CWO HACKETT FALLS OUT

After 5 dedicated years service CWO Ryan Hackett parades on the 2nd of September for the last time at 2286. He joined the squadron in 2006 from 2243 (Ramsgate) Sqn in Kent Wing and quickly settled in to being one of the lads. His ability to relate to every member of the unit (even the staff) meant he was soon promoted to Corporal and made a big impact on the cadets he lead and cared for.

"Ryan is an inspiration and a strong leader who has helped me throughout my cadet career"      
Cpl Colby

His completion of the gruelling Junior Leaders course was perhaps his finest hour; again serving as a role model to all those on the unit; but from flying to shooting; camps to fieldcraft Ryan has given the Air Training Corps his all!

"CWO Hackett is serious about cadets but he can be a really good laugh"
Cadet Hussain

CWO Hackett will soon begin the next stage of his military career as he joins the Household Cavalry Mounted Division as a member of the Blues and Royals. Although he has no previous riding expertise CWO Hackett is looking forward to the challenge of learning the reigns and the honour of parading with one of the most prestigious Regiments of the British Army. We will certainly be looking out for him on the Queen's Birthday Parade next year!

"The Squadron won't feel the same without CWO Hackett; I'm sure he'll do fantastic job in the Blues and Royals  because he'll throw himsefl 110% into everything he does just like he has in the Corps"
Cdt Winnett

Everyone at 2286 will miss Ryan and wishes him all the very best for all of his endeavours; especially those in the saddle!!

"CWO Hackett is a top bloke"
Anon

 

2286 HAPPY TO SEE MORE STAFF ON PARADE!!

After a couple of month of being understaffed (but happy) and following the recent resignation of Sgt (ATC) Hainsworth 2286 are incredibly pleased to now have 4 uniformed staff once more!! Sgt (ATC) Jim Stewart returns to 2286 after 3 months leave to have an adventure in Southern Ireland. He learned fencing and managed to clock up a win against a local champ but is now back and preparing to cam up and teach our radio and fieldcraft programme in the Autumn as well as issuing uniform to our newest recruits.

Also joining us from 497 (Daventry) Sqn is Fg Off Julie Seymour to take the now vacant post of adjutant. We welcome her to our team and look forward to working together.

 

LEES TROPHY PARADE

2286 Sqn were privileged enough to host the Group Captain Morrell, Regional Commandant Central and East Region, for a Lees Trophy Inspection in April. The annual competition seeks to find the best overall Squadron in the Air Training Corps and this year was the first time 2286 had been nominated for Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing.

The evening began with a formal inspection of the cadets on parade; Grp Cpt Morrell spent time speaking to every cadet and asking them about their experiences on the Sqn and within the Corps. Following this the cadets and staff had a chance to show what a night at 2286 might involve with lessons in Citizenship; Health and Safety and Young Engineers being demonstrated to the inspection team. All this whilst Sgt Hainsworth was put through her paces with a full paperwork inspection in the office!!!

The finale of the inspection was a parade where Grp Cpt Morrell addressed the cadets and congratulated them on all their hard work throughout the year and in preparation for the evening. He concluded by presenting a Regional Commendant's Commendation to FS Annison for her "Meritous Service" during Flt Lt Quinney's absence.

"I was really surprised and extremely pleased to receive this award tonight" said FS Annison "It was hard work over the 3 months but how could I not take on the challenge; the cadets make it worth it!!"

 

OC RETURNS

Friday 1st of April may have brought jokes and surprises to some, but for 2286 it also brought the return of Officer Commanding Flt Lt Chris Quinney following a 3 month absence following the birth of his Son Freddie. None were more grateful than FS Annison who had held the reigns in his absence and is now glad to back behind the Training Officer's desk.

2286 SQN WIN TOP AWARDS

On Wednesday 16th March, Flight Sergeant Annison took 5 cadets to the Annual Royal British Legion Cadet Poppy Appeal Presentation evening and 2286 Sqn came home with an impressive haul of trophies and awards!

Firstly Cadet A Smith was awarded the trophy for 3rd Individual Cadet award; he raised a wonderful £380.97 in his day of Poppy selling. The trophy was collected and 2nd place was announced.... To our surprise this award also went to a 2286 Sqn cadet for raising £405.24! Flt Sgt R Hackett wasn't present to accept his trophy but his delighted younger brother Cpl J Hackett went up to receive the prize. Finally Cdt A Winnett made it a clean sweep for 2286 by winning 1st place. Alex raised a mammouth £1,158.63 over 4 days of involvement in the 2010 appeal.

Proud as punch FS Annison sat back to watch the rest of the awards be presented but the excitement didn't ebb away as the Squadron was awarded the prize for the top ATC unit in the Warwickshire RBL Area! The squadron as a whole raised £2324.42 for the Royal British Legion; more than any other local unit!

