1242 (Faversham) Squadron ATC

1242 Year Calendar

2008-01-04T17:49:46Z

Please find the calendar of events for 2008,

Priority events are marked in red

Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Expedition

2007-11-27T21:09:44Z

In October, 5 members of 1242 Squadron undertook their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Expedition. Flight Sergeant Masters has written all about their exploits:

After months of careful planning, it was time for 5 sqn members to undertake a Bronze D of E Expedition. Having completed a practice expedition, just a few weeks before, the group realised they were ready, and were determined to complete the expedition over the weekend of the 20th and 21st October 2007, all that was left to do was for myself (F/Sgt Masters), to sort out the finishing touches, which involved preparing maps and route cards for the rest of the group.]]> We set off from Faversham at around 0930, on Saturday 20th October 2007, for the short journey by squadron minibus, to our starting position at the bottom of the White Cliffs of Dover. After CI Root, had dropped us off in Dover, we were by ourselves for the next 2 days and 1 night.
The route was hilly from the off, and we found ourselves walking up a steep footpath straight away. Although, it was worth it, because of the amazing views, that we saw, when we had climbed up the first hill, there were great views over the Port of Dover, and also of Dover Castle. We realised this was the first opportunity for taking pictures, although CI Slater, insisted that we couldn’t stop for long, as time was rapidly running out (bearing in mind, we still had 5-6 hours of daylight left). We hadn’t been walking long, when we realised that the map that I had purchased a few years before, failed to inform us, that our chosen footpath, was now at the bottom of the cliffs in the cold English Channel. So, we had to take a short detour in land, and a few hundred metres later, found ourselves, climbing down a near vertical cliff face, which although looked dangerous, we all decided that it was actually quite fun and challenging. Anyway, the excitement was now over and we found ourselves walking along the (what seemed, never ending) White Cliffs of Dover.
We reached our checkpoint, slightly behind schedule, the first leg which should have taken just 40 minutes, took almost 90 minutes (maybe Naismith, never included rock climbing in his study). Although we kept going and realised that the route I had picked, wasn’t great, due to the serious hilly ground, although it was agreed, that all the time the English Channel was on our Right, we were going in the correct direction (until of course, we came inland). Again we came in land at St Margaret’s Bay, due to our footpath once again taking a bath in the English Channel. We then decided to have another break at a huge big war memorial (The memorial, an obelisk, commemorates the achievements of the Dover Patrol, which included the defence of the Straits).
It was then time to come in land even more, and we suddenly found ourselves on a farm, when the farmers, asked us if we were the British Army and lost, we replied we’re not lost, we just don’t know where we are, although we found that the map could actually be quite useful in finding out where we were and where we should be heading. Anyway, on we went, and started to walk up another big hill. When we reached the top, we couldn’t find our footpath, so Cpl Dewey, decided to take us across country, through brambles and bushes bigger than Cdt Creed (we can’t go under it, we can’t go over it, we’ve got to go through it!) After emerging from the bushes, we found ourselves on a Golf Course, and were approached by a well-observed gentleman, who pointed out, that we were on a Golf Course (for a minute, I thought it was the pitch, for the Rugby World Cup final). After leaving the Golf Course, we went in search of our Tumuli (that CI Root, suggested would be a nice place to have lunch), although like our footpaths, our Tumuli, didn’t appear to exist either. After realising we were now 1 hour behind schedule, we found our Tumuli. After an extremely quick lunch, it was time to move on, and we soon found ourselves in Walmer (near Deal). After having a lengthy discussion, we realised that we couldn’t decide which way to go, so walked down a road until we came to another footpath. By this time I was in agony, with Blisters the length of my feet (sorry, no pictures of my blisters). After about, another 90 minutes and 4 km’s later, we reached our campsite. The staff had asked me to text them on arrival at the campsite, so they could leave the comfort of a warm pub, to come and find us, although, as soon as we walked into the campsite reception, they were right behind us.
Off we went to pitch our tents (some more easily than others), and after that it was time for dinner. We realised that the temperature was starting to drop, and so out came the bobble hats. Later that evening, after everyone had eaten and we had reflected on the day, we decided to ask nicely if the campsite staff, would allow us to sit in their bar, to watch the RWC final, luckily they were nice and agreed, otherwise it would’ve been a cold night sitting in our tents with nothing to do. Although, reflecting on the result, we might as well of had an early night.
After the rugby had finished it was time to return to our tents, although, I did insist that everyone had a hot drink before getting into their tents to sleep.
I spent the night waking up about every 30 minutes, due to the fact I couldn’t sleep, because it was SO cold.
When we woke up the next morning we noticed ice on our tents, and found ourselves using bankcards, to scrape the ice off the tents, at which point CI Slater and Cpl Dewey, decided to have an ice-ball fight (not quite snow).
Everyone ate breakfast and finished packing and we set off from the campsite at 0915 (15 minutes behind schedule). As we were walking along, we found ourselves at the edge of a road, and realised that we had to tell Cdt Young the dangers of roads every 30 seconds (he did seem shocked that a car was driving along the road). Onwards we continued and found ourselves reaching our first checkpoint of the day, on schedule (so, we’d actually walked faster than I originally anticipated). Several hours later, we finished the second day, 100 minutes (1 hour & 40 minutes) late, and conveniently, our route finished at McDonalds (we could now buy things, because the expedition was over). After several burgers later, we decided it was time to head to Kearsney Train Station (about 1 km away), to catch well…. A train back to Faversham. When we arrived, the ticket office was closed and so we decided to, sit on the platform to get to Faversham, little did we know, South Eastern Trains, were performing “Engineering works” and that our replacement bus, had very kindly, missed Kearsney Train Station. Two hours later, we decided to call CI Root, who very kindly agreed to come and collect us in the sqn minibus (he’s brave to drive that minibus, twice in one weekend). So, we walked back to Whitfield McDonalds, up a huge hill, to find CI Root waiting for us. We finally realised the weekend was over and that we were all going home to proper beds, and I could finally cover up my blisters properly.
All that’s left for me to say is a huge well done to the Expedition group:

