Fieldcraft Training Day

On the 6th October, 12 cadets from 361 squadron took part in a fieldcraft training day where they learnt about the skills of camouflage and concealment as well as learning about living in the field. 

Now you see them

Now you don't (They are there, somewhere - honest!)

Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition

Cadets Paul Dixon and Lloyd and Harvey Simpson recently successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition in the Thropton and Rothbury area of Northumberland.

All three cadets were required to complete an overnight camp and a hike, navigating with map and compass (no GPS allowed!) and having to carry all their equipment and prepare their own food.

Throughout the expedition they were assessed on their navigation and camp-craft skills.

Social Night at Namco Funscape

On 23rd August the squadron had a very successful social night at Namco Funscape in the Gateshead Metrocentre, .

All Cadets enjoyed their games of tenpin bowling and riding on the dodgems.

 

Recent Presentations

A number of cadets from 361 squadron recently received awards including BTEC Awards and Instructor Cadet Certificates.

Above: Cpl Michael Rear and Sergeant Chris Dolphin both received BTEC First Awards in Public Services valued at 4 GCSEs at A* to C Grades.

Above: Sergeant Jamieleigh McPake, Flight Sergeant Beth Ainsley, Sergeant Chris Dolphin and Corporal Ross Laws all received BTEC Certificates in Aviation Studies valued at 2 GCSEs at grades A* to C when they qualified as Master Cadets.

 Above: Cpl Laws, Sgt Dolphin, Flt Sgt Ainsley and Sgt McPake also received their Instructor Cadet Certificates which confirm their ability to instruct other cadets.

Annual Camp at RAF Brampton / Wyton

Between the 21st and the 28th of July, cadets from 361 (Gateshead) Squadron attended a summer camp at the twin RAF stations of Brampton / Wyton in Cambridgeshire.

During the camp cadets took part in a wide range of activities including a visit to the Imperial War Museum at Duxford (where the film "Battle of Britain" was made), target rifle shooting at RAF Wittering, flying in Tutor aircraft at RAF Wyton, swimming at RAF Henlow, and participating in a laser battle at Laserforce in Peterborough.

Other activities included visiting the Air Traffic Control tower, Fire Section and Pathfinder
 Museum at RAF Wyton and the Chiltern Air Support Unit police helicopter at RAF Henlow.

Pictured below are cadets and staff from 361 squadron alongside cadets from other squadrons from Durham/Northumberland Wing in front of the historic Brampton Park Officers' Mess.

Cadet CV

Sgt Christopher Dolphin was last night presented with a Cadet CV which is awarded to cadets when they have achieved the following goals:

• Flown in RAF training aircraft as a pilot under instruction showing confidence and ability to follow precise instructions.
• Taken part in Target Shooting which requires self-discipline and an ability to follow exact training and instructions and good Hand-eye co-ordination.
• Achieved a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award - this award requires motivation and persistence and also demonstrates the ability to work as part of a team. It includes sections that require voluntary service to others, skills and physical achievements as well as an unaccompanied expedition in a small group which demands resilience and courage to complete.
• Attended a residential camp demonstrating personal organisation and the ability to interact with others.

 

Sgt Dolphin has achieved all of the above and in addition has completed a Gliding Scholarship which culminated in a solo flight in a Vigilant motor glider at 645 VGS, RAF Topcliffe which he achieved at the age of 16 (i.e. before he can legally drive a car on the road).

Duke of Edinburgh Award Expeditions

On the 5th and 6th May, nine cadets from 361 Squadron packed their rucksacks to take part in Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions in the Hadrian's Wall area in Northumberland starting in Haydon Bridge and finishing at Stonehaugh (including an overnight camp and approximately six hours of hiking on each of the two days).

The participants must be self sufficient throughout the expedition, carrying all their camping kit (including tents, sleeping bags and food) and preparing their own hot meals as well as navigating a route using map and compass. (Sat-Nav is not allowed!) Each participant must complete both a practice and an actual expedition to qualify for this part of the Duke of Edinburgh scheme.

Pictured above at the start of the expedition are cadets Robbie Graham, Lloyd and Harvey Simpson, Josh Gordon, Matthew Purdy, Paul Dixon, Alice McGregor, Ellisha Clelland and Sam Hogg. (Cadets Graham, Gordon and Purdy completed their actual expeditions whilst the remaining six took part in a practice expedition.)