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Squadron tastes success

222 (Broadlands) Squadron recently celebrated the achievements of 2009 at their annual awards and presentation dinner. Well over a hundred cadets, staff and parents dined at prestigious event held at The Old Rectory Hotel, Crostwick.
Guests enjoyed a three-course meal followed by video presentations, and dancing.

Of course, the highlight for all cadets present was the announcement of this year’s award winners. Presenting the trophies and various certificates of achievement, was Guest of Honour, Flt Lt Nick Olliver, Station Commander of Royal Air Force Neatishead. Flt Lt Olliver opened the awards, complimenting the great opportunities open to members of the Air Training Corps, and also the regard the RAF holds for the organisation, in supplying life skills and training to young people.

Everyday heroes

Would you know what to do if a friend had a serious bleed, broken bone or even suffering a heart attack? For 16 cadets from 222 (Broadlands) Squadron, Air Training Corps, the answer is YES!

Over recent months Civilian Instructor Kezia Ward, Squadron First Aid Officer has been instructing the Hoveton Air Cadets through the St. John’s Ambulance Young Life Saver Award syllabus. The course covers bleeding, fractures, choking, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and other first aid emergencies. Miss Ward commented ‘The 16 cadets have worked tirelessly throughout the course to achieve some brilliant results. In addition to first aid they have also learned some valuable teamwork and communication skills and developed a real sense of self-confidence’.

All 222 Squadron Air Cadets have the opportunity to undertake the course and to practice the skills in some very realistic scenarios, both in a military and civil environment. This is made even more real through a casualty simulation kit that the squadron recently purchased thanks to funds raised within the local community. 222 Squadron aims to qualify each cadet within a year of joining the unit.

As well as being a valuable community and life skill, the qualification will also help count towards the cadets’ Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

A Top Unit

The words used to describe 222 (Broadlands) Squadron by Officer Commanding Norfolk and Suffolk Wing, Wing Commander Tony Hipperson on his recent inspection of the Hoveton based squadron.

Assisted by fellow Wing Officer Flt Lt Gail Jupe, Wg Cdr Hipperson inspected the cadets in a formal parade followed by an audit of the administration of the squadron, looking at areas of effectiveness and efficiency before discovering first-hand, some of the great
achievements the squadron has made in 2009. The most notable was an increase of almost 200% in its nominal role. This has been achieved partly, through a carefully targeted recruitment campaign at Broadland High School where the squadron is based.

Officer Commanding, 222 Squadron, Flt Lt Ian Fuller, was also pleased to announce the success of the squadron's dedication to first aid, with 16 cadets having recently been awarded the St John Ambulance Junior Life Saver qualification. He also praised his strong team of staff who works tirelessly to provide its cadets with a varied and exciting array of activities.

Wg Cdr Hipperson commented, “It was a first class inspection; the cadets and staff were smartly and correctly turned out and I was very pleased with the general administration of the squadron. They are a top unit, with an active and stimulating training programme and the cadets very clearly enjoy their membership, gaining lots of tangible awards and achievements”.

The Future’s Bright

NCO Course 02/09 of 222 (Broadlands) Squadron formed up to begin a challenging weekend of leadership and management training under the direction of the Squadron Staff.

Having already shown high standards and plenty of potential, the invited cadets and JNCO’s began with a course inspection to set the standards higher and for Sgt(ATC) Mark Powley, Squadron Drill Instructor, to identify any areas for improvement. After the inspection, the cadets moved into a series of lectures covering topics ranging from cadet welfare to fire & security and nature of command to instructional technique.

These lectures were broken up with practical periods of drill and leadership tasks, designed to test and develop their communication and reasoning skills. The cadets spent Saturday evening planning short lessons using their new instructional skills to deliver the next day. Each cadet was set a subject based around the cadet uniform and given various visual aids.

Sunday presented the opportunity for the cadets to display their physical stamina by participating in a circuit training session in the swimming pool. Based on a technique used in training across all three armed services, the swim circuit is one of the toughest training sessions available. Thoroughly exerted, the cadets finished with a team building game of water polo.

The weekend was completed with a final parade and inspection by Officer Commanding 222 Squadron, Flt Lt Ian Fuller. He took the opportunity to praise the cadets’ efforts and to have an open forum to discuss ideas and plans for 2010. Flt Lt Fuller commented ‘With the standards seen this weekend, 222 (Broadlands) Sqn has a bright future ahead, with some star NCO’s and cadets ready to take on the challenges of a growing squadron’.

This course was made even more successful, thanks to the kind permission of Broadland High School in allowing the squadron to use their facilities.

