2344 (Longbenton) Sqn

Showcasing the results of hard work and determination a Longbenton Air Cadet is celebrating another first for the Squadron after taking part in the inaugural Junior Standard Bearer Competition.

Organised by the Royal Air Forces Association and covering the whole of the North of England, youngsters were invited to compete in this highly disciplined art form under the watchful and meticulous eyes of Royal Air Force judges.

As expected the bar was set very high by the skill and determination of those who entered, but Cadet Connor Price, 16, of Benton, met this challenge with great enthusiasm, performing each movement with careful precision.

Connor, a student of St Mary's Comprehensive, said "I really enjoyed the challenge of learning the different movements and then having to perform them for the competition. It was really good fun!"

Carrying a standard is a very particular form of drill, one which is especially important given it's eye-catching nature and central place within formal public ceremonies, so doing it right can take a lot of hard work, but Connor showed his strength by performing with seeming ease throughout.

Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson, the Officer Commanding Longbenton Air Cadets, added "Connor has taken well to his new role as Squadron Standard Bearer and the competition was his first run out in public." "He did extremely well and we're all very proud of him for performing to such a high standard, "added Gary.

Longbenton Air Cadet, Flight Sergeant Daniel Dotchin has been appointed as Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for 2012.

The 17 year-old Longbenton Community College student was appointed as the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for Tyne and Wear by Nigel Sherlock OBE at a ceremony held at Dykelands Road TA Centre, Seaham.

Daniel is the latest cadet from Longbenton Squadron to hold the prestigious position, and one that the squadron has held since 2010 when 18 year old Karl Dance, of Killingworth, received the accolade. Last year, Christopher Wilson, 17 of Forest Hall, was then awarded from over 1000 possible cadets and he has now handed the baton over to Daniel to score the Royal hat-trick. Daniel was successfully appointed through his hard work and commitment on the air cadet unit and personal qualities being recognised.

The Lord Lieutenant's Cadet attends functions with the Lord Lieutenant, who represents the Queen in the region at official engagements, and also greets Royalty and civic dignitaries when they visit the region. With the forthcoming Diamond Jubilee Celebrations Daniel is looking forward to performing his role.

"I am amazed at being awarded the Lords Lieutenant's Cadet and can't wait for my first engagement," said Daniel. "It is an honour to hold such a position and to have been successful and get three in a row for the squadron is a bonus."

Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutentant Gary Richardson said "I'm delighted that Daniel has been awarded with this appointment and know he will perform the role with professionalism and responsibility." "He has displayed good leadership skills and is a positive role model for young people and I look forward to see him performing his role over the coming year, added Gary."

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."

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.

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.

North Tyneside MP, Mary Glindon, has shown support this week to the young people of 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron.

We reported in early February that Mrs Glindon attended a ceremony with the air cadets to mark 70 years of the organisations existence. Now, the MP has visited the cadets in situ as she was treated to a tour of the squadron headquarters on Marquis Close, Benton.

The young people gave presentations on how they were able to achieve gliding scholarships by learning to fly and gave the MP an insight into other activities offered such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, BTEC Diplomas, weekends away, and leadership training. The cadets put on a number of practical demonstrations and the squadron band also performed its latest repertoire.

Mrs Glindon said; "The squadron provides high quality training to our young people and I learned a great deal from my visit." "The young people were very smart, full of confidence and happy and they should all be very proud of what they do and achieve, as I am very proud, to represent such positive young people."

Mrs Glindon also praised the squadron staff, who are all volunteers, and as a token of her gratitude and optimism the MP presented the squadron with a House of Commons plaque adding "the plaque represents the community's thanks for the work that the squadron does and the time it invests in helping our young people grow and mature." "I am looking forward to seeing the cadets achieve many qualifications which will stand them in good sead for the future, and I will support them every step of the way," added Mrs Glindon.

Cadet Andrew Corbett,14 of Killingworth, said; "It was really goo fun to have our MP at the squadron and show her what we really do - I showed her how we cook on our expeditions - and it's great that she enjoyed the visit and supports us."

Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson, said; "I am delighted that Mrs Glindon took the time to visit us to reinforce her support for our squadron and our young people."

Gary added; "The plaque that was kindly presented does not only show her support but is also symbolises that the people of North Tyneside appreciate and recognise our work."

Young students from Longbenton Community College and St Mary's Comprehensive swapped their classrooms for cockpits to glide their way to success. The students earned their gliding wings at RAF Topcliffe in North Yorkshire.

