2344 (Longbenton) Squadron

Air Cadets Get off to a Flyer!

2012-02-12T22:11:18Z

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."

Team LB Win Gold!

2012-02-07T22:05:37Z

Young air cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron are celebrating an historic win in a cross country competition. The squadron's team took gold in the competition held at the Rising Sun Country Park, Benton for the first time in the squadron's 56 year history.

The cadets took off in style and put in maximum effort to compete against the other 34 squadrons across the Durham Northumberland area. The squadron had never won the competition before but the team - nicknamed by the youngsters "Team LB" - ran the 2.5 mile cross country course in all of the five age categories.

Cadet Zack Wylie, 15 of Longbenton, was on top form finishing 5th in the Under 17 Men and will now go one to represent the Durham Northumberland Wing team in the North Region Championships. "I'm really happy that we won and to have won the trophy for the first time is amazing," said Zack "It was a real team effort with everyone doing their best," he added.

Squadron Sports Officer, David Anderson said "We are all very proud of our team who put in an excellent performance and to win along with cadets going to the North Region Championships is fantastic." "We were able to field a full team of competitors of mixed abilities and so we knew we had a good chance of winning - we always aim to do our best, and we always want to win, and to do so on home turf is very rewarding," said David.

Come Dine-in With Me!

2012-02-02T22:00:03Z

2344 (Longbenton) Squadron Air Cadets has been recognised as the most improved Air Cadet Squadron in the Durham and Northumberland Wing.

As a fitting celebration the cadets and staff celebrated in style with a traditional, formal Dining-In Night. Hosted by the excellent Chef's Academy Restaurant in Newcastle College, the cadets and staff were joined by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, Lieutenant General Robin Brims, for an evening of fine dining and light entertainment.

Dining-In Nights are traditionally used to welcome new members of the Squadron and to acknowledge outgoing members. This time it was also used to acknowledge the squadron's latest success, its past successes and ring in a new and exciting year.

After a welcoming soft drink reception the guests were served a palate-pleasing four-course meal before getting to the speeches. The Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson, spoke about the fantastic achievements attained during 2011 before toasting future successes.

In particular he told about his pride in the impressive growth and development of the unit over the last three years, culminating in the Squadron being nominated for the highly coveted Marshall Award, given to the Squadron out of the thousand across the country demonstrating the most all-round improvement. "I am exceptionally proud to lead Longbenton Squadron and to see so many of our young people and staff gain internationally recognised qualifications is fantastic and very rewarding," Gary said. "We look to the future with great optimism; knowing that we are heading in the right direction."

Among the accolades accumulated by members of the Squadron last year are such prestigious prizes as Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards, BTEC First Diplomas in Music, Public Services and Aviation Studies - equivalent to four GCSEs C-A*- Solo and Advanced Gliding Scholarships, a Lord Lieutenant's Cadet Appointment and many, many more.

The Deputy Lord Lieutenant remarked on how impressed he was with 2344 Squadron and how valuable the Cadet movement as a whole is, not just to the individuals involved but to society in general, rounding off his remarks by encouraging all cadets to go for everything they can with great spirit and thanking the staff for their time, effort and sacrifice.

Cadet Laura Walker, 15 of Longbenton, said; "It's really good fun being an air cadet and trying out lots of different things like flying, assault courses and expeditions and everyone is really happy at us being the most improved in our Wing - we have so much fun and get lots of skills and qualifications too - it's great!"!

Maritime Air Trust seeking young artists

2012-01-17T21:00:27Z

The Maritime Air Trust (MAT) has established a national young artists' Bursary with the clear aim of commemorating, in a lasting medium, the achievements of Maritime Aviation in the Royal Air Force's Coastal Command.

The Trust are seeking to find a young aspiring artist under the age of 25, with aviation interests, who will help them achieve their goal, by offering them their Sir John Barraclough Artists' Bursary.

Air Cadet Next Generation LogoIn applying for this bursary, MAT stipulates that the subjects for submission, employing traditional drawing or painting mediums, depict and capture the achievements of Coastal Command and its aircraft used on Maritime.

Operations since 1919. Artists may also consider RAF Marine Craft, a valuable asset to the Command in peace and War; the Commonwealth and other Allies who served alongside RAF units in many theatres and finally, the helicopter, saving lives both at sea and on land; one that has established itself as a prime asset in Search and Rescue in its short history with the RAF.

To be effective, land based maritime aviation must operate in close co-operation with Naval forces. MAT however, considers that Naval Aviation (The Fleet Air Arm) is a force in its own right and, as a subject, would fall outside the scope of this bursary.

