News

September 12th 2013

It is believed that their annual open day had been very well publicised this year, through a Radio Interview on BBC Radio Derby, articles printed in the Burton Mail Newspaper and also through press releases which have appeared on their Squadron Website, Facebook & Twitter page aswell as on the South and East Midlands Wing Website and the East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association website, which contributed to a large number of the Cadets friends and family members, residents of Swadlincote and further afield flock too the Squadron Headquarters on Eureka Park to find out a bit more information of what the Air Cadets in Swadlincote do as one of the most successful Air Cadet Squadrons in the South and East Midlands area.

The Open Day was also attended by many special guests, including officers and members of staff from local Squadrons, namely 126 City Of Derby Squadron Air Training Corps and the MP of South Derbyshire, Heather Wheeler who were interested to find out what the Air Cadets of Swadlincote enjoy doing in their spare time.

Display by the Fieldcraft TeamSpeaking to Flight Lieutenant (Flt Lt) Alyn Thompson, Squadron Commander of 1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron ATC in the days following the event he says: “This years open day has been one of the most successful which has been as a result of all the hard work, commitment and dedication of the Cadets and members of the staff of the unit alike. I am very proud of all the achievements the cadets have had the opportunity to gain over the last 12 months. This year has saw cadets attend overseas camps in Canda, Singapore, Gibraltor, achieve Gliding Scholarships, BTEC Qualifications, climb Mt Snowdon, alongside gaining Marksmanship badges through attending adventure training camps in the Uk which have included a Llanbedr camp in Wales.”

Throughout the open day, there were many displays and demonstrations that the cadets and members of staff saw themselves taking part in. The Squadron Support Team were out in force, which saw them being in charge of a BBQ, Raffles and Tombola’s and many other stands which included a “Guess how many sweets are in the Jar” competition.

The Cadets were split up into 4 Squadron Flights/Groups depending on age and ability, and were each also responsible for their own display or activity which saw, a recruitment stand to encourage prospective new cadets and adult volunteers to come and find out more information on how to join the Squadron, a Mount Snowdon treasure map, a “Beat the Goalie” and a Nerf shooting range event.

One of the main events of the day was a passing out parade which saw cadets memorise their Cadet Oath in front of proud family and friends, members of the council and the Squadron Commander, Flt Lt Alyn Thompson and a drill display by the drill team, who recently came a strong 6th place out of 29 other Squadrons around the South and East Midlands area in the Wing Field Day competition.

Passing Out parade for new cadetsLater on in the day, there were displays and demonstrations from the Squadron Band and Corps of Drums and also a demonstration by the Squadron’s fieldcraft team. The day also ended on a high note with a tug of war competition between the cadets and their parents, which saw the parents of the cadets win 2 out of the 3 rounds.

1211 (Swadlincote) Squadron opens its doors four times a year to prospective new cadets, male and female aged between 13 and 17 years old. For more information on joining the air cadet organisation in your area, please contact the Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Alyn Thompson at oc.1211@aircadets.org or by phone on (01283) 212629 or visit the Squadron website at http://www.1211sqn.org.uk/.  You can also Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/1211sqn