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2008 News

July

The cadets and staff took part in the Battle of Britain Memorial Day at Capel Le Ferne. The main guest, as well as the veterans of course, was the Chief of the Air Staff Sir Glen Torpy. The members of the band went off to St Martins Plain on the Friday before to practice for the day and to perform in the Dover Carnival. On the day the played for the VIP's and public just before the parade. Despite appalling weather the staff and cadets as part of Kent Wing proudly paraded, photos can be seen in the gallery area. The committee , yet again, successfully supplied tea, coffee and food for all the cadets and staff of Kent Wing.

Unfortunately due to the bad weather the Royal Internaltional Air Tattoo was cancelled leaving the squadron no other option than to cancel the trip.

The DEA Bronze group practise went well in and around the Hoo peninsula with only a slight confusion towards the end of day 2.

Summer Camp at RAF Scampton went very well with Flt Lt Palmer Camp Commandant. It was a well run and informative camp as well as a very enjoyable week. (See the photo gallery for images)

June

Many of the cadets and staff along with with the civilian committee attended the Biggin Hill Air Fair where they help with patrolling the static air park (keeping the public away from the aircraft) checking tickets and performing public relations. It was an enjoyable weekend with some spectacular air displays. Congratulations to the committee for once again successfully feeding so many people.

Congratulations to the drill team who went to Ashford Sqn to take part in the Area 3 Drill Test and came first. they will now move on to represent Area 3 in the Kent Wing Drill Final Competition.

Well done to the 9 cadets who attended AEF with WO Reed, they all flew doing a variety of different tasks in the air depending upon their previous experience.

Congratulations to the cadets attending the Wing shoot who passed their weapons handling tests and fired either .22 no8 rifles or 5.56mm rounds using the L98A1 on the ETR range.

Well done to the DEA bronze practice expedition who did really well after their initial getting lost in the trees episode. All the team had a good time and are looking forward to their proper expedition.

Congratulations to the band members who took part in the wing band competition. Sgt Ballard achieved a first as Drum Major, FS M. Odd managed second in the solo bugle with Cdt Kokuz right behind him in third. FS Odd and Cdt Kokuz came first with a member of Sheppey Squadron in the fanfare section. For the appearance of the band 1404 came second and the full band which comprised members of 1404 (Chatham) 1242 (Faversham) and 2316 (Sheppey) came fourth overall.

Well done to the cadets, staff, committee and friends who took part in the North Downs Walk held by the Rotary club of the Weald of Kent in aid of cancer research. It was a very good turnout and hopefully we will win the group trophy for the largest amount donated again this time for the seventh successive year.

May

Kent Wing Athletics was enjoyed by all, Cadets Baldwin won Gold in Javelin, Cadet Kokuz won Silver in Discus, Cadets Jobson and Larcombe won Bronze in 800m the 4 x 100m relay team (Cpl Melbourne, Cadets Helm, Jobson and Ryan) won Bronze.

At the Kent Wing Presentation Night, CWO James Odd was presented with the Lord Lieutenant of Kent Cadet Award, Pilot Officer John Ballard received a Meritous Service Award from the Lord Lieutenant of Kent. Flight Sergeant Michael Odd received a trophy for being part of the winners of the National Fanfare Award. Flight Lieutenant Richard Palmer received the Commandants Air Cadet Award for Meritous Service and OC Kent Wing Award for Squadron Commander.

April

2 cadets successfully took part in the communicator course and are now qualified to teach radio on the squadron. Cadet Parry attend the Kent Wing Adventure training week at Llanbedr. She participated in various activities including Climbing, abseiling, caving and kayaking.

March

8 cadets went flying at RAF Benson, where they took control of the aircraft and depending upon their previous experience and skills did various different aspects of flying including aerobatics.
2 cadets successfully completed a first aid course.
The sqaudrons Dining in Night went very well Commandant Air Cadets Air Commodore Gordon Moulds attended as the guest of honour and was impressed with the evening. A good time was had by all and the cadets experienced a small part of life in the RAF. For images of the event please look in the photo gallery.

February

Well done to Sgt Ballard and Cdt Kokuz for doing well on the communications badge course.

January

Congratulations to the cadets passing their first aid badge.

2007 News

December

The sqaudron held their Christmas camp at St Martins Plain. After leassons and exercises during Saturday the cadets were treated to an evening meal cooked by the Civilian Comittee and served by the staff. The meal was followed by a disco ably handled by Cadet Sergeant Parry. On the Sunday traditional party games were played. An enjoyable time was had by all.

