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.

Autumn Camp - RAF Valley

37 cadets from Durham/Northumberland (including members of 361 squadron) and Central and East Yorkshire Wings attended camp at RAF Valley on Anglesey in North Wales from the 25th October to 1st November.

They took part in a wide range of activities including visiting the two resident Hawk squadrons, learning about the role of RAF Sea King Search and Rescue helicopters, and Mountain Rescue Teams, Karting and a High Ropes course.

One lucky cadet from the camp was selected for a flight in a Hawk T2, becoming the first female cadet in the Air Cadet Organisation to fly in this version of the aircraft with her exciting flight including aerobatics and taking control of the aircraft.

Wing Cadet Drill Course

Durham/Northumberland Wing recently held its first Cadet Drill Course which was attended by seven specially selected cadet NCOs and organised by the Wing Warrant Officer, WO Vicky Farrimond (seen in the centre of the front row in the photograph).

Cadet NCOs on the course had to attend a selection day prior to the course and were assessed for their dress, deportment, drill and instructional skills.

Amongst those cadets NCOs selected for the course was Sgt Sam Hogg from 361 (Gateshead) Squadron (seen second from the right on the back row) who will now use the skills that he learnt to instruct cadets at Gateshead squadron to further improve their drill standard.