SQUADRON NEWS
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CHANGE OF COMMANDING OFFICER - Posted 07-Feb-23 Last night, the Squadron had a change of command as Squadron Leader Corfield handed over command, after serving as the Squadron Commander for nearly 25 years, to one of his former squadron cadets and now Flight Lieutenant Sacha Walton. Having joined
the Air Training Corps in 1979 as a cadet he enjoyed nine years of activities,
learning skills, particularly in shooting and fieldcraft,
he would not have otherwise had, and attended several camps including RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and RAF Gatow
in what was then West Berlin having travelled through East Germany on the
Corridor Train. On leaving as a cadet at the
highest rank of Cadet Warrant Officer, Squadron Leader Corfield had a short
time away from the organisation to focus on his career before the urge to
return as a staff member to pay back some of what he got out of being a cadet
resulted in his decision to join the Squadron as a Civilian Instructor though
it was only after a couple of months he decided to apply for his commission. For the past
three years Squadron Leader Corfield has been the Plymouth & Cornwall
Wing Media Communications Officer and Wing Webmaster while serving
supernumerary at the Squadron as the Officer Commanding, in standing down as
the Squadron Commander he will now concentrate his time on his Wing duties
while still visiting the Squadron to help out with weapons training, target
shooting and fieldcraft activities. “You know that
you have been doing the job a while when your former cadets start attending
with their children to join as cadets. It
has been an enormous privilege and honour to be given the opportunity to run
this Squadron and I wish the staff and cadets continued success”. Flight
Lieutenant Sacha Walton was appointed as Squadron Leader Corfield’s successor
after a selection process, he follows in the steps of his predecessor in also
having reached the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer while at the Squadron and having
left the Squadron to attend University at Reading he also returned to the
organisation joining 1996 (Earley) Squadron before
becoming their Officer Commanding and also the South West Regional Sports
Officer. |
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WE ARE RECRUITING - Posted 04-Jul-21 Following the safe return of the Squadron to
Face to Face Parades, we are looking for adult volunteers to join our staff
team. Previous experience of being a cadet, teaching or being a member of the
Armed Forces is not necessary. We will provide all the training necessary,
you need to be aged 20 years or above to apply. As a staff member you will be
able to gain qualifications useful both in and outside of the RAF Air Cadets.
We are also open to new cadets, so if you are
in Year 8 or above at college and aged under 18 years you can join the RAF
Air Cadets and start your adventure.
Once in the cadets you can take part in the many activities on offer
up to your 18th birthday, then as long as you wish you can apply
to extend your cadet service up to your 20th birthday. |
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BACK TO FACE TO FACE PARADE - Posted 28-Apr-21 The Squadron has returned back to Face to
Face parades in line with Government policies and guidance from the National Youth
Agency. We are conducting Covid-19 secure practices to minimise the risk of
spreading the virus. As time goes on we will be reintroducing the many
activities that we are able to conduct safely. Cadet and staff safety is
paramount so each activity will be assessed. |
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CORONAVIRUS UPDATE - Posted 04-Mar-20 It will
not has escaped notice of the news reports relating to the new virus commonly
referred to as Coronavirus and by it's official
name COVID-19. The
RAF Air Cadets, Plymouth & Cornwall Wing and 339 (South Dartmoor)
Squadron take the scientist concerns of the virus seriously and the safety
and wellbeing of our cadets and staff are paramount and for this reason are
closely monitoring the situation and following the advice of the Government
and Public Health England. Here
is some information on what to do when it comes
to coronavirus (COVID-19). Check UK Government advice for
the latest information, their COVID-19:guidance for educational
settings is relevant for our volunteers, cadets
and staff. For
the most up-to-date information on the signs and symptoms
of coronavirus, how to reduce your risk of catching it and what to do if
you feel unwell, see here, if you feel
unwell please contact your chain of command before attending any squadron
parade or any other cadet activity. If
you become aware of a coronavirus case in your unit, please contact
your chain of command for additional advice. The Squadron will open as
normal until advised otherwise. Any cadet or parent having any concerns about
cadets attending should contact the Squadron staff. |
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SQUADRON WARRANT OFFICER RECEIVES AWARD - Posted 22-Jan-20 The Squadron Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer
Jason Grange who also holds the Wing posts of IT Officer and First Aid
