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The Wing has received an update from JSM Engravers (shown below in italics) about their new web site that should be of great interest to Squadrons in the wing.
It contains information about most of the products and services they offer, although they are more than happy to discuss any specific requirements either by email or telephone at any time prior to committing to buy.
As the season for trophies, medals and engraving moves closer we are starting to receive requests for information from ATC Squadrons
But they are all saying the same thing - they have had such a problem finding us
So please be advised that our new web site is now available for your use/perusal on:
www.jsm-engravers.co.uk
My thanks
Peter Burley
Commercial Manager
JSM Engravers
Cadets from 2381 Ilminster Squadron, Air Training Corps, and other cadets from all over the United Kingdom attended the annual Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), Europe’s largest military air show, held last month at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire.
The Cadets spent five days at the Air Show helping the organisers get it all ready for the top military personnel and for the general public. The Cadets were given a variety of tasks to do such as meeting and checking in the pilots who were displaying their aircraft to taking part in a mock disaster exercise to test the skills of the huge medical team that provide the emergency treatment during the show.
Aircraft from all over the world are displayed at this impressive Air Show. One aircraft being shown for the very first time here in the United Kingdom was the American Osprey ‘Tilt Rotor’. This aircraft is used for transportation. It is unique because it can take off and land like a helicopter but once up in the air its propellers rotate so it flies like a plane. One aircraft being shown for the very last time as it retires this year from a long service was the Canberra. It was used as a bomber initially and then for reconnaissance duty.
The famous Red Arrows took centre stage at the show and did not disappoint with a magnificent display. At the end of each show day was the RAF Flypast, which was performed by two Spitfires and one of the last remaining WW2 Lancaster bombers, all of which had the old and young captive and in awe of these remarkable flying machines.
Cadet Kirstie Slade from 2381 Squadron won the Red Sparrow Award that is given to a Cadet under the age of 15 years for being outstanding during the five days. She was awarded with an engraved disc and got the opportunity to climb aboard most of the aircraft displayed where the general public were not allowed to tread.
There were three good reasons to celebrate this week for Ilminster Air Cadet Adam Holland, 18.
Firstly he has just been promoted to Cadet Warrant Officer (CWO), the highest rank he can achieve as an Air Cadet.
Secondly he received his A-Level result and achieved passes in Mathematics and Physics. Adam received a £1000 scholarship earlier this year towards his studies which also included an experience visit to RAF Waddington that culminated in a flight in an E-3 Sentry AWACS plane.
Finally, these results, along with passing a rigorous interview and selection process have seen Adam, from Chard, accepted for Officer entry in the Royal Air force. Adam hopes to start his Officer Training at the Royal Air Force College at Cranwell later this year, on completion of the 32 week course Adam will start his specialist training to become a Fighter Controller.
Adam is pictured here receiving his rank badges from Devon & Somerset Wing Air Training Corps Staff Officer, Squadron Leader John Parsons. To achieve this position Adam has had to work hard over the last five years, steadily being promoted through the ranks and attending numerous camps and training courses. To get promoted to CWO, Adam had to not only be recommended by his squadron commander but had to sit a interview and assessment with Devon & Somerset’s Wing Commander, prior to being final approved for promotion by Air Cadet Nation Headquarters at RAF Cranwell, Lincs.
As the staff and cadets of 2401 Dawlish Sqn prepared for the biggest day of the Dawlish Carnival with both the grand air show and procession taking place, the spirits were high.
The reason being was they all knew they were about to get a ride in the Chinook helicopter.
They got geared up, had the safety brief then it was time for lift off.
They were airborne in no time at all and were being flown around their home town and surrounding area. The Chinook then dropped them off in time for it to perform its public demonstration.
This is one ride that neither the Cadets or staff will forget in a hurry.
At the recent Countess Wear "Party in the Park" 13 (City of Exeter) Sqn’s Adult Sergeant Tony Preston came 5th in the dog show.!
After being dared by Flying Officer Chris Powers wife Sandy that he wouldn’t enter the "Dogs who look like their owners" class Sergeant Preston promptly donned his big dog suit, borrowed the Power’s Chocolate Labrador (and honorary 13 Sqn "ships cat") Harry and rushed the display ring...they came 5th and won a rosette! Chris Power said "it was hilarious, it really made the crowd smile, even the judges were laughing!"
An emotional Tony later sobbed "this is the proudest moment of my life, but some of the credit must go to Harry, I’m off for a well deserved can of Winalot and snooze".
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