Jan 5
The year started off with the now traditional showing of Top Gun so all the new cadets will now understand some of the comments and songs heard around the Squadron.

Jan 18
13 cadets went to RAF Wyton for air experience flying in the Grob Tutor. All cadets got their 'feet off the ground' many of them for the first time in a light aircraft.
One or two of the hardier ones indulged in aerobatics resulting in some slightly queasy tummies but no real adverse effects.
The photo was taken by one of the 'first timers'  Cdt Connor Odsaczuk who commented 'At first I thought it would be not scary, but err... shaky? But once you're up there it's really good and the view is fantastic as you can see in the photo. My pilot was really friendly and told me about how the aeroplane works, etc. and when I got a go it's surprising how easy the plane can be controlled, when you'd normally think it would be much harder. Overall it was a fantastic time and if you ever get the opportunity than you should definitely go. I never want to do a barrel roll again though!'

Jan 19
Presentations of the Staff cadet Lanyard were made to Sgt Joe Tomlinson and Sgt Conor Monk who recently passed the Staff Part 2 exam, the highest classification in the ATC.

National Navigation Award Scheme Bronze Certificates and badges were presented to Cadets Dayna and Chelsea Nye, Dylan Atkinson, Becky Tomlinson, James Hardman, Reece Loake, Tim Monk and Tyler Moore. This showed their skills at map reading, route planning and finding, safety and first aid and access requirements.

Jan 24
19 cadets gathered at Robert Smyth Sports Hall for a morning of inter-flight indoor sports. During two hours of friendly but determined competition at football, hockey and basketball Red Flight proved unbeatable winning all their games.
The cadet on crutches wasn't hurt here or on cadet activities - honest. 

Feb 17
14 cadets and three staff travelled down to RAF Benson to meet up with  Sgt Chris Parker ex cadet now serving as an Air Loadmaster.
After an introduction to RAF Benson the cadets visited 33 Squadron and were shown round the Puma helicopter and the Squadron Museum.
Sgt Parker showed the cadets round the Merlin helicopter that he flies in and they were surprise at the difference in technology between the two helicopters. Sgt Parker explained his role as an Air Loadmaster and the role of the Merlin particularly in theatre. The visit was rounded off by an excellent visit to the RAF Regiment flight.
Unfortunately the cadets were unable to fly due to operational requirements but all voted the day a resounding success.

Feb 25
Cdts Reece Loake, Tim Monk, Dylan Atkinson, Becky Tomlinson, and James Hardman were presented with their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award Badges.

Cdt Gemma Dixon was presented with her Gold Musicians Badge for successful attendance at the ATC National Concert Band Camp. Cadets from all over the UK attended the camp held at RAF Cranwell where they received instruction from the RAF Regiment Band culminating in a concert for family, friends and guests on the last night

Feb 28 - Mar 1
9 cadets attended a potential NCO training course held at the Squadron HQ. The two day course is pre-requisite training for any cadet who would like to be promoted and covers the role of the NCO, drill theory and practical, leadership, discipline,  cadet welfare and communications. Course Director Flt Lt Standish was assisted by FS Smith and Sgt Prince. The cadets worked very hard in what was an intensive course and the Directing Staff were pleased with the progress made by the cadets.
Those involved were Cdts Dayna Nye, Chelsea Nye, Becky Tomlinson, Gemma Dixon, Tim Monk, Tyler Moore, Dylan Atkinson, Josiah Ford and Tom Barwick.