Officer has been recognised for his dedication of service to the RAF Air
Cadets. Warrant Officer Grange was presented a
Certificate of Meritorious Service by the South West Regional Commandant,
Group Captain Jason Chalk at the Wing Conference held at RAF St Mawgan on Sunday. Warrant Officer Grange whose many skills in
addition to his First Aid and IT knowledge include Fieldcraft Instructor and
Archery Instructor both of which are put into practice at the Squadron. |
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SQUADRON GETS CADET PORTAL- Posted 10-JAN-20 Air Cadets at 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron
have had a New Year present in the form of the Cadet Portal which was rolled
out to the Wing on Monday in the final national role out. The Cadet Portal is an online web based
feature which allows cadets to log on and not only see and update their cadet
records but also see and apply for the many events open to the Air Cadets. The Portal has been the hard work of RAF Air
Cadet volunteers who have developed the portal to meet the needs of the
cadets and started its role out a couple of months ago and has already seen a
couple of updates in response to cadet feedback to ensure that it meets all
the cadet's needs including the ability to be viewed on various devices
including PCs, tablets and mobile phones.. The cadets who received their joining
instructions to the portal by email have already been applying for events,
viewing the Squadron Training Programme and updating the register to advise
when they are unable to attend. Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Adrian
Corfield said," This is a major step forward for cadets and staff in
communication of events to the cadets which started with major updates last
year to the Squadron Management System on our Bader platform. Feedback from
the cadets has been very positive. The way we administer events has changed
as the organisation moves forward." |
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SQUADRON GETS A NEW CADET WARRANT OFFICER - Posted 10-OCT-18 The Squadron is pleased to announce that
after an interview board by Wing Commander Reis Flight Sergeant Jamie
Livermore has been promoted to Cadet Warrant Officer. CWO Livermore joined
the Squadron in June 2014 and has used his natural leadership skills to work
his way up through the ranks to Cadet Warrant Officer, the highest rank a
cadet can achieve. CWO Livermore turned 18 earlier this year which allowed
him to be considered for promotion to CWO, he has not only reached the
highest rank but he is also an Instructor Cadet, the highest classification a
cadet can achieve. As an Instructor Cadet CWO Livermore has been assisting
staff in delivering the academic program to the cadets which leads to a BTEC
Diploma in Aviation Studies. CWO Livermore, who lives in Ivybridge, is
currently studying to become a paramedic. In his time as a cadet he has
achieved his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award and has nearly completed his
Silver award. He has attained qualifications in Communications and in
Leadership as well as First Aid. |
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SQUADRON GETS A NEW WARRANT OFFICER - Posted 08-Aug-18 The Squadron is pleased to announce and welcomes
Warrant Officer Jason Grange as the new Squadron Warrant Officer. Warrant
Officer Grange fills the post which had been vacant since last December when
long standing Warrant Officer Parsons left. Warrant Officer Grange is a
qualified drill instructor and is also the Wing IT and First Aid Officer. He
has numerous qualifications including Archery Instructor, Range Safety
Officer and Fieldcraft Training Instructor. Warrant Officer Grange commenced
his staff service at 781 (Newquay) Squadron in 2009 before moving to 335 (Saltash) Squadron in 2010 where he was appointed as the
Squadron Adjutant. In 2017 he transferred to Wing HQ to concentrate on his
Wing First Aid and IT appointments before his appointment to 339 Squadron on
his promotion to Warrant Officer. Warrant Officer Grange has already being
utilising his skills by taking all the cadets for archery using the Squadrons
archery equipment while also giving advice on drill techniques. |
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CADETS GAIN FIRST OF NEW BLUE BADGES - Posted 27-Feb-17 Seven
Cadets from the Squadron have gained the first blue badges after being
introduced under the Progressive Training Syllabus on the 5th February 2017. The
cadets were all assessed in Communications practical by the Wing Radio
Officer having previously competed their theory training. They are now all
able to commence training towards the Bronze Communicators badge. Further
Assessments are being planned for April when a further 16 cadets will be
assessed. |
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CADETS EXCEL IN SPORT - Posted 30-Jun-16 Cadets from the Squadron took part in
selection for the Wing sports at HMS Raleigh. The selection for rugby,
football, netball, hockey and swimming saw high levels of competition. Sgt
Livermore and Cadet Cartwright were both selected for the Wing rugby team
while Cadets Kohler and Tortoishell were selected for the Wing Hockey Team.
