<?xml version="1.0"?>
<rss version="2.0">
<channel>
	<title>487 Sqn News</title>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/</link>
	<description>News from 487 Sqn</description>
	<language>en-uk</language>
	<pubDate>Wed, 16 May 12 12:33:32 +0000</pubDate>
	<lastBuildDate>Wed, 16 May 12 12:33:32 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<managingEditor>webmaster@487sqn.org.uk (Webmaster)</managingEditor>
	<webMaster>webmaster@487sqn.org.uk (Webmaster)</webMaster>

<item>
	<title>A Night of Promotions</title>
	<description><![CDATA[487 Sqn recognised the achievement of several cadets and NCOs on the evening of the 10th May 2012, with a round of promotions. 

The squadron prides itself on the quality of its NCOs, and so has recently introduced an application and interview process for promotion to Corporal. The cadets who think they have what it takes first complete an in-depth application form detailing their achievements and suitability for the role. They then have to undergo an interview with the OC, Adj and SNCO, much akin to a job interview panel. The cadets are quizzed on elements ranging from their views on leadership to involvement on the Squadron. Selections were made after staff consultation and the best candidates were given the ‘green light.’

Promotions from Cadet to Corporal – Cpl Steadman, Cpl Johnson N, Cpl Johnson L, Cpl Bell M.

Once cadets reach the rank of Corporal then they are tasked with taking on more responsibility, given command of cadets and become more involved in the day to day running of the squadron. Two existing corporals had taken on this challenge with great enthusiasm, and so it was decided that they possessed what it takes to move up to the rank of Sergeant. 

Promotions from Corporal to Sergeant – Sgt Morris, Sgt Nye (Made on 15th May)

Sgt Nye was also presented with his BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Public Services certificate, adding to his long list of achievements in the past 12 months.

And finally Sergeant Reynolds was promoted to the rank of Flight Sergeant, after demonstrating excellent commitment to 487 Sqn and the ability to lead and co-ordinate the NCO team in many of its activities.  

Plt Off Cotton, OIC 487 Sqn, commented:
“The promotions this evening reflect a period of great achievement for 487 Sqn, where individual contributions are recognised. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to move up the rank structure within the ACO, and to carry out the duties of your rank is not always easy. Those who go that extra mile and are able to lead others often through adversity are the cadets who we select to be part of our NCO team. Congratulations to all that were promoted tonight, this is where the hard work begins!”
]]></description>
	<pubDate>2012-05-16 12:33:32</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=271</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=271</link>
</item>

<item>
	<title>More Silverware!</title>
	<description><![CDATA[5 staff and 21 cadets from 487 Sqn travelled to Tudor Grange Athletics Stadium in Solihull, on Sunday 6th May 2012 to take part in the Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing Athletics Championships. After an early morning start and only 3 minibus break-downs, the team reached the stadium raring to go!

Throughout the day the teams entered every event they could, with a good number coming away with medals for their efforts. As points are awarded for competitors placed outside of the medals also, everyone knew that every point counted towards the final total, and so gave it all they had to up the tally. 

Later on in the afternoon it was time for the senior boys relay race, which the 487 team were warming up for in anticipation. As it transpired, they were the only team to run the relay! The pressure was on however to keep within the lane markers, swap the baton in time, and not to drop it! Thankfully, after a nerve-wracking race the team crossed the finish line and scooped 4 gold medals. 

Cpl Nye also deserves a mention for competing in a distance race whilst battling with agonising cramp! He gritted his teeth and pushed through, finishing in 5th place but securing the squadron another few points. Ki Te Mutunga (Through to the end)!

The squadron came away with another trophy for the cabinet, after the Senior Boys won overall on the day. 

Sgt (ATC) Taylor, the Team Co-ordinator commented:
“The cadets have put in a massive effort today and done 487 Sqn proud. Each cadet was eager to give their all to whichever event they could, ultimately coming away with a trophy. A big well done to all the cadets who participated today, and whether they won or not, they should all be proud of their collective efforts.”
]]></description>
	<pubDate>2012-05-16 11:58:01</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=270</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=270</link>
</item>

<item>
	<title>RAF Gibraltar Autumn Camp</title>
	<description><![CDATA[Wednesday 2nd April – 

487 Sqn were the first to be picked up by the coach, just after midnight on the 2nd April. Although the long journey to Luton airport allowed time to sleep, everyone was too excited, and so arrive bleary-eyed in the early hours. 

