August 2005 Archives

Flight Lieutenant Nick Sermon M.A B.A(Hons) PGCE RAF VR(T)

Commanding Officer

Nick joined his local ATC squadron when he was 13 years old in his home town of Redditch [216 (Redditch) Squadron]. He stayed there until he was 19 years old when he left for University. The absence didn't last long, at 20, whilst still studying for a degree in Music, he joined the local ATC squadron [148 (Barnsley) Squadron] as a Civilian Instructor. At 22 he passed the regional commisioning boards exams and was granted a commision in the <link>RAF VR(T). Moving to 127 (City of Wakefield) Squadron as a new "Pilot Officer" he was responsible for their training programs. By 23 and having gained a Masters Degree work took him south so he was transfered to 2433 (Ramsgate) Squadron. He was promoted to Flying Officer at 2443 Squadron and was responsible for the Squadron Band (guess why!) and the training programe. He was then transfered to 1242 Squadron in 2003 to be the adjutant. 9 months later he became the squadron commanding officer and promoted to the rank of Flight Lieutenant. As well as being our commanding officer, Nick is also the Regional Band officer for London & South East Region (overseeing London Wing, Middlesex Wing, Sussex Wing, Surrey Wing, Essex Wing and Kent Wing squadron's bands ). "I'm still challenged by the variety of activities the ATC has to offer, 16 years after I first joined"

Flying Officer Clare Sermon EDH RAF VR(T)

Adjutant

Clare joined her not so local ATC squadron when she was 16 years old (500 (Headcorn) Squadron was her nearest squadron - but it was 15 miles away across rural Kent!). In just 3 years she was promoted to Cadet Warrant Officer, and having a driving licence was transfered to help in 305 (Ashford) Squadron. Clare left the ATC at 22 (the maximum allowed age for a cadet) to study in the field of dentistry. She too wasn't away for long - returning at 24 as a CI with 305 squdron once again. Clare's musical interests meant that she was responsible for the band. At 25 she passed the regional commisioning boards exams and was granted a commision in the <link>RAF VR(T) returning to 305 Squadron as a new "Pilot Officer". In 2001 she lead the senior team on the Nijmegen 100 mile march in Holland. In just 2 years she was awarded the ranks of Flying Officer and Flight Lieutenant in quick succession and given command of 305 (Ashford) Squadron. Engaged to marry Flt Lt Nick Sermon, they barely had time to see each other running two squadrons so Clare requested a transfer to fill the vacant Adjutant slot at 1242 Squadron. "I like helping the cadets grow their confidence, from when they join as shy and inexperienced 13 year olds into confident leaders among their peers."

Reverend Brian Shersby

Padre

Brian joined the ATC as a Padre in 1998 after being contacted by a member of the Civilian Committee who knew he was a qualified glider pilot. The role of a padre is to provide moral and spiritual guidance and to be a listening ear should cadets ever need it. “I enjoy chatting with the cadets, it's a lot of fun.”

A/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

CI 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."

A/Sgt Graham Robinson

Graham joined 305(Ashford) Squadron in 1972 in his home town of Ashford. Whilst a cadet, he was a member of the band and played bugle, drums and was 2nd Drum Major. He was member of the squadron's Gymnastics Display Team (not quite rivalling the RAF display team but close!). He also passed the necessary gliding training at Manston and was awarded his gliding wings

However, Graham left in late 1979 as he'd joined the cross channel ferry company British Rail/Sealink although, by contrast , he now works in the funeral industry.

Graham rejoined his old squadron in October 2001 as a Civillian Instructor in Radio Communications apart from the other tasks that need to be done around the place. He was travelling from Faversham to Ashford twice a week but in July 2005 he transferred to 1242 (Faversham) Squadron. At the same time he attended the Kent Wing Board to become Adult Sergeant and by September 2005 was back into uniform.

Graham currently has qualifications as:- Lead Instructor & Examiner (R.S.G.B), Lead Instructor (B.A.P.T), Mens Gymnastics Coach (B.A.G.A), Coach (B.T.F), Basic Coach/QTWHT (No.8 Rifle Certificated), Healer Practitioner Association International (H.P.A.I), Fellow of the Institute of Holistic Therapies (F.Inst.H.T)

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 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)