CI Slater
Cpl Dewey
Cdt Bennett
Cdt Young
And of course myself, F/Sgt Masters.

And a huge thank you to, CI Root, for being extremely kind and coming to pick us up.

F/Sgt Masters (Group Leader)

Remembrance Parade

2007-11-15T19:30:15Z

This year, on the 11th Day of the 11th Month, we remembered.

Expedition training weekend

2007-10-08T09:05:01Z

Photos from our Expedition Training Weekend

Group photo taken at the end of the weekend. More photos below.

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First rest stop

Lunch

Good weather gave us great views

Early morning mist

1242 Faversham Squadron win Kent Wing Percussion Finals 2007

2007-09-23T19:30:51Z

On Sunday 23 Sept 1242 Sqn completed in the Annual Kent Wing Band Competition held at MODFSCTE Manston in the percussion section against other bands from across Kent. This was the third year that the squadron had competed in this event, previously coming second on both occasions. This time was the year that we were to be successful by coming first. The competition was tough as the winning margin was only one point. Officer Commanding 1242 Flt Lt N Sermon said “I am delighted for the cadets as they worked extremely hard and now they have an opportunity to show the region what they can do as they compete against London, Sussex, Middlesex, Surrey and Essex at the Region Finals in October”.

Squadron Stand down

2007-07-31T18:56:26Z

The squadron will be stood down on the 7 & 10 Aug for Annual Camp.

Have a good break

Group Captain Hakin visits squadron

2007-07-10T19:37:26Z

London and South East Region's Regional Commandant, Group Captain Hakin, visited 1242 squadron today for an informal visit. It's not often cadets get to meet and talk to such a senior figure in the ATC.

Cdt Sgt Masters goes to camp at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus

2007-05-11T18:30:21Z

Cdt Sgt Masters has recently returned from a 2 week camp at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. He's written all about it.

"I have been a cadet for nearly 4 years now and I have been fortunate to do most things that the Air Training Corps has to offer. However, one activity had eluded for the last few years, an Overseas Camp. At the end of 2006 details came through to my Squadron with regards to an overseas camp at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus...

]]> I have been a cadet for nearly 4 years now and I have been fortunate to do most things that the Air Training Corps has to offer. However, one activity had eluded for the last few years, an Overseas Camp. At the end of 2006 details came through to my Squadron with regards to an overseas camp at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The main difference to this camp as opposed to a UK camp is that it is for 2 weeks. Flt Lt Sermon asked me if I’d like to go and I knew that this was an opportunity not to be missed. Over the next few months I received details regarding the camp and started to prepare all the different types of clothing, uniform and other things that were required. Planning for this camp is essential.

On Wednesday 4th April I set off for London Heathrow – with 5 other Kent Wing Cadets - for the 4-hour flight to Larnaca in Cyprus. It was only when I got to Heathrow I realised how many cadets were coming on this camp and the fact that they were from all over the country. Around 80 Air Cadets (ATC & CCF) were at Heathrow waiting to catch the flight to Cyprus. We left Heathrow mid morning on the 4th leaving the dull cold British weather behind on route to the sunny climbs of the Mediterranean. After 4 hours we landed at Larnaca, and to my delight, it was sunny! After picking up our bags we made our way to the coaches.

