February 2014 – Dorset and Wiltshire RAF Air Cadets

ATC Sunday Parade – Dorset

Air Cadets from across Dorset recently celebrated two special anniversaries at Christchurch Priory.More than 200 cadets and staff were joined by Wing Commander Vanessa Toth, Officer Commanding Dorset Wilts Wing, to mark Air Training Corps Sunday, the annual founding celebration.

But the event had an added significance as it marked the 75th anniversary of the older Air Defence Cadet Corps, of which three Dorset squadrons – 130 (Bournemouth), 149 (Poole) and 171 (Christchurch) – were among the first units in the country.

To mark the occasion the cadets paraded into the Priory for a service, joined by civic dignitaries including Bournemouth Mayor Rod Cooper, after which they enjoyed refreshments at the Royal British Legion in Bargates.

Christchurch unit commander Adrian Hutchinson said: “The cadets all know about the history of the squadron and it is a source of pride for them to know ours is among the oldest in the country. There is a good bit of rivalry between the units so it is a great thing to have.

Standards paraded into the Priory for a service

“We have our banner here today, which is also 75 years old, and I think they appreciate having something tangible to make them more aware of our heritage.”

As well as flying planes and gliders at Upavon and Boscombe Down in Wiltshire, cadets enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities, sports and opportunities to learn new skills such as model making, and the corps aims to inspire confidence and leadership skills. Cadets also take part in military, civic and remembrance events across the county.

Countries Youngest Fully Qualified Gliding Instructor

Air Cadet Drew Giggins has been awarded his Grade One Wings, making him one of the countries youngest fully qualified gliding instructors at the age of just 18.

Flight Sergeant Giggins, a cadet of 149 (Poole) Squadron, is a Flight Staff Cadet at 622 Volunteer Gliding Squadron based at Upavon in Wiltshire. Following completion of his two-year training course, which included both theoretical and practical subjects, he is now qualified to provide initial experience flights for younger air cadets – including his fellow cadets at Poole Squadron.

“This is a massive achievement for an 18 year old cadet” said Squadron Leader Steve Goddard, Officer Commanding the Gliding Squadron, “He is a great role model for younger cadets”.

Drew, a pupil at Corfe Hills School in Poole, plans to continue his gliding training, and then work towards his ambition to become a commercial airline pilot.

Wiltshire Cadets On Parade For ATC Sunday

Even the wet weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of more than 300 cadets and staff from units throughout Wiltshire who paraded through Marlborough to mark ATC Sunday. It was actually a double celebration, because 2014 marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the host unit, 2293 (Marlborough) Squadron .

The parade marched along the High Street in Marlborough, led by the Officer Commanding Marlborough Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Andy Parfitt. The salute was taken by Wing Commander Vanessa Toth, Officer Commanding Dorset Wilts Wing, who was accompanied by the Mayor of Marlborough, Councillor Guy Loosmoor, and Mrs Fiona Loosmoor, and Councillor Noel Barrett-Morton. Civic Escorts included two Mace Bearers, the Beadle and the Town Crier.

Flight Sergeant Matt Cook was presented with his certificate

The cadets and staff then attended a special
service at St Mary’s Church, followed by a reception at the Town Hall during which Cadet
Flight Sergeant Matt Cook was presented with his certificate of completion of the 12-hour powered flying course in Scotland, during which he went solo.

“ATC Sunday is always a very special day for everyone in the Air Cadet organisation” said Wing Commander Toth, “It is our

was taken by Wing Commander Vanessa Toth, Officer Commanding Dorset Wilts Wing, the Mayor of Marlborough, Councillor Guy Loosmoor, Mrs Fiona Loosmoor and Councillor Noel Barrett-Morton — The salute

opportunity to show everyone the high standards that cadets achieve, and we were pleased to see how many members of the public turned-out to watch our parade and encourage the cadets”.