Recent Events and 2286 News!
Flt Lt Quinney’s long wait for a bus now over!
If you think you’ve spent a long time waiting for a bus before, think again! Flt Lt Chris Quinney, CO 2286 Arden Squadron has been waiting for a bus for 8 years! Staff and cadets at the squadron have been using staff cars and begging other squadrons for use of their minibus to be able to attend wing and squadron events. But now, thanks to a generous grant from the Coventry Youth Opportunity Fund, the squadron has just taken delivery of a brand spanking second-hand LDV Maxis. CI John Annison explained “This 15-seat bus will really help us with transporting cadets to and from activities. We’ve really struggled in the past, especially with our longer trips away where we’ve needed a bus for a few days at a time”. Flt Lt Quinney is adamant that the bus will be well looked after and the squadron is currently looking for sponsorship to cover the running costs. Anyone interested should contact the squadron on 02476 592286.
2286 Squadron has just recruited a new Padre! The Reverend Paul Messam, from nearby St. James’ Church, Bulkington, had been a padre for another squadron a few years previously. He kicked off his first night with the squadron with a “Padre’s hour” where he encouraged cadets to see if they could taste the difference between fair trade and regular chocolate. This went down very will with the cadets! He also explained the numerous things that the ACO and RAF have in common with the church; like the Tornado F1, both have Cannons; the Eagle on the Air Cadet badge is a bird of pray; and both organisations are full of clerical errors!
Hopefully Reverend Mason and 2286 (
Cadet Dickinson off to Gibralter
When Cadet Dickinson found out he’d been unsuccessful in his bid for a place at the cadet camp at RAF Akitori
The annual camp at Gibralter really is a unique experience. As well as completing the usual cadet activities of flying, shooting and visits to various sections on the base, there are opportunities to see the sights of the island, as well as visit the Spanish mainland. “I’ve been on a
2286 heroes!
2286 (Arden) Squadron played their hearts out in a recent quarter-final football match against 29(F) (Rugby) Squadron, gallantly holding off the opposition for a large portion of the match. Although 2286 began the game three players down, they showed true grit and determination, taking control for long periods of the game. Cdt Meyrick, 2286’s goalkeeper, made some cracking saves to give his team a fighting chance at victory, whilst CWO Brown and Cpl Connell bossed the midfield. Unfortunately the end result didn’t go their way, but the team showed why 2286 are a force to be reckoned with. The team hope to make it all the way to the final next year.
First Flight Sergeant ATC at 2286 (Arden
This week saw another first for 2286 Squadron as Sergeant ATC Samantha Annison, a member of staff at the squadron for the last 7 years, was promoted to Flight Sgt ATC. FS Annison, currently the Squadron Training Officer, spent much of her time at the squadron as the sole Adult NCO. This gave her invaluable experience in virtually every role on the squadron, from Squadron Adjutant to IC drill & discipline. Since being joined by two new Sergeants in early 2009, FS Annison has been able to focus on her training role, and has recently managed to get 7 cadets through their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, a record number for the squadron, as well as managing 2 cadets through their Silver Award. Her promotion wasn’t the only piece of good news for FS Annison. Sam and her husband, CI John Annison (who’s role in organising D.of.E expeditions cannot go unmentioned!) are expecting their second child, due later this year.
Having completed the 2009 Junior Leader’s course with distinction, CWO Nathan Brown was awarded the Adjutant’s Shield, becoming the first cadet from Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing to receive this award. He impressed the course staff so much, that he was invited back to be a member of staff for the 2010 Junior Leader’s course. Unfortunately, this means that 2286 (
“I loved the course when I was on it, and enjoy being able to help other cadets through it. I have to admit though, there’s been a few times out in the snow at Catterick where I’ve wondered why I’m not back at 2286!”, CWO Brown.
Cadets are 'made-up' with their First Aid Training
On Saturday and Sunday 17-18th October Cadets were given First Aid Training in preparation for the Wing Training Day First Aid Competition. They were given instruction in CPR; recovery position; burns and severe bleeding and seizures. Cadets completed some training where simulations were performed to test their thinking and reaction skills and they were lucky enough to receive the additional bonus of full stage make-up to aid the reality of the situations.
In one situation, a car crash, Sgt Hainsworth had an imaginary car crash with Mr Lawrence and suffered neck injuries. Cdt C Connell the passenger in her car received a burn to his arm and was found to be unconcious when our First Aiders arrived on the scene. They quickly analysed the situation and prioritised the casualties into 3 different groups depending on the severity of their injuries. They administered any emergency aid they could and (pretended!) to contact the emergency services.