Mar 20
The band returned to Poperinge and Ypres (Belgium) over the weekend of March 20 to 23 and the 32 cadets played on four occasions during their visit.
On Friday evening the band played a Sunset Ceremony outside Talbot House in Poperinge before driving to Ypres where they marched from the town square to take part in the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate. Here they played for the large crowd before the start of the Last Post Ceremony and during the wreath laying ceremony.  FS Sophie Weston (18 from Billesdon) laid a wreath on behalf of the Squadron and Flight Lieutenant John Standish spoke the Words of Remembrance and laid a wreath on behalf of Market Harborough Royal British Legion. The band played the National Anthem at the end of the ceremony before marching through the Arch to a large round of applause from the watching crowd and then back to the town centre.
On Sunday squadron trumpeters played Last Post and laid a wreath at Tynecot Cemetery, the largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in the World.
After lunch the band played in a 3-hour Carnival extravaganza through the streets of Poperinge. Cadet Stephanie Ziolkoska (age 13 from Market Harborough) said "The carnival was amazing; it was great to be able to play in such a fun environment. I am looking forward to going back next year"

When the band was not playing the cadets visited WW1 battlefields, bunkers, trenches and cemeteries in the Ypres Salient. These included soldiers who were shot at dawn
the grave of Noel Chavasse who won the VC and Bar in WW1 and Langemark German cemetery. Cadets placed remembrance crosses on the graves of local soldiers in the cemeteries they visited. One cadet commented "I was shocked as to how so many people could die like that and the number of graves of unknown soldiers'
The weekend had its lighter moments, and as well as the carnival the cadets enjoyed a lively disco and games evenings organised by the staff.

Flt Lt Valerie Smith commented "This was our 13th visit and the cadets learned a lot about WW1 through the guides explanations at the battlefields and cemeteries. I was very proud of the way the band performed particularly at the Menin Gate" 

11 April Bag Packing
Cadets helped at Bag packing at Sainsburys. Over £1000 was raised and there will be a donation to Sainsburys Charity of the Year

21 April Promotions
Sgt Joe Tomlinson was promoted to Flight Sergeant and Cpl Peter Taylor to Sergeant.

26 April Band Contest
The band of 1084 (Market Harborough) Squadron ATC celebrated success at the South & East Midlands Wing Field Day Band Competition on April 26th.
Competing against bands from Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire the Squadron won two trophies.
The full band performed an impressive 13 minute display to win the Sumiagro Millennium Cup, playing music ranging from traditional military marches to the Beatles with a moving version of Highland Cathedral demonstrating their versatility. They retained the trophy for the third consecutive year and have now won the trophy for six of the last seven years.
The trumpet fanfare section of Flight Sergeant Sophie Weston, Cadets Dylan Atkinson and Tom Barwick won the Michael Standish Trophy retaining the trophy for the third consecutive year.
The Commanding Officer of the Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Valerie Smith commented 'The standard of bands in this competition increases every year and the band had to perform at their best to beat a very good Northampton Squadron Band. The cadets have worked hard for this success and I am very pleased the efforts have been rewarded'.
The band will now go on to compete in the Central & East Region competition in September and look forward to playing at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in July.

 

	Winners of the Full Band
The Fanfare Section - Cdt Atkinson, FS Weston & Cdt Barwick

May - Awards and Promotions
Cadets Gemma Dixon and Tim Monk were promoted to the rank of Corporal.

The following cadets were awarded the BTEC in Aviation Studies. FS Sophie Weston, Sgt Peter Taylor, Cpl Joe Parks, Cpl Chloe Finlay, Cpl Kirstin Dagley, and Cdt Tom Barwick.

May - Wing Athletics Championships
A great performance by the girls in Class D gave the squadron its best overall result for many years when they came 4th. The girls turned in some impressive performances and easily won their Class with 66 points. Cdts Ball, Plimmer, Ziolkowska and FS Weston went on to represent the Wing at Region where they helped the Wing to finish overall second to Trent Wing.

June 1st- Flt Lt Standish leaves
Flt Lt Standish transferred to HQAC Music Services as Music Support Officer. He has now served at all levels in the ACO - 1084 Sqn, South Midlands and South & East Midlands Wings, Central & East Region and finally Corps.
He still hopes to help out the Squadron as and when needed.

June - Help the Heroes
The squadron raised £47 for the fund by selling the wrist bands and other items.

June 14- Shooting RAF Wittering
Cdt Becky Tomlinson, James Hardman and Cpl Chloe Finlay were awarded a Squadron Marskman.

