10 Downing Street Petition

A petition to the Prime Minister to increase funding for the cadet services has been started on the 10 Downing Street E-Petitions site.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/cadets/

The person who started the petition stated:-

"There are three cadet services in this country: The Air Training Corps, the Army Cadet Force and the Sea Cadet Corps. All three promote training which is useful in civilian life and foster the spirit of adventure. They also develop the qualities of leadership and good citizenship. We believe that more young people should have access to these cadet services and that more money should be spent on promoting them and teaching our children essential life skills."

The 10 Downing Street E-Petitions site was started in November 2006 and was subject of a lot of discussion when another petition to stop a road pricing scheme had almost 2 million signatures.

Petitions have long been sent to the Prime Minister by post or delivered to the Number 10 door in person. The site is easy to use and sign petitions, giving you the opportunity to have you say on national issues before you can vote.

Please remember that there is nothing to stop you from adding your name, however you do it as a citizen and must not refer to the ATC, or indicate you have any connection to the organization, such as adding rank or Sqn.

Wing Awards Ceremony

On Sunday 25th February Wg Cdr Henson presented cadets and staff with a number of awards and certificates achieved through an outstanding effort by the recipients. The event was hosted in the Officers Mess at RAF Halton and was attended by friends and family members of the recipients. After the ceremony, coffee, tea and biscuits were served and the parents had the opportunity to look around the historic house and to speak to the adult staff, who were in attendance for the awards.

The Wing was delighted to welcome as its guest, Debbie Loftus from the Duke Of Edinburgh's Award Office who has been a tremendous help to the Wing in helping to establish and run the MV Scheme.

When the photographs for the event, a link will be posted from this site.

Staff Awards

Long service Certificate 12 Yrs

Mr Peter Dawson - 1066 (Hitchin) Sqn

MV 500 Hrs Award

Mr James Vey - 1066 (Hitchin) Sqn

Cadet Awards

Advanced Gliding Certificate

Roald Stephens - 332 (High Wycombe) Sqn

Air Cadet Leadership Course (With Distinction)

Charlotte Hunt - 2409 (Halton) Sqn

ATC National Sports Representation for Athletics

Charlotte Hunt - 2409 (Halton) Sqn

ATC National Sports Representation for Swimming

Liz Tunley - 2313 (Chalfont ) Sqn

Gliding Scholarship (solo)

Roald Stephens - 332 (High Wycombe) Sqn

Charlotte Hunt - 2409 (Halton) Sqn

A Self - 936 (Hertford & Ware) Sqn

MV 500 Hrs Award

Kenji Kemp - 1066 (Hitchin) Sqn

Christopher Moore - 1066 (Hitchin) Sqn

Samuel James - 1066 (Hitchin) Sqn

Charlotte Hunt - 2409 (Halton) Sqn

Silver DOE Award

Nicholas Mann - 2313 (Beaconsfield) DF

RHEINDAHLEN CAMP 11-18 JUL 07

Dates: 11-18 Jul 07

Herts & Bucks Allocation:

One Male AWO/ASNCO/CI
6 Male cdts
2 Female cdts

Travel: Air from Heathrow T1

Costs:

Staff: Airfare/Taxes/ATC Insurance - £180; Accommodation: Euro 9.60 per day full board

Cdts: Airfare/Taxes/Food/ATC Insurance - £190; Camp Levy: £7

Sqn Cdrs to notify Wg Ad O of individuals wishing to register an interest for this camp by no later than 15 Mar 07.

Full payment and all paperwork will be required by Sqn Cheque no later than 1 May 07.

Detailed paperwork will be sent to sucessful nominees via Sqn Cdrs post 15 Mar 07.

Suggestion from David Henson

****************************************************
* NOT SPAM! This message was sent from our site to *
* you by the person named below because they felt *
* there was something here of interest to you. *
* This is not a mailing list. *
****************************************************
Hi Herts & Bucks Wing Blog,

David Henson stopped by St. Albans Observer
website and suggested that you visit the following URL:

http://www.stalbansobserver.co.uk/news/localnews/display.var.1191460.0.air_cadets_honoured.php

Here is their message ...