"The weekend was fun, Mr Hughes was a good laugh and made it really easy to learn by explaining stuff in simple words. My favourite part was being made-up with stage make-up to look like I had a serious burn across my face, arm, shoulder and back; when I ran back into the teaching room everone looked really shocked, it was hilarious!!"
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Achievements
Cdt Sam Williams of 2286 has recently completed his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award. Sam has been a cadet since January 2009, we interview him here following his achievement.
Q: How do you feel now you have completed your Bronze award?
A: I'm happy I've finished it and pleased with myself. I found walking in the hills really difficult especially when it was steep, but the members of my team were really supportive and helped me through.
Q: What was your favourite part of the expeditions?
A: Reaching the top of Jacob's Ladder in Derbyshore was a real achievement. Getting up there was a really big deal for me and the views at the top were worth the climb.
Q: What else did you do as part of the award?
A: I'm a keen skiier and going skiing in Austria helped me to gain my Bronze. I also could count my training at Tamworth Snow Dome. For my skill I aimed to improve my drill; something that I have particularly improved is my saluting which is now much better.
Q: How do you now feel about beginning the Silver Award?
A: I'm going to try and I'll do my best to get it.
By Sgt Annison and Cdt Williams - 27 Oct 2009
New cadets attend Duke of Edinburgh Expedition
Cdt Smith has been a cadet for barely 2 months and yet he has already completed a Bronze Practice expedition walk in Elan Valley. Cdt Harris joined us in March and he has completed both his practice and assessed Bronze walks and is well on his way to completing the Bronze award.
The 2 intrepid cadets both came up against personal challenges, which they successfully overcame, during their expeditions, Cdt Smith struggling to stay on his feet in the boggy terrain and Cdt Harris, as group leader, aiming to keep his group's fluctuating morale up throughout their 2 journeys.
"I learned very quickly that I should have put some spare socks in my daysack because I was very wet after sinking in the mud and I also should've spent more time breaking in my boots before the visit because they hurt my feet" said Cdt Smith.
Cdt Harris has this advice for other cadets starting on their DofE journey "I would bring lots of sugary and energy filled snacks so that you stay aware and are less likely to get annoyed with other members of your group. My group flagged when they had not eaten for a while and this affected our group morale"
Wing Swimming
The annual Wing Swimming Championships were held in September and 4 of our cadets attended; Cpl Connell, Cdt Wilson, Cdt Colby and Cdt Ballard. They participated in a range of races with Cdt Colby gaining a third place in one of his events.
"I enjoyed participating but also watching all the other squadrons competing against each other" said Cpl Connell.
Cadets are Prepared for Later Life
3 cadets at 2286 Squadron have recently been put through a gruelling selection process in order to gain the rank of corporal and to help them prepare for later life.
Simon Connoll (16), Martin Opi (18) and Philip Gullick (14) were asked to prepare for a selection interview with three members of staff and one senior cadet NCO. Questions were asked about leadership, teamwork and the Air Cadet Organisation.
"Before the interview I wasn't nervous at all and I thought everything was going to be ok. I chose to go firstso that I could get it out of the way and I went in" said Cadet Corporal Connell. "The questions weren't as tough as I thought they were going to be but I still had to prepare myself for the next question each time," he added.
After the interview the three candidates were all successful and promoted accordingly. The staff involved were all impressed with the calibre of the cadets and their responses to the questions!
Could you rise to the challenge and succeed?
2286 Squadron welcomes new staff!
We are pleased to welcome 2 new members of staff to 2286 Sqn. Sgt Rebecca Hainsworth and CI Mr Jonathan Lawrence join us from South and West Yorkshire Wing. They are valuable additions to the squadron staff and we warmly welcome them!
Flight Sergeant Nathan Brown receives top award
Nathan Brown has recently completed the Number 10 Junior Leader Course, one of the most arduous courses available to UK Cadets. The course takes over 8 months to complete and includes: advanced fieldcraft, leadership, fitness tests and presentations. The course culminates in a final test week which assesses all of the skills learned during the course.
"This was the hardest thing I've ever done as an Air Cadet but the most rewarding. I'd recommend it to anyone who is eligible"
Nathan not only completed the course but did so with distinction. He was then awarded the Adjutants Shield for an outstanding presentation becoming the first cadet from Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing to receive such an accolade from this course.