November

The sqaudron participated in the Remembrance Day Parade. It was Chatham's Squadron recently formed band's first official parade and they did magnificently.
For pictures click here.

Flight Sergeant Odd and Pilot Officer Ballard attended the Lord Lieutenant's of Kent Award Ceremony.
Pilot Officer Ballard received an award for Meritous Service whilst Flight Sergeant Odd was awarded Lord Lieutenants Cadet of the Year.
For pictures click here.

September

The sqaudrons Annual Inspection took place with Air Commodore Gordon Moulds RAF MBE, Commandant of the Air Cadets as the reviewing Officer. Air Commodore Moulds gracitiously agreed to be the reveiewing officer and after reviewing the squadron presented the squadrons awards and promotions
For pictures click here.

Promotions

From Sergeant to Flight Sergeant
M. Odd

From Corporal to Sergeant
I. Ballard
N. Blake
L. Parry

From Cadet to Corporal
A. Lamb
R. Miller

2006 News

August

Some cadets attended annual summer camp at Mod St Athan (formerly RAF St Athan). It was an enjoyable and busy week, please visit the photo gallery section for images of the week.

Warrant Officer Reed took more cadets rock climbing at Harrisons Rocks where the cadets thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Cadets along with Warrant Officer Reed attended Windermere camp, where they did some of the various adventure training activities they undertook included rock climbing abseiling, hill walking (high and low areas), canoeing and mountain biking.

Cadets and staff, with our squadrons from the Medway Towns helped to marshall the Southend Vulcan Taxi Run. The event held once a year is a fete where in the afternoon where Avro Vulcan B2 XL426 does a taxi run along the runway. This year Bruce Dickinson more well known for being the front man of Iron Maiden, was around for most of the day and did the taxi run. The cadets did very well throughout the day and as a reward met Mr Dickinson and got his autograph and also got to sit in the cockpit of the Vulcan.

To download a movie of a taxi run please click here (2,635kb)

July

Cadets accompanied by staff went rock climbing with WO reed on 27th & 28th. The cadets thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

Despite a disappointing turnover by parents and visitors the cadets put on a good display of the sqaudrons activities, and a successful AGM was performed, including some new recruits to the committee.

The cadets accompanied by staff went out on a navigational training day, where they walked and navigated their way around a route on the Hoo Peninsula.

The wing shooting training and range day allowed cadets to train in and fire the L98A1 weapon on the range.

Staff, cadets and civilian committee member helped out at the Battle of Britain Parade held at Caple Le Ferne. The cadets and staff assisted with the event aid the veterans, dignitaries and visitors to the parade. The civilian committee provided their usual sterling effort to keep people supplied with food and drink during the event. Many thanks to all involved.

June

Once again the cadets, staff and civilian committee participated in the North Downs Walk in aid of Cancer Research. A good turnout of 37 people means there should be a good amount of money raised via sponsorship for charity. With luck we will be awarded the Brake Trophy for the sixth time in a row for the highest amount contributed by a single group.

Congratulations to FS Ballard and Cpl M Odd for acheiving staff cadet.

The area drill test went well, the cadets were well turned out in their uniforms and performed the drill movements well, they were a credit to the Squadron.

The wing shooting day allowed cadets to fire the L98A1 weapon on the range.

Cadets and staff attended the Wing Shooting Training Day where the cadets where instructed in the safe handling and use of the L98A1 Cadet General Purpose Rifle and then went on to successfully pass their weapons handling tests to allow them to fire the weapon on the range.

Staff, cadets and civilian committee member helped out at the Biggin Hill Air Fair on 3rd and 4th June. The staff and cadets helped with the marshalling and other duties, whilst the civilian committee managed to supply all the personnel in attendance from the various Squadrons and Wings from Kent and Surrey with food and drink . Well done to the cadets, staff and civilian committee members for their hard work.

May

A Green Camp at Pippingford Park went well. The squadron was joined by cadets and staff from Gravesend and Rochester Squadrons where the cadets did various activities including setting up and sleeping under bashers, enhancing their skills in navigation and other green type skills.

A number of cadets from the squadron attended a Bushcraft Weekend organised by Sittingbourne Squadron, where they learnt Ray Mears type survival for the weekend. Living and feeding from the wild. It was a thoroughly good weekend enjoyed by all participants.