As the plane came into land, an air of panic descended as everyone thought they were about to land in the sea! What we didn’t realise is that the runway extends out into the sea… phew! The first thing we noticed after stepping off the plane was the rock of Gibraltar, though we didn’t realise at first, that we were going to have to go up it…

It didn’t take long to get to our destination, and we were soon shown to our rooms that we would be sharing with 7 others for the week. Sharing with so many people made it hard to get any privacy, but made us bond with others on the camp. After an initial briefing we finally ate our tea. The food throughout the week was excellent, with lots of variety and an interesting mix of Spanish and English food. 

The day ended in true air cadet style with a drill session, and as we were exhausted already it took the last of our reserves before we unpacked and headed off to bed.

Thursday 3rd April –

Reveille for the week was 0700, leaving us plenty of time for a big breakfast! Thursday started with a brief from the station commander, followed by a timely break in the rain for the camp photo. We then went to visit the fire section, who gave us a brief and a demonstration of how they control the vehicles on the runway. We were then shown round the fire engines and were allowed to try on the fire fighting gear. The final briefing at the station was about different kinds of explosives, and the equipment that was used when diffusing bombs, which was very interesting. 

The afternoon saw us taking a ride up the side of Gibraltar rock in a cable car. It was actually quite scary, as I didn’t realise how high and steep the rock was! We were greeted by a group of monkeys at the top, and were told to keep our bags close. After only a few minutes it became apparent why, as the monkeys started stealing food from people!

Friday 4th April –

Time for the Med Steps… None of us had guessed how hard these steps would be to climb! The steps took us half way up the rock, and at points it seemed like we were climbing a mountain. This experience really tested me. There were times when I wanted to turn back but it would have been dangerous, so my team mates encouraged me through it and we made it to the top by helping each other. Once at the top we realised it had all been worth it and although our legs hurt, we were proud of what we had achieved. The view was amazing. 
St Michaels Cave was an impressive sight as well, and we got to see inside the Jurassic limestone cave which is over 200 million years old.

After a tough day we all got to relax with a game of bowling, giving us chance to relax and socialise.

Saturday 5th April –

We spent all of Saturday in a theme park in Spain, which was brilliant! We got to socialise with everyone on the camp and got to go on as many rides as we liked. The weather was good to us too, and the sun shone all day. 

Sunday 6th April – 

Another day spent in Spain, this time we went to the Selwo Safari Park. We spent all day travelling around the park in small trucks, getting really close to the animals.

Monday 7th April – 

After a couple of days spent relaxing and having fun, we started the day by getting stuck into some sports. We were surprised at how lazy we had become, and everyone stepped it up when the competition got tough!

After a brief visit to Gibraltar Squadron, we were taken off to the Dolphins Ocean Village where we were all seated in small boats and taken out to sea. We were hoping to see some dolphins but unfortunately they must have been shy, as the most we managed to see was a fin!

Tuesday 8th April –

In the morning we visited the dog section on the station, getting to see how the dogs were trained, how they did their jobs and how they are used around the base.

In the afternoon we were given the chance to go shopping. We spent all of our money on ice-creams and presents, but also got to see how Gibraltar is made up of old historic buildings mixed with new modern ones. 

We were then taken into the lower WW2 tunnels underneath Gibraltar, which scared the life out of me! It was pitch black, lit only by some small torches. We did get to see how big the inside of the tunnels were though, and learnt that there is a hospital, toilets and a kitchen in there, that were all used in the second world war.

