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March 2023
Gliding
Local gliding opportunities returning in the near future We are very excited to announce and give a warm welcome to 611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron as they return after 8 years of not flying and make RAF Honington their new home
At the moment, this means lots of Staff Flying to bring everyone up to the correct standard, but the aim of the Unit is to provide flying opportunities to RAF Air Cadets and Combined Cadet forces; both with experience flights and also training them to fly solo and beyond at just 16 years old.
Currently the Squadron is operating 2 Viking gliders, 2 weekends a month, but this will soon be increasing to more (both aircraft and weekends) especially as the weather starts to improve. Look out for them in the local skies above you!
611 Volunteer Gliding Squadron have been delighted by the support shown by the Station. #
Armed Drill Course
After a long wait N&S held their inaugural Arms Drill Development day at RAF Honington last weekend. Cadet FS J Dowen from 42F, successfully took part in this awaited for course.
The session offered 30 Cadets from across the Wing, opportunities to try and develop an intrest in Arms drill after the successes at MAC last year.
Offering our cadets an opportunity to try an area of drill previously reserved for those attending the National D&C Camp.
February 2023
GOLD CYBER AWARDS AT JOINT CADET FORCES TRAINING WEEK
Cadets from Norfolk & Suffolk Wing joined the Sea Cadets on a joint cadet forces training week. This was the first course at this level between two Cadet Forces and it was a great success, even with the friendly rivalry that was to be expected!
We are pleased to confirm that all completed their GCHQ CyberFirst Advanced course and were awarded with their gold cyber awards and the level 6 CyberFirst award.
The course was held at Sea Cadet Training Centre Excellent where there was a mixture of theory and practical based learning about penetration testing, encryption, digital forensics, open-source intelligence and ethical hacking.
Whilst challenging, the course was extremely interesting, and by doing it jointly with another uniformed cadet force, there were plenty of common ground and differences to bond over, like shoe polishing techniques and drill!
The cadets received fantastic feedback from the Sea Cadet staff, upheld the Air Cadet RISE values and were constantly praised by both the CyberFirst and SCC staff. It was commented that the team fantastic ambassadors for the Corps.
Mart Opening
Mayor’s Cadet, Corporal Jason Cutche, joined the Mayor’s Cadets from the Sea Cadet Force, Fire and Police Cadets for the opening of the 818th King’s Lynn Mart.
Taking place annually the Mart is traditionally opened by the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk with civic dignitaries, members of the Showmen’s Guild and guests in attendance.
This is one of the major events in the calendar of the Mayor’s Cadets who assist the Mayor with the opening ceremony. After the blessing and reading of the Mart Proclamation (officially marking its opening to the public), West Norfolk Mayor Lesley Bainbridge and guests toured the Mart and traditionally tested their skills on the dodgems!
Parade
ATC Sunday February 5th - Alongside cadets from 1018 (Downham Market) Squadron and 1249 Dereham Squadron ATC, 42F paraded at RAF Marham to celebrate ATC Sunday. The annual celebration of the formation of the Air Training Corps, cadets proudly marched past Station Headquarters to the Chaplaincy Centre for a short but poignant service. Following this, cadets, parents, staff and guests enjoyed a reception including cakes and tea generously provided by 1018 Squadron.
Well done to everyone who took part in a brilliant parade!
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January 2023
Visitor
Thank you to the members of Norfolk Constabulary who visited us last night to explain their role in helping and protecting the King’s Lynn community!
Cadets were lucky enough to get hands on with equipment, learn about tactics employed by the police, and hear from serving officers about their day to day careers.
December 2022
A Christmas Message from OC Wing
"As our Christmas celebrations begin, I just wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has been a great year for Norfolk & Suffolk Wing.
This year we celebrated our 50th anniversary with an exceptional parade in Bury St Edmunds with over 300 cadets and staff in attendance. I couldn’t have been prouder to lead you all from Abbey Gardens to the cathedral on that day.
We celebrated the Platinum Jubilee of Her Late Majesty the Queen then mourned her loss later in the year, and it was heartening to see air cadet involvement on both occasions. I was privileged to hand out many Jubilee medals, with more still to come to staff who have completed the minimum 5 years’ service & hours commitments.
We’ve had numerous individual successes, with many staff being commended for their volunteering efforts supporting the Corps and cadets too – being awarded for their outstanding determination, enthusiasm, and attitude, with special mention to Sqn Ldr Nick Castle recieving a CAS Commendation in the New Years Honours List and CWO Zoe Webb winning the Dacre Sword and the Emerging Talent Award at the Women in Defence Awards. It is always such an honour to receive news of these awards and I look forward to more in 2023.
Looking ahead to next year we hope to see greater involvement with our local CCF & ACF units, and I am hopeful for more flying and gliding spaces with the move of 611 VGS to RAF Honington. With camps already planned for Fairbourne and Cumbria as well as the Wing Field Weekend in April and a trip to Normandy in October – it’s already looking at being a busy year.
Finally, I just want to say a huge thank you from me, for everything you have done this year to support the Wing – whether as a volunteer, cadet, service helper or parent, we would not be anywhere without your support. Have an enjoyable and restful Christmas with your friends and family, and I look forward to seeing you at numerous events in 2023."
November 2022
Enrolments
Congratulations to the 14 new cadets who were enrolled in front of proud parents, guardians, family and friends last night!
The enrolment parade is the culmination of 10 weeks of basic training and dedication. Led by the Norfolk and Suffolk Wing Air Cadets Chaplain, new cadets recited their Air Cadet Promise before being formally welcomed into the organisation.
Well done to each newly enrolled cadet! We look forward to seeing you develop further throughout your cadet careers!
Visitor
Last night we were delighted to welcome Air Commodore (Retired) Steve Thornber to the Squadron, who spent the evening with our cadets!
Air Cdre Thornber was the senior intelligence officer within the Royal Air Force during his career and enthusiastically shared stories of his time in the service, as well as tips for joining the Armed Forces. Air Cdre Thornber was also kind enough to take questions from our cadets on a variety of topics!
Presentation Night
During our Awards and Presentation Evening last night, the Commanding Officer was delighted to promote a number of cadets, as recognition of their hard work and enthusiasm on the squadron!
Without a Cadet NCO team, the squadron would struggle to function and the young people making up this team greatly assist with running parade nights and events, acting as leaders and role models to their fellow cadets.
The newly promoted cadets were proud to receive their new rank slides from
Group Captain Fred Wigglesworth, Station Commander RAF Marham.
Congratulationsto the cadets who were promoted!
Cadet to Corporal:
Corporal Melody Allison
Corporal Summer Brydon
Corporal Grace Munson
Corporal Jim Seekings
Corporal Tora Seekings
Corporal to Sergeant:
Sergeant George Munson
Sergeant Loki Wales
Sergeant Amelia Whitehouse