Following the awards the cadets enjoyed a buffet and celebrated with a can of pop!

Special mention must be made of Cpl J Hackett who, with little notice and for the first time, carried the Sqn banner on the parade of banners at the ceremony and did an excellent job. His contribution is highly commended!

 

FLIGHT REPORT

On Saturday the 12th of February, 7 Cadets from 2286 Squadron were given the oppurtunity to go flying.
As of the year 1958, Cadets in the Air Training Corps were able to attend Air Experience Flights, or "AEFs", These Cadets would fly for around 20-30 minutes, and some might have the chance to even take control!
Since then, AEFs have advanced alot, and the current Plane used is the two seated "Grob Tutor".
The Seven Cadets who attended on Saturday were -
Corporal Hackett, Corporal Ballard, Corporal Meyrick, Cadet Williams, Cadet Sheikh, Cadet Hussain and Cadet Winnett
The staff member present was Flight Sergeant Annison, who happily drove them all the way there, filled out the paperwork for each of them, and drove them all the way back. - Sacrificing her time, so the cadets could get the most out of the day.
Each cadet was sent out to one of the three waiting Grob Tutors, and given 20 minutes air time. Whilst up, they were allowed to have control for a short while, and some cadets were even allowed to do Aerobatics. Corporal Meyrick, who was on his Sixth Time, was even allowed to Land!
After they'd been up, the Cadets were allowed to visit the Cosford Musem, or watch a DVD in the Main Room.

At the end of the day, each cadet had been up, including Cadet Sheikh, who is Visually Impaired!
Everyone had enjoyed themselves, and were all looking forward to next time.

 

CADET MAKES SURPRISE FIRST FLIGHT!

Hello, My Name is Subhaan Sheikh, and on Saturday the 12th of February 2011, I had one of the best experiences of my life - My First Flight.
I am visually Impaired, therefore I wasn't sure whether I was going to be allowed to fly. However, they didn't seem to have a problem with it.
When I got into the Air, Chris, the instructor, Said I could have Control, and let me a do a few Nose Dives, and some Barrel Rolls. Then, he asked if wanted to do a loop. I wasn't so sure, but when I tried, I didn't want to stop. He let me do a loop on my own, after I followed through with him.
After 20 Minutes, it was time to come back down, so he took control and landed the aircraft.
I thoroughly enjoyed this experience and I can't wait 'till next time!

 

COME DINE WITH MY TRANGIA

 

2286 held the successful first edition of "Come dine with my Trangia" Unfortunately Channel 4 were unavailable to attend so the 2286 PR team covered the event. 

The squadron was split into 4 teams, some of the teams named themselves, others decided to be less creative.

 

The teams were tasked with cooking a three course meal for less than £1 per person. All courses had to have a cooked element but the real challenge was that it all had to be cooked on a Trangia camping cooker with one hours cooking time. 

 

Each of the teams used their initiative and came up with some complex ideas, some that could have even challenged Gordon Ramsey. 

Some of the best dishes included a Large Field Mushroom wrapped in bacon, a Mushroom Risotto and even Chilli Nachos.

 

During the evening all of the cadets showed their culinary skills as well as their competitive edge. They also succeeded in melting Tarmac, and destroying a plastic bag, but at the end of the evening the Cadets Hackett, Connoll and Dickinson were named as the winning team although the competition was very close ... and the Mushroom Team should clearly have been the winners....  

 

 

2286 APPRENTICE NIGHT 

The 2286(Arden) Squadron apprentice night started with an apprentice style task, which began by splitting the squadron into two groups. Each team were given a pice of paper listing the letters of the alphabet, and were told to find different objects beginning with every letter of the alphabet. They were also given extra points if the object was blue.

 

With the team "Guys and Girls" losing by a tiny amount of points, the team leader Cadet Sproggis, and Team Members Cadet Winnett and Mills were all taken into the boardroom.

There they were debriefed by "Sir Alan" (CI Lawrence), "Margaret" (Sgt Hainsworth), and after a short interview, in which the Cadets gave reasons they should not be fired (And Mills giving reason he should!)

Cadet Sproggis was fired for poor Time Keeping and failure to keep his team under control...

 The second half of the night was a free time/board games session.

Each Cadet was asked to bring down a board game, however only a minority did so.

With Cadet Williams bringing in Total Meltdown, and Corporal Cockerill bringing in Guess Who, Cluedo, Monopoly (Cornish Edition), and Buckaroo. (Bet she has fun family get togethers). Corporal Colby brought in a role playing game; however no-one wanted to pretend they were werewolves...

 After a fun session, in which Cadet Dickinson guessed who, Cadet Winnett caused a Total Meltdown, and Sproggis made his millions selling real estate (He still won't admit its fake money). Every Cadet was thanking Sgt Hainsworth and CI Lawrence for thinking up such a good night.