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	<title>487 Sqn News</title>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/</link>
	<description>News from 487 Sqn</description>
	<language>en-uk</language>
	<pubDate>Tue, 20 Jul 10 13:33:23 +0000</pubDate>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 20 Jul 10 13:33:23 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<managingEditor>webmaster@487sqn.org.uk (Webmaster)</managingEditor>
	<webMaster>webmaster@487sqn.org.uk (Webmaster)</webMaster>

<item>
	<title>487 Sqn at the RIAT!</title>
	<description><![CDATA[On Sunday 18th July 2009, 12 cadets and 3 staff from 487 Sqn, Kingstanding and Perry Barr ATC, travelled to RAF Fairford to visit the world’s largest airshow, the Royal International Air Tattoo.

It was a very early start for all involved, but unlike 2009, we didn’t this time get stuck in any traffic. The flying programme started at 10:00 in a very sedate manor, there can’t be many airshows that open up with a glider, but it was all very peaceful! However, the noise soon started and an early star of the show was the Typhoon which provided a thunderous opening to the afternoon.

The star of the show however proved to be the F22 Raptor; this was the first public display by this aircraft in the UK. To a rousing commentary given by an American Staff Sergeant, the aircraft leaped into the sky and was soon using its unique capabilities to turn around the sky with alarming ease. This fighter aircraft is the only one in the world that has all of its ordnance tucked away so its radar signature is kept to an absolute minimum. The aircraft did a few fly pasts with its weapons bay open, a unique site on the air show circuit.

Another first in terms of flights in the UK was the display given by the Airbus A400M. This aircraft has been chosen by the UK to replace some of the Hercules fleet in the coming years. This aircraft gave a fantastic display and it looks set to become a favourite in years to come.

The day was also a celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. A unique display of 12 aircraft took the skies, this included Spitfires, Hurricanes and ME109’s. The site of these aircraft on the taxi way and then taking to the skies was a wonderful site.

The day was finished by a wonderful display from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flights Hurricane and a Typhoon from 29 Sqn. Both the aircraft gave a wonderful display and their final act was to fly towards each other in a cross over, very much like to the Red Arrows solo pair.

A wonderful day at a wonderful airshow was had by all; we all look forward to going back next year.



Fg Off Simon Jennings
Sqn Media and Communications Officer
487 Sqn

]]></description>
	<pubDate>2010-07-20 13:33:23</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=178</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=178</link>
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<item>
	<title>Night of Awards and Promotions for 487 Sqn Cadets!</title>
	<description><![CDATA[Tuesday 13th July was a special night for four cadets from 487 Sqn.

Sqn Ldr Pat Mccarroll, Wing Sports Officer, was a welcome visitor to the Sqn on the night and he presented the first award of the night.

Sgt Jack Kirby has in the last year represented both the Wing and Region at Rugby Union and earlier this year he was selected to represent the Air Training Corps in a game against a Shrewsbury RUFC colts team. Sqn Ldr Mccarroll presented Sgt Kirby with a certificate in recognition of this great achievement. Sqn Ldr Mccarroll reminded everybody that sports are very important in the Wing and he thanked both Sgt Kirby and the Sqn as a whole for the support that we give our wing in relation to sporting activities.

On the final parade, Flt Lt Brendan O’Neill, OC 487 Sqn,firstly presented a regional marksmanship badge to FS Anthony Rigby. FS Rigby is part of the 487 Sqn shooting team and recently won the best individual shooting trophy at the Wing Field Training day. Flt Lt O\\\'Neill also promoted two cadets to the rank of Corporal. First to get his promotion was Cdt Daniel, closely followed by Cdt Bell. Both had recently attended a JNCO course with the Wing Learning and Development Team and both had achieved extremely high scores.



Flying Officer Simon Jennings RAFVR(T)
Squadron Media and Communications Officer
487 (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Sqn ATC
]]></description>
	<pubDate>2010-07-14 21:11:24</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=177</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=177</link>
</item>

<item>
	<title>487 Sqn Cadets have Tea with Prince Charles!</title>
	<description><![CDATA[Tuesday 7th July 2010 was a red-letter day in the history of the Cadet movement in the United Kingdom. Over 1500 cadets and staff travelled to central London to take part in the Cadet 150 anniversary parade. The parade was followed by a garden party at Buckingham Palace hosted by HRH the Prince of Wales.

Cadets, volunteers and their massed bands came to London from across the UK to march from Horse Guards Parade down The Mall to Buckingham Palace.

A flypast by the Red Arrows accompanied the parade and, uniquely, a selection of cadets travelled in the aircraft with the pilots as part of the celebrations.

Youngsters from the Sea Cadets, the Army Cadet Force, the Air Training Corps and the Combined Cadet Force took part in the parade.

Prince Charles saluted the cadets as they marched past Clarence House, accompanied by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Dalton, and Minister for Defence Personnel, Welfare and Veterans, Andrew Robathan.

The following staff and cadets represented the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing on the anniversary parade:
Flt Lt  Diana Atkinson		OC 493 Sqn
Fg Off  Simon Jennings		487 Sqn

FS  Ben Chergui			493 Sqn
FS  Stuart Hand			1368 Sqn
Sgt Sam Quinn			1459 Sqn
Sgt  Enya Tabram		163 Sqn
Cpl Adam Reynolds		487 Sqn
Cpl Imogen Cush			493 Sqn
Cpl Elizabeth Blackburn		198 Sqn
Cpl Emma Hibbitt		198 Sqn
Cpl Ian Johnston		1459 Sqn
Cdt Lucy Basaran		487 Sqn
Cdt Elloise Messiam		163 Sqn

The staff and cadets travelled to RAF Northolt on 5th July 2010 for a practice parade and everybody, including the officers, were put through their paces on the QCS parade ground. The Air Training Corps were by far the largest contingent on the parade, numbering some 575 cadets and 93 staff. The cadets and staff were split into three sqn’s and everybody had to learn how to march in rows of 8’s, all had problems trying to master a wheel on the march with such large numbers!