June 27/28- Armed Forces Weekend
Another busy weekend for the band. On Saturday 27 June they were parading at Husbands Bosworth Festival where they entertained the large crowd with two routines, one prepared especially for Armed Services Weekend and comprising of well known military marches and the second their more light hearted display routine.Sunday saw them parading in the square in Market Harborough for the local Armed Forces Drum Head Service. The band played as a prelude to the service and again as the crowds dispersed. Representatives of Harborough District Council, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire and Mr Edward Garnier MP were present at the service.
Sgt (Loadmaster) Chris Parker RAF an ex cadet of the Squadron and now with 28 (AC) Sqn represented those service personnel from Market Harborough currently serving with the Forces. At a special presentation he received 2 commemorative certificates from Mr Mark Hudson, Chairman of the Royal British Legion Branch. Sgt Parker expressed his thanks on behalf of all the services and said how grateful the service personnel are for the more visible support from the British public. He paid tribute to those who fought in earlier conflicts expressing his admiration and thanks for what they had achieved.

Husbands Bosworth in front of the Hall	Armed Services - Band Ready

Armed Services VIPs	Sgt Parker receives commemorative certificate from Mark Hudson Chair of RBL

RIAT 18-19 July
The band returned for the ninth time to play at the Royal International Air Display at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire.
The band performed in the display arena on two occasions playing General Salute and Sunset during the raising and lowering of the RAF Ensign. They showed their musical skills in performing their display routine, on one occasion watched by the Commandant Air Cadets, Air Commodore I R W Stewart. He spoke to the cadets after their performance praising their skills and saying how much he enjoyed the display.
During the two days of the display and despite the heavy rains on day 2 the band marched through the crowd lines entertaining large crowds when playing in front of the static aircraft on display.
The cadets particularly enjoyed playing on the loading ramp of the American C17 Globemaster and were invited to look round the aircraft by the crew.
Highlight for some of the cadets was the photo shoot with the ABBA tribute band THE FABBAGIRLS who have performed worldwide.
Cadet Warrant Officer Sam Tomlinson, playing at his last RIAT said 'it was a very tiring but enjoyable weekend, I will miss not being able to play here again'.
Cadet Sarah Johnson commented on her first visit 'I didn't really want to come but what a great weekend it has been, I hope we can come again next year'.

25 July to 1 Aug - Summer Camp
7 Cadets attended summer camp at RAF Brize Norton with Flt Lt Standish as Camp Commandant. Somewhat unusual accomodation in that the camp stayed in the Gateway, the 'hotel' used by all those people flying out via RAF Airways to far flung parts, a step up from tenst or barrack blocks.

The usual camp activities of section visits, sports, shooting, lead ex, bowls, ice skating. No flying due to operational commitmentsbut half the camp got to fly the VC10 simulator. The nite ex was very unusual and much different to the crawling through the grass variety. Don't ask about the Village Chief and his tow wifes who suddenly appeared part way through the exercise much to the amazement of FS Weston and Cdt Griffin. reports back from the cadets were that it was a good camp and enjoyed by all. By the way what's with the chilli and vanilla sauce?

5 to 8 Aug Edale
On the Wednesday after arriving back from summer camp Flt Lt Standish and Flt Lt Smith led a team of 7 cadets camping and hill walking in Edale for 3 days. The first walk followed the trespass route up to Kinder Downfall and the second day went up Ringing Roger to Grindslow Knoll. A quiet third day took in Mam Tor before setting off home on Saturday lunchtime.
Weather was very good with the only rain being overnight and as one cadet said 'it was great to see the hills in summer instead of the grey winters view we get in December, and it helped me sharpen my camping and navigation skills ready for Silver DofE'

Sep 1 - Sailing
6 cadets took to the water for the first ever sailing activity for the squadron. Under the watchful eye of the sailing instructor the cadets took to the water while Flt Lt Standish watched from the safety boat. Everyone enjoyed the activity despite one or two capsizes. Commenting on the activity Flt Lt Standish said 'this was a trial run to see if the cadets would like it and if it was something they would like to do more of next year. The answer was a resounding yes to both questions'. A further group of cadets went two weeks later but the darkening evenings put a stop to this years sailing. Plans are afloat for next year to do more, aiming for a sailing qualifiaction for as many as we can.