Item in the St Albans Observer

Wing Athletics - 22/4/07

The Wing Athletics Championships will take place at the Dacorum Athletics Track, Jarmans Park, St Albans Road, Hemel Hempstead on Sunday 22 April 07.

The top cadets will represent the Wing at the Region Championships on Sunday 20 May 2007.

Arrive - 08:30 - 09:00
Briefing - 09:30


Cadets must have:-

F3822
No Jewellery
Personal Medication (i.e. inhalers)
No uniform - Sports clothing

Each Sqn may enter one cadet per event and four cadets for relay. (Max for any one cadet is relay plus two other events)

Males
Class A Enrolled (13.3yrs on 22/4/07) under 15 yrs on 1/9/07
Class B 15 yrs & under 17 yrs on 1/9/07
Class C 17 yrs & over on 1/9/07 and under 20 yrs on 31/12/07

Females
Class D Enrolled (13.3yrs on 22/4/07) under 15 yrs on 1/9/07
Class E 15 yrs & over on 1/9/07 and under 20 yrs on 31/12/07


Champions 2006
Male
Class A 220 St Albans Sqn
Class B 1166 WGC Sqn
Class C 795 Harpenden Sqn

Females
Class D 1280 Rickmansworth Sqn
Class E 332 High Wycombe Sqn

Overall Male - 220 St Albans Sqn
Overall Female - 332 High Wycombe Sqn
Overall Winners - 332 High Wycombe Sqn

CI Badges

The Commandants aspiration is that there will be a sweatshirt and fleece available to Civilian Instructors. This is to ensure they are included and recognised as CI's and encourage a corporate image.

There would be no compulsion for CI's to wear the items, rather encouragement to wear on them on duty. The details of costs etc are being worked on now, but we need your views on the design.

If you have a view, email OC Wing or click on "comments" box below this entry.

Stan Stockill Trophy

2313 Beaconsfield DF have won the Stan Stockill Trophy for the most improved unit in Herts & Bucks Wing.

Winner - 2313 Beaconsfield D/F 30^th place to 11th

Runner up - 795 Harpenden 28^th place to 10th

3rd place - 936 Hertford & Ware 27^th place to 13th

Changes to the Basic Swimming Competency Certificate

The distance requirement for the ATC Basic Swimming Competency Certificate is reduced from 100 to 50 metres (any stroke) with immediate effect. Also, the test can now be conducted by sqn staff rather than a PTI or lifeguard although a qualified lifeguard still needs to be present for safety cover. The requirements to be able tread water for 2 minutes and to exit the water unaided remains, although in locations where there is a considerable distance between the water and poolside, as found in some Service pools, some assistance may be given at the examiner’s discretion. The purpose of these changes is designed to make the Basic Certificate more accessible and to provide a more graduated progression to the intermediate certificate. The requirements for the Intermediate and Advanced Swimming Competence Certificates will remain extant and required independent verification.

All new certificates issued from HQAC will carry the new distance. Wg and Sqns may continue to use the old certificates but should alter them by hand to reflect the distance covered. If cadets choose to complete 100 metres then the certificate can be issued unaltered.

Wing Roll of Honour Selection Day 2007

Sqn's can now nominate their best male and female cadet for the selection day.

A roll of honour in order of merit, regardless of gender will be established to decide the following :-

* The winner of the Douglas Haynes Memorial Trophy for the best male cadet.

* The winner of the Alan Payne Shield for the best female cadet.

* The Lord Lieutenant’s cadet for Hertfordshire 2006

* The Lord Lieutenant’s cadet for Buckinghamshire 2006.

* Nominees for the International Air Cadet Exchange Scheme (IACE) 2007/8.

* Recipients of other high profile honours and awards.

Cadets will under go a uniform inspection, a short test and interview. Scoring will be based on the following :-

* Corps Service knowledge.