Previous Corps Silver Swimming medallist, Corporal Lawrie has again been
selected to represent the Wing at swimming. Cadet Hewings demonstrated his
foot skills to gain a place on the Wing football team. Cdt Hewings has gone
on to represent the Wing at the Regional Sports Trials and has been selected
for the South West Regional football team who will compete at the Corps
finals. CIVILIAN INSTRUCTOR COMPETES IN THE INVICTUS
GAMES
- Posted 01-Jun-16 Civilian Instructor Chris Jones has just
returned from Orlando in Florida after competing in the 2016 Invictus Games. CI
Jones, an ex-Air Cadet of 61 (Teignmouth) Squadron, joined the Army Air Corps
as a Groundcrewman in 1993, before progressing on to become a Landing Point
Commander and ultimately an Aircrewman. During his service CI Jones received
several injuries, on separate occasions, that combined to leave him with a
severe impairment to his mobility. He now uses a walking stick or crutches to
cover short distances, and a wheelchair for longer journeys. After leaving the Army in 1998 CI Jones
trained to become a teacher and commenced as a qualified physics teacher at
Ashburton before going on to teach at Ivybridge and in Plymouth. CI
Jones joined 339 (South Dartmoor)
Squadron in September 2014 where he has put his teaching skills to good use.
In the summer of 2015 CI Jones took time off from the Squadron to start
extensive training on his hand bike with a goal of taking part in the 2016
Invictus Games. After months of training all his hard work paid off when
against stiff competition he was selected for the United Kingdom Team for the
Games and not just for the hand bike event but also for indoor rowing. Prior
to leaving for Orlando CI Jones visited the Squadron to give an update on his
training to the cadets and allow the cadets to see his bike close up. Unfortunately for CI Jones both his events
were programmed to take place on the second day of the Games with only 30
minutes between events, giving little
time for recovery. In the Mens IHB2 Road Cycling final CI Jones was the
second Britain to cross the finishing line in an overall creditable 8th place
just 59 seconds behind the winner, a member of the US Paralympic team. After
a quick sprint to the rowing event, CI Jones took part in the four minute
timed row in which he achieved 6th place overall. This was followed by a one
minute sprint row in which he narrowly missed a Bronze medal by a mere 8
metres. CI Jones was very impressed with the way in
which the American public welcomed and treated all of the Veterans, from each
of the 14 countries, and said that the hospitality shown at both the Shades
of Green resort and the ESPN Wide World of Sports was second to none. He said
"The staff and volunteers at the resort and the venues were incredible,
nothing was too much trouble and we were incredibly well looked after. The
atmosphere, especially at the indoor arenas, was unlike anything I have
previously experienced, the noise from the crowds was awe inspiring but also
incredibly encouraging. They cheered everybody, regardless of
nationality!" CI Jones enjoyed The Games so much that he has now set his
sights on qualifying for the next Invictus Games, which are due to be held in
Toronto in September 2017. 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron Commanding
Officer, Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield said, " CI Chris Jones has
dedicated many hours in all weather training for the games, he has inspired
all at the Squadron and should be rightly proud of his achievement in this
year's Invictus Games. We wish him every success in the next games. It was
fitting that CI Jones' return coincided with the Squadron taking part in the
Air Cadet Organisation's 75th Anniversary Sports Challenge which was
undertaken by the cadets and staff." Images of CI Jones relating to this article
can be downloaded by right clicking on the image and use Save As
SQUADRON
IMPROVES ON CAIELS TROPHY RESULT - Posted 15-Sep-15 Cadets recently took part in the Plymouth &
Cornwall Wing Inter-Squadron Competition for the Caiel's Trophy. The
