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August 30, 2005

About 1242

1242 (Faversham) Squadron was formed on 15th March 1941 by Royal Warrant of King King George VI. The aim of the air training corps and the squadron are to:

  • 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.

For over 64 years the squadron has delivered these aims to young people in Faversham and the surrounding areas.

Posted by Steve at 8:55 PM | | Comments (0)

Thinking of becoming a cadet?

If you are interested in the activities the air training corps has to offer do not hesitate to contact us (or your local squadron!).

1242 (Faversham) squadron is open to young people aged between 13 and 16 years old who can attend regularly. We meet on Tuesday evenings between 18:45 and 21:30 and Friday evenings between 18:45 - 21:45. You are welcome to come along and meet with us or call us on 01795 535955.

If you are not in the Faversham area, please visit http://www.aircadets.org to find your local squadron (there are over 1,000 squadrons in the UK!)

Posted by Steve at 8:25 PM | | Comments (0)

August 27, 2005

Civillian Committee

The Air Training Corps is structured in such a way that as well as the military influence there is an allied civilian structure. In fact the Civilian Committees are the backbone of the Corps and determine the running of the ATC from Squadron level through to representation on the Air Defence Council.

Each ATC Squadron has a Civilian Committee. These comprise of Parents and Friends of the Squadron. Their role is to ensure the Sqn maintains direction, assisting the Commanding Officer and raising funds.

Fundraising is very important as it supports many squadron activities other than flying, gliding and shooting and some sports. Most pursuits are financed through fundraising.

A fund raising stall organised by the Civilain CommitteeMany parents and friends get a great deal of enjoyment, pleasure and fun out of assisting 'their' Squadrons as members of the Civilian Committee. Committees meet to their own timetable, usually once per month, under the direction of a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer. Most Squadron Civilian Committees will be very pleased to accept offers of extra help - even if you can not commit to regular or long term assistance.

Posted by Steve at 8:13 PM | | Comments (1)

1242 Squadron Staff

1242 Squadron Staff

Phil CampA/Warrant Officer Phil Camp

Officer in Command

 

D. WilkinsonA/Sgt Daz Wilkinson AMIMI

Daz was a cadet at 1242 Squadron in 1980-1985. In 1985 he joined the Royal Air Force and trained as a Vehicle Technician. Daz served in various theatres including the Falklands, Bosnia, Kosovo and Belize. Having left the RAF and returned to Faversham, he's also returned to 1242 as a CI. "When I was a cadet I remember CI's helping me. Now it's my turn to help cadets".

Daz's duties at 1242 include: Training Officer, Adventure Training, Staff Cadet Training, Security and MT (as our only mechanic, he get to fix our squadron Minibus!) Daz passed his A/Sgt board in 2006

Steve RootCI Steve Root

Steve remembers wanting to fly from a very young age - it all started when he read a noticeboard at junior school. He joined his local ATC squadron [25 (Parkwood) Squadron] when he was 13 and never looked back. "I definitely benefited from being an Air Cadet. The skills I learnt helped me get my Private Pilots Licence when I was just 19 years old. I also learnt a lot about leadership and team management". Steve left the ATC as a Cadet Warrant Officer when he was 22 to start a business. 7 Years later and he's returned "I really enjoy passing on the skills that I learnt when I was an air cadet and best of all, I'm still learning new things. As a member of staff I've been trained in many things including First Aid skills. Working with the next generation of air cadets and seeing them improve and develop their abilities is really satisfying."

Paul Whalan CI Paul Whalan

Paul joined us in 2006. He studied Business Management at North London College and also holds the following qualifications.

Royal Yachting Association day skipper (motor cruiser certificate) and is currently in the later stages of obtaining a private pilots licence. Paul was also briefly a member of the Royal Naval Reserve based at HMS President in London. He is presently a Group Estates Manager of a London property company. He also served as a local councilor representing Teynham for 3 years.

Paul's interests are flying and running and he has also competed in 5 London Marathons. At the squadron he teaches air navigation and the principles of flight.

He has also completed a RSGB Foundation training course and has recently passed the first aid heart start course.

could you join our staff?Could this be your photo?

Adult Staff in the ATC are essential in delivering the aims of the air training corps. If you are willing to share your skills and experience with young people one evening a week or more, we'd like to hear from you. If you live in or near Faversham then you can contact us. Alternatively contact your local ATC squadron through Kent Wing or HQ ATC. You can read more about the role of different staff on the official www.aircadets.org web site.

(Note - you don't have to have been an Air Cadet to be a staff member of the ATC)

Posted by Steve at 6:29 PM | | Comments (4)