The events of 2011
The squadron re-opened after the Christmas break with another showing of the cadets favourite DVD while the staff held a staff meeting
6 Feb - 70 Years on
On a very windy day the squadron paraded to Little Bowden Church to celebrate the formation of the ATC and the Squadron 70 years ago
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20 Feb - Wing Cross Country
16 cadets ran in the Wing Cross Country race held at RAF Wittering. Stirring performances by Cadets Pippa Ball and brother Alex saw each of them win their races, Pippa putting in a dramatic last burst to hold off the challenge from the second placed runner. Another notable performance came from Cpl Joe Parks who finished fifth in his race. Excellent supporting runs from all the other cadets meant the Junior Women's team finished 2nd and the squadron finished 5th in the overall team results.
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| The cadets after the races - still smiling |
26 Feb - RBL Coffee Morning
Cadets helped at the Royal British Legion coffee morning, manning the book stall and tombola. The morning raised £300 for the Branch.
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5 Mar - Gliding for one
Four cadets set off for gliding but due to adverse weather conditions only one managed to get off the ground.
19 Mar - 70th Anniversary Dinner
To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the formation of the squadron in March 1941 a dinner was attended by over 150 guests. Chairman of the Civilian Committee Mr Max Corney welcomed the guests who included ex cadets, from the 1940's to cadets currently in the squadron, as well as staff, committee members, parents and friends. As well as the present CIO, Flt Lt Valerie Smith RAFVR(T), previous COs Sqn Ldr Robin Bosworth RAFVR(T) Rtd and Sqn Ldr John Standish RAFVR(T) were present.
Councillor Rosita Page, Chairman of Harborough District Council presented Flight Lieutenant Valerie Smith with a framed certificatein recognition of the support and commitment the squadron has given to the community of Market Harborough and surrounding areas. She paid warm tribute to the work of the cadets and how well they represented the Corps and the District in all that they do. Flt Lt Smith thanked the Chairman for the certificate and said it reflected the work of all the staff and cadets over the 70 years and she was proud to receive it on their behalf.
The evening was a resounding success and the many ex cadets present took the opportunity to look at photographs covering the years and exchange memories of their time in the squadron.
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| Current cadets | Past cadets |
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Presentation of Certificate Plt Off Griffin, Flt Lt Smith, Sqn Ldr Standish, Sqn Ldr Bosworth, Cllr Page, Mr Corney |
1 - 4 April - Belgium
The band returned to Belgium for the 14th time albeit with reduced numbers due no doubt to the recession.
On Friday the band marched to the Menin Gate where they played appropriate music while the wreaths were laid before marching back to the Cloth Hall.
The 30 cadets and staff toured the battlefields visiting Bayernwald, a reconstructed German trench system near where Adolf Hitler won the Iron Cross and Langemark German Cemetery. The somberness of this cemetery contrasted with the Commonwealth ones which had the appearance of and English garden in the Spring sunshine.
New visits this year included Zandvoorde German Bunker, the St Eloi crater, and Ramparts Cemetery.
On Sunday a poignant Last Post ceremony and wreath laying at Tynecot took place before the mood changed to one of carnival high spirits as the band played in the Poperinge carnival followed by free time at the fair.
Monday saw the final battlefield visits and free time in Ypres when all the cadets visited Leonidas chocolate shop.
Another tiring but inspiring trip and one to be remembered.
10 Apr - Wing Band Contest
In a very close fought contest at RAF Wittering the band re-gained the Sumi Agro Trophy for the full band contest from 5F (Northampton) Squadron. To round off a good day the Fanfare Section retained the Michael Standish Trophy, Cpl Tim Monk was judged Best Drum Major and FS Chloe Finlay Best Solo Bugler.
The full band, fanfare section and FS Finlay will go forward to represent the Wing at the Region contest in September.
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The band celebrating their success |
13 Apr - RBL Presentation
Cadets FS Peter Taylor and Sgt Becky Tomlinson attended a meeting of the Royal British legion Market Harborough Branch when they presented a cheque for £720 to the Poppy Appeal.
FS Taylor explained 'the money was raised through a raffle held during the Squadron's 70th Anniversary Dinner, Poppy sales and fund raising initiatives by the cadets. The most popular one was an inter flight 'penny wars' competition. Cadets place copper coins in their own collecting tin and silver in the opponents, the copper coins add to your score and silver ones taken away'
Sgt Tomlinson said 'the cadets are very proud to be associated with, and support the work of the Royal British Legion particularly the Poppy Appeal.'