competition tests the cadets in several areas from drill to aircraft
recognition and from map reading to fieldcraft skills. This year the Squadron
finished 2nd in Navigation and 5th in Leadership giving an improved result on
last year's 16th place by coming 12th overall. BUSY
SUMMER FOR CADETS - Posted 06-Aug-15 Cadets and staff from the Squadron have are
experiencing a busy July and August. July started with the squadron
supporting the Lion's Ivybridge Fun Day and the Military Weekend at South
Devon Railway. This was quickly followed by a number of cadets attending RAF
Fairford for a week to assist at the Royal International Air Tattoo - the
World's largest air show. Cadets have also been to RAF Lossiemouth on summer
camp, RAF St Mawgan on Air Experience Flying, Air Cadet Adventure Training
Centres at Windermere and Llanbedr for adventure training and 2533 Sqn for
banner drill training. GOLD STAR FOR HEALTH & SAFETY - Posted 30-Sep-14 The Squadron has been awarded a Gold Star for Health & Safety following an inspection by a Health & Safety Inspection from Headquarters Air Cadets. The inspection looked at conformity to the Air Cadet Organisation Health & Safety policies including Squadron risk assessments, notices, Squadron policies and equipment. In each case the Squadron scored full marks resulting in the award of a Gold Star.
NEW AGE LIMIT FOR AR CADETS FROM SEPTEMBER - Posted 12-Jul-14 The Air Cadet Council has approved a reduction in the joining age of young persons to the Air Cadet Organisation. The existing rule allows young persons to join the organisation on their 13th birthday, under the new rules from September young persons will be able to join when they start year 8 of the English academic year regardless whether or not they have reached their 13th birthday. This new change will allow units to better plan their training program as it will be possible for anyone starting year 8 in college to all start as an Air Cadet in September as one group. However 339 Squadron will retain the open door policy to allow anyone to join at any time of the year.
BUSY WEEKEND FOR THE SQUADRON - Posted 11-Jul-14 The Squadron had a busy last weekend with cadets helping out at the Lions Club Fun Day at Ivybridge Rugby Club and at South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh. At the Fun day cadets helped the organisers on the gate which allowed ease of access to the public as well as manning the Squadron PR Marquee. During the day a lost child approached one of the cadets who guided her to the lost child point where she was reunited with her parent. The South Devon Railway Military weekend was again busy with a large number of military enthusiasts exhibiting their military vehicles and equipment.
SQUADRON STAFF AND CADETS SUPPORT MY RED THUMB - Posted 27-Jun-14 The cadets and staff from the Squadron took part in the My Red Thumb camaign by wearing their red tumbs at Fridays parade. The campaign is to bring to the attention of drivers of the dangers of texting while driving thereby placing not only themselves in danger but that of all road users including pedestrians.
NEW STAFF MEMBER JOINS THE SQUADRON - Posted 14-Apr-14 The Squadron has welcome a new staff member who has joined the Squadron. Flight Lieutenant Dave Perriam RAFVR(T) has joined the Squadron after serving several years as a Wing Staff Officer. In his time as a Wing Staff Officer he has been the Wing Child Protection Officer, Wing Training Officer and Wing Shooting Officer. It is his knowledge in the latter role which attracted him to 339 Squadron as they continue to develop in this area of training. With Flt Lt Perriam still being part of the South West Small Arms Training Team cadets will develop further under his guidance. Flt Lt Perriam will take over as the Squadron Adjutant. Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield RAFVR(T) said, "The Squadron welcomes Flight Lieutenant Perriam to it's establishment, he has a wealth of experience which will be of great benefit to the cadets and staff".
