http://www.487sqn.org.uk/ News from 487 Sqn en-uk date date webmaster@487sqn.org.uk webmaster@487sqn.org.uk 487 (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Sqn ATC will be holding their very own Oscars on 18th March 2010. This is the first presentation evening the Sqn has organised and all the cadets and staff are looking forward to a wonderful evening. The event is to be held at the Royal British Legion Club, Lambeth Road, Kingstanding (Warriors Club) and the evening will start at 1930. Cadets, their parents and guests will be joined by VIP’s on the evening. The evening will look back at the Sqn’s achievements in 2009 and a number of awards will be up for grabs. We do hope to see as many people as possible on the night. Fg Off Jennings Sqn Media and Communications Officer _____________________________________________________________ 2010-03-07 16:43:53 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=158 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=158 The first JNCO Leadership development course of 2010 took place at DCAE Cosford over the weekend of 26th-28th February 2010. Two cadets from 487 Sqn, Tom Bell and John Daniel joined cadet Rana from the 487 Sqn D/F and 35 other cadets from across the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing on what turned out to be a cold, but very successful weekend. Flying Officer Simon Jennings and Sgt Sarah Cotton also took part in the course as assessors and observers. Following long and tortuous journeys for some, the cadets started the training programme on Friday night with a lecture on discipline in the ATC. Over the weekend the cadets were given presentations on the role of a JNCO, leadership and leadership styles, and also presentation skills. The cadets also took part in Drill, and in particular each cadet was able to lead their own syndicate through a number of manoeuvres. On Saturday evening the syndicates were given a discussion document, and they were tasked with preparing a 10 minute presentation to be given on Sunday in front of Sqn Ldr Martin Harrison and the rest of the training team. On the Sunday morning all the cadets also had a chance to lead their syndicate on various leadership exercises which had been prepared by the staff. The cadets put into practice their new found skills, particularly in relation to giving briefings using the SMEAC system. Each cadet has been given a written report by the training team and these will be sent to their Sqn commanders so that feedback can be given. Flying Officer Simon Jennings commented “All three cadets from the Sqn and D/F performed really well over the weekend. This is a very tiring, but worthwhile course and I know that as well as the cadets, both Sgt and Cotton also gained a lot from the course. We now hope that both cadets go from strength to strength. The pictures show the cadets taking part in the initiative exercises. Pictures by kind permission of Fg Off Keith Roper. Flying Officer Simon Jennings RAFVR(T) Squadron Media and Communications Officer, 487 Sqn 2010-03-01 19:09:23 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=157 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=157 2010-03-01 18:56:02 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=156 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=156 On Saturday 20th and Sunday 20th February 2010, cadets from across the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing travelled to 487 (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Sqn to receive training on the new cadet rifle, the L98A2. The cadets received instruction on the new weapon which included stripping and re-assembling the weapon, and the new procedures associated with the weapon. Following the lunch break, all the cadets were tested on the weapon in the form of their weapon handling tests. The majority of cadets and staff were successful in passing their WHT’s on the day; all are now looking forward to actually firing the weapon on the range at the earliest opportunity. Flying Officer Simon Jennings Sqn Adj 487 (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Sqn ATC ________________________________________________________________ 2010-03-01 18:53:59 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=155 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=155 On Saturday 13th February, 8 cadets from 487 Sqn Kingstanding and Perry Barr ATC, and 2 cadets from the 487 Sqn Detached Flight travelled to 633 VGS at DCAE Cosford to take part in a Gliding Induction Course (GIC). The majority of the cadets were taking part in GIC1, their first flight in a Vigilant Glider. It was a long day at Cosford, there are a number of Gliding Scholarships being carried out at the moment, and although the VGS had 5 aircraft operating, only 1 aircraft was being used for GIC. The problems were further compounded when one of the Vigilant Aircraft went U/S. When the cadets arrived at Cosford it was snowing, but this soon cleared and the cadets were soon in the air. Everybody managed to get into the air and all the cadets had a great day. . Flying Officer Simon Jennings RAFVR(T) Squadron Media and Communications Officer 487 (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Sqn ATC _______________________________________________________________________ 2010-02-14 21:13:54 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=154 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=154 On Tuesday 9th February, Flt Lt O’Neill, Commanding Officer of 487 Sqn Kingstanding and Perry Barr ATC, promoted two cadets to Cpl. Cdt’s Kerry Whiting and Greg Hodgson were given their stripes at the final parade in front of 35 other cadets on parade that evening. Both Cpl Whiting and Cpl Hodgson have performed well over the past 12 months, and both were given very good reports following their JNCO course at DCAE Cosford. The new Cpl’s will be kept busy during a packed programme of events in 2010. Cpl Hodgson was also presented with his Senior Cadet badge by Flt Lt O’Neill. Flying Officer Simon Jennings RAFVR(T) Squadron Media and Communications Officer 487 (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Sqn ATC _______________________________________________________________________ 2010-02-14 20:57:20 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=153 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=153 On Sunday 7th February 15 cadets from 487 Sqn Kingstanding and Perry Barr ATC, and 10 cadets from the 487 Sqn Detached Flight travelled to Daventry to take part in the annual ATC Anniversary parade. The cadets were accompanied by four members of staff and also the Sqn’s civilian committee chairman. It was a very cold and grey day, but not as bad as last year when it seemed the whole of Daventry was covered in ice! The cadets and staff marched from a local school in Daventry to the Church of the Holy Cross. The roads were closed off as the cadets marched down the high street and there were plenty of well wishers along the way. The cadets and staff were given an entertaining address by Father Neil Bayliss who is the Sqn Padre at 489 Sqn. After the church service was completed, the cadets and staff formed up again to march past the assembled dignitaries who included Gp Capt Brett Morrell, OC Central and East Region and also members of Daventry District Council, and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire. Once back at the school, the cadets made their way back to Casey’s bar for some well deserved food. Flying Officer Simon Jennings commented “I would like to thank all the staff and cadets for giving up their Sunday to come with us to Daventry. This is one of the most important days in the ATC year; we estimate we had well over 200 cadets on parade on Sunday. A total of 25 cadets from the Sqn and D/F is a good number, certainly more than we had last year. Thanks again to everybody”. Flying Officer Simon Jennings RAFVR(T) Squadron Media and Communications Officer 487 (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Sqn ATC _______________________________________________________________________ 2010-02-08 19:56:45 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=151 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=151 All cadets and staff are to note that the annual ATC Anniversary parade will take place on Sunday 7th February 2010. This is a compulsory parade and maximum attendance is required by all cadets. Cadets need to be at the Sqn HQ for 1115 on Sunday morning. Dress is wedgewood blue shirt and tie, and jumpers. All uniform is to be clean and shoes must be to parade standard. We should be back at the Sqn HQ for approx 1800 hrs on Sunday evening. Flying Officer Simon Jennings RAFVR(T) Squadron Media and Communications Officer 487 (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Sqn ATC ________________________________________________________________________________ 2010-02-05 09:34:20 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=150 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=150 Dod is useless, officer - pah!! 2010-02-18 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?10 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php Cadet Anniversary Parade - Compulsory - See News section for details 2010-02-05 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?9 http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php