"Happy days!"
Cadets flying high after first gliding experience
Six cadets are still buzzing after their first experience of gliding. It was the first experience of flying at all for one of the cadets. All of them enjoyed their twenty minute gliding induction course at 633 VGS based at DCAE Cosford. All of them are counting the days until they can apply for their Gliding Scholarships but they've got a bit of time to wait!
Communication!
Cadets from 2286 (Arden) Squadron have recently undertaken Squadron based radio courses to become Provisional and Full Air Cadet Radio Operators. All of the cadets who took the assessment were successful and they should be proud of their achievement. Flt Lt Chris Quinney said "I'm really pleased with all of the cadets as this adds to their CV of achievements and this is still a relatively new activity to this Squadron." Squadron Leader Harrison was on hand to make the presentation to the really delighted cadets.
Cadets take first flight
Just before Christmas 7 cadets took their first flight in a Grob Tutor from RAF Cosford. They didn't see Father Christmas but they did experience something new in 2008! The number of first flights in this one trip to the Air Experience Flight made the day even more special; 6 of the cadets that flew have been members of the Squadron for less than a year and 1, Cdt Connoll, has been with us only since the 10th October!
All the cadets took control of the aircraft during their flight and can't wait to take to the skies again in 2009
Cdt Connoll awarded Wing Blue
After only 6 weeks as a member of the Air Training Corps Cadet Simon Connoll has been awarded his Wing Blue after representing Warwickshire and Birmingham in the Regional Cross Country Championships. Connoll finished 2nd in the Wing event not far behind the winner! When competing for the Wing Connoll finished in 5th position from a field of 24 competitors. Despite being freezing cold and a little wet Simon said "I'm really pleased to have done so well for the Squadron and for the Wing"
Many Congratulations on your achievement!!!!
Bang Bang You've got it!
Cpl Ryan Hackett was proud as punch this month when he achieved his Regional Marksman Badge at RAF Cosford. He has been aiming (pardon the pun!) for this qualification for some time, regularly narrowly missing his target but at last he hit the bullseye!
"It was a really great feeling to finally achieve my Regional Marksman after so long. I wouldn't have got it without Mr Annison's help - Thanks Sir!"
Cadets attend Elan Valley camp
Cadets from 2286 attended the Elan Valley Aventure Training Centre in October to take part in Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. Several new cadets had their first experience of walking in the Welsh countryside and found it to be an exhilarating experience. All involved enjoyed the beautiful surroundings, great food (!) and getting to know each other out of the Squadron. 3 more adventure training camps planned for 2009!!!!
Easter Camp Review 2008
Mar - 5 Apr 2008)
Cadets from 2286 Squadron, along with others in Coventry attended RAF Valley for an Easter Camp to remember. The camp started off wet, very windy and miserable but all were cheered up with a trip to the local cinema on the first night! Throughout the week the cadets were engaged in a wide variety of activities including section visits, a coastal walk, a trip to a copper mine, sports and leadership exercises. They were treated to a display by the red arrows on their RAF 90th anniversary tour with a perfect view from right next to the runway!
At the end of the week F/S Nathan Brown was selected as the best performing cadet on the camp and was offered the chance of a lifetime - a flight in a Hawk T1!
All cadets achieved something during the camp and got a lot out of the experience. Their dress and discipline was of the highest level and they ought be very proud of all of their accomplishments!
Commitment acknowledged
(March 2008)
FS Nathan Brown and Cdt Martin Opi have had their commitment to 2286 (
Well done to both of you!
Cadets glide into the clouds (Or they would have if there had been any clouds!)
(March 2008)
"Brilliant, thrilling, fantastic," "Where do I sign for a GS?"
Some of the comments from 2286 Squadron cadets as they walked back from their first flight in a Vigilant glider. On a wonderfully sunny Sunday, 3 cadets from 2286 (
O'Loughlin completes Gliding Scholarship
(February 2008)
Cpl Matt O'Loughlin has just got his head out of the clouds, It's been up there for weeks while he was completing his Gliding Scholarship at 637 VGS, Little Rissington. Matt completed six hours of training on the Vigilant powered glider and amongst other things developed a much greater understanding of all the controls and an appreciation for the aircraft.
"It was a great experience and I'm really pleased to have got this far."