Branch Chairman John Standish thanked the cadets on behalf of the Poppy Appeal Organiser and said 'you are a shining example of the young people of today and we value the work you do in the community as well as for the Royal British Legion'
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| Sgt Tomlinson, John Standish, Mark Hudson (Vice President) FS Taylor |
19 Apr - Tree Planting Ceremony
A Banner Party of cadets and staff joined representatives of the Polish people, Royal British Legion and Royal Air Forces Association at the crash site of a WW2 aircraft at Husband Bosworth to commemorate the RAF pilot and his ATC passenger who were both killed in the crash.
The crash occurred on 28 August 1942 when a Master aircraft of No 7 AACU (Anti Aircraft Co-operation Unit) based at Castle Bromwich and flown by Polish RAF Pilot Fg Off Ramert with Air Cadet Roy John Shaw aged 14 as a passenger struck a tree.
According to one report the aircraft was carrying out a low level high speed pass as gun traversing practice for the nearby Husbands Bosworth airfield anti aircraft battery, however another report suggested the pilot was demonstrating dive bombing techniques. As the nearby airfield was under construction at the time it is likely the anti aircraft batteries were newly installed thus the gun registration practice seems the more likely explanation.
After s short dedication service and Last Post the tree was ceremonially planted at the site and a wreath laid by Polish representatives.
Cadet Shaw is buried in Birmingham (Whitton) Cemetery and is one of 58 members of the Air Training Corps recorded in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission records as being killed during WW2.
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The dedication before the wreath laying |
To be added Wing Athletics and AFC Coffee morning
June - Sailing
11 cadets have been sampling the new experience of sailing. The cadets are taking part in a Royal Yacht Association Level 1 course in sailing at Cransley Sailing Club.
Cadet Flight Sergeant Chloe Finlay said 'it is a great and new experience for us. It is more difficult than I thought it would be with so much to remember and things to do but it is really good fun'
Flight Lieutenant Valerie Smith, Officer Commanding, said 'we try to offer a wide range of experiences for the cadets. They can fly in powered aircraft and gliders, go hill walking and camping so sailing means they cover all 3 elements'
It was't all above water though there were some inadvertent swimmers and everyone got wet on the lastevening when they had to demonstrate their ability to right a capsized boat.
Last word went to Cadet Alex Moore 'I have only been in the cadets a few months and never dreamed that I would be doing things like this so quickly. I have made lots of new friends and looking forward to joining in many more activities'
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Line astern downwind |
a near miss |
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Capsize drill |
June 11 - Market Harborough Carnival
The cadets helped to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Royal British Legion by being on the float (along with the ACF) in the Carnival.
On the show ground the cadets helped the civilian committee raise money on the squadron stall while others helped at the RBL display.
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Cdts Steph Bidwell, Laurence Allison and FS Chloe Finlay on the float |
June 12 Mad Hatters Tea Party
Some 30-40 cadets, parents, friends and members of the local Royal British Legion visited the headquarters to take tea and cakes at a Mad Hatters Tea Party.
The party was organised by cadets from the squadron to celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the RBL.
Cdt Sgt Becky Tomlinson, one of the organisers explained "we were told about the anniversary and that the national HQ of the RBL had asked branches to organise an event over the weekend of the 11/12 June to commemorate the anniversary" Cdt Sgt Tim Monk added "we have always supported the British Legion and felt this would be a good way to celebrate the occasion, and most of the people turned up wearing hats to join in the theme of the party"
Winners of the best hat competition were Mrs Dagley, Mr Ashmore and Cdt Sgt Tim Monk. A special prize went to Cdt FS Kirsty Dagley for her appearance as Alice.
Chairman of the Market Harborough RBL, John Standish, thanked everyone involved "the cadets have been staunch supporters of the Legion and the idea of a Mad Hatters Tea Party was a fun way to celebrate the Legion's 90th Anniversary. I am sure more people would have attended if the weather had been fine but I would like to thank those who did venture out to what turned out to be a fun packed afternoon"
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The Mad Hatters & Alice at the table |
Prize winners Tom Ashmore, Mrs Dagley, FS KirstyDagley and Sgt Tim Monk |
June 18- Corps Athletics
The band was invited to take the place of another band who had withdrawn at short notice.