SILVER MEDAL - Posted 27-Oct-13 After her success in the South Western Regional Championships, Cadet Heather Lawrie of 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron competed against the best from the other five Regions at the Air Training Corps Swimming Finals which were held at RAF Cranwell on Saturday 26th October. Cadet Lawrie, aged 14 years from Ivybridge, finished in second place in the 50 metre breast stroke to gain silver medal. Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield RAFVR(T) said, "Cadet Lawrie can be very proud of her achievement. To finish 2nd in the Corps finals in an organisation of forty six thousand cadets is a great result. The Squadron is privileged to have such talent on it's strength."
GOING FOR GOLD - Posted 10-Oct-13 Cadet Heather Lawrie is going for gold in the Air Cadet Corps finals later this month after winning gold while representing Plymouth & Cornwall Wing at the South West Regional finals last week. Not content with one medal Cadet Lawrie also won two silver medals. The medals won at the Regional finals are added to her gold medals won at the Plymouth & Cornwall Wing trials in September.
SQUADRON MOURNS THE LOSS OF CIVILIAN INSTRUCTOR - Posted 23-Sep-13
It is with great sadness that the Squadron has learnt of the sudden passing of one it's longest serving Civilian Instructors, Mr Chris Dennis joined the Squadron staff in June 1998 and soon became the Squadron's Projects Officer, specialising in project work which up to recently was part of the mandatory syllabus training. In addition to the project work his experience and knowledge from his hobby of radio controlled flying, was put to great effect in teaching aviation subjects including Principles of Flight. Using his radio control aircraft expertise, Mr Dennis has guided cadets in building aeroplanes and taught them to fly with the safety of a buddy controller.
Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield RAFVR(T) said, "Mr Dennis joined the Squadron when his daughter became a cadet. He was a popular, well respected and reliable Civilian Instructor who was always willing to help and even step in to assist at short notice. His passion for aviation was inspiring and was passed onto many cadets. All the staff and cadets have been deeply saddened by his death, he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and condolences go to his daughter and his family."
CADETS GIVE ASSISTANCE AT SCENE OF INJURY ACCIDENT - Posted 17-Sep-13
Air Cadets from 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron and Army Cadets from the Ivybridge Detachment worked together to give first aid to three seriously injured casualties of a collision between a motorcycle and a car outside the Ivybridge Cadet Centre in Filham Park. Using the mobile PANIC app, developed by the emergency services with Learn 2 Live, and their skills taught as part of their cadet training they were able to make quick assessment of the injuries and gather all the necessary information required by the emergency services before dialing 999 to call for assistance. The cadets continued to give 1st aid until the arrival of the HEART personal.
Fortunately the accident was part of a Multi-Agency exercise staged not only to test the reaction of the cadets but as a training evening for HEART members and for the Fire Service who attended providing lighting and cutting equipment to enable the extraction of the casualties from the car. The cadets were joined by cadets from Kingsbridge & Plympton meant over 50 cadets who watched the exercise with members of the public.