We reported earlier this year that 16 year old Cadet Corporal Andrew Bull (pictured) gained his gliding wings and now five more of his friends have followed suit. The youngsters are all members of 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron where they have this exciting opportunity offered as part of their training.

Cadet Hardit Parmar, 16, said "It was one of the best things I've ever done. It was very challenging, especially the landings, but being able to tell people that I'm a glider pilot is mint."

Squadron boss,  Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said, "The gliding scholarships are a major part our aerospace programme and I am delighted to see so many of our young people gain huge successes."

Congratulations go to:-

Cadet Corporal James Nealings - Gold Wings.

Cadet Corporal Charlie Smith & Cadet Hardit Parmar - Silver Wings.

Cadet Flight Sergeant Stephanie Robson & Cadet Abigayle Hill - Blue Wings

Air Cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron have won the prestigious Cadets Cup for a record-breaking collection in last November's Poppy Appeal. In a special ceremony, a team of cadets received the trophy from the Lord Lieutenant for Tyne and Wear, Nigel Sherlock OBE. 

Last year the Longbenton cadets raised an impressive £2.888.43 for the Appeal - the most raised from amongst the cadet organisations in the North East of England.  This year, the cadets raised £4,504.40.

The Lord Lieutenant is the Queens representative in the North-East and was delighted to make the presentation. The Longbenton cadets beat stiff competition from every cadet unit in the North-East to win the trophy. During the November Poppy Appeal the cadets were out collecting at Silverlink Retail Park and raised the much needed funds.

"This is an inspirational amount and the cadets at 2344 Squadron should be rightly proud of their achievement" said Syd Graham, co-ordinator of the Appeal.

Cadet Georgina Cassidy, 17 of Benton, told us why the Poppy Appeal is so important "All of the money raised goes to helping families and relatives of service men and women in our area and I think it really helps to make a difference."

A 16 year old student from Longbenton Community College has put on his flying suit to gain his Gliding Wings at R.A.F Topcliffe this week.

Andrew Bull is a member of local Air Cadet unit 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron and enjoyed the opportunity to learn to fly as part of the training offered to the cadets.

Andrew attended the North Yorkshire R.A.F base to take to the skies in a Grob Vigilant, a glider used by the Royal Air Force, as part of the Gliding Scholarship Scheme.  Andrew, of Longbenton, said: "It involved a lot of hard work and I was really nervous the first time I went up with the pilot but my nerves soon disappeared as I got to grips with the flight controls."

 "It's an incredible experience being a pilot, and I will never forget the first time I flew my first sortie. This is definitely a life changing experience and I am now determined to get good grades at school and make a career for myself," Andrew added.

Andrew underwent basic training at the Longbenton unit before taking-off to earn his wings.   As flying and gliding slots are regularly given to the Squadron each cadet has the opportunity to participate in this thrilling activity.

Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson, said that it is one of many opportunities available to cadets at the squadron and added "Andrew has shown great determination and skill to obtain his Wings and we are all very proud of him."

 

 

 

 

Air Cadets from Longbenton have picked up a community service award from the High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear at a ceremony held at The Stadium of Light in Sunderland.

Sunderland midfielder Bolo Zendan helped the High Sheriff to present the award to two air cadets from Longbenton. The award for 'valuable services in the community' recognises the hard work the cadets have put in over the past 12 months in the local area.

Picking up the award were cadets Daniel Dotchin, 17, of Benton and Zack Wylie, 14 of Longbenton. The pair were delighted to receive the award on behalf of the squadron. "We're going to use the funds to buy training resources to help us achieve BTEC qualifications" said Zack.

The High Sheriff for Tyne and Wear, Mrs Sue Winfield, who presented Daniel and Zack with a cheque for £420.00 praised the cadets for their community work. Mrs Winfield said "The cadets have achieved much over the past 12 months and I am delighted that their efforts have been recognised by the community."

The Commanding Officer of Longbenton Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson, said "It is wonderful to receive such an award and be recognised by the community we serve." "This grant from the Community Foundation and the High Sheriff will allow us to maintain the highest possible standard of training for our cadets and we are all truly thankful."

A local air cadet from Longbenton Community College has been appointed as Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant's cadet for 2011.

Cadet Corporal Christopher Wilson, 17, received his award from Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant Nigel Sherlock OBE at a ceremony held at Debden Gardens TA Centre, Heaton.

