361 Squadron Staff Qualifications

Staff from 361 (Gateshead) Squadron with recently gained qualifications including St John Ambulance Activities First Aid, British Heart Foundation Heartstart Trainer, H & S Entry Level Award Tutor and Risk Assessor certificates.

These awards will allow staff to teach these valuable and potentially life saving skills to other members of the squadron.

First Time Flyers

After one aborted visit to RAF Leeming caused by poor weather, Cadets Callum Tearney, Jack Tunnell and Logan Gibson flew last Wednesday.

The weather was clear but cold and all three cadets successfully completed their first flights in a Grob Tutor T1 of 11 Air Experience Flight.

100 Squadron RAF Visit

Cdts Tearney, Tunnell and Gibson from 361 squadron travelled to RAF Leeming last Wednesday for Air Experience Flying, however unfortunately due to poor visibility the Grob Tutors of 11 AEF were grounded.

However to sweeten the news that they would not be getting airborne that day the cadets were able to visit 100 Squadron RAF and have a close look at the Hawk T1 aircraft used by the squadron and learn about the role of that unit.

The photograph shows the cadets up close and personal with one of 100 Squadron's Hawks.

2014 Squadron Presentation Evening

On Thursday, 18th December 361 (Gateshead) Squadron held its Annual Presentation Evening at the Gateshead Army Reserve Centre. The event was attended by 35 cadets and around 45 guests and a wide range of awards were awarded most of which were a closely guarded secret until they were announced on the night.

The photographs show a selection of the awards which were presented to squadron members.

Best Cadet of 2014 - Cdt Robinson

The Ray Magerison Memorial Award 2014 - Cpl Dawson

Best Standard of Drill by a Cadet - Cdt Lane

Best Standard of Drill by an NCO - Cpl Dixon

 

Promotion to Flight Sergeant - Flt Sgt Hogg

Promotion to Sergeant - Sgt Purdy

Promotion to Corporal - Cpl Lane

 

Promotion to Corporal - Cpl Vasey

Musician of the Year - Cpl McPake

Best Flight 2014 - won by Victor Flight

Cadets and Guests

The Squadron Band played a selection of seasonal music

An end of an era (but start of a new one...)

Last Thursday was CWO Beth Ainsley's last parade as a cadet member of 361 squadron as she reached her 20th birthday. 

CWO Beth Ainsley (on the left) with Sgt Josh Gordon and Cpl Ellishia Clelland

Beth who has been a cadet at the squadron for six and a half years will continue to pass on her knowledge and experience as a civilian instructor at Gateshead.

CWO Ainsley pictured last Thursday with other members of the squadron

 

Carol Vorderman Is First Female Honorary Ambassador for RAF Air Cadets

Carol Vorderman has “flown in” as the new Ambassador for the RAF Air Cadets – she becomes the first female honorary Group Captain ambassador to the organisation.

Click here for the full story on the Royal Air Force website.

Remembrance Sunday 2014

On Sunday the 9th November, 361 Squadron members took part in the Remembrance Parade and Service at Gateshead War Memorial.

Members of the squadron immediately after the parade

Wreaths were laid by CWO Ainsley and Cpl Purdy on behalf of 361 Squadron and SSAFA and the salute was taken during the March Past by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear.

The 361 squadron band, led by Drum Major, Cdt Vasey, led the Parade and March-Past.