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Written by Jerry Godden
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Tuesday, 20 July 2010 11:38 |
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On Friday 09 Jul cadets from the Squadron visited HMS Westminster tied up alongside HMS Belfast in the Pool of London. HMS Westminster is a Type 23 Frigate of the Royal Navy. Originally designed for the principal task of anti-submarine warfare, they have evolved into versatile multi purpose ships with the capability to operate anywhere in the world. The ship was launched on 4 February 1992 and commissioned into service in 1994. The ship’s motto is “For Nation and for Glory” and it was even used for filming in the 1997 James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies! The cadets had a comprehensive tour around the ship including the Merlin anti submarine helicopter and the bridge with some excellent views down the River Thames, as well as gaining a understanding in the role and life of naval personel. Cdt Mondahass said "this was an excellent trip and one which gave me a great insight into the Navy". |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 July 2010 20:48 |
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