* Participation and contribution to the Corps. (Sqn, Wing, Region and Corps levels)

* Character, personality and motivation – ability to represent the Corps in public and at high profile events.

* Presentation, appearance and general turn out.

* Personal achievements.

Dress for the day will be working dress with Wedgwood shirts and ties.

All nominated cadets are to bring their 3822’s and completed nomination forms with them on the day.

The attached forms are to be presented by the cadet on the day, do not send (No forms no points).

Parking is to be at the sports stadium, passes from the guard room are not required.

Attendance times/slots will be allocated and forwarded to Squadrons week commencing 19th Feb 07.

Scoring will be marked out of a total of 100 (Inspection 20, Interview 30, test 20 & achievements 30).

Cadets unable to attend the interview should complete the attached forms and forward it to Sqn Ldr Mimpress by 23rd Feb as points will be awarded for achievements.

The selection day is to be held at 2409 (Halton) Sqn on Sunday 4th March.

Nominations for these awards are to be forwarded to Sqn Ldr Mimpress by 16th Feb 07.

Shooting Tgn Opportunities

.22 CADET TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION SHOOT –
SATURDAY 10 FEB 07 – RAF HALTON

.22 Shooting
Squadron’s are reminded that Cadets must meet the following criteria before they can live fire:
a. Aged 13 Years & 3 months..
b. 1st Class Cadet classification
c. Considered sufficiently mature by their CO, and have their F3822 signed to that effect.
d. Completed Initial Weapon Training on the No.8 rifle.
e. Passed a Weapon Handling Test on the No.8 rifle.
f. They must also be in possession of their 3822, which MUST be correctly filled in.

L98 TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION SHOOT
SATURDAY 24 FEB 07 – RAF HALTON
SATURDAY 17 MAR 07 – RAF HALTON

LONG RANGE TRAINING AND QUALIFICATION SHOOT
SUNDAY 25 MAR 07 – OTMOOR

Squadron’s are reminded that Cadets must meet the following criteria before they can live fire:
a. 14 Years of age
b. 1st Class Cadet classification
c. Considered sufficiently mature by their CO, and have their F3822 signed to that effect.
d. Completed Initial Weapon Training on the L98 rifle.
e. Passed a Weapon Handling Test on the L98 rifle.
f. Fired the No.8 rifle.
g. They must also be in possession of their 3822, which MUST be correctly filled in.

Shooting Success

Herts & Bucks Wing Squadrons have had some good results recently in external Shooting Competitions.

936 Squadron were narrowly beaten into second place in the Keith Emsall Trophy, a competition run by Hertfordshire Rifle Association for School & Cadet teams. As the highest scoring cadet team they were awarded the Winney Trophy.

The following other units were also represented in the competition, including: 2F, 248 & 1066 Squadrons.

248 & 1066 Squadrons entered this year’s Battle of Britain Competition, with 1066 being placed 45^th and 248 a very creditable 16^th (83 teams entered nationally).

All Squadrons are encouraged to enter the various postal competitions open to them. Further information regarding these and other shooting competitions can be obtained from the Wing Shooting Officer.

WING SKILL AT ARMS WEEKEND 1/07 – LONGMOOR CAMP 2-4 Mar 07

What, Where & When? This event is a Wing organised Shooting and Weapon training weekend, being held at Longmoor Training Camp.

Why? The principal aim of the weekend is to provide an opportunity for Initial Weapon Training on the No.8 & L98 Rifle along with Live Firing on a variety of Ranges using the No.8 and L98 Rifle. The Live Firing will give cadets the opportunity to qualify for Marksman awards.

Cost. The weekend will cost £10 per cadet to cover messing and administrative costs, and to contribute towards travel costs.

DEADLINE. Returns MUST be with the Wing Shooting Officer by Saturday 17 Feb 07, although units are encouraged to submit returns at their earliest convenience. NO late returns will be accepted.