The successful candidate, selected by a panel from the MAT and the Guild of Aviation Artist, will receive £250 per year, for a period of three years, free friend membership of the Guild for the duration of the bursary and mentoring by a Full Member of the Guild.

The Trust has also agreed to award a small prize to a young artist whose work may lack maturity but shows great promise. This will be awarded every 3 years and be to the value £25. Their works will be displayed in the Guild's Annual Summer Exhibition.

To apply for details and conditions of the Sir John Barraclough Artists' Bursary please send John Cairns an e-mail marked MAT Bursary to jlcc@supanet.com

Dates for your new 2012 Diaries!

2012-01-01T19:39:13Z

Friday 6 January - First Parade of 2012
Saturday 7 January - Band Ensemble practice
Sunday 8 January - Staff meeting
Sunday 22 January - Cross country competition
Wedneday 25 January - Squadron dining-in
Sunday 5 February - ATC Sunday
Tues 20 March - Lord Lt Presentation Evening

Hot Topic!

2011-12-03T18:41:38Z

Air cadets from Longbenton swapped their aeroplanes for fire engines as they enjoyed a visit from fire-fighters from Newcastle North Fire Station.

The cadets gained an insight into the various roles that the Fire Service plays in serving the people of Tyne and Wear and gained a first hand practical experience into basic fire and rescue principles and got a tour of two operational fire appliances.

The youngsters were given safety lessons as part of the squadron's community engagement programme which saw then learn about fire prevention, safety awareness and staying safe. The fire-fighters explored several scenarios highlighting potential dangers with the cadets before explaining how to deal with those scenarios; before, after and during the event.

"It was an excellent evening" said Alicia Gardiner, 14 of Forest Hall. "We learnt what the tools were used for and how they worked and we also got to use some them" added Alicia.

Squadron Commander Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said, "We all know accidents happen but that sometimes they too, can be prevented. By engaging with the Fire and Rescue Service our young people learnt how to stay safe and how best to deal with what can be very dangerous situations." "It was a great learning experience and I thank the Fire and Rescue Service for providing this opportunity," added Gary.

Operation Reversy Percy!

2011-11-30T19:04:06Z

Air cadets from Longbenton enjoyed a leadership exercise with a twist as they took charge of their squadron for an evening.

As part of the leadership development programme; the cadets have been learning about different leadership styles and through various leadership tasks; they have gained a practical insight into the importance of communication skills, organisational skills and management and supervision techniques.

The recent role reversal exercise - codenamed Operation Reversy Percy - saw the cadets swap ranks for the evening. "The exercise allowed young people to take on and enjoy responsibility in a structured setting" said Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson. "It enabled our youngest cadets to experience what it's like being a non-commissioned officer (NCO) and the various duties that entails, and it also allowed our older teenagers to be challenged by taking on adult staff roles and responsibilities;" added Gary.

For Cadet Daniel Dotchin, 17 of Benton, it saw him become the Commanding Officer. "It was very enjoyable and really good fun but it was equally demanding and involved a lot of hard work with so much to do and in so little time. It has helped me understand what leadership is all about," said Daniel.

Ross Baptist, 14 of Longbenton Community College, became a Cadet Corporal for the evening. Ross said, "I never realised how much responsibility corporals have so it was a bit of a shock, but I'm pleased that I did well and I am aiming to become an NCO in the future - it was so much fun!"

Whilst the exercise was underway, another exercise too had to be undertaken by the Training and Development Officer for the evening, Christopher Wilson, 18, of Wallsend. Christopher explained "Whilst the rank structure had been re-arranged, I was responsible for running a series of mini-leadership tasks that mirrored the experiences of those who had extra responsibilities for Reversy Percy. The leadership tasks went really well but it was difficult to just oversee them rather than leading them," added Christopher.

"The training exercise went very well with everyone gaining something from the experience and we now look forward to engaging in our next leadership session which is based upon the TV challenge show The Crystal Maze!" said Gary.

Video - Winter Activities 2011!

2011-11-25T20:42:40Z

Longbenton Youth Join Community to Remember

2011-11-13T18:51:29Z

Young air cadets from Longbenton joined veteran's, serving personnel, their loved ones, dignitaries, and the local community to remember those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The cadets joined North Tyneisde MPs, Mary Glindon and Alan Campbell and Elected Mayor, Linda Arkley at the Jigsaw War Memorial in Killingworth to mark Armistace Day on 11 November before parading through the streets of Forest Hall and Benton on Remembrance Day.

