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Cadets from 1955 (City of Wells) Air Cadets were involved in the Ten Tors event on Dartmoor over the weekend of 12- 13 May 2007, along with 2400 other young people. They have been training for ten weekends, covering many miles across Dartmoor, carrying full packs, camping out over night in preparation for the event. The event is for young people whose age ranges from 14- 20 years of age from schools, youth groups and service cadets. They cover 35, 45 and 55 miles in 48 hours, visiting ten different tours along the way.
This is a demanding schedule, requiring navigation, survival, camping skills, good fitness levels and excellent leadership and team working. The cadets from Wells joined other cadets from Illminster, Yeovil and Quantox squadrons to make up the six members required for a single team.
Thought-out their training they have all grown in confidence and skill, they set off in showery weather on the Saturday, our two teams making good progress, to be halted over night on Beardown and Trowlesworthy tors, were they camped out. The weather forecast for the Sunday indicated more rain, leading to higher river levels, and the decision was made over night to stop the event, and recover the participants.
Our teams walked to a meeting point and were taken back to Oakhampton in mini buses, others were taken to the marines base in Plymouth to await transport back to Oakhampton. None of our team members needed to be brought off the moor in helicopters.
The members of the 35 mile team, are Cpl Martyn Trevorrow (team captian), Cpl Tom Higgs, Cdt Holy Knight and Cdt Rosie Hodgson. Sgt Emily Benson, Cdt Ben Mather and Cpl Joe Ward helped make up the membership of a 45 mile team, whilst Cpl Ed Exell was a member of a 55 mile team from the Cathedral School CCF section.
Fg Off John Blackburn and Plt Off Dave Waller from the squadron helped on check points for the Jubilee challenge.
The cadets said that despite having to leave the moor early, they felt pleased to have taken part, have learnt a great deal about what it takes to be successful on Dartmoor, they all came home with their medals and want to go back next year. Flt Lt John Heath, OC of the squadron, wanted to thank the team manager Mr Terry Exell, for organizing our teams entry and attending the training, but above all wanted to state how proud he is of the cades for all their hard work during the training, and for smiling through it all.
No 41F (Taunton) Squadron of the Air Training Corps held a presentation and awards evening at the Squadron’s Headquarters on the 18th May 2007.
Visiting guests included the town’s MP, Jeremy Browne, and the Mayor and Mayoress, Mr and Mrs Hayward.
Displays included field craft and Duke of Edinburgh’s Award training, a flight simulator and the Squadron’s continuity drill team gave an impressive performance.
Pilot Officer Steve Walker, the officer in charge of Taunton Air Cadets, and his team were able to answer questions from their guests on the Squadron’s activities and forthcoming events.
The Air Training Corps is a national voluntary youth organisation, supported by the RAF. It aims to promote aviation awareness, encourage good citizenship, build teamwork and foster the spirit of adventure in the cadets, who are eligible to join from the age of thirteen. Cadets do not have to join the RAF but many do so, others put the training they have to good use in civilian occupations.
As well as flying and gliding Taunton's Air Cadets are particularly active in adventure training.
Jeremy Browne, MP for Taunton, said "The Air Cadets provide great opportunities and enjoyment for young people; they are very smartly presented and benefit from a huge range of activities. They are looking to acquire a new site on which to expand, I am sure they will prosper."
Cadets and staff of 1322 (Newton Abbot) Squadron have beaten off stiff competition from other Squadrons across the South West, to have the honour of representing the South West region in the national Lees Trophy competition which identifies the best Air Training Corps Squadron in the UK.
Group Captain Remlinger, Regional Commandant of the Air Training Corps for the South West Region, recently inspected the Cadets at the Squadron and confirmed them as the winners of the best Squadron in the South West region, this means that the Squadron will be competing with five other squadrons from across the UK for the chance to become the best squadron in the Country.
Flight Lieutenant Webb, Officer Commanding of 1322 (Newton Abbot) Squadron, said "this was a huge achievement for everyone involved and it’s a great privilege to be recognised as one of the top six Squadrons especially when you consider there are over 900 across the UK."
On the first wet day for several weeks and in front a large crowd of people attending the Wells May Day Celebrations. The Northern Alliance Continuity Drill Display team gave two displays of continuity foot and rifle drill. The first performance started in the rain with Cdt Cpl Edward Hill of 2282(Somer) Squadron marching into the arena with Flt Lt John Heath, Commanding Officer of 1955(City of Wells) Squadron, who was taking the salute. Cdt Cpl Hill then called the teams in with a polished bugle call. The teams were lead in by Cdt Sgt Sam Tolson of 2277(Castle Cary & Wincanton) Squadron. Cdt Sgt Tolson had choreographed the main of the foot drill display assisted by A/Sgt A Tolson. The foot display sequence consisted of 44 movements from one initial word of command. The team was made up by 8 cadets from 2277, 914 & 1031 Squadrons. The crowd showed their appreciation of the display and clapped loudly as the team marched off to one side with the Rifle team marching on without causing a break in the sequence.
5 cadets from 914, 2282 and 2277 Squadrons under the critical eye of A/Sgt N Tolson who was responsible for their training made up the Rifle Team who produced a superb display of rifle drill, covering 48 movements including static and marching with rifles, without orders.
This was an excellent display for their first performance and it was good to hear the people in the crowd saying how good they were.
Wing Commander Brian Wills-Pope MBE RAFVR(T) presented Cadet Flight Sergeant Tom Hamilton of 1064 (Honiton) Squadron with his Air Cadet Pilot Scheme Certificate - In recognition of his Flying Training course flown at Dundee Airport during August 2006.
Tom joined the Air Training Corps in April 2004 and has flown in both fully aerobatic light aircraft as well as powered gliders.
The Pilot scholarship scheme is hotly contested and Tom was the only Cadet from the Devon & Somerset Wing to be awarded the prize
As part of the Wing training courses held at Fremington Army camp in North Devon cadets had the opportunity to be part of a new course. For the first time cadets were taught ceremonial drill including rifle and banner drill.
This is a first for the Wing and allows Cadets to progress that little bit further with their drill than they had previously been able to do.
The course was a great success with the cadets undertaking a march past showing off all the new skills they had learnt.
Its hoped the course will now run on an annual basis after it being such a success this time around.
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