Hot on the heels of a very successful awards night the Cadets of 886 Squadron gathered together again the very next evening having chosen a formal Dining-In night to mark their first 25 years as an independent ATC Squadron.

This time the venue was the Earl De Grey Room at the Unicorn Hotel, a fine building with it’s own historical connotations. The cadets were joined by the Squadron Staff and guest speaker Sqn Ldr Simon Johnston (O.C. 642 Volunteer Gliding Sqn Linton on Ouse) who had already been introduced to the cadets at the previous night’s Awards Evening.

Pre-dinner drinks were held in an adjacent reception room during which the extremely smart turn-out of everyone present was being admired. The formal proceedings then opened with a royal toast proposed, as tradition has it, by the newest enrolled cadet Jessica Tenant. All present then went on to enjoy a sumptuous feast with all but CI Bacon kept guessing as to the dessert which ultimately proved to be the highly popular Sticky Toffee pudding.

And so to the speeches:-

These began with CI Bacon firstly thanking the Unicorn Staff for their welcoming and efficient manner, followed by credit to Sergeant McCarthy who carried out all of the ground work organisation for the evening before allowing him to step in at the end in true glory hunting style.

“The Boss” Flt Lt Crebbin then went on to speak of how the ATC staff all functioned to support the cadets themselves and the benefits and enjoyment that could be gained from being a cadet. He also gave some very detailed accounts of his time as a cadet which demonstrated the high spirits that are an essential part of the ATC ethos.

Sqn Ldr Johnston, deputising at extremely short notice then gave an inspirational talk which not only picked up on the “high spirits” but also described how a lack of academic success need not be a barrier to eventual reaching the heights in aviation as he revealed that a bit of effort with a sponge and some hot soapy water can, in the right circumstances, be your passport to a career that has included flying all manner of aircraft and even displaying with the Red Arrows.

Finally Sergeant Cobbett presented two coveted wooden spoons for certain events that took place on Wing Training Day.

The first was to Flight Sergeant Thornton in recognition of the fact that, having drilled his squad mercilessly in the run-up (including extra drill in the rain on the previous morning), come the glorious day itself - he fluffed the essential instructions himself.

The second wooden spoon went to Cadet Maughn for the cold calculating manner in which he concealed the minibus keys inside the vehicle and then locked it, thereby ensuring that the whole squad suffered along with Flt.Sgt. Thornton by having to walk from Linton to Ripon.

The evening concluded with traditional Mess Games that included a sit-down tug-of-war and a bottle walk.

Written by CI R McCarthy, posted by Sgt W Cobbett ATC, 886 (City of Ripon) Squadron
Visit http://www.886.org.uk for more news and recent events
[Submitted by Wayne]

Ad hoc reunion of former cadets, and serving cadets over 18 years of age. Venue is Wetherspoons immediately following Whit Monday parade on 25th May 2009.

See www. Richmond.org. Events page, or 2040 Richmond Sqn page on Facebook
[Submitted by dkh51250]

can i just congratulate all cadets from 168 city of leeds squadron who went to redmire a few weeks ago hope you had fun!
[Submitted by cdt redmore]

Just what we needed, a marching band
our numbers have increased by a further 8 this month and they
want a marching band
All we need now is equipment
Anybody out there that as some drums spare contact me

[Submitted by 303]

11th Feb 2009
Two Air Training Corps cadets and their RAF instructors have been killed in a mid-air crash between two light aircraft near the south Wales coast.
My thoughts go out to all involved in this tragic incident.

Full story on the BBC

Over the last year 886 (City of Ripon) Squadron has had very close ties with the Ripon Branch of the British Legion.
The Ripon Branch's recent Spitfire replica project has gained alot of interest around the country and so far where it goes so have representatives of the Squadron and now it has been announced that the Spitfire will be preasent at the Great Yorkshire show.
This years GYS is an even bigger occasion as the Queen has announced she will be attending, the Queen herself knows about the Spitfire project from Ripon and the work done by the local Legion in fund raising and the profile that the Spitfire brings to the organisation.


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Many cadets throughout every wing hold the rank of CPL but are only 1st class.

Fair enough, it clearly states in many ACPS that the 1st class classification is the minimum classification required to be promoted to CPL but i do not agree.

The 1st class classification is meant for cadets, a good squadron is made up of plenty of 1st class cadets and half a dozen leading cadet CPL'S.
The leading classfication is the recommended classfication required to be promoted to the rank of CPL.

Obviously, for F/S and beyond you need to be staff part 2 with the gold lanyard.
Squadron commanders on squadrons usually promote 1st class cadets to CPL due to the particualr cadet failing their exams over and over again but that should not be the case.

The CO on a squadron should think about promoting his/her cadets at the leading classfication instead of the 1st class classfication just because they have failed there exmas.

*no offnece to all you first class CPL'S out there by the way*

any feedback will be appreciated*

Congratulations to the twelve Cadets of 72 (Omagh) Sqn Northern Ireland who achieved their provisional VHF/UHF Radio exam last night.

This will allow them to operate the vhf/uhf radio under supervision.

The Commanding Officer stated, "This is a great achievement for the Squadron with so many Cadets achieving their award. It wil allow us to move forward and take on board HF Radio work in the future."

It is believed that this is a first in Northern Ireland Wing. Squadron Radio Instructors (SRI) only qualified to instruct just over a year ago.

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After being to ATAC windermere once before i knew what to expect or thats what i thought but this year was totally different from when i went 2 years ago. 2 years ago i was one of if not the youngest cdt on the camp this year i was one of the oldest and one of the most senior. i have also come alongway instead of working towards none of my DOEs just sitting inbetween bronze and silver this year i did my Gold residential.
During the whole week we had quite a few laughs we had quite a few tears (from the girls) and we had a few arguments (also from the girls) but i think every cdt who went found out something new about themselves during all the different activites spanning climbing to kayaking.
I was really pleased and happy with the effort from each cdt on the camp yes some could ahve worked harder but they all pulled their weight when they had to so well done to everybody who went hopefully se you next year!!

well done to all the dingwall cadets in the highland wing for a cracking display of dancing to music this year, and here were my own cadets thinkinmg i was going mad when i burst out in laughter.

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