The band played three times during the day and their performance was praised by the Chief of Staff and other dignitaries who were present.
June 19- Oundle Carnival
The band was invited to play for the first time at Oundle Carnival. One of three bands taking part in the parade it was a typical carnival. Unlike at least one of the other bands 1084 maintained it's tradition of playing non stop for the whole of the procession, this one being about 1.5 hours.
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June 25- Husband Bosworth Fete
The band played a couple of sets at the above event. Unfortunately no reporter or photographer present this year.
July 3- Wing Field Day
The Squadron was well represented at Field Day.
Despite the drawback of having to condense all their competitions into a very tight timetable so they could get back for the Armed Forces Day in Market Harborough they put in some creditable results.
The Auster Trophy results were announced on the day and the Squadron continued its top 10 finishes albeit 4 places lower than last years 5th place.
July 3- Armed Forces Day
Having dashed back from Wing Field Day the band joined the three cadets who had helped all morning on the Royal British Legion display stand. The band still managed to fit in two slots including the closing ceremony and drew a large round of applause for their display.
July 15- RIAT
A late invitation this year meant there had been less time to prepare but the band put in some good performances. The weather was quite wet at times but in the best traditions the band played on at the opening ceremony in the arena.
Two performances outside the RAF Display marquee were put on as HRH The Prince Michael of Kent visited the marquee on Saturday and on Sunday HRH The Duke of Kent was the visitor.
Once again the band played the part of 'wandering minstrels' playing through the crowds and at suitable points in the static park, usually in front of the static aircraft. Loads of pictures taken by the visitors as ever.
Aug 6 - 13 RAF Valley Summer Camp
A packed week of activities including, high ropes, climbing, go karting, shooting, section visits including the new Hawk T2, bowling and last night disco kept all the cadets busy.
Unfortunatley no helicopter flying as they were grounded due to an unexplained mechanical fault in one of the aircraft. And no we didn't get to see the VIP!
However one lucky cadet (not from 1084) got a back seat flight in a Hawk and several cadets got to fly the Hawk simulator.
Aug 18 - 21 Lathkill Dale
Straight after camp and 11 cadets packed their bags for the walking/camping trip to the White Peak.
The weather was pretty good and certainly day one provided the highlight of the weekend when we came cross an ice cream van en route, needles to say many an ice cream was licked that morning.
Days 2 and 3 brought some unexpected issues but no more said about them!.
The pool table took a hammering but skill levels were quite low, Zac seemed to have a definite edge though.
Overall an enjoyable trip.
Sep 18 - Battle of Britain
As usual the squadron paraded for Battle of Britain Sunday. The cadets read lessons during the service and the parade marched past the Chairnan of the District Council afterwards.
Sep 21 - New Intake
The staff were taken aback when some 60 prospective new cadets and parents attended the sqaudron open night. One staff member, i/c T-Flight, was heard to mutter under his breath "time for me to retire now"
Sep 25 - War Memorial Re-Dedication
The Harborough Branch of the Royal British Legion re-enacted part of the unveiling ceremony of the local War Memorial which took place 90 years ago on this day. The squadron was represented by a contingent of cadets and staff.
Sep 26 - New Intake
Some 40+ new cadets turned up for their first parade. The final parade had to be help outside.
Oct 8 - Royal Anglian Parade
The Royal Anglian Regiment exercised their right to march through the town for the first time following the granting of the Freedom of the District. Cadets from the squadron helped line the parade route which was a sea of peple. After the ceremony the squadron band played for the crowd in the Memorial Square.
Oct 15 - RBL Coffee Morning
Cadets were once again in evidence assisting the RBL with the coffee morining helping with the tombola, most of the prizes for which were donated by the cadets and their parents
Oct 28 to 30 - John's Lee Wood Camp
Unfortunately no climbing available (again!) but the scavenger hunt proved a popular replacement. Leadership exercises, caving, archery and sports completed the Saturday outdoor events which finished with a disco which was voted a resounding success.
Sunday saw all the cadets out on a map reading walk to give them chance to put into practice some of the skills they had been taught on Friday evening.
Oct 29 - Poppy Launch
Cadets helped at the Leics & Rutland County RBL Festival of Remebrance. This year it was held at the Leicester Cathedral and it has to be said it wasn't as good as previous years. The cadets did a sterling job as always.