Air Training Corps shares school’s success

Broadland High School Headteacher Ms. Carol Dallas invited two staff members of 222 (Broadlands) Squadron Air Training Corps to its Year 11 Awards Evening, to witness the achievements of some of its cadets who are pupils at the school.

The Hoveton ATC squadron is based on the grounds of the high school and makes full use of the excellent teaching and sports facilities that the school possesses. Broadland High School fully recognises the work that the Air Cadet Organisation does to increase pupils’ education by enabling cadets to achieve equivalent GCSE grades through the studies of aviation and service subjects. Ms. Dallas quoted that “222 Squadron is a very good friend of the school” in her opening speech.

Officer Commanding, 222 (Broadlands) Squadron, Flt Lt Ian Fuller was joined by the squadron’s Media and Communications Officer Civilian Instructor Neil Wright who was once a pupil himself at the school. During a reception before the awards ceremony, the squadron staff had the opportunity to talk to teachers about the work of the Air Cadets and to discuss some of the plans for the future.

Cadet Corporal Sophie Frapwell was one of the cadets present at the ceremony receiving certificates for 10 GCSEs with a notable distinction in DiDA (Diploma in Digital Application).

CI Neil Wright (left) and Flt Lt Ian Fuller (right) with pupil Cadet Corporal Sophie Frapwell

Flt Lt Ian Fuller commented, “We are very lucky to be part of such a successful school community and would like to thank Broadland High School for their kind support they give our squadron and our cadets who attend.” Well done too, to Sophie and the other winners tonight”.

Broadlands Remember

Cadet Corporal Michael Popay of 222 (Broadlands) Squadron Air Training Corps had the honour of leading this year's Armistice Day parade through the village of Wroxham.

Carrying the standard of the Royal British Legion, Michael was followed by veterans, firemen, local youth groups and members of his cadet unit to a service held at St. Mary’s church.

Over 40 air cadets were joined by squadron officers, and Royal Air Force personnel to pay their respect to those who have lost their lives as result of war. En route to the service Sgt Mark Powley (ATC) halted the parade at the village war memorial where Cadet Matthew Deane laid a wreath on behalf of 222 Squadron.

During the Act of Remembrance, Cadet Sam Turner, who began his cadet career just two weeks earlier, played a poignant and note-perfect last post on the trumpet above the congregation, from the church bell tower. The morning saw one of the largest congregations ever recorded at the church with many members standing beyond the church doors.

Flt Lt Ian Fuller, Commanding Officer, 222 (Broadlands) Squadron said, “I am extremely pleased with the tremendous attendance today. It shows the immense respect that the Air Training Corps has for our Armed Forces, past and present.”

The previous day, 222 cadets did their part for the Poppy Appeal, collecting at the Roys of Wroxham supermarket with members of the Royal British Legion.

Pictures Left:
Top - Standard bearers Cadet Corporals Jamie Waldock (left) and Michael Popay (right).
Middle - En-route to St. Mary’s of Wroxham.
Bottom - Cadet Matthew Deane lays a wreath at the village war memorial.

Peaks Adventure Training Camp 2009

It was an October half-term to remember for cadets of 222 (Broadlands) Squadron Air Training Corps as they attended the squadron’s annual adventure training camp in the Peak District. The 40 cadets and staff, who included a contingent from fellow squadron 1249 (Dereham) Squadron were based for the week in superb accommodation at Champion House, in the village of Edale.

Divided into three flights, cadets participated in a wide variety of adventure activities. Flt Lt Peter Howlett, Norfolk and Suffolk Wing Adventure Training Officer, ably supervised climbing and abseiling at Stanage Edge during the afternoons. This followed mountain biking around the stunning views of Derwent Resevoir, which notably served as a target during the war for training missions in preparation for the Dambuster raids. 

Each cadet was challenged with navigation, learning new skills and refreshing some old over at least two days of walking. Various routes were covered, each with varying degrees of difficulty. The hills of Mam Tor, Lost Lad and Loose Hill were all covered with some cadets climbing the Peaks’ highest point of Kinder Scout.

It wasn’t all hard work though as the squadron made use of Champion House’s locality. Shopping in Sheffield, ten-pin bowling and an exhilarating day trip to Alton Towers too, were all squeezed into the camp’s fun packed schedule.

Peaks cont...