After the exercise had concluded the cadets were given a debrief. Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield, Squadron Commander of 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron said "This proved a valuable exercise not only to the cadets who took part in the exercise but also for all the cadets who witnessed the professionalism of the emergency services. The Learn 2 Live PANIC app proved to be a great piece of software to guide anyone faced with such a situation. I wish to thank all those who took part & helped this exercise be the success it was. "
CADET CENTRE OFFICIALLY OPENED - Posted 22-Apr-13 The Ivybridge Cadet Centre was officially opened by Air Marshal Peter Walker CB CBE on Friday 19th April 2013. The purpose built centre was built for the Air & Army cadets five years after the two units had to quit their previous accommodation to allow building work at the Community College. The building, sited at Filham Park on the outskirts of Ivybridge, was commissioned through Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadet Association and through funding from the Royal Air Force and the Army with the support of Ivybridge Town Council. The Centre is used at least four times a week by the cadet units, has offices and classrooms for each cadet unit as well as a shared training hall and a shared classroom. The opening followed a formal parade & inspection of both 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron of the Air Training Corps and Ivybridge Detachment of the Army Cadet Force by the Air Marshal. The evening was attended by a number of senior officers from both cadet units’ parent organisations, the Town Mayor and representatives from Town Council, representatives from supporting organisations and cadet parents. The evening included addresses from Wing Commander Francis Reis and Colonel Ashleigh Fulford as well as presentations from cadets from each unit. Following the presentations there was a tour of the centre. The final event of the evening saw Air Marshal Walker made three promotions and two awards to cadets from each of the cadet units. Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield of 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron said “The Squadron’s cadet numbers suffered in the five years while we had no permanent home but the Squadron now has the highest cadet strength for over a decade. But for the decision from the various organisations to invest in the building with the support of the Town Council I fear the future for the two units would have been bleak. The Centre has great facilities which will allow the cadet units to provide great opportunities to the youth of Ivybridge and the surrounding area for many years to come. The acceptance by the Air Marshal to open the centre made the event particularly special. We are grateful that he was able to attend.”
PROMOTION FOR SQUADRON ADJUTANT - Posted 16-Jan-13
The Squadron Adjutant, Andy Parsons, has returned from Royal Air Force College Cranwell where he attended the Senior Officer's Course. Having passed the course Flying Officer Parsons has been promoted to Flight Lieutenant and has been posted to 1876 (Kingsbridge) Squadron as their Commanding Officer. He will replace Flight Lieutenant Sue Perkins who is moving back to Plymouth area after eight years at Kingsbridge. Although now heading a squadron Flt Lt Parsons is keen to retain links with 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron and will continue as the Squadron Adjutant.
339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron's Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield said, "Flight Lieutenant Andy Parsons has been with the Squadron for over 12 years and is a valued member of staff. It is great that he has the opportunity to command his own squadron and he is to be congratulated in passing the Senior Officer's Course and in his promotion. We are extremely fortunate that Flight Lieutenant Parsons has agreed to retain his link with our Squadron. The two Squadrons have always had close links and join forces in a number of activities".
TEN TORS SUCCESS - Posted 16-May-12
This years Ten Tors Challenge has been a success for Plymouth & Cornwall Wing and especially for 339 Squadron. Of the 37 cadets from the Wing who took part in the event 339 Squadron had 5 cadets on the Wing Team, the highest number of cadets from one Squadron in the Wing. A further cadet from the Squadron also completed the challenge as part of the school team and a further cadet completed the Jubilee March which runs along side the Ten Tors Challenge. Part of the success of the Squadron getting so many cadets in this years Ten Tors Challenge is down to a £9825 Big Lottery Grant received last year part of which allowed the Squadron to purchase adventure training equipment including tents, sleeping bags and ruck-sacks.
SQUADRON GETS A NEW UNIFORM STAFF MEMBER - Posted 23-Feb-12
Civilian Instructor Steve Trenouth successfully passed the Wing NCO Board last night to become an Acting Sergeant and become a uniform member of the Squadron. He was granted a board on the recommendation of the Squadron and Sector Commanders. The board consisted of a panel of senior officers who tested his knowledge on the Air Cadet Organisation and the Royal Air Force. Acting Sergeant Trenouth will now need to pass the NCO Course at Royal Air Force College at Cranwell in order to become a substantive Sergeant. The Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield said, "I had every confidence that Steve would pass his board hence why he was recommended. His enthusiasm for the role will see him being a great asset to the cadets. Passing a board and the NCO Course is not a formality it has to be earned. Although not yet substantive Steve is to be congratulated in his achievement so far."
SQUADRON RECEIVES LION BOOST - 08-Nov-11 The Squadron has received a cheque from the Ivybridge Lions Club. The cheque for £1500 was presented by the Chair of the club to the Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield. The money will be spent on much needed sports equipment for the cadets. Flt Lt Corfield said "The cadets will have a direct say in what equipment the money will buy. The Air Cadet Organisation actively promotes a healthy lifestyle and have competitions in a number of sports where cadets can be selected to represent their Squadron and go on to represent their Wing and their Region at the Corps finals where they compete against cadets from all over the country."