Keep up to date with Shooting in Herts & Bucks Wing, join the Shooting eMail list by sending an eMail to HBWingShooting-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Visit by Commandant - 1st April 07

We are delighted that Commandant Air Cadets will be visiting Herts & Bucks Wing on Sunday 1st April 07. It will give us the opportunity to Parade the Corps Banner and provide an opportunity for the Commandant to meet as many cadets and staff as possible during the day.

The draft programme for the day will be: -

0900 Parade Rehearsals

1100 Formal Parade and Presentations - Parade Corps Banner, presentation of awards and medals

1200 Display by Corps Drill Champions - 220 Sqn

1230 Lunch – Change into working blues

1330 Displays & Demonstrations - Each Sqn will have a stand with photographs and items demonstrating the work of the Sqn. The Commandant will tour the displays as he is very keen to talk to as many people as possible.

1700 (estimated) COP

Parade

The parade will consist of:

3 flights of 30 Cdts + banner party + others to = 100 Cdts

Staff as detailed

220 Drill Squad

Wing Band (marching on & off)

1066 Band (Incidental Inspection Music)

Suggestion and ideas to Sqn Ldr Cook and WO Judge

Spring Expedition 2007

1. Applications are invited for places on this year’s Spring Expedition, which will take place at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre at Windermere from 24 to 31 March 2007. The Expedition programme includes trekking, climbing, mountain biking, orienteering and canoeing. The course aims to develop Cadets’ team & individual leadership skills as well as improve their knowledge of basic adventure training competences.

Eligibility

2. Any Cadet who has reached their 14^th birthday and physically able to take part in six days of outdoor activities. No previous experience is necessary but ALL Cadets who wish to attend MUST have completed the IET Section of ACP31 as well as ACP32 Volume 1: Map Reading. It is desirable that Cadets have also studied ACP32 Volume 2: Basic Navigation. Whilst not essential, it will mean the level of training provided during the Expedition will be that much higher and Cadets will appreciate what is being taught.

3. This activity takes place in term time so Cadets must have permission from their School to be absent for the duration. It does count as an educational trip and I will speak with any school on behalf of each Cadet to assist in obtaining permission for their release. Please get Cadets to approach their schools early so this can be arranged and pass to me details of any School that would like further information. A letter can be provided for schools who require further information.

4. The ATC Adventure Training Centre is situated in the town of Windermere and provides comfortable accommodation and specialist equipment, including waterproofs and rucksacks, but cadets must bring their own walking boots.

5. Squadron staff are welcome to attend this course, subject to the availability of beds. No qualifications are necessary: just an interest in Cadet Adventure training, a good level of fitness with a positive attitude and a sense of humour is useful!

Administration

Cost will be the £80 course fee [in cash] this money will cover all activities, accommodation and food and any surplus at the end of the trip will be returned to the Cadets.

Application forms via Sqn CO's

Restricted to thirty Cadets [20 male & 10 female] so an element of selection will be required and a number held in reserve. Applications returned to either HQ HBW or direct to me via e-mail (preferable) or post.

Nominations are to be with Wing HQ or me by Friday 2 March 2007.

If in doubt to any particular person’s eligibility, please nominate them anyway and I’ll sort out whether or not they fit the criteria.

ATC Sunday, 2007

In one of its largest parades in a long time, nearly 250 Herts & Bucks Wing cadets and staff marked ATC Sunday at RAF Halton on 4 February 2007. The Wing marched to the Station's St George’s Church behind the band from 1066 (Hitchin) Sqn before attending a service led by the Wing’s Chaplain, Rev Chris Hicken and the chaplain to 220 (St Albans) Sqn, Major David Kidd from the Salvation Army.

In a new feature for the event, the congregation entered the church to music provided by two cadet violinists, Cdts Steph Garner and Hannah Peters from 2409 (Halton) Sqn.

To mark the recent deaths of two of the Wing's staff, a minute's silence was held in memory of Squadron Leader Brian Broadwith and Warrant Officer Gill Macaree. Both of who are much missed by their former colleagues in Wing.

