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.