	Collision course? Confidence course? Wet - of course?

Sep 4 - RAF Wittering Officers Mess Battle of Britain Reception
The squadron band played at the annual Officers Mess Reception held to commemorate the Battle of Britain. The trumpet section started the proceedings playing a fanfare in the dining room to announce the address by the Station Commander. The band entertained the crowd of some 50 guests as they gathered outside prior to a Sunset Ceremony. The guests were also entertained by a continuity rifle drill display by cadets of 126 (Derby) Squadron after which the band played the Sunset Ceremony as the Ensign was lowered by cadets from 115 (Peterborough) Sqn. during the ceremony a Harrier jump jet did a fly past and then a low hover in front of the Mess signalling the end of the Reception.

Sep 5 - Syston Carnival
Despite only a few days notice the squuadron was able to raise a band for this event with Cdt Tyler Moore swapping from cymbals to play the drum for the first time.The band led a small parade through the streets of Syston before playing a short display in the carnival arena.

Sep 11 - Remembrance Ball
85 guests gathered at the rugby club for the annual 'scrum down' of the Remembrance Ball. The event is held to raise money for cancer charities and give cadets, staff, parents and ex cadets chance to meet and renew friendships.
Music was provided by Big Bopper disco (aka as Damian Cox, an ex cadet from a nearby squadron) and certainly set the feet taping and the more energetic 'strutting their stuff' on the dance floor.
A first for this year was the table magic and balloon models performed by Jimmy James, a local magician. This proved a great success with the magicians baffling the guests with their sleight of hand close magic trick.
During the evening items came under the hammer in the auction and a raffle was drawn. A big thank you to all who donated to the raffle and particularly the following local firms who provided items for the auction. Leicestershire Air Ambulance, Kibworth Gun Club, Protheroe's Motors, plus Firenze, Boboli, The Beauty Room and Queens all of Kibworth for their generous donations.
The net result was £1884 raised for Macmillan Cancer Charity and Leicester Royal Infirmary Oncology Unit.

	On the Dance Floor
	A happy group of ex cadets and friends

 Sep13 -Region Field Day
The band had an excellent day at Region Field Day. The full band won for the 4th time and qualifies for Corps Finals to be held in November at RAF Halton. The Fanfare section triumphed with a their trumpet piece 'Manston' and to round off a great day Cpl Tim Monk was awarded best Drum Major. The cadets turned in a very good performance in the blustery and cool wind and the hard practcie sessions the wek before paid off.

Sep 20-21 - Battle of Britain Weekend
On the Saturday the cadets were busy helping the RAFA at their coffee morning and Wings Appeal Collections.
Sunday saw the squadron parading to the Battle of Britain Church service.

Collectors from the Sqn with RAFA members

Oct 10-11 NNAS Assessment
12 cadets were involved in the National Navigation Bronze Award Scheme Assessment. The cadets had to prove their navigational skills over a 5km route and show knowledge of the Country Code, and access rights amongst other things. They still have some more work to do before the final results become know 

Oct 16-18 Johns Lee Wood
One of the largest T Flight Camps took place over the weekend at Johns Lee Wood when many of the 23 strong new intake joined with the more senior cadets for a weekend of navigation skills training, climbing, abseiling, leadership and sports. In the evenings the cadets took part in team building games and on Saturday enjoyed a disco.

