If you don't know about the Air Training Corps, then you should probably visit the Official Site first.
The aims of the Air Training Corps are:
- To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.
- To provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life.
- To foster the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.
1242 is an ATC Squadron based in Faversham, Kent. As a squadron we participate in a wide range of activities related to the aims, including (but not limited to):
- Flying (in the ATC's own training aircraft as well as in RAF aircraft)
- Gliding (in the ATC's own gliders)
- Adventure Training (including skills of camp craft, survival, navigation and fitness)
- Duke of Edinburgh's Award
1242 (Faversham) Sqn have won the Kent Wing Percussion Championships for the 2nd year in a row. Once again they had to go against stiff competition from across the wing to be placed in first place. The judge for this year's championships was Fg Off G Singleton RAFVR(T) (formerly WO G Singleton - Bandmaster Central Band of the Royal Air Force).
Flt Lt Sermon Officer Commanding 1242 said "I am delighted for the cadets, they have all worked extremely hard, and deserve their prize this is a fantastic achievement for them", the band will now go on to the region finals in October.
Picture: 1242 Sqn Band being judged by Fg Off Singleton
On friday 22nd June the cadets and staff of 1242 were delighted to welcome Cllr Michael Gates and his wife Margaret to the squadron to be appointed as the unit president.
Flt Lt Sermon Officer Commanding said " I am delighted to welcome Cllr Gates to the unit, he has been a strong supporter for many years". Cllr Gates and Mrs Gates were shown around the unit and were able to chat to members of staff and cadets about the activities the unit participates in.
Cllr Gates promised he would participate in a few of the activities over the year, even possibly attending the next unit walk.
Picture: Cllr Gates being presented with the certificate of appointment.
Sgt Luton, Cdt Luton, Cpl Love and Cdt Ingham attended the London and South East Region Band Weekend over the weekend of the 23-25 May at Longmoor Camp in Hampshire.
Full report to follow
On friday 9th May, Cllr Trevor Fentiman Mayor of Faversham made an impromptu visit to the cadets of 1242 (Faversham) Sqn. While attending a function at the Turkish restaurant Cllr Fentiman came to listen to the band practicing for the up coming band competition on the 22nd June. He said "The guests thought that he had laid music on especially and they commented how good the band were", Cllr Fentiman passed on these comments to the cadets before going back to rejoin the meal.
On the 18th April myself (Sgt wilkinson),Cdt Sgt's Dewey, Luton,Cpl's Bennett,Love,Marnes,and Cdt Creed were invited to participate in a joint shooting weekend with the Faversham Army Cadets. The camp took place at Dibgate barracks and involved shooting at the 100m ranges at Hythe.
The cadets shot L98 5.56mm, .22" rifle and L81 7.62mm target rifle. They also learnt how to clean the rifles and learnt the 3 aims of the marksmanship principles.
The cadets enjoyed themselves immensely and hope that this will become a regular event.
