The National Band Competition at RAF Halton

Last weekend, three cadets from 361 Squadron attended the National Band Competition at RAF Halton. All three are members of of the Durham/Northumberland Wing Band which was representing North Region against the other five regions of the Air Training Corps. 

The band which is formed of cadets from the 35 squadrons in Durham/Northumberland Wing was only formed within the last two years, and it was a major achievement to reach the National Finals in such a short time.

The 361 Cadets, Cpl Owen McPake (Clarinet), Cdt Sam Dawson (Trombone) and Cdt William Fletcher (Tenor Sax) all performed in the main band competition where the Wing Band were awarded a very credible third place, whilst Cdt Dawson also represented the Region in the Solo Side Drum contest.

Cdt Sam Dawson looking very happy with the Commandant of the Air Cadet Organisation, Air Cdre Dawn McCafferty and Honorary Ambassador, Gp Capt Carol Vorderman at the recent National Band Competition.

First Time Flyers

On Friday, 2nd October three cadets from 361 squadron went Air Experience Flying for the first time at RAF Leeming and although the day started off very foggy, grounding all flights, the weather later improved and by the afternoon it was clear and sunny allowing flying to take place.

Pictured above are Cadets Sam Donkin, Mark Heatherington and Allanah McNulty fully kitted out and waiting for their turn to fly...

Come and Join Us!

• Are you over 12 Years of Age?
• Are you in or about to go in to Year 8 (or above) at school?
• Then why not join us and take part in a wide range of exciting and challenging activities.
• Go to our web site at www.361-atc.com for more information.

Cadet Luke Robinson's Last Parade with 361 Squadron

Last Thursday was Cadet Luke Robinson's last parade with 361 (Gateshead) Squadron before his families move to Australia. 

Luke, who has been a member of both the 361 Squadron and Durham/Northumberland Wing bands, was presented with an Australian flag signed by cadets and staff, as well as a bush hat to keep away the flies in his new home and a kangaroo (not a real one!) to keep him company on the long flight to OZ.

Cdt Robinson pictured wearing his new headwear

Luke hopes to join the Australian Air Force Cadets when he arrives in Australia and we would like to wish him the best of luck for the future.

361 Squadron Open Day

On Saturday, 11th July we will be holding an Open Day for anyone interested in the Air Cadets and our range of activities.

There will be a wide range of displays and we will also be carrying out a sponsored Flight Simulator Challenge during which a group of cadets will be flying a Grob Tutor (on our flight simulator) to approximately 25 RAF airfields around the UK.

Membership of the Air Cadets is open to all young people over the age of 12 (and in, or about to go in Year 8 at school) and we also have adult volunteering opportunities available both uniformed and civilian.

All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday at our squadron headquarters on Alexandra Road in Gateshead between 1000 and 1600hrs.

361 Squadron Success at the 2015 Wing Competitions Day

On Saturday, 9th May 361 (Gateshead) Squadron participated in the Durham/Northumberland Wing Competitions Day which was held in South Shields.

Competitions held on the day included Banner Drill, Drill, Aircraft Recognition, First Aid, Media and Aero Modelling all of which were open to all 35 Squadrons in the Wing.

The 361 (Gateshead) Squadron Banner Drill Squad

The 361 Drill Team

 

361 squadron's results for the day were:

1st Place in the Banner Drill Competition (for the 4th year in a row!)
2nd Place in the Drill Competition
3rd Place in the Junior Aircraft Recognition Competition

which resulted in 361 squadron being declared the overall winner of the day.

Beating the Retreat at Edinburgh Castle - 2015

On Saturday, 2nd May 2015 the Tri-Service Cadet Band performed the Beating of the Retreat on the Esplanade at Edinburgh Castle.

The band, which consists of the Sea Cadet Corps, the Black Watch Army Cadet Force and Durham/Northumberland Wing Air Cadets, as well as the Boys Brigade, is the only band of its kind in the United Kingdom and has performed annually in Edinburgh for the past few years.

(Video by Sgt (ATC) Callum Hartwell.)