Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Weekend
This weekend both the Bronze and Silver D of E groups took part in walks in the Peak District, here is how they got on;
On the first day we set out the weather wasn’t too bad and everyone was in high spirits, we made it to the first checkpoint at a slow but steady pace and arrived on top of a hill surrounded by rolling countryside (mud, grass and the occasional bird) where we confirmed our next move.
On the second morning it had rained in the night, leading to few leakages in the tents but these were eventually dried, packed away and we continued on our expedition, Sunday was a bit more eventful with our route taking us over the Roaches and two cows that decided that we were far more interesting than grazing
The last day had the worst weather by far, constant rain had soaked everything but fortunately the tents held firm this time.
This walk took us past a pig that took a liking to Cpl R Greenwood and eventually the rain let up for a small while.
Overall the weekend was enjoyed by most in some way or another and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to the next weekend
Latest video in the Get an Edge Series. This time it features a point of view perspective of our latest indoor climbing session.
Redditch Squadron officially welcome new Padre
This week saw 216 (Redditch) Squadron officially welcome Reverend Stephen Levett as our honary Squadron Chaplin. Reverend Levett was presented with his appointment from the Chief of Air Staff J.A. Lawler by our Wing Chaplin Rev Eric Knowles. Reverend Levett has been attending the Squadron now for almost 12 months acting as our Squadron padre.
As a unique role in the organisation, squadron Padre’s provide appropriate pastoral care for all personnel within their Squadron and the Air Cadets, irrespective of religious belief or status, including moral and spiritual support. Rev. Levett has been a fantastic asset to the Squadron and its cadets leading regular Padre hours at the Squadron and this year lead our ATC Sunday, an annual celebration on the date of the formation of the Air Training Corps.
The role of a Chaplin is to offer guidance and leadership to cadets and members of staff on moral and spiritual matters. The commitment expected of a chaplain is a regular visit to your unit to lead what is termed ‘the Padre’s hour’ and conduct the formal Enrolment Service when new cadets are received into full membership of the organisation. Squadron Chaplin’s’s are fully supported by the RAF Chaplain’s Branch.
Yesterday the adventure training team went on a training exercise around the Malvern hills, here we practised navigation and other skills we will need in order to have a chance of winning the Wing adventure training competition.
We walked for around 8 hours with only a slight detour in order to save time.
The slopes of Cairngorm
Sgt Pavitt, Cpl Jordan and Cpl Greenwood on top of Cairngorm
The latest video from the Winter Skill Training in Scotland.
Winter Skills Training
This week 3 cadets, along with Flt Lt Cheston are spending some time up in Scotland in preparation for their expedition along with a number of other cadets from West Mercian Wing to the Himalayas in India in August.
Their accommodation for the few days is Feshiebridge Lodge, funded and supported by the RAF. It is an excellent centre which allows the cadets great access to the hills and mountains in the area.
The week will see the cadets learning about how to survive in the snowy winter conditions that they may encounter in India. They will learn how to dig snow ledges, climb and walk within the more challenging conditions, and much more. Keep checking the Facebook page or the twitter for the latest updates from the OC whilst they are there.
Congratulations to the new additions to the NCO team
Congratulations are in order following a recent round of promotions on the Squadron. We would like to congratulate the following:
B. Hodge promoted to Cadet Corporal
J. Biggs promoted to Cadet Corporal
R. Greenwood promoted to Cadet Corporal
A. Pavitt promoted to Cadet Sergeant
T. Sherwood promoted to Cadet Sergeant
Last weekend a trio of cadets who have taken the opportunity to partake in a mountaineering expedition attended a sponsored abseil in Buxton to raise money for the expedition.
We started with a short walk to the top of the rock face we would be abseiling down, the weather was fine although cold and puddles of ice were scattered around, with our harnesses applied we were briefed on what would be going on during the day.. Summed up with “We’re going to be walking backwards down a rock face for the day”.
It was worked out each cadet would need to perform 30 abseils each (there were around 12 cadets) to complete our goal of 6000, this was achieved by the end of the day by all cadets.
The next India training weekend will be taking place in February up in Scotland.
