New Squadron First Aiders

Four members of 361 (Gateshead) Squadron were recently presented with their St John Ambulance Youth First Aid Certificates and Badges after completing a weekend course of practical training.

First Aid is a core subject in all cadet's training and every member of the Air Cadet Organisation will initially complete a British Heart Foundation HeartStart course which gives them the basic skills to carry out CPR before later progressing on to Youth First Aid training.

 

Pictured are (from left to right) Sgt Jack Dawson, Cdt Mikolaj Kulik, Sgt Owen McPake and Cdt Domna Collier with their Certificates and Badges.

Air Experience Flyers

On the 13th January, Cadets Corrigan, Irvine and Knaggs went Air Experience Flying at 11 AEF, RAF Leeming.

For Cdts Irvine and Knaggs it was their first flight in an RAF Tutor T1 two seat training aircraft and all three cadets had the opportunity to take the controls and pilot the plane in the air.

All cadets in 361 squadron have the opportunity to fly and if you would like to do the same then why not come and join us?

Health & Safety Cadet Entry Level Awards

On Thursday, 7th January 2016 twenty one cadets from 361 Squadron were presented with Health & Safety Cadet Entry Level Awards which recognised their knowledge of hazards and safety issues which can occur in both the workplace and when they are participating in a range of Air Cadet activities.

To qualify for these awards (which are jointly awarded by the Air Cadet Organisation and the British Safety Council), cadets have to complete a workbook which tests their knowledge of spotting possible safety hazards, how to avoid accidents as well as demonstrating a knowledge of the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Some of the cadets from 361 Sqn who recently qualified for Cadet Entry Level Awards

2015 Squadron Presentation Evening

On December 10th, 2015 the squadron held its Annual Presentation Evening at the Army Reserve Centre in Gateshead.

Cadets received a wide variety of awards which they gained throughout the year in front of of an audience of Parents and friends of the squadron who were also entertained by members of the squadron band.

Cadets Luke Craig, Alan Klimczak and Callum Tearney were also promoted to the rank of Corporal on the night and Corporals Jack Dawson and Owen McPake to the rank of Sergeant.

Pictured below are some of the cadets who received awards on the night.

Central Sector Archery Competition

On Saturday, 5th December a team of cadets from 361 (Gateshead) Squadron participated in the Wing Central Sector Archery competition which was held at 1248 (Prudhoe) Squadron.

Despite our team not being regular archers they came a very credible 3rd and received Bronze medals which were presented by our Sector Commander, Sqn Ldr Peter Towns.

The overall winner of the competition was 224 (Hexham) Sqn and in second place was 1313 (Wickham) Sqn.

The 361 Squadron Team

(All photographs courtesy of 1248 Sqn.)

A Birthday Surprise

Members of the Durham/Northumberland Wing Band surprised a former RAF Sergeant on his 60th Birthday today at his nursing home, Covent House in Birtley. 

Brian Davis, who served for 9 years with RAF and is a veteran of the Falklands campaign, suffered injuries in an accident a few years ago and all he talks about according to Linda Trainer, one of the team at Covent House, is his life in the RAF.

So by arrangement with the Royal Air Forces Association and their representative our very own Wing Commander Dave Harris, Linda asked if it would be possible for an RAF band to make a surprise visit to Brian on his birthday. 

With the Wing Commander knowing he could make this wish come true, all be it with his very own ATC Wing Band, which had just returned the night before from the ATC National Band Competition at RAF Halton (where they came a very credible 3rd).

The arrangements were made and finalised literally with a couple of hours to spare and 5 members of the band, from 3 different squadrons, under the command of Sgt (ATC) Darren Taylor came together to surprise Brian on this special day.

Cpl Owen McPake (Clarinet), Cdt Sam Dawson (Trombone) and Cdt William Fletcher (Tenor Sax) all from 361 (Gateshead) Sqn were joined by Cdt Thomas Wilkinson (Trumpet) from 1313 (Whickham) Sqn and Sgt Callum Hartwell from 346 (Tynemouth) Sqn.

With the help of some last minute logistical support from Flt Sgt (ATC) Kevin Laws also of 361 Sqn, the band members marched down the corridor to a very surprised Brian. 

The band then struck up with a very special arrangement of HAPPY BIRTHDAY, turning Brian to tears. The band finished off with one more piece of music before leaving him to enjoy the rest of his celebrations.

All the members of the Durham/Northumberland Wing Band wish Brian “Many Happy Returns” on his 60th Birthday and thank you to Wing Commander Harris for arranging this surprise and allowing the band to be part of this very special occasion.

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.