Nov 13 - Remembrance Parades
The band led the Harborough Parade and over 50 cadets took part, the largest number for many years. Several took part in the service and this year Sqn Ldr Standish in his role as Chairman of the Harborough Branch read a lesson and spoke the Act of Homage. After fighting through the car park and the inconsiderate parking of vehicles we managed to get near the HQ to load up for the trip to Oakham where the band led their parade in the afternoon.
Nov 19 - Corps Band Championships
The Band made its way down to RAF Halton to compete for the fifth time in the Air Cadet National Band Championships.
In 2009, (the 2010 competition was cancelled due to heavy snow) the band finished 3rd behind 135 (Reigate and Redhil) and winners 1855 (Royton) Sqn.
This year the band faced both these squadron again in addition to 93 Sqn (Bath) who have won the competition many times in the past.The band was last to perform and they were very nervous having seen the previous bands excellent displays. However this didn't deter them and they performed an excellent display routine to the delight of the crowd, to take the top award by 6 points from 93 Sqn with 1855 a close third.
The day was rounded off by the band being awarded the trophy for the best turned out band and Sgt Tim Monk was runner up in the Best Drum Major Section.
Flt Lt Smith paid tribute to the band 'I am very proud of what they achieved, they played so well, arguably better than the previous time they won this competition in 2003. Very few play music outside the squadron band, and the effort they put into their music reflects great credit on them all as they take a full part in all the squadron activities as well. The Band Master Mr David Standish and his Assistant Band Master Lauren Bickley deserve full credit for their hard work in training the band'.
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Dec 2 to 4 - Dalehead
25 cadets and staff made their way to the newly re-furbished camping barn at Dalehead in the Peak District.
The centre proved a hit with the cadets but some of the 'more senior' staff bemoaned the loss of the open fire and sagging settees.
The walk on Saturday proved to be a bit of an endurance test. Just as the teams were about to leave the rain started. From then on it was rain with occasional breaks but little respite from the stiff winds, particularly over Mam Tor. Everyone was glad when they returned to Dalehead and sampled the new showers, much better than the old ones. The Christmas dinner was its usual gastronomic triumph for the Boss and Mrs Osborne and the party games kept most people amused for the evening.
The weather forecast for Sunday was unpredictable and in view of the soaking from the Saturday it was decided to do some local map reading skills rather than the planned walk.
A fortunate decision when the rain started once more.
Dec 10 to 11 - National Marching Band
Sgt Monk (drum major), Cpl Bidwell (trumpet), Cdt Mast (saxophone) and Cdt Roberts (bass trombone) took part in the National Marching Band performance at the Birmingham International Arena Christmas Tattoo. The band played as part of an ATC 70th Anniversary celebration and once again showed their musical talents to a high standard. Sgt Monk taking part for the first time was singled out for praise by the Director of Music for his prowess as Drum Major, not an easy task to perform in front of a large crowd particulalry as your first time in front of the National Marching Band.
TS Royalist, Sea Cadet Training Ship... Taken Over by Air Cadets.
A month or so ago I spent a week on the TS Royalist with 20 other cadets, who I hadn't met before. The TS Royalist is a sea cadet training ship, and as air cadets we got an amazing opportunity to experience what sea cadets do and what they do different to air cadets.
Whilst I was on the TS Royalist even though I am a keen dinghy sailer I learnt many new skills and did some amazing things. We took part in many different things, this included hauling sails, tacking the ship and steering, safety exercises and the use of navigation equipment. Domestic chores were a big part of the life on board, every morning we had cleaning stations, this is our time to make the TS Royalist 'ship shape' and ready to sail away from the harbour.
As well as all these things we had a chance to climb the rigging at least 3 times throughout the week, which was a little scary but an incredible view.
Over the week we sailed from Portsmouth harbour and sailed around the south coast as far as Poole.
Throughout the week I have made some amazing friends with cadets from all over the country, which helped make it an experience of a life time. During the voyage I have learnt so much and would most definitely recommend this trip to anyone, even if you haven't sailed before, as it was a completely different experience, and by far one of the best. Cpl Daisy Dear.
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Dec 21 - Christmas Party
The Christmas Party began with a few Christmas themed games including 'wrap the present' the difference being the present to be wrapped was a cadet, not sure we would want to find any of them at the foot of our Christmas Tree.
The disco saw the 53 cadets (and staff) take to the floor for most of the evening as the place rocked with songs old and new including the inevitable Christmas tunes.