1242 (Faversham) Squadron ATC

Expedition training weekend

Steve — 2007-10-08T10:05:01+00:00

Photos from our Expedition Training Weekend

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

1242 Faversham Squadron win Kent Wing Percussion Finals 2007

Flt Lt Sermon — 2007-09-23T20:30:51+00:00

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

Flt Lt Sermon — 2007-07-31T19:56:26+00:00

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

Have a good break

Group Captain Hakin visits squadron

Paul Whalan — 2007-07-10T20:37:26+00:00

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

Steve — 2007-05-11T19:30:21+00:00

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...

Navigation Exercise Photos

Steve — 2007-03-29T16:36:45+00:00

Intrepid Explorers

That way!

Eric Edward Lawrence (1924-2006)

Steve — 2007-01-15T11:11:59+00:00

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

Steve — 2006-12-13T09:57:20+00:00

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

Steve — 2006-12-12T18:22:14+00:00

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

Steve — 2006-10-25T18:38:29+00:00

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

Steve — 2006-10-15T18:50:33+00:00

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

Flt Lt Sermon — 2006-08-21T16:40:51+00:00

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.

Saint Martins Plain Camp craft and Navigation Weekend

Steve — 2006-07-17T22:21:37+00:00

As an Air Cadet unit we are able to book training areas owned by the Ministry of Defence. With that in mind we booked a place known as "Area C" of Saint Martins Plain, near Folkestone to do some training on Map Reading and general camp craft skills. Needless to say we all had lots of fun and got a few photos:

"Camp Photo" - every camp has to have a camp photo and this was no exception. We took this at the end of the weekend so I guess that means we all survived.

"The Training Area" - Area C can be described with one simple word - "hilly". That's one reason why we chose it. The valley floor was flat enough to camp on yet a little protected from the wind. Perhaps not that protected as some cadets found out. Hills also mean good views and the clear sunny day let us see as far as Dungeness (about 15 miles) from the hill tops.

"Lunch" - First order of the day was to pitch the tents which some found easier than others. CI Root had a fancy tent that pitched in less than 5 minutes (of which 4 were spent trying to push tent pegs into the almost rock hard earth), others who shall remain nameless brought a brand new tent along with them to discover they couldn't figure out how to put it up. We all agreed it was "most likely that the manufacturer had put two tent poles in the pack that were the wrong size". Not to be defeated so easily, unnamed tried one last time and broke one of the tent poles. Fortunately we had a spare tent which was put up quick enough for everyone to settle down and learn how to cook on a variety of camp stoves.

"Washing up" - Lesson over and food consumed, it was time to wash up. This is what happens when you add too much detergent to the sponge

"Tent pegs are better than stones, even if they are hard to put in" - some of the cadets learnt that even though the ground is hard, it is still worth putting the tent pegs in and not relying on some nearby stones to hold your tent down. It was just as well they had left their bags inside the tent which stopped it being blown down the valley by the strong winds - we already had lodgers in our spare tent!

"The essential camp fire" - Having spent some time practicing our navigation skills and comparing Naismith's rule of thumb to our experiences it was time to cook dinner before our night navigation exercise. After dinner there was time to build a small camp fire before darkness fell. It would act as a beacon in the dark of night as well as give us somewhere warm to gather at the end.

"Officer Gnome" - It also gave us somewhere to roast marshmallows and laugh at CI Root tasting camp fire cooked marshmallows for the first time. Navigation at night is much the same as navigation during the day except you have to rely on different land marks. For example, the radio mast is still useful as it has warning lights on it, but it is hard to see some of the hills, lakes and bridges that are normally useful.

Congratulations Flight Sergeant Wolfe

Steve — 2006-07-04T22:15:22+00:00

Congratulations to Sergeant Wolfe on becoming Flight Sergeant Wolfe.

Squadron's historic building opens to the public

Steve — 2006-06-28T22:26:34+00:00

Every year historic buildings in Faversham are opened to the public as part of the "Faversham Open Houses" event organised by the Faversham Society. For the first time in the history of the event 1242 Squadron's buildings will be open for the public to see.

The buildings themselves have a lot of history. The "tec store" was originally a stable for the towns militia and the "parade hall" was a meeting room and dance hall. The "cottage" which is now used as the offices and lecture rooms for the squadron was once used by the home guard. The open days are also an opportunity for prospective cadets to visit and see some the activities we take part in.

The squadron buildings will be open on Saturday the 8th of July from 10am until 3pm and the squadron band will be performing at various times during the day..