April

The squadron attended the Wing Athletics Day and the cadets went well achieving 2 golds and 5 bronzes. Sgt Hiscock won a gold medal for the long jump and Bronze in the relay, Cadet Verma won a gold medal for the 1500m and a bronze for the long jump , whilst Cadet Parry achieved a bronze for the high jump. Three more cadets achieved bronze medals after coming third in the relay with Sgt Hiscock.

10 cadets from the squadron attended RAF Benson to do Air Experience Flying. For some of the cadets this was their first experience flight whilst others were further honing their skills developing their aerobatics and aircraft control.

The squadron attended Asda to do some bag packing for charity. Whilst it was hard work a good turn out was achieved by the cadets resulting in £1200 for charity including the air ambulance.

The interior of the squadron has now been re-decorated and we are slowly moving back in and getting back to normal. Work to tidy up the exterior of the building is due to start shortly after which a re-opening ceremony is being planned, which we hope you will be able to attend.

March

The redecoration of the squadron did not quite meet its deadline but hopes to be completed shortly, we will keep you posted.

The training camp at Crowborough went well. Unfortunately the obstacle course was unavailable as it had been closed, but the rest of the weekend went smoothly and was enjoyed by all.

February

The redecoration of the squadron is progressing so quickly we are have to temporarily relocate to the TA Centre at St Margarets Street, Rochester to allow the work to continue into hut 1 unhindered. The redecoration is due to be completed 17th March.

The redecoration of the squadron has started with hut 2. We look forward to our newly decorated facilities

A basic training camp was held at SMP (St Martins Plain) to allow the 2nd class cadets to put into practice some of the theory they had been taught on the squadron. The weekend included map reading, communications, IET, and range plus first aid, leadership exercises and an obstacle course

January

Cadet NCO's attended a course based upon the Charted Institute of Environmental Health Professional Trainer Certificate. This modified course is to train the cadets the best practice and teaching methods so they can successfully help with training on the Squadron. It was a successful course.

2005 News

December

On the final parade night the committee organised a BBQ. On the same night the staff and cadets swapped places for the evening, with the cadets stepping in to the staff and NCO positions, whilst the NCO's and staff became cadets for the night. The "staff" kept good control particularly of some of the older more unruly "cadets".

The cadets and staff took part in two bag packing days. The first was at Morrisons in Walderslade were they raised £1080 half of which goes to Cancer Research and the second was at Asda's in Chatham were £1700 was raised half of which is for the Air Ambulance.

Cadets and staff from the Medway Squadrons and Sittingbourne Squadron got together for their annual Xmas party, where a good time was had by all. Thank you to Chatham Squadron Committee for organising the event.

November

Congratulations the cadets and staff who took part in the North Downs Charity Walk in aid of Cancer Research. For the fifth time in a row 1404 (Chatham) Squadron has won the Brake trophy for raising the most money as a group. As well as being awarded the trophy the squadron has also been awarded a plaque to recognise this achievement. Congratulations to all the staff and cadets from previous years without whom this achievement would not have happened. Click for article

The L98 range day at Hythe went well, the cadets who attended had the opportunity to fire and improve their skills with the L98A1 Cadet Rifle, a full bore rifle, a good number also passed their weapons handling tests and went firing for the first time.

Well done to the cadets who participated in the Wing Cross Country Event, particularly CWO Smith who just missed out on a medal coming fourth but will still be going forward to represent Wing at Region.

An excellent turnout for Remembrance Day Parade signifies that the young people of today do still remember those who gave their lives for us in the many wars this day now represents. Well done to the cadets and staff who with the British Legion (who organised the event) the ACF and the Medway Scouts provided a large and memorable parade from Chatham Library to the monument by Fort Pitt Hill and back. This was a well attended event which pleased everyone particularly the veterans. Click for photo.

Congratulations to those cadets who achieved their Young Life Savers awards after passing the first aid course at the Wing First Aid weekend help at SMP.

Cadets from the squadron took part in the Wing Pentathlon Event at SMP and came a respectable 14th from 28 Squadrons plus ACF and SEa Cadets. The cadets took part in a Navigation Exercise, First Aid, Obstacle Course, Leadership Exercise and Range Practice, all events being scored to give the final totals. The senior team did so well in the first aid event they are one of four teams selected for the wing first aid competition.

October

A number of cadets attended the 'Bush Camp' organised by 2230 (Sittingbourne) Sqn at Mereworth where they spent the weekend receiving training on living off the land.