On the final day and with 30 minutes extra in bed allowed to recover from the adrenalin of Alton Towers, the camp was joined by Officer Commanding, Norfolk and Suffolk Wing, Wing Commander Tony Hipperson who accompanied a high walking group on a venture to the Kinder Plateau. ‘I was delighted to be invited
to join the camp towards the end of the week for an expedition on Kinder Scout.
All of the cadets and staff enjoyed an exciting array of adventurous activities including mountain biking, climbing and hill walking. Their base camp at Champion House, Edale proved to be an excellent venue’.

Cadet Corporal Brooke Green commented on the week. 'We had such a great time, everybody really enjoyed themselves. I can’t wait to for next year’s camp'.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme is key to the achievements of 222 Squadron – the camp has provided valuable training for the completion of the award by its cadets.  

Airman Latham... 'Shun'

Cadets, NCO’s and Staff of 222 Squadron congratulated former Cadet and Civilian Instructor Richard Latham (21) this week, as he graduated from RAF Halton embarking on a career as a supplier in the Royal Air Force.

Richard has been with 222 Squadron since March 2002, and during this time he embraced all that the Air Cadet Organisation has to offer. Most notably, Richard enjoyed considerable success on the range, gaining ‘Regional Marksman’ and being awarded Squadron Marksman of the Year 2 years running.

Always keen to participate in a wide variety of activates, Richard has accrued several awards and qualifications, the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, BTEC in Aviation, a gliding scholorship and Cadet Flight Sergeant, to name just a few of his accolades. Richard attended various camps across the UK, including spending a week at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre, Llanbedr and completing the Nijmegen International Marches.

Flt Lt Fuller, Officer Commanding 222 Sqn said; Richard has been an asset to Broadlands Squadron, both as a Cadet and Civilian Instructor, this was displayed by Richard achieving Cadet of the Year twice during his time with the Sqn. We wish Richard all the best with his trade training and hope his chosen career is as rewarding as his cadet service. We look forward to seeing Richard return as a Service instructor in the future.

Keep on Blogging

Cadets from 222 (Broadlands) Sqn are using the internet to its full potential this week, uploading an online diary of their Peaks ’09 Adventure Training Camp direct to their squadron website.

Parents, staff and fellow cadets, who were unable to attend the squadron’s annual trip will be kept up to date by viewing video blogs and photo galleries of the camp’s daily Itinerary. Not to mention potential recruits visiting the website.

222 cadets will be joined by their friends from 1249 (Dereham) Sqn, to enjoy a range of outdoor activities including climbing, mountain biking at Derwent Reservoir and walking to the summit of Kinder Scout the highest point in the district.

A fun packed day at Alton towers is also planned. The cadets will report directly from their base at Champion House in Edale.

Cpl Mark Burton is an Avionics Technician with the Royal Air Force working on Tornados at RAF Marham and is also the cadet squadron’s website administrator. He said: “The blogs will be a fun and contemporary way of delivering news back home to parents and friends. It will also give the cadets a sense of responsibility whilst away collating photographs and an understanding the value and need of digital media on our squadron website. “

You can follow 222 (Broadlands) Squadron around the Peaks by clicking here

Cadets Go Tactical

Cadets from 222 (Broadlands) Sqn recently deployed to the Stanford Training Area (STANTA) near Thetford, to put into practice the skills they had learned during their fieldcraft training sessions for Exercise Nighthawk.

On arrival at STANTA the cadets first task was to establish a Forward Operating Base, from here they could coordinate all communication and tasking allowing the Cadet SNCO’s to build up a picture of the exercise scenario as it developed and make informed decisions.

The cadets were tested in many skills ranging from camouflage & concealment, communication and navigation to first aid and leadership. The first aid inject played a major part in this exercise as the Squadron has recently purchased a ‘casualty simulation kit’ allowing us to provide even more realistic training. Civilian Instructor Kezia Ward the Sqn First Aid Officer said ‘The added realism provided by the casualty simulation kit helps to remove the shock and panic that causes you to freeze in a real life situation, this speeds up the response time and can be a life saver. We can now get the cadets to practice first aid for injuries from burns and bleeds to traumatic amputations and open fractures’.

The cadets were unaware of the new kit and the initial reaction was as expected, but with a little encouragement they soon stepped up to the mark and took control of the situation. Being part of a tactical exercise they also had to think about security of the area, protecting both the casualties and first aiders from the “enemy threat”. In a real life situation the security could be applied to keeping any crowds clear of the incident and allowing the emergency services unhindered access.

The squadron continues to train hard towards qualifying for their Junior Life Saving certificates awarded by the St John Ambulance.

Click here to see more photos.

Photos right:
Top - On the run.
Middle - Make up.
Bottom - Traumatic amputation.

Above: Marshaller controls an aircraft.


