The Moose is Loose Volume 2

ANNUAL INSPECTION

The inspection on 18 May went well and we have been mentioned in the announcement of results as having put on a good and varied show. The number of visitors at approximately 50 was particularly gratifying.

For the record, the Squadron Trophies were awarded as follows:

Sports Participation - Flt Lt J K Clarke Shield

Cdt Naomi MacMeekin

Fund Raising - Gower Shield

Cdt Matthew Schwarz

Shooting (0.22”) - TA Club Trophy

Cdt Ben Matthews

All Round Participation - Roberts-Phare Shield

Cpl Sharon Hayes

Most Promising Recruit - Stephen Churchill Memorial

Cdt Tom Edwards &

Cdt Philip Nash

Best Female Cadet - Wessex TA Club Shield

Cpl Sharon Hayes

Best Male Cadet - Swallow Shield

Cpl Robert Eardley

Best Cadet Flight - Eagle Trophy

Mosquito Flt (Sgt Ben Owers)

WO Mike Tarrant was presented with a clasp to his Cadet Forces Medal in recognition of over 21 years adult uniformed service with the ATC ~ all with this squadron.

FLYING

Yet more flying opportunities have come our way with sessions in late June and mid July each for 5 cadets.

We wish Sgt Tim Strickland well when he undertakes his private pilot training during the summer. It was an outstanding achievement for him to win one of the two RAFA Flying Scholarships on offer this year.

We have been fortunate to get time on the Hercules Fight Simulators at RAF Lyneham. Forget PC Flight Sim games, this is the real thing !

OUR CHAPLAIN

We shall soon lose Reverend Tom MacMeekin as his pastoral duties are taking him away to Essex. Tom has been a wonderful friend to all on the squadron and will be a hard act to follow. I know that we all wish him God Speed and that he will be in our thoughts and prayers. Perhaps there is some lucky ATC squadron over there which will get the benefit of his help.

FUND RAISING

The Civilian Committee have run another successful stand at a local car boot sale. We could do with many more items for the next one. Bring those unwanted bits and pieces into our HQ ~ we have plenty of storage space.

We will have earned £200 for providing and erecting tents for a community event on a local housing association site.

Our next community event is Seend Fete on Saturday 12 August when we will assist with car parking, run a confidence course as part of a recruiting drive and give an arena display of combat patrol techniques. Any offers of help from parents would be appreciated.

GUATEMALA EXPEDITION

Warrant Officers Rob Hale and Rob Swanson will be taking part in this ATC activity, which will include assisting village communities in that country, during August. They have worked hard to raise the bulk of the £1000 + needed to participate but any further donations would be gratefully received. The bank account name is “ExpedAid Guatemala 2000”

CHANGE OF COMMANDING OFFICER

My successor as Squadron Commander is to be Flt Lt Geoff Ellen who currently commands 2238 (Warminster) Sqn. He takes over from me on 1 August. I am sure that you will all join with me in making him welcome and wishing him every success in the new role.

I will be remaining on the squadron to ease him into his new role and hopefully to follow through projects for which I have not had the time in the past.

CAMPS

Six cadets will be attending camp at RAF St Mawgan, Cornwall from 22 – 29 July and two will go to the mammoth Air Cadet Millennium Camp at RAF Cranwell from 25 July – 1 August.

The Moose is Loose Volume 3.4 July 2000