21 Oct -Best Sports Woman
Pippa Ball was awarded Best Sports woman in South Midlands Wing. 

Cdt Pippa Ball is presented with the S&E Midlands Wing Sports Woman of the Year Trophy by Wg Cdr Nigel Dickinson

Her nomination included - Cdt Pippa Ball has achieved a very impressive 1st year as a member of the ATC. Her sporting achievments demonstrate an all round sporting talent -  she has successfully entered all sports available to her with additional representation at both Region and Corps level in both the Cross Country and Athletics Championships.
Outside the ATC, Pippa is a very keen sportswoman. She is involved in several sports clubs, and has received numerous awards and achievements. Currently she is the Under 15's Breaststroke and Butterfly champion at her local swimming club. Also she holds the 100m championship title for the South Leicester Running Club. At school she is heavily involved in all sports, and holds the title of 'School House Team Captain'. She was also awarded the 'School sports girl of the year' earlier this year

24 Oct Poppy Appeal
The cadets helped the Royal British Legion with the Poppy Appeal Launch.

Cadets with the Northampton Pipers

25 Oct to 30 Oct National Marching Band Camp
Cadets Callum Dilley, Steph Bidwell, and Tilly Boa Steph attended the 1st National marching Band Camp at Browndown (Gosport). The cadets joined 100 other cadets from across the country to receive expert tuition and rehearsals leading up to a massed band display at HMS Victory. The sight and sound of over 100 cadets playing as a massed band was something special and the standard was very high, particularly given the relatively short time to practice. The cadets voted the week as 'the best camp ever'.

The stirring sight of over 100 cadet musicians playing against the back drop of HMS Victory. Video clips of the performance can be seen on Face Book

25 Oct Wing Anniversay Parade
Several members of the band joined other squadron bands to lead the 10th Anniversary Parade at Oakham. In addition 8 cadets were selected to represent the Squadron in the parade.

2 November Halloween
The traditional Halloween party games were held and saw some very good and innovative fancy dress costumes, although not sure why Father Christmas appeared, best answer on a post card please!
Why would arguably the nicest cadet on the Squadron try to frighten the girls and do they look scared!

 8 Nov Remembrance Parades
Over 45 cadets paraded in Market Harborough for the annual Remembrance Parade which was led by the Squadron Band. The morning started with some heavy rain but brightened up shortly after the Parade formed up. CWO Sam Tomlinson and FS Conor Monk took part in the prayers in Church and Cdt Becky Rotherham laid a wreath on behalf of the Squadron.
In the afternoon the band travelled across to Oakham to lead the town parade.

T Flight on parade	Band in the lead at Oakham

11 Nov Donation to Poppy Appeal
Flt Lt Standish handed presented a cheque to the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal for £85 raised by the cadets during the year in the 'Penny Wars'. This interflight competition runs throughout the year to raise money for Poppy Appeal, this is in addition to the sale of poppies which raised £31 and the help given by cadets during the Poppy Appeal

16 Nov Wing Cross Country
Cdt Pippa Ball won her race in the Wing Cross Country beating the record she set last year by some 2 minutes

CWO Sam Tomlinson - Gold DofE
Cadet Warrant Officer Sam Tomlinson aged 19 from Market Harborough received notification that he has been awarded his Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The Award required Sam to complete 5 sections, skill, service, physical achievement, a residential award and a 4 day expedition.
Sam commented that the expedition which he did in the Lake District was the most difficult largely due to the weather but also it was the most enjoyable.
He thanked the Squadron for their support 'while the Award is for individual effort the help and support I received from the squadron certainly helped me complete it'.
Flt Lt Smith (Commanding Officer) paid tribute to him 'Sam has to leave the cadet ranks after 7 years and it is a fitting end to his cadet service that he should achieve this Award'
Sam now waits to be invited to London to be presented with his Award.