Wednesday 9th April – 

The time had come to leave, and it was a sad time as we had made some good friends over the week which we were going to have to say goodbye to. It was a surprise how well we had all bonded, as we didn’t even speak at the start of the week but had become good friends by the end of it. 
Overall the camp was a great experience. It was a great way to meet new people and see a different culture. I got to experience things I never thought I would, and would recommend this camp to anyone.
]]></description>
	<pubDate>2012-05-16 11:32:02</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=269</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=269</link>
</item>

<item>
	<title>Exercise Tigger 12 </title>
	<description><![CDATA[During the Easter holidays, thirteen cadets from 487 Sqn attended a week long joint adventure training camp in Snowdonia, based at the Capel Curig Training Camp. The camp was organized by Flt Lt Simon Jennings OC 485 Sqn, ably assisted by Plt Off Sarah Cotton, F/Sgt Andy Hudson and Sgt Nick Gallivan, all staff members at 487 Sqn and CI Ellen Seymour of 485. They were joined in mid-week by Flt Lt Brendan O’Neill, OC 487 Sqn, and Officer Cadet Gemma Carpenter from 489 Sqn. CWO Enya Tabram from 163 Sqn in Coventry also attended the camp.

The camp was codenamed “Tigger 12” from the 485 Sqn badge, depicting Rudyard Kipling’s Shere Khan and to an adaption of William Blake’s poem “Tiger Tiger Burning Bright”, a reference to the climbing tigers of N Wales during the 1950s.

The group departed the West Midlands for North Wales early on a bright Easter Sunday, however shortly after the Shrewsbury services on the A5, the 487 minibus began to emit clouds of white smoke from the exhaust (and not a pope in sight). Of course, due to the bank holiday, there was to be a long wait for the AA. A phone call to Birmingham to interrupt Flt Lt Brendan O’Neill’s well earned Easter Sunday lie-in to request the other Sqn minibus attend and save the day was also made. Due to the Easter break he arrived (like Thunderbird Two), before the AA. The kit and cadets were swapped into the new bus and then the AA arrived. The very nice man from the AA fixed the bus in about 30 seconds flat, with a piece of sticky tape. With a Blue Peter badge and a hearty wave, the buses then made their way in opposite directions. The remainder of the journey North was uneventful.

However the mountain gods were again on that day to throw a spanner in the works of the organisers. After lunch, the first item on the programme was a pre-arranged visit to the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team (OVMRT), which normally is a very interesting experience. As the group arrived the team was rushing around as they had received a call-out. Initially the visit by the cadets continued, however, when another emergency call was received, we were asked to leave as the remaining team members were required for the rescue.  A reference to our contracted visit was recorded in the local press.

http://www.grough.co.uk/magazine/2012/04/11/easter-incidents-keep-mountain-rescue-team-busy

After dinner at Capel Curig the cadets were divided into flights and briefed as to conduct on the camp and the programme for the week

Monday dawned. No let up from The Mountain Gods’ Met Dept.  Inclement weather, with continual rain all day. The programme indicated navigation training. The Capel Curig training facilities were utilised to provide theory instruction in map & compass work, pace counting and timing. The whole camp was then taken to the Beddgelert forest to put into practice the morning’s instruction. Although the rain and the cold were not helpful all agreed that it was a useful exercise with many of the new cadets gaining a great insight into practical navigation in a wilder environment.

A visit to the National Mountaineering Training Centre at Plas-Y-Brenin was on Tuesday’s programme. Upon arrival the party was split into two groups, one to go kayaking and canoeing the other to take part in rock climbing on the nearby Capel Curig Pinnacles, a favoured & famed spot of climbers for many years. The groups swapped over at lunch time. Once more the weather was less than clement, although the majority of the exposure to moisture was self-induced during the kayaking. An easy day for the Air Cadet staff as the Centre instructors provided all the training and supervision. Flt Lt Brendan O’Neill & Officer Cadet Gemma Carpenter joined the camp on the evening to supplement the staff as the next two days were dedicated to the higher places in Snowdonia.