Awards Evening 2008
(February 2008)
The annual Awards celebration was held on 7th March 2008 again at the Jaguar Social Club. We were pleased to welcome our distinguished guests, The Deputy Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Coventry; Wing Commander P Ladwa and Sqn Ldr Martin Harrisonas well as the wonderful parents and friends of our cadets.
Awards were presented to the cadets for their multiple achievements over the last year. These awards cover a variety of different activities and the winners are chosen based on their commitment and aptitude in each particular activity.
The awards were as follows:
Best Cadet of 2007: Cdt Cockerill
Best NCO of 2007: Cpl Freestone
Drill Cadet of the Year: Cdt Harris
Sports Cadet of the Year: FS Brown
Best Shot of 2007: Cpl O'Loughlin
Most Improved Cadet: Cdt Opi
Best New Recruit: Cdt Gullick
Best Flight of 2007: No 1 Flight
Once again the formal parts of the evening were followed by a chance to dance and party with friends and family. Although not quite as willing to groove as last year the cadets once again showed their skills on the dance floor. Thank you to everyone who came and joined in the celebrations and fun.
2286 bids farewell to its Squadron Warrant Officer
(February 2008)
This week W.O John Collins has left 2286 squadron after 6 years service on the squadron, he joins 163 Squadron from Monday. Everyone at 2286 wishes him well in his new post and in the future, his humour will be missed!
Provisional Radio course…over!
(29th January 2008)
Ten cadets from 2286 (Arden) Squadron are celebrating being the first cohort to successfully complete the VHF/UHF Provisional Radio operators course following an "in house" programme. The ten cadets have followed a mixed programme of classroom and outdoor practical activities. They have learnt to use call signs, the meaning of prowords, how to pass short and long messages and how to authenticate amongst other things. They will all now go on to the training course for VHF/UHF Full Radio operator and they can't wait. Cdt Harris said "The course was great fun and very useful. It's fantastic that we can do this at the Squadron, especially as we haven't had radios for that long." Flt Lt Chris Quinney Officer Commanding 2286 (Arden) Squadron commented that "I'm incredibly proud of all them it is a great achievement for them as individuals and the Squadron as a whole."
Training over…now the work begins!
(January 2008)
Cdt Sgt Shane Pelchat and Cdt Cpl Matthew O'Loughlin are celebrating the award of their staff lanyards. These were awarded following them both successfully completing the last Wing Staff Part 2 course. Both NCO's have been working hard at their classifications since they joined 2286 (Arden) Squadron in May 2005 and September 2005 respectively, but there's no time for a break! They are now busy planning their subjects and preparing for their squadron roles now that they are supporting the staff in the running of the Squadron.
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Passing Out Parade
(December 2007)
On the 18th December 2286 Squadron welcomed 10 new cadets with it's first Passing Out Parade. Parents and friends joined the squadron staff and cadets in celebrating this special occasion with a formal parade at which the Commanding Officer Chris Quinney RAFVR(T) inspected the new cadets and addressed those gathered, before presenting the cadets with their 3822 and first class badges and announcing their new flight. A special certificate of commendation for the best in the syndicate was awarded on the night to Cadet Gullick for a high level of commitment and attainment during the training period. The standards of dress and drill were extremely high from all those joining the squadron and they are now looking forward to the next step in their cadet training after passing the First Class Cadet exam.
The formal parade was followed by a photo call to rival the Oscars red carpet and coffee and mince pies for the troops and their loved ones. Many congratualtions to all 10 of you and good luck for the rest of your cadet careers!
Passing Out Roll December 2007: Cdt Askew H, Cdt Gullick, Cdt Ballard, Cdt Archer, Cdt Harris, Cdt Strong, Cdt Walker, Cdt Malli, Cdt Powell, Cdt Cholera.
The last Goodbye
(October 2007)
This week 2286 Squadron waved goodbye for the last time to it's longest serving member. CWO Robert Young has been at 2286 squadron longer than any other cadet or current member of staff but this week he had to leave the Air Training Corps after reaching the age of 21.
Rob joined the A.T.C. in 2002 and quickly joined in cadet life achieving A first flight in a Grob Tutor, a flight in a Hercules, his first camp (at R.A.F Lyneham) and his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award in the first 12 months of his joining! His willingness to attend and try new thngs was unfaultering and he quickly added up his experiences. His favourite things continued to be the things he enjoyed in his first few months - flying, camps and DofE. In 2006 he achieved the Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, the first at 2286 for 14 years and one of his ultimate aims as a cadet. In January 2007 his second dream became a reality when he was promoted to Cadet Warrant Officer.
