1403 Retford Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets

The next intake of new cadets begins tomorrow, Wednesday 26 June, with an Induction Evening starting at 7.30pm
If you are from Year 8 and under 18 and would like to find out more about what the Royal Air Force Air Cadets has to offer, then come along to 1403 (Retford) Squadron, Hallcroft Road, Retford tomorrow evening. But no need to come alone, bring a friend or two with you.
A parent/guardian must come along with all potential new cadets.
... We look forward to meeting lots of new cadets tomorrow, Wednesday 26 June at 7.30pm.
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At a recent ceremonial graduation parade, 27 Junior Cadets were enrolled as full members of 1403 (Retford) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
This parade is the culmination of 5 months of training in the History of the RAFAC and the RAF, Initial Expedition Training, Basic Communications, what happens on an airfield and what to expect when they go flying at an Air Experience Flight, learning map reading skills and learning how to march.
Along the way, they also gained a fi...rst aid qualification and were introduced to the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme as well as taking part in several sporting and leadership activities.
Cadet Kacey Brunt was given an award for the 'Most Improved Cadet' with Cadet Alfie Richardson being awarded the 'Cadet of the Course' for his allround conduct and ability. Both categories had several strong nominations.
Welcome to you all and may you build on the small experience you have had so far with the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and go on to have long successful cadet careers.
A special thank you to the Trent Wing Chaplain, Rev. Michael Bowman, who officiated the Parade and Enrolment of all 27 cadets.
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After undertaking 4 hours of training and an assessment of radio communication skills, 8 cadets of 1403 (Retford) Squadron were successful in gaining the Blue Communications badge.
They will now look forward to expanding their knowledge, get further experience with radio communications and work to gain their Bronze Communcations Badge in the future.
Thank you to CI Wills of 2222 (Brigg) Squadron who came along to train and assess the cadets.

Good luck to all those taking part in the RAF WARMA 2-Day March at RAF Cosford this weekend.
Especially to all Trent Wing teams and to Corporal Dominic Rodgers and Cadet Edward Hunt of 1403 (Retford) Squadron who will be walking the 50 miles with them.
You have all put the training in to make it to the end. It will be a great experience and you wont suffer too much, hopefully, with blisters.

Cadet Speed recently attended a Trent Wing Course, held at RAF Scampton, in Activity First Aid. This course required 16 hours of training and assessment in 3 different scenarios. It qualifies Cadet Speed, along with other staff members, in providing First Aid cover at squadron events and activities.
This qualification is one of the many ways the Royal Air Force Air Cadets ensures the aims of the organisation is met by 'Providing training that will be useful in Service and Civilian life'.
Congratulations Cadet Speed. Keep up the good work.

Cpl Biggs and Cpl Robinson with Cadets Sellors and Holmes were presented with their Leading Cadet badge and certificate.
Sgt Adams achieved Master Cadet status and was presented with his Master Cadet Badge and Certificate. This award is the pinnacle of all the aviation subjects taught within the academic syllabus of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets. This syllabus also goes towards gaining a BTEC Qualification in aviation studies, a qualification that is recognised by future employers. Sgt Adams will now be passing on all the information and experiences gained from these subjects to younger cadets and those cadets who are still to join us.
Well done everyone.