Mount Snowdon, was Wednesday’s target for most of the cadets & staff. A blustery day with showers meant that newer cadets were able to experience some of what mountain weather conditions can be like. The groups departed Pen Y Pass and followed the Pyg Track to the summit. Although shrouded in mist, Yr Wyddfa, the summit was busy, it was after all Easter week and the railway was fully operational, although many of the summiteers had ascended one of the many routes on foot. It is the highest mountain in Wales and is higher than all the English peaks. For the majority of the cadets this was their first experience of climbing a mountain and all the cadets made steady progress towards the summit. The reward for the effort was the realisation by many, that millions of people in England & Wales were below them whilst they touched the trig point for photos. We descended via the Snowdon Ranger path to complete the transit of the mountain. Shortly after leaving the top we dropped below the mountain’s cloudy cap into bright warm sunshine to the waiting transport at the Youth Hostel. A small also party undertook a low level navex in the surrounding valleys.

Thursday’s weather continued the previous afternoon’s fine spell (presumably the Weather Gods day off). The destination was the Carneddau range of northern Snowdonia. Although the routes were not as high or demanding as the previous days’ endeavors, the nature of the terrain, the round rolling foothills of the main Carneddau range required the navigation skills learnt in the Beddgelert forest on Monday. This part of Snowdonia is much less frequented than others, a point not lost on cadets who remarked that they only saw two or three people all day, compared with yesterday’s throngs on Snowdon summit. The good weather allowed fine views of the main mountain ridges and northward to Anglesey, where Holy Mountain near Holyhead was clearly visible. The Carneddau are home to large numbers of wild horses, roaming free in the largest area in the UK outside Scotland without road access. They are the descendants of animals released following the closure of the mines in the area during the 19th Century. It is also an area littered with pre-historical sites, a must for time-team enthusiasts.

The week was quickly drawing to a close. A presentation of Attendance Certificates & Camp Photos was made during the final debrief. The evening entertainment of a quiz and Pizza went down well with the cadets. The last day of the camp saw the cadets travel to the Sun centre in Rhyl to enjoy the relaxing facilities on offer a great end to the camp.

All the cadets and staff at 487 Sqn thank Flt Lt Simon Jennings, OC 485 Sqn who instigated the idea, prepared the programme and undertook the organisation with help from the other members of staff.

The consensus among the cadets of 487 Squadron, mostly at the beginning of their cadet careers, is that they enjoyed the experience and would willingly attend another camp of this nature. The weather did not dampen their enthusiasm or deter them. Many commenting on the range of activities offered and the excellent facilities at the Capel Curig Training Camp.
]]></description>
	<pubDate>2012-05-14 19:56:44</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=268</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=268</link>
</item>

<item>
	<title>Sgt Gallivan Makes the Grade</title>
	<description><![CDATA[Sgt (ATC) Gallivan has completed her Senior NCO Staff Initial Course at RAF Cranwell. 

The 5 day course packs in a range of ATC themed training and assessments, such as drill, teaching techniques and general ATC knowledge. 

Sgt Gallivan runs the First Class training course on the squadron, and hopes to use some of the new techniques to enhance an already successful programme. 

Flt Lt O'Neill, OC 487 Sqn commented on her achievement:

"There was never any doubt that Sgt Gallivan would perform well on this course. She does a fantastic job of running the First Class Course at the squadron, and sets a great example to the new cadets joining the squadron. Ensuring our staff are well trained and up to date is key in ensuring we provide the best training for cadets at the squadron. Well done to Sgt Gallivan."

Congratulations!]]></description>
	<pubDate>2012-04-26 10:07:17</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=266</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=266</link>
</item>

<item>
	<title>Taking to the Skies!</title>
	<description><![CDATA[Sunday 22nd April saw Sgt Bell and Cpl Borhara begin their Gliding Scholarships at 633 VGS (RAF Cosford). Over the next few weeks they will gain both theoretical and practical experience with the aircraft, building up to a solo flight.

The training takes place in a Vigilant aircraft over approximately 8 hours flying time. In this time the cadets learn the principles of control, airmanship and navigation, and put it into practice under the watchful eye of their instructor. At the end of the training, if they show the aptitude, they can even progress to flying the aircraft solo!

