CWO Chris Dolphin

Congratulations to Chris Dolphin who has been promoted to the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO) following a successful interview by Wing Commander D Harris, Officer Commanding Durham/Northumberland Wing.

Vulcan Display at this weekend's Sunderland Air Show

Vulcan XH558 (pictured below at last weekend's Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford) is scheduled to carry out a full display at this weekend's Sunderland Air Show.
 
The display (which is on Sunday the 28th only) is due to commence at 1444 hrs.

Click here for the latest XH558's NEWSBYTES.

Bag Pack and Car Boot Sale

361 squadron recently carried out a bag pack to raise money for squadron funds at the new Tesco Extra store in the recently opened Trinity Centre, Gateshead.

Thanks to the efforts of our cadets and Tesco we collected a total of £416.13 over a four hour period.

In addition, Mrs Lorraine Laws (who is one of our committee members) ably assisted by Sgt Kevin Laws recently raised a total of £250.00 for our funds at two local car boot sales by selling a variety of donated items.

Well done all!

361 Squadron has a Minibus!

361 (Gateshead) Squadron today purchased a minibus which will allow us to provide transport for cadets to a wide range of activities including Wing events and competitions as well as increasing the range of activities we can offer to squadron members.

 

The squadron has had an ambition for many years to have its own transport and at last this wish has been fulfilled.

Dambusters raid remembered

Click here to go to the GOV.UK website for information of the Dambusters 70th anniversary commemorative events including a video taken on 17th May from inside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster bomber over Derwent Reservoir in Derbyshire.

Banner Drill Victory

Congratulations to the 361 (Gateshead) Squadron Banner Drill Squad, led by Cadet Warrant Officer Beth Ainsley, which was victorious at the Durham/Northumberland Wing Competitions Day held in South Shields on Saturday, 11th May.

The Banner Drill competition was introduced into Durham/Northumberland Wing last year and 361 Squadron has now won the trophy on both occasions.

Pictured are Cpl Sam Hogg, CWO Beth Ainsley, Cdt Paul Dixon
(and holding the trophy) Flt Sgt Chris Dolphin

Beating the Retreat - Edinburgh Castle

On Saturday, 27th April three cadets from the 361 (Gateshead) Squadron band were selected to to play in the Beating the Retreat Ceremony on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle.

Cadets Josh Rayner, Matthew Rutland and Rebecca Gray were part of a thirteen strong contingent from Durham/Northumberland Wing who took part in this prestigious event.

Cdt Josh Rayner - Drum Major

Cdt Matthew Rutland - Bell Lyre

Cdt Rebecca Gray (left) - Cymbals

The Durham/Northumberland Wing Contingent

Gliding Induction Couses

On Saturday 13th April, Cadets Callum Elliott, Matthew Harbottle and Alan Klimczak completed their first Gliding Induction Courses with 645 Volunteer Gliding Squadron at RAF Topcliffe near Thirsk in North Yorkshire.

 

During their flights the cadets were taught about the effects of the elevator and took control of the aircraft themselves.

Barry Buddon Music Camp

During the Easter Holidays, a group of cadets from Durham/Northumberland Wing (including seven cadets from 361 (Gateshead) Squadron) attended a tri-service music camp at Barry Buddon Training Camp, near Dundee in Scotland.

They were guests of the Black Watch ACF and here are some photographs from the camp and a video of the final performance of the week.

Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenants' Presentations

On Tuesday, 19th March five members of 361 (Gateshead) Squadron were formally presented with their BTEC First Diploma in Public Services by Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant for Tyne & Wear, N Sherlock Esq OBE. 

The recipients of these diplomas were Flt Sgt Beth Ainsley, Sgt Chris Dolphin, Sgt Ross Laws, Sgt Jamieleigh McPake and Cpl Michael Rear.

In addition Flight Lieutenant George Reywer RAFVR(T), Commanding Officer of 361 Squadron,  was presented with Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant's Certificate for Meritorious Service for 2012.

January 2013 Presentations

Six cadets from 361 Squadron received awards last Thursday.

Cadet Matthew Purdy received the Best Cadet award for January 2013, Cdt Sam Hogg was awarded with his NICAS certificates for climbing skills, Cdts Alice McGregor and Calum Elliot received their Band Drummers Badges and Cdts Toni Hudson and Lauren Reynolds received for their Tutor aircraft First Flights Certificates.

Defence Discount Service

Members of the cadet forces and their families can now sign up to the Defence Discount Service - the only official Ministry Of Defence (MOD) discount service and also home of the DEFENCE PRIVILEGE CARD.

The services allows members of the Armed and Cadet Forces, their families and Veterans to make savings both online and on the high street. Sign up for FREE and start saving today.

Who Can Join?

Sign up now for free and start saving straight away. The Defence Discount Service is available for Serving and Reserve Armed Forces, Spouses/Partners, Veterans, MOD Civil Servants, War/Service Widow(er)s, Bereaved Family members, Cadet Forces and NATO personnel. 

Defence Privilege Card

- Make in store savings
- Top high street brands
- Make huge savings
- Valid for 5 years
- Just £4.99
- New companies daily

 

Click here to go to the Defence Discount Service web site and join for free.

www.defencediscountservice.co.uk

Air Cadet Xtra

The Air Cadet Organisation is delighted to present the NEW edition of Air Cadet Xtra - an online magazine packed with new articles which didn't make the last copy of Air Cadet. The latest edition features great stories on the Lord Mayor’s Show, the RAF Association Wings Lotto, Farnborough International Airshow, RAF Benevolent Fund Xmas cards, The RAF Photographic Competition, Armed Forces Day, Battle of Britain Parades, The Imperial War Museum, a visit in Glasgow from The Princess Royal and cadets taking part in the West Coast Challenge.

Click here to go to the latest issue.