The Pre Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme introduces cadets who are not yet old enough to take part in the full Award Scheme and involves all elements including
Volunteering for a 3 month period,
Learning a skill,
... Completing and improving in a physical challenge and
Passing the Initial Expedition Training phase of the First Class Cadet Training.
Once all these have been completed and the information verified this level of award is presented to the participants.
Having completed these elements for Pre Duke of Edinburgh's Award syllabus, we are please to announce that Cadets Crompton, Sellors, Holmes and Dent were recently presented with their certificate and badge.
Well done on this achievement and we look forward to seeing you gain further Duke of Edinburgh Awards in the future.
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The next intake of new cadets begins tomorrow, Wednesday 13 March, with an Induction Evening starting at 7.15pm
If you are from Year 8 and under 18 and would like to find out more about what the Royal Air Force Air Cadets has to offer, then come along to 1403 (Retford) Squadron, Hallcroft Road, Retford tomorrow evening. But no need to come alone, bring a friend or two with you.
A parent/guardian must come along with all potential new cadets.
... We look forward to meeting lots of new cadets tomorrow, Wednesday 13 March at 7.15pm.
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1403 (Retford) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets, will be holding an Induction Evening on Wednesday 13 March 2019 at 7.30pm.
The minimum age requirement is that you are in Year 8 and under 18. If you meet this, and would like to find out more about what the Royal Air Force Air Cadets can offer, then please come along to the Cadet Training Centre, Hallcroft Road, Retford.
There is no need to come alone. Bring a friend or two with you. A parent/guardian must also attend wit...h you.
For more information please send your details via the email button above.
We look forward to meeting you on Wednesday 13 March and starting your adventure with us.
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The thoughts of 1403 (Retford) Squadron go out to the brave airmen who crashed, and were killed, in Endcliffe Park 75 years ago today.
Your selfless actions in avoiding houses potentially saved hundreds of lives in and around the park, including those of a group of young boys playing football in the park.
Thank you for your dedication to duty. May you rest with all heroes.
... A special mention should go to Mr Tony Foulds, who was one of the boys playing football in the park that day and campaigned for a flypast to mark this special anniversary.
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On a cold, blustery Sunday morning, 12 cadets from 1403 Squadron were taken by Sgt Ward to RAF Cranwell for the Trent Wing Cross Country Championship.
The cadets enjoyed the day, apart from the cold, and wind, and having to run (lol) but at least the rain (and snow) kept away!
The team of Sgt Macintyre, Sgt McGinty and Sgt Meggs, who were entered in the Junior Men class, came second overall.
... A brilliant performance all round by everyone who took part and thank you for representing 1403 Squadron at this event.
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The Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Morton, recently presented certificates to cadets in recognition of acheivements gained.
Cadets Dent and Gregory, Cpl Gregory and Sgt McGinty gained their HeartStart qualification.
Cadets Ashcroft and Crane were awarded their Blue Leadership award.
... Cadet Speed, having spent a day at RAF Cranwell, in lessons and completing assessed tasks and an exam, was successful in the course and awarded the Bronze Leadership award.
Congratualtions. Very well deserved awards
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On Saturday 19 January, 7 Girls took part in the Trent Wing Girls 5-a-side inter squadron football competition, held at RAF Digby. 20 squadrons took part in the event and the competition was strongly contested.
Although losing the first game, 3-1 to Dronfield Squaron, the girls from 1403 put on a good display of teamwork. Not letting this result dampen their spirits, they went into the next game with a positive attitude which saw them draw the game, against 204 Lincoln Squa...dron, 1-1. This gave their confidence a boost as most of the girls have been with the squadron less than six months. The third game saw a 'Derby' against 303 Worksop Squadron, which 1403 won 2-0. The final game of the league round was against 384 Mansfield Squadron. The girls were impressive in their attack and defence positions. This ended in a 1-0 win for 1403 Squadron.
After all the league games were played, it was to much delight to learn that 1403 had finished 2nd in the group and qualified for the quarter finals and knockout stage of the tournament.
It was in this game that they met a very strong opposition from 2160 Sleaford Squadron. 2160 scored the only goal of the game to progress into the semi finals and knock the girls of 1403 out of the competition...for this year.
All the girls, players and supporters, enjoyed the day at RAF Digby and are more than happy with their performance.
They are already looking forward to next years competition and challenging for the semi final and final.
Well done girls
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Wishing everyone a very happy, healthy and peaceful 2019 from everyone at 1403 Squadron

It was the final parade night of 2018 on Friday and saw cadets wearing their Christmas jumpers and make small donations to Save The Children.
The night was very relaxed with a few party games and ending in a Sing-A-Long to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from 1403 (Retford) Squadron.
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM US ALL
... "When the snowman brings the snow......"
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With the kind permission of the Store Manager of Morrisons in Retford, 1403 Squadron were allowed to take part in a bag pack fund raiser.
Being the Saturday before Christmas it was expected to be busy and everyone was well prepared for the day ahead. Starting at 9.00am and finishing at 5.00pm, 43 cadets helped with packing customers Christmas shopping.
It was a very busy and tiring day but was made even more enjoyable for those who took part by the friendly Morrisons staff....
As well as donating to the Squadron, there were lots of positive comments about the cadets politeness, behaviour and bearing.
We would like to thank Morrisons for allowing us, once again, to bag pack at your store, and to the very generous donations by the customers of Morrisons on Saturday.
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Having completed all the required elements, Sgt Adams was presented with his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award last night by the Officer Commanding 1403 Squadron, Flt Lt Morton.
The Bronze Award involves completing a service within the community, learning a new skill, increasing and showing improvment in a physical or sporting activity and undertaking a 2-day expedition.
Well done Sgt Adams. Now onward to the Silver Award.

The Squadron Commander presented certificates to more cadets who have recently passed the Heartstart course. This course is the foundation for progressing onto Youth First Aid courses, which will be held at 1403 Squadron in 2019.
First aid is an important skill that is taught to all cadets and staff within the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
Well done to you all.