July 1998 Volume 1.1

The Moose is Loose

Congratulations

to Rob Hale on being appointed as Warrant Officer.

to our four cadets who gained Wing Blues at the Regional Athletics Championships

to Cpl Sims on passing the Senior Cadet examination

to Cpl Blake on passing the Leading Cadet examination

to Cpls Blake and Owers on their promotions

to the squadron team for winning the football penalty shoot-out competition at the Wing Pentathlon. Should we have loaned our players to Glenn Hoddle ?

to Cadets Billet and King for organising the Disco on Friday 10 July. Especial thanks to the parents for their enthusiasm and hard work.

Other News

Warrant Officer Mark Green is transferring to 2189 (Calne) Squadron. He has been helping out there for a year or so and this formalises the situation.

Bulldog Flying (2 seat aerobatic) sessions are scheduled for 27 September & 28 November. Get your First Class passes in Airmanship, Communications & Map Reading and you could experience the thrill of taking control of an aeroplane.

Cadet 2000 Pentathlon

This was organised by our squadron and attended by 22 teams in all. Events were Penalty Shoot-Out (we won), Battle Fitness Test, Orienteering (many thanks to Sgt Rob Hick, RAF), Initiative Tests, Confidence Course & Vehicle Pull. Surprisingly, we were able to use the old squadron minibus for that. It had lain idle for a year but still started first time!

Thank you to the small band of cadets who helped on the day. Particular thanks to Cadet Hall who did a great job in helping to set up on the previous day.

Thanks also to the Committee and Parents who ran the canteen and to our friends in 2 RGBW who provided facilities without which the day would not have been the undoubted success it was.

Ideas for additional or different events for next year's Pentathlon are welcomed.

We will follow up on the idea of a local inter-squadron orienteering competition.

Duke Of Edinburgh's Award Scheme

The walking season is well advanced but there is no schedule for the expedition practice and assessment phases. An important feature of DEAS is that the participants are heavily involved in the organisation of activities. Don't just wait for the staff to impose a date and route, be proactive ~ nag if necessary but make it happen.


Summer Camps

Personnel from this unit will be taking part in the following summer camps:

RAF Laarbruch, Germany (Cpls Hurkett & Blake)

RAF Bruggen, Germany (CWO Swanson)

RAF Gibraltar (Flt Lt Rees)

RAF Coningsby (11 cadets + 3 staff including our Padre)

Community

Take a pat on the back. So far this year the squadron has helped these organisations:

PHAB ( Fun Day & Quiz Night)

Lions (May Fayre)

Wilts Wildlife Trust (Sarsen Trail & Wheelchair Access project)

National Canoeing Exhibition

2 RGBW Mess Function

Worton Village Fete for HM Lord Lieutenant

Devizes & District Scouts (Band for St George's Day Parade)

Put these dates in your diary

Wing Swimming Championships Sunday13 September

Wing Sports Trials - Football, Rugby, Hockey & Netball Sunday20 September

We are hoping to have the canoeing course for the helpers at the National Canoeing Exhibition on 12/13 or 19/20 September

Weekend Exercise

Our Detached Flight at Upavon is running an adventure training weekend for 2491 (Lyneham) Sqn from Friday evening 31 July through to Sunday 2 August. There are places for you in the role of "enemy" Many of you have been asking for a weekend exercise so here is your chance. The detached flight staff are highly skilled and you can be sure of an enjoyable weekend and of improving your fieldcraft skills.

Gliding Induction Course 25 July

A day's free tuition leading to certification and possible recommendation for a Gliding Scholarship

CARNIVAL

The Brainstorming session has come up with a good idea. It won't happen by magic nor is leaving it to carnival parade day a reasonable tactic. There are surprisingly few parade nights between now and 5 September so take full advantage of the programmed sessions. Consider asking for extra sessions evenings or even day time (it will soon be school summer holiday).

The band needs to practice as much as possible and to encourage best turn out from our Chippenham colleagues. It is proposed that we are in the procession as a carnival type band rather than as strictly regimented service band. We need to think about (and acquire) a suitable "uniform".

Whatever else, all cadets should do their very best to to keep Saturday 5 September clear of other commitments. We did quite well last year ~ let this year's show be really good.