This year's commerative events meant that little bit more to the youngsters, who have recently welcomed home from Afghanistan injured in action, ex-cadet and George Stephenson High School student, Duran Dawson, 21. The cadets have also been learning about the experiences of pilot and navigator, John Peters and John Nichol who were shot down in the first Gulf War.

Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said; "Welcoming home Duran has provided the cadets with a front line understanding of the sacrifices and consequences of war; and how that impacts upon families and life here in the UK."

The cadets have also been supporting this year's Poppy Appeal in support of the Royal British Legion. "The Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Parades let us show our appreciation and respect to those that paid the ultimate sacrifice and their families, and to say thank you to current personnel too" said Zack Wylie, 15, who laid the squadron's wreath during the Remembrance Service.

"They are all an example of courage and bravery and we have learnt a lot over recent weeks about that and how important it is to trust each other," added Hardit Parmar, 17.

Remembrance Sunday Events

2011-11-02T21:24:29Z

We will be marking Remembrance Sunday with two events this year:

1) Act of Remembrance - 11 November 2011 at the Jigsaw War Memorial at 1015am.

2) Remembrance Sunday Parade - 13 November 2011 at 10am

2344 Squadron welcomes anyone who would like to join us on these dates. Please contact us for further information (2344@aircadets.org)

Air Cadets Venture Into the Challenge!

2011-10-31T21:34:08Z

A quintet of driven youngsters from Longbenton Air Cadets recently took their skills to the next level by competing in a series of adventurous contests against other units from all over the region.

The youngsters competed against 35 other Squadrons at the annual Adventure Training Challenge putting their skills to the test.

The cadets have been learning different skills throughout the year as part of the squadron's "Venture Adventure Programme."

The team - Flight Sergeant Stephanie Robson, 19, Corporal Georgina Cassidy, 18, Corporal James Nealings, 16 and Cadet Sam Inns, 16 and leader Flight Sergeant Daniel Dotchin, 17 - were put through their paces across a two-day period at Hawkhirst Scout Camp near Kielder. Navigational skills were put to the test first with the team required to successfully navigate a 20km trek, attaining marks for their accuracy and planning rather than speed.

Awaiting them at the end of the course was a challenging first aid scenario, with marks available for effective, safe and prompt action in dealing with casualties.

After a night's camping in changeable weather the team's spirit was in no way diminished as they tackled the round-robin phase on day two, a cycle which saw them put through a mountain bike skills test, an archery shoot-out, a tough orienteering course and an exhausting canoe exercise.

Speaking of the experience, team captain Daniel said "It was a very tough weekend but very enjoyable - the mountain biking was excellent and canoeing great fun - we've never laughed so much!" "We were really pleased that we picked up full marks for our navigation and orienteering too" added Daniel.

Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson added "Adventure Training is a big part of what we as it provides our young people with the opportunity to utilise their communication, campcraft, and navigational skills in a challenging environment. The cadets worked very well as a team with their self-confidence and their self-esteem also being developed. It was an excellent weekend," added Gary.

Aircadets Peak in Pyrenees!

2011-10-20T19:22:37Z

Three air cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) squadron swapped their parade shoes for walking boots to climb the summit of one of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Stephanie Robson, 19, Cadet Flight Sergeant Daniel Dotchin, 17, and Cadet Corporal Hardit Parmar were part of a team of eight cadets from Durham / Northumberland Wing to successfully climb to the summit of Pic du Canigou in the Eastern Pyrenees.

The youngsters had to undertake a rigorous interview process which involved completing a series of exercises aimed at testing their map reading skills, campcraft skills, first aid, fitness and leadership skills. They all showed great determination in being successful to be part of the team. The team then undertook further training together in order to prepare for the expedition of a lifetime.

It was Squadron Leader Will Close-Ash - who was involved in rescuing seven stricken Belgian climbers from the summit slopes back in 2008 - who led the expedition.

Stephanie, of Longbenton, said "It was an amazing experience and an unbelievable challenge." "I never thought I would have the opportunity to see such wonderful views," said Stephanie.

"It was just absolutely awesome" added Hardit; "We knew it wouldn't be an easy task and it was literally breathtaking; but to say we scaled the summit of the 2784m peak is amazing."

Will, from Wallsend, explained "The group spent a few days in the country acclimatizing by climbing some of the neighbouring 2000m peaks. As they prepared to climb the Canigou, they trekked to a mountain refuge high up on the slopes of the mountain."