On 6th July everybody travelled to Horse Guards in Central London to take part in the parade. The Garrison Sergeant Major, GSM Mott was in charge of getting the 1500 cadets on parade and his imposing presence ensured that all set off on the parade at the exact time expected. All 575 cadets from the ATC were on the Mall as the Red Arrows screamed over the top of us.

All the cadets marched to Wellington Barracks which is quite close to Buckingham Palace and following a quick bottle of water, GSM Mott again marched all the cadets to the Palace and the garden party got underway.

Prince Charles and other members of the Royal Family made their way along specified routes and they talked to a number of cadets and members of staff.

At the end of the day the cadets and staff from Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing had a special treat awaiting them. One of the guests who attended the garden party had spoken earlier in the day to the Police who were guarding Downing Street. We were allowed into Downing street and many pictures were taken in front of Number 10. 

Flt Lt Diana Atkinson, OC 493 Sqn commented “I know that both Fg Off Jennings and I have been very impressed with the cadets from Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing. Their dress and standard of drill was exceptional and I know that everybody enjoyed the day. To be on the Mall as the Red Arrows flew over was very special. This was a once in a lifetime experience and we have enjoyed representing our Wing”.



			
Flying Officer Simon Jennings RAFVR(T)
Squadron Media and Communications Officer
487 (Kingstanding and Perry Barr) Sqn ATC

******************************************************************************************************


]]></description>
	<pubDate>2010-07-10 08:05:31</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=176</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=176</link>
</item>

<item>
	<title>487 Sqn celebrate Armed Forces Day</title>
	<description><![CDATA[Saturday 26 th June was a day to celebrate when the nation paid tribute to HM Forces on Armed Forces day. 7 cadets and two staff from 487 Sqn attended the parade. The 194 Sqn band who led a large parade in the centre of Birmingham made up of all three services and a total of 37 cadets and 12 staff from Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing represented the Air Training Corps. 

The parade marched from Edgbaston Street through a large and appreciative audience, to St Martin’s Church in Digbeth. The parade was then inspected by Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, CinC along with a host of other dignitaries from the Birmingham area. 

Following the inspection, all the servicemen and servicewomen along with the cadets and members of the public entered St Martin’s church for a service of thanksgiving. There was a host of addresses made by the differing service representatives attending the parade, along with Admiral Soar. He thanked the people of the West Midlands for the support they gave the armed forces and he said that the troops serving in Afghanistan in particular needed all the support that we could give them. 

One of the hardest hitting speeches on the day came from an RAF padre who is based at the Selly Oak hospital in Birmingham. He described in great detail the hardships that troops returning from Afghanistan have gone through and that when they do return that need all the support they can get and that we should never forget them. 

Sqn Ldr Bob Foster who commanded the Wing contingent on the day commented “I would like to thank all the cadets and staff who have represented our wing at this parade. It was a very hot day, but the support and help shown to us by members of the public was fantastic. This was a very poignant day and I’m sure we all felt that the church service was particularly good. The 194 Sqn band were excellent and they led the parade extremely well both outside and inside the church. It was also an honour to parade the Wing Standard through the streets of Birmingham”. 


Fg Off Simon Jennings
Sqn PR and Communications Officer
487 Sqn
]]></description>
	<pubDate>2010-07-03 08:06:39</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=175</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=175</link>
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<item>
	<title>Come and Test yourself!!!</title>
	<description><![CDATA[Tuesday 29th June looks like it will be a testing time for both cadets and parents. 487 Sqn are holding their inaugural quiz night and they are looking for as many people as possible to turn up on the night.

The quiz is being held at the Royal British Legion Club, Lambeth Road, Kingstanding (Same location as the presentation evening earlier this year). It starts at 19:30 and there will also be a raffle on the night.

The night is being held to boost sqn funds.

There will also be a chance at the start of the evening to recognise the cadets efforts at the recent Wing Field Training day when the Sqn finished first in the overall competition.

Entry is only £1 per person, pay at the door, maximum of five in a team.

Why not come along and give it a go and support your Sqn!!!!!

Fg Off Simon Jennings
Sqn Adj
487 Kingstanding and Perry Barr Sqn ATC]]></description>
	<pubDate>2010-06-25 13:38:42</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=174</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?newsid=174</link>
</item>

<item>
	<title>FLASH FLASH Quiz night Tuesday 29th June, RBL Kingstanding, see news section, all to attend!!!!!</title>
	<description><![CDATA[FLASH FLASH Quiz night Tuesday 29th June, RBL Kingstanding, see news section, all to attend!!!!!]]></description>
	<pubDate>2010-06-25</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?22</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php</link>
</item>

<item>
	<title>More Pictures from Wing Field Training Day in the Gallery</title>
	<description><![CDATA[More Pictures from Wing Field Training Day in the Gallery]]></description>
	<pubDate>2010-06-19</pubDate>
	<guid>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php?21</guid>
	<link>http://www.487sqn.org.uk/index.php</link>
</item>

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