It then took about 2 hours by coach to get to the Akrotiri peninsular in the south of the island. When we arrived the station police/drug dog sniffed everyone’s bags and, we went straight into our accommodation blocks. I was put in a room with 13 other cadets. It was then a case of quick food and un-pack before lights out.

The next day consisted of getting up at 05:00 ready to go to breakfast at 06:45 (there were only 5 showers for 40 males, so we had to get up early so we all had time to shower), it was not until the morning that I realised actually how big RAF Akrotiri was; the sheer scale of the base was mind blowing. After breakfast we went through the obligatory briefs, fire, health and safety etc, we also had a brief from the Station 2I/C, which I found very informative. After that it was onto the usual Station FAMEX, we found our way around the station surprisingly easily, and it gave me chance to get to know the other people in the flight.

The camp consisted of a lot of very interesting section visits; we went to Air Traffic Control, Fire Section and Survival Equipment, we also got to visit the Met office and the American squadron that are based there with their U-2 Spy Planes. As well as all the visits, we played some sport, football and rounders. As the camp went on everyone got to know each other a lot better. We went out for dinner a few times to local restaurants, it was very enjoyable for the cadets.

One of the things I found very thrilling was a ride in one of 417 Maritime Troop's Rigid Raider high-powered speedboats. Never before had I experienced anything like that, we jumped the wake of larger boats and the boat was airborne for most of the time, it has a top speed of 37 knots. My first question when I got off it, was how much was it, because, I wanted one for my birthday!

As well as going out in their Rigid Raider we took part in sea survival and abandon ship drills. This was quite frightening I found, we had 3 minutes to put a survival suit and life jacket on. The reason we only had 3 minutes is because that's all the time that ship crews in the Falklands War had to get the kit on before they had to abandon ship because it was going down in flames. At the end of 3 minutes I had both legs in the suit, no life jacket on and the suit was not done up. After being given an extra few minutes to finish getting the kit on, We jumped off into the cold of the Mediterranean and had to swim for shore and I found it very exhausting and frightening.

One of the other things that we did that were popular with all the cadets was to take a flight in an 84 Squadron Griffin helicopter. We walked over to the Griffin, which already had its rotors running, this was quite an experience. We took off for a tour around the Akrotiri base area, the door was open all the time and I was sitting right next to it. This gave me a new slant on the world! I was almost hanging out of the door at times.

As well as all the visits we did a lot of fun things as well. We went on trips out to towns like Paphos, a popular tourist destination, as well as Limassol. As well as visiting those 2 tourist destinations, we also spent the day in Nicosia, whilst there we went to the UN buffer zone between the Greek and Turkish parts of the island. This was a fascinating experience but it was also frightening knowing we were in the middle of a war zone. We were also the first cadet unit/camp to ever visit the UN buffer zone. We also had a tour of what used to be RAF Nicosia and then we spent some time throwing rocks at the UN riot police (they did agree!).

We also took advantage of the on base go karting track, it was another round of comedy sketches as we watched cadets come off the track and disappear off across the grass at full speed. We spent many evenings doing various things as well. We had a number of discos whilst on camp and we also went bowling and we also visited the on-site beach and most of the cadets experienced the thrill of banana boating. As well as this, we also spent the day at a Water Park, which was great fun. We also watched a display by the world famous Red Arrows as they did a performance just for the cadets and staff of the camp.

The Cyprus camp is one of the most rewarding camps to go on as both a cadet and a senior NCO and is definitely the best camp that I’ve ever attended. We did a lot of serious hard work in the mornings, what with section visits, and drill and other things, but come the afternoon it was time to play hard too. The combination of Sun, Sea and excellent facilities for every kind of activity gave way for some serious fun. Everyone was able to take part in the wide range of activities on offer. It would also not be complete to talk about the Cyprus camp without mentioning the hard work of some of the staff that came with us, especially the 2 regular RAF Sergeants (who were part of the CCF), who did a lot to keep us occupied and make sure we enjoyed our stay in Cyprus.

Now that I have been on a Cyprus camp I feel that I have now tried nearly everything the ATC has to offer and I am extremely happy to have been on such an amazing camp, I think the sad expressions on everyone's face as we drove out of the gates of RAF Akrotiri for the final time showed just what that camp had meant to us all, and what incredible memories we had been left with not to mention the great new friendships that we had formed during our stay. I think if any cadet came to me and said, "is it worth paying the money to go to Akrotiri?" I would most certainly say YES and, "take me with you".