Dining in Night - Nov 27
The annual dining in and awards night was held at the Kings Hall. The evening was attended by over 65 cadets and staff with many parents joining for the awards presentations. One notable absentee was Flt Lt Standish who was on duty at RAF Halton preparing for the National drill and Band Championships; this was the first dining in night he had missed since joining the squadron some 30 years ago.
The guest of honour was Sqn Ldr Brain McCan who travelled down from Scotland. He congratulated the squadron on the many successes during the year and the warm welcome he had been given commenting "the evening is a great success with its mix of traditional dining in night format with the more informal fish supper.
Awards winners were
Cadet of the Year - Cdt Pippa Ball, Runner up - Cpl Bronya Griffin
Cathy O'Neil Plate for Fund raising - Cpl Bronya Griffin, Cdt Simon Griffin and Cdt Stephanie Ziolkowska.
Best Exam results - Cpl Tim Monk
Sportsperson of the Year - Cdt Pippa Ball
Bandperson of the Year - Cpl Tim Monk, Belgium Bandsperson - Cdt Pippa Ball
Best Newcomer - Cdt Callum Dilley,
Endevour Shield - Cdt Tyler Moore
Best Shot - Cdt James Hardman
Aircraft Recognition - Cdt Tom Barwick
Interflight Drill - Blue Flight
Best Flight - Blue Flight

Back Row Cpl Gemma Dixon, Cdt Tom Barwick, Cdt James Hardman, Cdt Tyler Moore, CWO Sam Tomlinson, Cdt Simon Griffin, Cdt Stephanie Ziolkowska, Cdt Pippa Ball, Cdt Callum Dilley, Seated Cpl Tim Monk, FS Sophie Weston, FS Joe Tomlinson, FS Conor Monk, Cpl Bronya Griffin	Party Time It is the tradition that party hats will be worn until the awards are presented. Sgts Kirstin Dagley, Peter Taylor, Cpl Becky Tomlinson and Cdt Tom Barwick keep the tradition going.

The Tomlinsons on Parade 

In a unique occurrence for the Squadron 4 cadets from the same family were on parade at the same time at Dining in Night. Danny the newest member who joined the Squadron in September paraded with his elder sister Becky and brothers Joe and Sam. Flt Lt Smith commented 'we have had 4 family members parade at the same time (Michael, David and Phillip Standish as cadets along with father Flt Lt Standish) but never 4 cadets

Corps Band - Nov 28
The band travelled down to RAF Halton to take part in its 4th National Band Championships.
The Fanfare Section playing in the finals for the first time performed well and finished a creditable 4th.
The Full Band was totally professional such that an error they made during the contest, which could have resulted in less experienced bands freezing went unnoticed by the audience as the band improvised their recovery. Unfortunately despite their high standard it was not enough to win, although in finishing 3rd they were only 8 points adrift of 2nd place and 14 behind the winner Royton Squadron.
To round off the event Cpl Tim Monk was judged 3rd in the Drum Major contest and the band 3rd in the Best Turn out Contest.
Flt Lt Smith paid tribute to the band 'the cadets played better than ever and were desperately unlucky not to finish runners up. The cadets enjoy playing music as well as taking part in the full range of ATC activities. Very few play music outside the squadron band and the extra effort they put into their music reflects great credit on them all and I am very proud of what they achieve. I would also like to thank the staff who train the band in particular Flt Lt Standish who has trained the band for over 25 years. Following his transfer to HQAC Music Services Flt Lt Standish felt he should maintain an impartial stance and stood down as bandmaster. His input and experience will be missed but I am sure CI David Standish will prove a more than worthy successor

Pippa Ball
Cdt Pippa Ball was nominated for the Harborough Mail Young Sportswoman of the Year Award and ran for the Wing in the C&E Region Cross Country event. She won her race and helped the S&E Mids Wing to 1st place overall

Edale - Dec 4 to 6
27 cadets and 7 staff made the journey north to Dalehead for the annual Christmas Walks. Fearing the worst given the advanced weather forecast the walkers were pleased to see the sun shining on the Saturday morning. The stiff cool breeze helped to keep temperatures low, during the steep climb onto Rushop Edge.
On Saturday evening everyone sat down to a full Christmas dinner prepared by 'The Boss' and Sgt Prince followed by the now traditional party games in front of the cosy log fire. After much banging of spoons the staff team were beaten into second place by the team led by FS Conor Monk.
On Sunday the groups walked up Lose Hill in squally showers and a stiff breeze before returning to the centre for lunch and packing up to return home. Another successful weekend, new skills learned and honed amongst friends both old and new.