1404 (Chatham) Sqn and 213 (City of Rochester) Sqn got together for a weekend at Chatenden to improve the cadets skills in the field. Activities included making their own basher to sleep under for the night, cooking their own rations as well as field exercises and training.

Cadets from the squadron took part in the sports trials wing some going on to represent the wing at region level.

September

A good turnout by the cadets and staff along with other local squadrons meant a good sized parade for the church service for the Battle of Britain Remembrance Parade. It was good to see so many young people prepared to parade to remember this event.

A valiant effort was put in to the wing swimming competition by the cadets, unfortunately nothing was won but a good time was had by the competitors.

Congratulations to the award winners at the annual inspection held at Fort Clarence, Rochester. The parade formed up and marched on the squadron banner before being brought to attention for the Inspecting Officer, Jonathon Shaw MP. Mr Shaw inspecting the cadets talking to each one in turn as he inspected the flights. The presentation of certificates and awards were than made finishing with promotions and enrolments. The squadron then marched past Mr Shaw before departing the parade square. Mr Shaw expressed his thanks for his invitation and how good the cadets and staff looked. He further went on to praise the staff for their involvement and expressed how worthwhile it was, to be giving the young people of the area, opportunities to do so much more, than play computer games and watch the television. (For a picture click here for award and promotions details click here)

Well done to the cadets, staff and civilian committee members for their hard work at Biggin Hill. Staff, cadets and civilian committee member helped out at the Biggin Hill Air Fair on 3rd and 4th September. The staff and cadets helped with the marshalling and other duties, whilst the civilian committee made a valiant effort and managed to supply copious amounts of food and drink to all the personnel in attendance from the various squadrons and wings.

August

The annual summer camp attended by cadets fro the Squadron was at RAF St Mawgan. Many activities were undertaken throughout the week including flying, gliding, sports, shooting, swimming, drill and many section visits and work experience to get a feel for life on a RAF base. They also had a morning walk into Padstowe with an afternoon off in Padstowe. During their off duty time they had the opportunity to do ten pin bowling and visit the on base cinema. Whilst only part of the squadron was able to attend the camp with other squadrons also making up the camp we are proud to announce that it was Cadet Helena Hunt, a 1404 (Chatham) Squadron cadet that won best cadet.

July

Cadets and staff helped at the Samaritans Dog Show. As part of the Squadrons commitment to good citizenship they helped the Samaritans by manning stalls and marshalling at their recent open day / dog show.

June

Cadets and staff participated in the End of World War II Celebration Parade at Canterbury. The cadets and staff lined the route and cadets also marched in the parade with some of the cadets attending the service in Canterbury Cathedral.

Squadron cadets and staff took part in the Battle of Britain Parade help at Capel Le Ferne saluting the attending veterans and remembering those who played their part in the Battle of Britain. The Civilian Committee were also on hand doing a magnificent job in keeping all the cadets and staff from around the wing fed and watered for the whole day.

Cadets and staff took part in the North Downs Walk which takes place every year in aid of cancer research. There are two walks 5 or 10 miles with the vast majority of people completing the 10 mile walk. The squadron is hoping to have collected the sufficient sponsorship to win the trophy for the highest group donation again for the 4th year in a row. (Photo)

Cadets flew in Viking Gliders on their Gliding Induction Courses at RAF Kenley, Cdt Taylor did especially well managing to achieve GIC 1, 2 & 3 on the day.

Combat Master was a competition between the Medway squadrons covering various aspects of field craft. Sections included packing the right kit, hasty stretcher/first aid, aircraft recognition, escape and evasion, camouflage, basher building and initiative exercise. Chatham squadron did extremely well gaining first and second place. Congratulations to the winning team of Cpl S Briggs, Cdt J Odd, Cdt N Bird and Cdt J Melbourne.

The L98 range day at Hythe went well, due to lots of other activities taking place the same day numbers were few but this meant that the cadets who attended has lots of opportunity to fire and improve their skills with a good number also passing their weapons handling tests and firing for the first time.

The squadron took place in the area drill test and reached a commendable fourth place, with a good standard of drill. The competition was tight with 2nd to 5th places separated by just 3 points.

The squadrons Annual General Meeting & Open Evening took place on Thursday 9th June 2005. Various demonstrations took place showing some of the things we do as air cadets. Demonstrations on the night consisted of weapons, comm's, adventure training, lessons, flight sim & drill. We were happy to see a good number of parents and interested visitors which has lead to some new recruits, not only cadets but also civilian committee members.