Above L-R: Cpl Frapwell, Sgt Frapwell and Cdt Wheeler man the recruitment stand.

Closer to the Action

Air Cadets of 222 (Broadlands) Squadron ATC got even closer to the action at a recent Norfolk air show. Ably assisted by a contingent from fellow squadron 1249 (Dereham), the two squadrons provided valuable crowd control and marshalling duties at the 2009 Seething Charity Air Day, near Norwich.

The squadron who regularly provided a similar service at the RAF Mildenhall Air Fetes, have not had the opportunity to assist at an air show since Europe’s largest air show ceased almost eight years ago. So the invitation to attend by Seething Air Day organiser, Paul Holmes was greatly received. Between duties the squadron manned an Air Cadet Recruitment stand, which also served as an entry collection point for the free prize draw of a flight courtesy of Seething Aero Club.

The highlight of the day, for some of the more experienced cadets present, was the opportunity to marshal the display aircraft under the supervision of Seething pilot, Glen Butcher. Cadet Sergeant Daniel Armitage, of Coltishall was lucky enough to marshal a pair of P51 Mustangs on the day. “It was quite a surreal experience parking the Mustang’s, they’re a lot bigger than you think. I learnt a lot talking to all pilots and ground crew who were there to help me.” 

A fly past by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, opened the flying display, which also featured demonstrations by Chipmunk and Bulldog aircraft, which the RAF provided air experience flights to Air Cadets from 1958 to 2001.

Although the Air Day is relatively small in size, it still provides the cadets with valuable aviation experience, which is key to their education and development within the Air Cadet Organisation. The day also helped raise £1350 in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance. Next year’s Air Day will see the tenth anniversary of the event and will celebrate 50 years of Seething Flying Club. 222 Squadron have already been invited to represent the ATC at the show in 2010.

Life’s a beach for 222 Squadron

The prospect of rain did not stop 222 (Broadlands) Squadron from celebrating the summer at a recent beach barbecue. The annual event held at Sea Palling on the Norfolk coast, is one of the most popular social events on the squadron’s busy summer calendar, attracting over 60 cadets, staff, committee, parents and family.

This particular year, it looked liked the weathermen might have got it right, with dark clouds blowing in at regular intervals from the west. But the day was blessed, with little more than a pattering of rain, that wasn’t even enough to stop play of the cadets versus staff volleyball competition!

The squadron teased other beach-goers with the smell of great burgers and sausages, kindly cooked up by the civilian committee. And there were plenty of beach games and music to keep everyone having fun the whole day.

222 are always looking for new ways and locations to recruit and the day seemed like the ideal opportunity. The gazebo made a great canvas with which to hang their new recruitment banner. The idea generated lots of interest from passers-by and from one or two prospective new recruits

Sergeant (ATC) Chris Brand organised the event, “The cadets have got a really busy and exciting summer ahead of them with camps, sport tournaments and visits organised for them to take advantage of. Today is a great opportunity to meet the parents of our latest recruits and an excuse for us all, to really let our hair down”.  

Top: Before the games and great food made everyone tired or was it the sea air
Bottom: Always recruiting - 222's new recruitment banner.

Click here to see more photos.

222 Welcomes Regional Commandant

Central and Eastern Regional Commandant, Group Captain Brett Morrell recently visited 222 (Broadlands) Squadron Air Training Corps to meet staff and hold a valuable forum with the cadets of the squadron.
The village squadron, near Norwich has recently increased in strength by over 25% thanks to a recruitment campaign targeting local schools and the community. Group Captain Morrell was overwhelmed by the success of the increase in such a short period of time. He praised squadron staff, commenting on the amount of individual attention that cadets receive at the squadron thanks to the high staff to cadet ratio.
During the evening visit, cadets presented First Aid and drill demonstrations. Before his departure, the Commandant held an informal forum and was invited to promote three cadets and present a number of certificates and achievements. Cadets Liam Upton Matt Marsh and Mike Popay became new additions to the NCO team after receiving Corporal stripes. Cadet Corporal Daniel Armitage was promoted too, to the rank of Sergeant.
Squadron Commander, Flt Lt Ian Fuller commented on the visit, “It was an honour to present our squadron to Group Captain Morrell this evening. He was extremely impressed with our growth and the activities we have on offer to cadets this summer. A big thank you goes to all at our squadron - staff, committee but particularly the cadets.”

Top: All smiles, Cpl Popay, Sgt Armitage & Cpl Upton.
Bottom: Cdt Upton receives his 'tapes' from Gp Capt Morrell.

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