November 15, 2007
October 8, 2007
Expedition training weekend
Photos from our Expedition Training Weekend
Group photo taken at the end of the weekend. More photos below.
First rest stop
Lunch
Good weather gave us great views
Early morning mist
Early morning mist
July 10, 2007
Group Captain Hakin visits squadron
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.
May 11, 2007
Cdt Sgt Masters goes to camp at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus
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
March 29, 2007
Navigation Exercise Photos
Intrepid Explorers
That way!
December 12, 2006
Annual Inspection 2006
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
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.
October 15, 2006
Tea Dance
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
July 17, 2006
Saint Martins Plain Camp craft and Navigation Weekend
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.
May 27, 2006
BTEC Aviation Studies awarded to two 1242 cadets
Corporal Liam Masters and Corporal Chris Luton were presented with their BTEC GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) Level 2 in Aviation Studies certificates last night.
To achieve the award cadets have to past several examinations in Aviation related subjects, including; Principles of Flight, Airframes, Propulsion and Air Navigation.
The award is at GNVQ Level II which is roughly equivalent to GCSE standard (the old ‘O’ level). It is recognised as an external qualification by employers and by the RAF as a Science qualification for entry into the Service.
May 20, 2006
Congratulations!
Everyone in 1242 Sqn ATC would like to say congratulations to Flt Lt Nicholas Sermon and Fg Off Clare Booth, who married today in their home town of Ramsgate.
Cadets from the squadron provided a guard of honour at the church, and Flt Lt and Fg Off Sermon left the church in a vintage Morgan motor car.
May 15, 2006
Cadets take part in Faversham Bike Ride
All the cadets arrived at 0830 at the squadron. The cyclists – Sgt Raines, Cpl Davies, Cpl Tungate, Cdt Wolfe, Cdt Marnes, Cdt Young, Cdt Slater, Cdt Raines and Mr Marnes – stood out from the marshalling cadets – Sgt Wolfe, Cpl Luton, Cpl Slater, Cdt Baker and myself (Cpl Masters). Once we had loaded the squadron minibus up, we headed to the recreation ground, once we had arrived; we set up the squadron stand to promote the squadron. We had a group photo taken by our very own David Bailey a.k.a Flt Lt Sermon. The squadron cyclists then joined the hundreds of other cyclists ready for the start. We watched all the cyclists begin the ten-mile bike ride including Mr Root who was riding to raise funds for his daughters Brownies. Once they had all departed, the marshalling cadets got into their positions ready to marshal the junior circuit around the recreation ground, with Cpl Slater sending the first two children the wrong way, who ended up cycling round the entire recreation ground. After about 65 minutes, Cdt Slater finished the bike ride and was the first cadet to do so. Once all the cadets had returned, we waited around promoting the squadron for another two hours before packing all the stuff up and returning to base a.k.a the squadron.
A fun day was had by all and we hope to have raised lots of money for the squadron.
I’d just like to say “well done” to all the cadets – and Mr Marnes – who participated in the ride and to the cadets who marshalled and also to the staff – Flt Lt Sermon, Fg Off Booth and A/Sgt Robinson.
Once again, thank-you and well done.
Cpl Masters
April 14, 2006
65th Anniversary Dinner Photos
Photos from the squadrons 65th Anniversary Dinner
Follow the link to see more photos...
April 4, 2006
Welcome Cadets Young and Marnes
Welcome to our two newest cadets. Cadet Young and Cadet Marnes were enrolled into the ATC on Friday by our Padre Brian Shersby.
October 7, 2005
1242 Staff Pass First Aid Course
Staff members from 1242 attend a First Aid at Work course over the first weekend in October. Fg Off Booth, Sgt Robinson, CI Root & CI Wilkinson all participated in various different activities such as CPR, Recovery Position, Bandaging and much more.
The weekend was very long with lessons going on until late into the night, with a final exam and partical exercise completing the weekend.
All members of staff were very tired after finishing the course but felt it was very worth while and essential to have while working on the squadron.
September 29, 2005
Roy Marchand remembered 65 years after hurricane crash
Faversham Air Cadets from 1242 Squadron were among many to remember RAF Fighter Pilot Roy Marchand who died on the 15th September 1940 when his Hurricane fighter crashed in fields near Noads Farm, Norton.
Just 21 years old, Roy died instantly when his aircraft came down. 65 years later and ‘the few’ are still remembered for their actions. Also showing their respects were the Royal Air Force Association members from Faversham and Sittingbourne and the Deputy Mayor of Swale councillor John Morris.
His memorial originally stood on his grave in Bromley Hill and was later moved to the London Air Museum. In 1985 the memorial was moved to Nouds Farm close to where Roy died and deep within the country for which he and so many other fought to their last.
1242 Band members travel to Germany with Kent Wing
7 Faversham air cadets travelled to Germany this week end to perform as part of the Kent Wing Air Training Corps Band. They helped celebrate the 20th Anniversary of No.4 Overseas (Gutersloh) Squadron ATC.
The German ATC squadrons are part of the same region as our own Faversham squadron. Just like our local ATC squadron, cadets in Germany take part in activities like Flying, Gliding, Shooting, Expedition Training and Aviation Studies. Unlike our local squadron, their parents are all on active service in Germany with the British Armed Forces. Kent wing were invited to provide a band for the celebrations. The Commanding Officer of Faversham Squadron (Flt Lt. Nick Sermon – who is also the Regions Band Officer) said “It was a great opportunity for the cadets to experience overseas travel. As well as performing as part of the band they were able to see an working overseas Army Air Corps station. This is something very few young people ever see."
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Recent Posts
- Remembrance Parade
- Expedition training weekend
- Group Captain Hakin visits squadron
- Cdt Sgt Masters goes to camp at RAF Akrotiri, Cyprus
- Navigation Exercise Photos
- Annual Inspection 2006
- Tea Dance
- Saint Martins Plain Camp craft and Navigation Weekend
- BTEC Aviation Studies awarded to two 1242 cadets
- Congratulations!
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