May

Cadets flew in Vigilant Gliders on their Gliding Induction Courses at Odiham, it was reported that an enjoyable and fulfilling day was had by all.

The Squadron Range Day at Brompton Barracks went well. Despite a disappointing turnout, cadets from 1404 (Chatham) Sqn and 213 (City of Rochester) Sqn enjoyed a lovely sunny day on the outdoor range, where cadets improved their skills and some of the NCO's tried for their Corps Marksman narrowly missing it.

Congratulations and good luck to Cadets Smith, Picot and Scullion who will all go forward to represent Wing at the forthcoming Region Athletics.

3 Gold, 3 Silver and one Bronze medals were won by Chatham cadets at the Wing Athletics Meeting.
The Girls A & B teams both came third in the overall competitions. Well done to all those attending.

Congratulations to Sgt Ballard, Cpl Briggs and Cdt J. Odd who were presented with their BTEC in Aviation Studies.
Cadets attended the Wing L98 Shooting Day, well morning, and participated in dry training and live firing.

April

Congratulations to FS Smith chosen to represent Kent Wing in the male five a side competitions at Region and Cpl Hiscock and Cadet Hodson who were both selected to play for Kent Wing in the female five a side competitions at Region, we wish them all our best for this next round.

In a tightly fought competition our cadets competed in the male five a side, female five a side and netball competitions. The male five a side team played well getting in to the semi finals, before finally losing in the playoffs, to come a respectable fourth from 24 Squadrons. The netball team played well, also getting in to the semi finals. The girls five a side team played extremely well achieving an excellent bronze, third place.

Once again our cadets and staff along with others from Kent Wing helped to marshall at the London Marathon. Despite an early start, the cadets had to meet at the squadron at 0530 in order to be on station at the marathon by 0700, everything went very successfully, all playing their part in ensuring a smooth start to the marathon.

Once again the Civilian Committee made the squadron proud by organising a Dining In Night for the Squadron. With over a hundred people to cater for in a formal event this is obviously a logistical exercise which ran very smoothly. The night started with a formal meal including speeches and toasts followed by a disco (mainly attended by the cadets, whilst the staff and guests hid in the bar). It was an enjoyable night for all concerned.

Cadets joined with other local squadrons to visit RAF Odiham where they spent a day visiting various departments on the base followed by a flight in a Chinook helicopter.

Congratulations to FS Smith who will be playing football for London and South East Region at Corps level.
FS Smith who successfully trialed to play for Kent Wing, was further selected to play at the recent Region wing trials, to play for London and South East Region against the other regions at Corps.

Well done to the cadets who took part in the obstacle course training, particularly those cadets who overcame their fears of certain obstacles. In lovely sunny weather, cadets were trained and had a demonstration of how to use the obstacle course, before warming up and tackling the course themselves. This was followed by a timed course, where cadets in groups of three tackled the course helping their team mates over the larger obstacles. Some of the cadets had to overcome their fears of heights, leaps and narrow items, but rose to the challenge and despite some trepidation took on the obstacle to overcome it.

Many thanks to CWO Tooze for her years of service now she is leaving. Jo Tooze joined the squadron in January 2000 and has worked her way through the ranks to the illustrious height of Cadet Warrant Officer. CWO Tooze has represented the squadron and wing in many sporting events. Jo is leaving the squadron as she has reached 20 years of age and is shortly joining the RAF.

Congratulations to Cpl Erwin for receiving his BTEC award for Aviation Studies

Congratulations to all of our cadets after a heated campaign, fighting to keep the squadron in its current location. A letter has recently been received from Mr Sir Sandy Bruce-Lockhart, Leader of Kent County Council informing the squadron that the land had been removed from the auction and the squadrons lease was currently being renewed. For press article click here. (Adobe acrobat reader required fairly large file).

 January

Terrible news! Kent County Council (KCC) has put the land the squadron is on up for sale. The land is to be auctioned on 17th February. The Squadron and Air Cadet Organisation are trying to ensure that the sale does not go ahead. The squadron is mounting a campaign to stop this by contacting KCC, Medway Council, local counselors and MP's.

Mr Kevin Lynes spoke to Meridian TV at the squadron to reassure the squadron that it had a tenancy in perpetuity and could not be thrown off the land. We await confirmation of Mr Lynes assurances.