2344 (Longbenton) Sqn

Young people from 2344 (Longbenton) Air Cadets have enjoyed a visit from North Tyneside MP, Mary Glindon, following their recognition as the most improved squadron in Durham Northumberland Wing.

The cadets were celebrating Air Cadet Sunday which marks the formation of the air cadet movement in February 1941, when they were visited by the MP. Mrs Glindon joined the cadets last year to mark 70 years of the organisation and visited the cadets last summer where a House of Commons plaque was presented to represent the community's thanks for the work that the squadron does and the time it invests in helping young people grow and mature.

Last week we reported how the Longbenton Squadron's striking improvement over the past three years was recognised with the squadron being announced as the most improved out of the 35 squadrons throughout the Wing.

Mrs Glindon visited the cadets and staff saying "On my last visit, I said I was looking forward to seeing the cadets achieve many qualifications which would stand them in good stead for the future, and to hear of their recent achievements, and be here to present the qualifications, is an absolute pleasure and joy; I wish the squadron all the very best for the future."

Last year the squadron helped its young people to achieve a total of 46 BTEC Diplomas, 24 Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, and 9 gliding scholarships with its band performing for HM The Queen at Alnwick Royal Garden Party.

Mrs Glindon helped to get the year off to a flying start by presenting BTEC Awards in Aviation Studies and bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and officially welcoming new members into the squadron.

Cadet Daniel Horner, 15, of Benton, said "It's really good fun being an air cadet at Longbenton and it's great that we have so many different opportunities; from flying and gliding to learning an instrument, from learning DIY skills to navigation and campcraft; which help us get extra qualifications."

Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson, said "We have had a great start to the year and I am delighted that Mrs Glindon has joined us in our celebrations and shown her continued support." Gary added "We aim to continue to grow over the forthcoming year and continue to achieve; we're working on a great project here at Longbenton, enjoying a great amount of fun whilst enhancing the skills and employability of the young people within our community."

• Our Vision - To ensure that the Air Cadet Organisation (ACO) continues to flourish and to remain true to the ideals laid down in its charters, particularly the provision of adequate aviation and other challenging activities to enable it to attract and retain membership and thereby provide example and leadership for the country's youth.


• Our Mission - To facilitate a modern, dynamic, sustainable air-minded youth organisation of choice that offers fun and challenging opportunities.


• To realise our vision and achieve our mission the squadron's training programme aims to challenge and motivate, both cadets and staff, in order to improve the quality of training, and offer more variety so as to increase attendance and participation, with targets aimed for, and goals achieved.