Sgt Masters

Navigation Exercise Photos

2007-03-29T15:36:45Z

Intrepid Explorers

That way!

Eric Edward Lawrence (1924-2006)

2007-01-15T11:11:59Z

Written by Cadet Sergeant Liam Masters

On Tuesday 9th January 2007, I attended the funeral of the late Eric Edward Lawrence (1924-2006), which took place at Charing Crematorium. It was a non-religious ceremony and was officiated by A/Sgt G. C. Robinson. I attended the funeral as a cadet event and therefore, I wore my cadet uniform.
Mr. Lawrence was once an officer in the RAF as a Plt Off and went on to become a pilot within the RAF. From the many applications they had for pilot training, only ten were selected, fortunately for Mr. Lawrence, he was one of the ten selected and was the only one selected who hadn’t attended university.
After his career in the RAF, he went on to become part of the ATC and eventually became the Commanding Officer of 450 (Kenley) Sqn in Surrey wing. Due to the ceremony taking place in Kent it wasn’t possible for a representative of Kenley Sqn or Surrey wing to attend the ceremony, because of this it was hoped that a representative from Kent wing would be able to attend, due to the fact that both Surrey wing and Kent wing are both in LASER, fortunately I was available and therefore attended as a representative from the ATC.

Happy New Year

2006-12-13T09:57:20Z

The squadron is now on leave for the Christmas and New Year holidays. First parade night in the new year is Friday 5th January.

Annual Inspection 2006

2006-12-12T18:22:14Z

The guest to honor at this years annual inspection was Hugh Robertson, our Faversham MP. Hugh was a Major in the Army serving in The Household Cavalry until 1995. He saw active service in Northern Ireland commanding a platoon in Londonderry and Fermanagh, during the Gulf War as Adjutant of a main battle tank regiment, in Bosnia commanding the British Detachment in Sarajevo during the siege of the city and with the UN in Cyprus. He became the MP for Faversham & Mid Kent in June 2001.

Cadets on parade

Inspection of the squadron by Hugh Robertson

Best Shot: Sgt N Raines

Best Bandsman: Cpl J Davies

Best Examination Results: Flt Sgt F Wolfe

Best Sportsman: Cpl N Tungate

Committee Award: Cpl Masters

Best Recruit: Cdt Bennett

Best NCO: Cpl Masters

Best Cadet: Cdt R Love

Runner Up Best Cadet: Cpl Slater

Special award to Sgt Robinson and Cadet Corporal Liam Masters to thank them for there help in instructing the St John Ambulance in Drill for the Rememberance Parade

Enroling new cadets,

1242 Squadron Photo.

Flowers for the Civillian Committee. Although we get some funding from the RAF, a lot of things are paid for by fund raised by the civillian committee. Their hard work pays for the upkeep of the minibus and project materials as well as many other things.

Congratulations to two new Staff Cadets

2006-10-25T17:38:29Z

Congratulations Flight Sergeant Wolfe and Corporal Masters

Both of whom passed their Staff Cadet exam. The second part of the exam was a formal interview with a Squadron Leader to asses their knowledge of the Air Cadet organisation. They are expected to know the different roles staff perform not only in their squadron but also within Kent wing. Cadets in the Air Training Corps study a variety of subjects and the highest level achieved is Staff Cadet. Staff Cadets are identified by a gold braid over the left shoulder, all other classifications are marked by badges sewn onto the brassard.

As Staff Cadets, Flight Sergeant Wolfe and Corporal Masters will now be able to help teach other cadets.

Tea Dance

2006-10-15T17:50:33Z

On Monday 2nd October 2006, A/Sgt Robinson along with four cadets, Cpl Masters, Cdt Burford, Cdt Marnes and Cdt Young, attended a Tea dance organised by Mrs. Alma Huntley.
It was an enjoyable evening & everyone looked really smart. Halfway through the evening we were presented with a cheque for £340 along with a framed picture for the squadron.
An enjoyable evening was had by all and we were extremely grateful for the generous donation.
On behalf of myself and the rest of the squadron, I’d like to thank Alma for this donation.

Cpl Masters

Annual Camp - MOD St Athan 5-12 Aug 06

2006-08-21T15:40:51Z

Cadets from the squadron have recently attended annual camp at MOD St Athan located in South Wales. The cadets participated in many activities and got the chance to sample various aspects of RAF life.
Some of the highlights included a visit to Big Pit, where the cadets got the chance to go underground and the final day where the cadets spent the day on the range. Sgt Raines and Cpl Tungate both achieved Wing Marksman’s on the 2.2 during the day. Those cadets who attended had a great time and cannot wait for next year’s camp.