2344 (Longbenton) Sqn

Longbenton Air Cadets joined with the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to lead the St George's Day Celebrations in North Tyneside.

 

The event saw the coming together of children, young people, adult volunteers and families to parade through the streets of Whitley Bay and Cullercoates. The parade was led by the band of 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron as they braved the weather to proceed from The Quarry on The Braodway to St George's Church on the sea front.

 

Cadet Joe Mehaffey, 14, of Forest Hall, said "It was my first parade in the band and it was great to perform in front of so many people with all the banners and standards flying."

 

Squadron Chief of Staff; Flying Officer Dave Elliott said; "It was a good parade; despite the wind and rain, and it brought communities from across the borough together to celebrate, not only St George's Day but the achievements of each individual volunteer; young and old." "We should all be justifiably proud of the work done by our voluntary youth groups and it was an occasion to showcase their talent."

 

St George is the patron saint of England. He's popularly identified with England and English ideas of honour, bravery and gallantry. Very little is known about the real St George - Pope Gelasius said that George is on the saints "whose names are rightly revernoed among us, but whose actions are known only to God."

 

Longbenton Air Cadet Band members joined forces with the Black Watch Army Cadet Force to perform at a Diamond Jubilee Tattoo in Dundee.

The event saw the young air cadets, aged 13-19, join forces with the Black Watch band, including pipes and drums for a week's preparation camp before performing to crowds and local Lord Lieutenants and Lord Provost and previous producers of the Edinburgh Tattoo.

"It was an awesome week but we had to work very hard; starting early and finishing late, learning new pieces and a marching display" said tenor drummer Reece Thursby, 17, who attends St Mary's School.

The Longbenton band was asked to join the Black Watch by Colonel, Martin Passmore MA GCGI FRSA, who seen the band lead the Durham parade marking 70 years of the Air Cadets last October. The young people were made honoury members of the Black Watch by showing commitment and dedication; earning the red Hackle worn in the head-dress of the Black Watch. As a mark of respect and appreciation, the air cadets wore the Hackle when they performed with their new musical colleagues.

Cadet Sam Inns, 17, of Killingworth, said "It was an amazing experience to perform in a tattoo and we never thought we would ever get this kind of opportunity. It marked the Queen's Diamond Jubilee which has made it extra special," he added.

During the week, the young people also gained an insight into army cadet activities and in return, the Black Watch cadets underwent glider pilot training at the local air cadet volunteer gliding school.

Squadron boss Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said "The week was a huge success with young people from differing musical backgrounds working together with a common aim." "The final performance showed just how much effort and dedication went into the piece, and all involved should be very proud, and we're all looking forward to working with the Black Watch in the near future," added Gary.

For two cadets from the Longbenton Squadron, their week's training and tattoo performance earned them the Air Cadet Drummer's Proficiency badge which was presented by Colonel Passmore following the display. "I was really happy to earn the drummer's badge and it went on by brassard straight away" said Zack Wylie, 15. "I really enjoyed the week and we learned new pieces to add to our repertoire and also different ways to play the instrument" said Alexander Quinn, 15, of Killingworth, adding; "We've made some very good friends in the Black Watch and we hope to perform with them again soon."

Youngsters from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron are celebrating silver success for the second year running in a band competition.

The competition was held at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire where the cadets performed as respresentatives of Durham / Northumberland Wing against other cadet units from across the north of England. For the second year running, the cadets performed in the ensemble category and for the first time in its history, the squadron competed in the percussion category.

For the percussion display, the youngsters performed their repertoire entitled "Entertainers" as they played traditional pieces heard on the terraces of St James' Park including 'Blaydon Races' and 'Local Hero' to finish in second place with 156 points.

The cadets played their 2011 ensemble repertoire named 'Burnin' Through the Sky.' The repertoire included a melody of hits including 'Don't Stop Me Now,' 'Smooth Criminal' and 'In the Mood' offering crowds and judges a variety of musical genres. The performance earned the cadets 138 points (out of 150) finishing second again by one point!

Cadet Kieran Wilson, 16 of Benton, said; "I'm very very happy that we performed well and finished second again. We would of liked to have won but at least we have something to aim for next year!" Kieran added; "It was an awseome experience to peform in the open and really play loud - it's not everyday that you get to perform like that!" 

Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said; "The cadets should all be very proud of themselves. They performed exceptionally well and displayed a great positive attitude that represented the squadron well. "To think that three years ago we didn't have a band and to see the young people now performing at such a high level is incredible and shows hard work does pay-off," added Gary. 

Youngsters from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron were flying on cloud nine having performed for HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh at a Royal Garden Party held in Alwick, Northumberland.

The young cadets were invited to perform at the Carer's and Volunteer's Garden Party by Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland to entertain Her Majesty and guests.

The Garden Party was held in the picturesque grounds of Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Gardens with various bands playing at different parts of the estate.

Cadet Tobias Mill, 13 of Monkseaton, said; "It was an absolutely amazing experience - it was incredible; just performing on the Garden was like a dream but to perform for the Queen was something I never thought I'd ever do - I just hope she enjoyed it!"

