Battle of Britain Parade and Service at Durham Cathedral

The 10th September saw the Battle of Britain Parade and Service at Durham Cathedral which was attended by cadets and staff from all around Durham/Northumberland Wing including members of 361 (Gateshead) Squadron.

Despite a heavy rain shower after the service the March Past went ahead with the salute taken by the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham.

Wing Adventure Training Challenge

Cadets from Durham/Northumberland Wing (including a team from 361 squadron) recently took part in the Wing Adventure Training Challenge at RAF Spadeadam. 

Cadets competed in a range of activities including a day hike, mountain biking, first aid, orienteering and archery.

Cadets & Staff at the 2017 Adventure Training Challenge

HeartStarters

Last Thursday, four members of 361 squadron were presented with HeartStart certificates having successfully completed a British Heart Foundation approved CPR course.

Pictured are Cdt Wilson, Cpl Kulik, Cdt Corrigan and Cdt Nixon

All cadets receive basic First Aid training when they join the squadron and can later progress to more advanced Saint John Ambulance approved courses.

Onesie Charity Walk

On the 1st May, cadets from 361 squadron supported the Heel & Toe Children's Charity which supports children with Cerebral Palsy & Other Physical Disabilities at their sponsored charity walk in Saltwell Park, Gateshead.

The squadron provided marshals at checkpoints along the course and drummers from the squadron band headed the walk around the park.

(Photo: Newcastle Chronicle)

(Photo: Newcastle Chronicle)

(Photo: Newcastle Chronicle)

Left to Right: Cpl Mos, CI White, Sgt Fletcher, Cpl Dawson, Cdt Corrigan   (Photo: Newcastle Chronicle)

 

Some cadets modelled the latest air cadet uniforms which have a striking similarity to Telly Tubbies characters!

A number of cadets were sponsored by friends and relatives to raise money for this very worthy cause.

Beating the Retreat

Recently Flt Sgt Owen McPake, Sgt William Fletcher and Cpl Sam Dawson from 361 (Gateshead) Squadron once again headed north with a contingent from Durham/Northumberland Wing to join cadets from across the UK on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle for the ACFA Beating the Retreat.

Performing alongside over 100 cadets from all services, the retreat culminated in a phenomenal finale by the Massed Bands of the Tri-Service Military Bands and the Cadet Force Pipes and Drums.

Well done to all who were involved!

2017 Tri-Service Band Camp

Earlier this month six cadets from 361 (Gateshead) Squadron attended the annual Tri-Service Band Camp at Redford Barracks in Edinburgh.

The Camp culminated on the Friday evening with a public concert in Portabello Town Hall in Edinburgh where the band, consisting of cadets from the Sea Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Force, The Royal Air Force Air Cadets and the Boy's Brigade, gave an spirited performance of music for all tastes and the complete concert is in the video below.

The band will also be performing the Beating Retreat ceremony on the esplanade of Edinburgh Castle (the same location as the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo.)

At the end of the camp, Cadet Stefan Istrat from 361 Squadron was presented with the award for the Most Improved Cadet Musician in the Junior Band.

 (All members of 361 Squadron get the opportunity to play in the squadron band - No experience or previous music knowledge necessary!)

First Time Flyers

On the 19th April, 3 cadets from 361 squadron experienced their first flight in a Grob Tutor T1 training aircraft with 11 Air Experience Flight at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire.

Cadets Jubb, Jackson and Wilcox all had the opportunity to take control of the aircraft in the air and were presented with First Flight Certificates to mark the occasion.