Music for the service as provided by Dunstable’s Salvation Army band under the direction of Tom Spratt.

Readings during the service were made by Sgt Luke Nunn from 2313 (Beaconsfield) DF and Cdt Justin Smith from 1563 (Buckingham) Sqn.

Rev Hicken said that he was very happy to see such a strong attendance at the parade and that he thanked the cadets for their efforts and the excellent Salvation Army band for their significant contribution to the event. OC Herts & Bucks Wing, Wg Cmdr David Henson, RAFVR(T), said that it was an honour to be allowed to mark the 66th anniversary of the Air Training Corps by parading the Wing Banner and banners from 15 Sqns at our parent Station.

Photos from the parade will appear on the main Wing site very shortly.

1187 Sqn's - annual adventure training competition

Cadets from 1187 Hemel Hempstead Squadron of the Air Training Corps deployed on their annual adventure training competition in January. RAF Halton provided facilities for shooting, 5 a side football, navigation training, orienteering, drill competition and a night exercise.

Pilot Officer Miles Cooksey who organized the weekend said "it was a fantastic opportunity for the cadets to put in to practice the skills and training they have learnt over the past few months. This weekend was action packed and is what the Air Training Corps is all about opportunities for adventure training of this type are rarely offered elsewhere.." Cadet Corporal Matthew Cunningham attended the weekend and said 'It was great. I really enjoyed the night exercise, especially as my team won!’

Item submitted by Plt Off M Cooksey

Vampire & Kelsey Trophies 2006

The Vampire Trophy is the annual inter squadron competition within Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire Wing ATC. It is awarded annually to the squadron or detached flight, which receives the most competition points overall, following an adjustment for cadet strength.

Winners for 2006

Vampire Trophy

	Squadron		Score
1	2409	Halton	3077
2	1066	Hitchin	2827
3	220	St. Albans	2777
4	1187	Hemel Hempstead	2543
5	248	Letchworth	2243
6	1113	Berkhamsted	2239
7	2313	Chalfont	2166
8	332	High Wycombe	2165
9	1365	Aylesbury	2115
10	795	Harpenden	2023
11	2313	Beaconsfield D/F	2013
12	2457	Tring	1833
13	936	Hertford & Ware	1740
14	2203	Hatfield & de Havilland	1677
15	871	Penn	1537
16	1239	Broxbourne & Hoddesdon	1478
17	2532	Milton Keynes	1470
18	2384	South Oxhey	1448
19	2366	Bletchley Park	1446
20	1280	Ricksmanworth	1328
21	1166	Welwyn Garden City	1278
22	955	Stevenage	1273
23	2370	Denham	1245
24	1875	Towcester	1179
25	2F	Watford	1151
26	1563	Buckingham	1144
27	57	Potters Bar	860
28	1372	Elstree & Borehamwood	835
29	1811	Marlow	578
30	2204	Chesham	393

Full Results


Kelsey Trophy

	Squadron		Score
1	2370	Denham	480
2	1066	Hitchin	477
3	2409	Halton	468
4	1187	Hemel Hempstead	447
5	2313	Beaconsfield D/F	404
6	1113	Berkhamsted	342
7	1875	Towcester	342
8	2457	Tring	297
9	1166	Welwyn Garden City	289
10	2384	South Oxhey	267
11	220	St. Albans	249
12	1563	Buckingham	247
13	248	Letchworth	242
14	795	Harpenden	237
15	936	Hertford & Ware	236
16	332	High Wycombe	230
17	1239	Broxbourne & Hoddesdon	227
18	1365	Aylesbury	215
19	2532	Milton Keynes	213
20	1280	Ricksmanworth	193
21	871	Penn	183
22	2366	Bletchley Park	172
23	2313	Chalfont	156
24	2203	Hatfield & de Havilland	127
25	2F	Watford	126
26	1372	Elstree & Borehamwood	110
27	57	Potters Bar	100
28	955	Stevenage	97
29	1811	Marlow	77
30	2204	Chesham	50

Full Results