The Longbenton air cadets performed a 30 minute set which saw them play a repertoire that included 'Local Hero,' 'Blaydon Races', 'You Raised Me Up,' and 'In the Mood.'

Cadet Abigayle Hill, 17 of Benton, said; "It was a great day and one that I'll never forget. Playing to thousands and being so close to the Queen was incredible."

Cadet Joe Draper, 16 of Forest Hall, added "It was the best thing ever and we got the Royal nod of approval - only playing at St. James' Park could come close to topping that!"

Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said; "The band performed incredibly well and represented the squadron in a professional and confident manner." "It was a once in a lifetime experience and I'm sure that the youngsters will be talking about this for many years to come." "I must take this opportunity to thank the Duchess for her kind invite too" added Gary.

 

Young people from North Tyneside joined veterans and R.A.F. personnel to raise funds for the Royal Air Force Association (RAFA).

Air Cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron and 346 (Tynemouth) Squadron joined forces to perform a musical display to entertain the crowds gathered at Rothbury House, Rothbury, Northumberland.  Rothbury House is situated to the west end of the village and is now owned and managed as a convalescent home by the Royal Air Forces Association.

Cadet Sam Inns, 16, of Killingworth said, "It was really good fun to perform to the crowds and show our appreciation." "It is important that we help to care for those who have been prepared to die for us" added Sam.

Syd Graham, the Chairman of the RAFA Newcastle Branch said "The cadets have done a marvellous job and we are all very thankful to them. We have been able to raise funds through the selfless generosity of the young cadets who have given their time to show their respect and support to veterans and current serving personnel."

RAF personnel and their families dedicate their lives to their country. The RAF Association's mission is simple; to ensure that that their sacrifice does not end in suffering, poverty or loneliness. Whether it's an injured airman fighting to get back onto his feet, a young daughter missing her parent away on overseas operations or a Second World War veteran needing a shoulder to lean on, they are there to help.
 
If you are interested in helping RAFA then please visit www.rafa.org.uk

1. Operation Shine on Friday 10 June 2011

2. Regional Band Competition on Sunday 12 June 2011

3. Volunteer's & Carer's Garden Party on Wednesday 22 June 2011

4. Armed Forces day at Newbiggin-by-the-Sea on Sunday 10 July 2011

 

 

 

We have a well established squadron band which plays at numerous occasions throughout the year, from competitions to parades, to social functions and community events. You do not need to be able to play an instrument nor to read music to be in the band or even to obtain a BTEC First Diploma in Music.

Youngsters from 2344 (Longbenton) Air Cadets, are celebrating an historic achievement after reaching the number two spot in a band competition.

The cadets represented the Durham Northumberland area in the Ensemble category of the inter-squadron band competition against other cadet units from across the north of England.

Having practiced hard over recent months and performing at Grey's Monument and the Metro Centre, the cadets played their repertoire named 'Surfing The Sun' to crowds and judges at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in North Yorkshire. The repertoire includes a melody of hits including Summer of 69' and Local Hero.

Cadet Reece Thursby, 15 of St Mary's Comprehensive, plays the electric guitar. Reece said "I'm very very happy that we performed well and came second in our first ever competition, we will keep working hard and look to win next year."

Cadet Joe Draper, 15, of Forest Hall, who plays saxophone added "It was an awesome experience to perform on an airstrip - it's not every day that you get to perform like that! I really enjoy the Air Cadets and the activities we do and the opportunities we have are amazing. It's not just about the flying but the other opportunities we have like this."

Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said "The cadets should all be very proud of themselves. They performed exceptionally well and the experience can only help to increase their self-confidence and ambition." "The youngsters have come a long way and I look forward to seeing them grow in all of the activities that we offer" Gary added

Local Air Cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron joined with veterans and dignitaries from across North Tyneside last week as part of the events for Armed Forces Week. 

The events provided an opportunity for the nation to show its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. The cadets helped to raise the Armed Forces Day Flag with the Mayor of North Tyneside, Mrs Linda Arkley at the start of the week before performing a musical repertoire at the Forest Hall Ex-Serviceman's Institute later in the week.

The cadet's were proud to be on the parade having recently welcomed home from Afghanistan ex-cadet Shaun Warren who is now a Coldstream Guard, and also recently being awarded a Lord Lieutenant's Certificate for raising almost £3,000 for last year's Poppy Appeal - the most by any cadet unit in the North East of England.

Cadet Connor Price, 14 who attends St Mary's Comprehensive School, said that "It was an honour to be part of the ceremony and meet with the men and women who have risked their lives for us."

Squadron boss, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson, said "The events brought a number of generations together from our community and allowed the youngsters to show their respect to the older men and women and pay tribute to them and to those that paid the ultimate sacrifice. "I am very proud of the cadets who performed to a very high standard."

The squadron band also performed as part of the occasion. Cadet Jonny Vickers, 15 of Killingworth, who sings in the squadron ensemble said "It was great that we had an opportunity to perform for the men and women who live near us and thank them for what they did and we got to thank some serving personnel too - I'm pleased they liked our performance."