Good luck to both, let's hope the weather improves!
]]></description>
	<pubDate>2012-04-26 09:53:58</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=265</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=265</link>
</item>

<item>
	<title>CWO Steven Lycett Invested As Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet  For The West Midlands - 2012 </title>
	<description><![CDATA[On Wednesday 28th March 2012 Cadet Warrant Officer Steven Lycett of 487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Squadron was invested as the Lord Lieutenant\'s Cadet for the West Midlands County. Representatives from the Sea Cadets Corps & Army Cadet Force were also honoured.

The ceremony was performed by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, Colonel Tom Lloyd OBE TD DL and took place in the Council Chamber at the Council House in Birmingham. The Cadets were presented with framed Certificates and badges for their uniforms. The formalities were witnessed by proud parents, family and Staff from the various contingents, all agreed that the Cadets were excellent examples of the three Cadet Forces. The outgoing Cadets, including CWO Sam Quinn from 1459 Sqn were also in attendance. A number of escorting Cadets were drawn form the respective Units to act a Reception Guard for the Deputy Lord Lieutenant upon his arrival.

A Citation for each Cadet was read out by their Unit Commanders, prior to receipt of their Certificates, highlighting their individual achievements during their time as Cadets.

As Lord Lieutenant\'s Cadets, their duties will include accompanying the Lord Lieutenant at special civic and military engagements during the forthcoming year. During his speech the Deputy Lord Lieutenant, highlighted the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympics, suggesting it would be a busy year. He went on to say that all the Cadets were a credit to themselves and their organisations.

CWO Lycett has been a member of 487 Sqn for six years. He has for some time been NCO i/c the Training Flight, initiating new recruits into the Sqn and providing them with basic instruction in Drill & other subjects.

During his time as a cadet, he has attended many parades. He has represented the Squadron every year at the Royal British Legion Remembrance Parade in Birmingham and acted as a Standard Bearer at their Freedom of the City Parade in 2010. He also assists each year with Poppy Collections and other fund raising events for the RAF Benevolent Fund & Royal Air Force Association.

Outside the Sqn, he has been a full time Volunteer Youth Worker at the Treehurst Youth Centre, assisting in the supervision & mentoring of young people between five and 14 years of age all under the direction of Birmingham City Council. Other hobbies include attendance at a theatre school and he is currently a member of a local football team.

As an Air Cadet, CWO Lycett achieved Staff Cadet (Pt 2) level and has recently attended and passed the new Method of Instruction Course, adding quality to the Squadron’s training programme as well as furthering his personal development. He also completed the Gold level of the D of E Award scheme in the summer of 2011.

In addition to attendance at numerous camps & cadet courses, he has recently undertaken the Wing Drill Instructors course and has attended the Cadet BASIC course for over 18’s. He is trained in & qualified to shoot the Nr 8 and L98A2 rifles and has represented the Sqn & Wing shooting teams at the Wing & Regional Training Days respectively.

CWO Lycett is a natural athlete and excels in many sports. As a Cadet he has, over a number of years, represented Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing in Swimming, Football, Rugby and Hockey and the Central & East Region in Rugby and Football

He has also represented the Squadron in cross-country & athletics.

He hopes to become an adult member of staff upon reaching his 20th birthday in order to further develop as an individual and to pass on the knowledge & experience gathered in the past six years.

Flight Lieutenant Brendan O’Neill OC 487 Sqn, commented, “This is a great honour for Steven; I have followed his progression from a thirteen year old recruit to the Squadron’s senior cadet, marked with many milestones along the way. It makes me vey proud to see him invested today as the Lord Lieutenant\'s Cadet. It is a reward for his efforts and a measure of his achievements. He can be justifiably proud of his record”]]></description>
	<pubDate>2012-04-18 14:09:03</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=262</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=262</link>
</item>

<item>
	<title>Webpage updated to include links to new Squadron Twitter (twitter.487sqn.org.uk) and Facebook (facebook.487sqn.org.uk) pages</title>
	<description><![CDATA[Webpage updated to include links to new Squadron Twitter (twitter.487sqn.org.uk) and Facebook (facebook.487sqn.org.uk) pages]]></description>
	<pubDate>2012-04-08</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?58</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php</link>
</item>

	</channel>
</rss>