CWO Young's final parade was on Friday 19th October when he was presented with an etched glass Squadron crest. Not one to be missing out on one last opportunity though - he managed a final Tutor flight on Saturday to round off a tremendous career in the Air Training Corps!
All at 2286 wish him the very best for the future.
Elan Valley Camp
(October 2007)
Cadets and staff enjoyed a weekend camp at the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing Adventure Training centre at Elan Valley this weekend with cadets walking for Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards. For some cadets it was the first time they had ever been out walking in the countryside and for others it was a warm up for a Gold Expedition next week! The cadets, fired up and full of the delicious breakfast (cooked by Sgt Annison) set out on Saturday morning in the drizzle and dampness and managed to find their way (more or less without getting lost) back to the centre just in time for tea! A tired looking lot decided not to listen to the Rugby with the staff and had an early night ready for another day in the hills on Sunday.
For those who had never been out in the hills and done a walk of this level before the weekend was a tremendous achievement and they should be especially proud. All our cadets did exceptionally well during this camp. Well done all!!
Annual Awards Evening 2007
(March 2007)
Our annual Awards Evening presentations were held on Friday 16th March 2007 at the Jaguar Sports and Social Club, Radford. We were pleased to welcome our distinguished guests, The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Coventry; Sqn Ldr Martin Harrison; members from the Coventry Branch of R.A.F.A. and Mr Gordon Payne, headmaster of President Kennedy School as well as parents and friends of our cadets.
Following an adress by the Lord Mayor, 8 awards were presented to the cadets for their achievements over the last 12 months. These awards cover a variety of different activities and the winners are chosen based on their commitment and aptitude in each particular activity.
The awards were as follows:
Best Cadet of 2006: Cpl O'Loughlin
Best NCO of 2006: Sgt Pelchat
Drill Cadet of the Year: Cdt Freestone
Sports Cadet of the Year: Cdt Borton
Best Shot of 2006: Sgt Brown
Most Improved Cadet: Cdt Harris
Best New Recruit: Cdt Martin
Best Flight of 2006: No 2 Flight
A further presentation, of a Certificate of Appointment, was made to Adult Sgt Samantha Annison following the successful completion of the SNCO Initial Course at R.A.F.C. Cranwell in February.
After the awards were presented the cadets and their families enjoyed a party to celebrate and relax together. The music, dancing and frivolity went on late into the night with all cadets proving that they have significant capabilities on the dance floor as well as on the parade ground!
Information about the Upcoming Annual Awards Evening 2007
Our annual awards evening will take place on Friday 16th March at 1900 hrs. The event will be held this year at the Jaguar Sports and Social Club, just off Middlemarch Road in Radford. This is an opportunity to get together and celebrate the achievements of the young men and women on the squadron and a good opportunity to meet other parents and all of our staff. After the presentations there will be a disco and bar until 11pm giving the cadets a good chance to relax together and have a good time! The event will be attended by the Lord Mayor of Coventry.
To view a multimap for the location please click here or go to http://www.jaguarclub.co.uk/
Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award
Cadet Warrant Officer Robert Young recently became the first 2286 cadet in over 14 years to achieve the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, he will no go to St James' Palace to receive his award. Many congratulations to him on his tremendous achievement!
1000 Hour Millennium Volunteer Awards
5 members of staff have recently been awarded the 1000 hour MV certificate for dedicating over 1000 hours each to the squadron. This takes the total number of volunteering hours achieved by the cadets and staff to almost 10,000!
Review of 2006
We asked the cadets 2 questions to find out why they enjoyed the Air Cadets so much. Here are their responses:
1. What did you enjoy most in 2006?
The cadets said they enjoyed the sports nights and events the most, with camps a close second. Other activities they enjoyed last year included flying, shooting, Wing Training Day, Taking part in the DofE scheme and making new friends!
2. What did you achieve in 2006 In the A.T.C?
There were a lot of achievements mentioned here including: Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE awards; marksmanship badges; radio operators badges; BTEC qualifications; sporting successes; exam passes and drill achievements.
3. What are you looking forward to in 2007?
The cadets are looking forward to more of the same in 2007 but are particularly looking towards our Easter and summer camps and more adventurous Training!
The results of the questionnaire showed that our cadets have achieved a lot but are continuing to strive to achieve more personal and team sucess in 2007. They should be very proud of everything they have achieved!