Christopher has been appointed as Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for Tyne and Wear from a possible 1000 cadets. He will attend functions with the Lord Lieutenant when members of the Royal Family and other civic dignitaries visit the region. Christopher was selected because of his hard work and high standards as a cadet at 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron. Christopher told us "I'm delighted that I have been selected and I'm really looking forward to performing my duties."

The Commanding Officer of Longbenton Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said "Christopher is an outstanding leader and a hard working young man, who has earned this award."

Christopher takes over from Cadet Flight Sergeant Karl Dance, 19, also of 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron who enjoyed his 12 months service as Lord Lieutenant's Cadet - meeting Prince Charles was his highlight!

 

 

 

 

Two Longbenton volunteers have received a Certificate for Meritorious Service for their selfless commitment in helping young people from our community.

David Hutcheson, 27 of Killingworth, and Jimmy Jackson, 66 of Longbenton, received their Certificates for voluntary service as civilian instructors at 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron.

The Commandant's Certificate for Meritorious Service is a prestigious award which is a means of recognising service of outstanding merit which has been rendered beyond the normal demands of duty. All air cadet personnel are expected to conform to high standards of service and efficiency and advancement within the Corps is regarded as a normal reward for those individuals who are exceptionally hard working and efficient.

Consequently only services which are of absolutely outstanding merit are recognised. David has served on the squadron for a total of 14 years having too been a cadet on the unit for nine years and an adult volunteer for almost six years. David continues to give his free time helping and supporting the cadets and staff in his role as Training and Development Officer and recently gained his Basic Expedition Leaders Award so that he can lead the young cadets on expeditions as part of their Duke of Edinburgh's Award training. David said, "I'm delighted to have received the Commendation and it was certainly a surprise." "I thoroughly enjoy volunteering at Longebenton Squadron and seeing the youngsters gain big achievements that will help them in their future lives as the squadron helped me when I was a cadet." 

Jimmy has been involved in the cadets for over 15 years and during that time has taken a strong lead in the aerospace training provided and helping to raise charitable funds so that the squadron can provide such training. Jimmy has given up a large amount of his time including week days and weekends to take the cadets on activities. Jimmy said "I have an amazing time helping the air cadets, and enjoy watching them grow into fine young people, achieving many things, and going on to make a success of their lives."

Squadron boss, Flight Lieutenant Gary Richardson said, "Both David and Jimmy have shown great enthusiasm, dedication, good humour and outstanding commitment and I am delighted that their positive attitude, guidance and citizenship skills have been recognised at such a prestigious level."

North Tyneside MP, Mary Glindon, was on hand to present the certificates. "I am honoured to present these prestigious awards to two most deserving people who have shown selfless commitment to encourage and motivate our local youth to positively develop" said Mrs Glindon.

• Mr Daniel Woolley receives his Commendation for Meritorious Service.
• Mr Jimmy Jackson receives the North Tyneside Council's Chairman's Commendation
• 2344 (Longbenton) raises £2,888.43 for the Poppy Appeal 2010 - the most in the region amongst cadet units.
• Cadet Flight Sergeant Karl Dance receives the cadet of the year trophy from the High Sheriff of Tyne and Wear 2010.
• Cadet Flight Sergeant Karl Dance appointed Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for Tyne and Wear 2010.
• Cadet Corporal Christopher Wilson appointed Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for Tyne and Wear 2010.
• 2344 (Longbenton) raises £4,504.40 for the Poppy Appeal 2011 - the most in the region amongst cadet units

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Young Air Cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron have been out collecting for this year's Poppy Appeal.

This year's theme emphasises the need to help the Afghan generation of the Armed Forces and their families - today and for the rest of their lives. Each year the nation expresses its unequivocal support for The Royal British Legion's charity work through the Poppy Appeal and last year cadets from Longbenton Squadron raised an impressive £2.888.43 for the Appeal - the most raised from amongst the cadet organisations in the North East of England.

The cadets will be out collecting for the Appeal during the weeks leading up to Remembrance Sunday which, this year, is on 14 November.  The cadets were out in force at the weekend selling poppies to shoppers at Silverlink Retail Park. For 16 year old Reece Fryer of Killingworth giving up his weekend to support the Poppy Appeal was the least he could do. "It is a very worthy cause" he said "one that makes me feel like I'm making a real contribution to society."

Reece will be on the annual Remembrance Parade with the rest of the Squadron on 14 November 2010 marching with veterans at 10:30am from the Ex-Serviceman's Club in Forest Hall to St. Bartholomew's Church in Benton where the Remembrance Service will take place.

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