Daniel, of Benton, said; "We had great weather all week and were very luck that on our summit day the weather remained fine." The team started their ascent at 0700 hours and were on the summit by 1300. "We are all so lucky to have opportunities like this and are all very thankful of our staff."

Longbenton Squadron boss was delighted with the expedition, "The young people showed grit and determination through the initial interview stages and I was absolutely delighted that their hard work and effort led them to the peak - we are all very proud of them for their achievement."

To see a video diary of the expedition please visit:- http://www.facebook.com/pages/2344-Longbenton-Air-Cadet-Squadron/130200970380651

High Flyers Celebrate with RAF Top brass

2011-10-08T19:10:56Z

The Station Commander of RAF Boulmer, Group Captain Portlock, joined with air cadets of 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron, to celebrate their achievements over the past 12 months.

The young cadets had been preparing for the awards evening over recent weeks and codenamed the event Operation Flying Circus.

The squadron band, as seen by the Queen, performed their new percussion repertoire, before Group Captain Portlock presented six of its members with their BTEC First Diploma in Music - the award being the equivalent to 4 GCSE's at grade C-A*. A further 10 youngsters received their BTEC First Diploma in Public Services, 14 received their St John's Young Lifesavers' Award, and four were presented with their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Daniel Dotchin, 17, of Longbenton Community College, was awarded the Cadet of the Year Award. "Being at Longbenton Squadron is great fun and to get the Top Cadet Award is fantastic!" said Daniel. We do loads of different activities like flying, climbing, fieldcraft and leadership." "It's great to try out new activities and learn how to cope with responsibility whilst gaining qualifications," he added.

Group Captain Portlock said that "I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and was delighted to see so many young people gaining so many skills and qualifications - they were all very smart, confident and disciplined and I was humbled to mark their personal achievements."

Pictured left to right are cadets Alexander Quinn, 15, Stephanie Robson, 19, Georgina Cassidy, 18, Daniel Dotchin, 17, Jade Harrison, 15, Jonny Vickers, 16 and Zack Wylie, 15.

Aircadets Celebrate 70 Years!

2011-10-02T18:20:13Z

The temperature may have been sizzling, but it didn't stop Air Cadets from across the region soaring through the streets of Durham to mark 70 years of the organisation. The 400 strong parade was led by the band of 2344 (Longenton) Squadron who recently performed at the Royal Garden Party in Alnwick.

The youngsters were joined by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Durham, The Mayor of Sunderland and the Mayor of Durham to mark the occasion.

2011 marks 70 years since the air cadet movement first began in order to train young men to fly and maintain aircraft during the Second World War.
Today's air cadet organisation is quite different, having evolved into a unique voluntary youth organisation, offering young people opportunities to gain international qualifications, develop themselves, try new adventures and activities, and learn key lessons in citizenship and the importance of society.

At a special ceremony held at Durham Cathedral, the youngsters celebrated the formation of the ATC which was formed by Royal Warrant of King George VI on 5 February 1941.

The Longbenton Band performed for the parade and the crowds that had gathered to show their support. The cadets played a special repertoire for the occasion entitled Flying Machines! which included a melody of pieces including Local Hero, Blaydon Races, and Those Magnificent Men.

Bandmaster, cadet Sergeant Christopher Wilson, 17 of Benton said, "It was an amazing experience to perform on such an occasion and at a fantastic location." "We were all really nervous but the parade went very well," added Christopher.

Durham Northumberland Wing Boss, Wing Commander Dave Harris said "I'm delighted that the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and other dignitaries joined our celebrations and it was heart-warming to see so many people on the streets showing their support for the work we have done over 70 years and the work that we continue to do."

Aircadets set to Celebrate Milestone

2011-09-29T18:13:31Z

Air Cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron are set to lead a celebratory parade at Durham Cathedral this Saturday to mark 70 years of their organisation.

The squadron band are set to perform a special repertoire to mark the occasion which includes Local Hero and Those Magnificent Men In Their Flying Machines as over 350 cadets from across the region march through the Cathedral City's streets.

Durham Northumberland Wing boss, Wing Commander Dave Harris said, "For 70 years, the Air Cadets has provided training for young people in local communities throughout our region and across the country. For us to celebrate in such an historic and splendid setting is very fitting and I'm looking forward to people seeing a superb show."

There will be many local dignitaries' from around the region attending the parade which commences at 10:00am from Elvet Bridge with the return route after the Cathedral service at 12:30pm from Palace Green.