CADET RECEIVES MAYOR'S CADET AWARD - Posted 01-Nov-11 Cadet Sergeant Marie Boswell has been presented the Mayor's Cadet badge by Ivybridge's Town Mayor, Councillor Parsons, after being selected to the position. In addition to the badge she was also presented a certificate. Sgt Boswell will accompany the Mayor in official duties. Sgt Boswell has just passed the Junior NCO course at RAF St Mawgan which is one of the more demanding courses a cadet NCO has to complete.
SQUADRON RECEIVES GRANT FROM THE BIG LOTTERY - Posted 15-Aug-12 The Squadron has received a huge boost in the form of a grant of over £9800 from the Big Lottery. The money is to be spent on IT equipment to allow cadets to study and take exams using the newly introduced online Ultilearn e-learning platform and for adventure training equipment to allow cadets to participate in activities as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award. As part of the cadets training they study various subjects on an aviation theme. They then take exam in accordance with BTEC rules which if successful eventually leads to the completion of the BTEC Certificate in Aviation Studies (equivalent to a GCSE). Cadets can go on to get a BTEC First Diploma in Public Services (equivalent to four GCSEs). The adventure training equipment will allow cadets from all backgrounds to be able to participate in activities which they may not have been able to do.
TEN TORS - Posted 17-May-11 Cadet Corporals Joshua Wilkinson and Toby Wilkinson have both returned having successfully completed this years Ten Tors Challenge. The brothers were two of thousands of teenagers who participated in the gruelling event. Joshua was part of his school's team while Toby was part of the Plymouth & Cornwall Wing team which completed in the 45km challenge.
PROMOTIONS - Posted 19-Nov-10 Cadets Marie Boswell and Kevin Harvey were promoted to the rank of Cadet Corporal and Cadet Corporal Sian Costelloe was promoted to the rank of Cadet Sergeant. Sergeant Costelloe has also just successfully passed the Staff Cadet Part 2 test.
TRIPLE GOLD FOR CADET - Posted October-10 Cadet Andrew Kett of 339 (South Dartmoor) Air Cadets has swam his way to three gold medals at this years Wing Swimming Trials. The trials, held at HMS Raleigh, had cadets from squadrons from across Plymouth & Cornwall Wing competing in several disciplines. Keen swimmer Cadet Kett will now represent the Wing at the South West Regional Championships with the aim at representing the Region at the Corps finals at RAF Cosworth. Squadron Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield said, "Cadet Kett has done extremely well to triumph over the Wing's best swimmers. To achieve one gold is a great achievement, to win three is outstanding. We wish him well for the Regional Trials."
SQUADRON MOVES INTO NEW HEADQUARTERS - Posted 07-May-10
Five years after being forced to quit their old headquarters 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron has moved into it's new headquarters at Filham Park. Building on the new purpose built headquarters commenced in October 2009 and was scheduled to be completed by end of March 2010. Minor works delayed final handover until May 2010. The Squadron will share the new headquarters in the Ivybridge Cadet Centre with the Devon Army Cadet Force (Ivybridge Detachment). The building has three classrooms, a parade hall as well as stores and offices for the two cadet units.
Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Adrian Corfield said, "It has been a long five years for the staff and cadets to retain moral and I pay tribute to all the cadets and staff who have been loyal to the Squadron over the past five difficult years. Although we did see a drop in cadet numbers we are encouraged by the interest in new cadets. The new facilities will enable us to function as a Squadron should and allow us to offer many opportunities to the cadets."
CADET CADE GETS HER THIRD STRIPE = Posted 15-Apr-10
Cadet Corporal Sophie Cade was promoted to the rank of Cadet Sergeant following her successful Junior NCO course at RAF St Mawgan. Cadet Sergeant Cade is now the most senior cadet at the Squadron and will be responsible for overseeing both Flights. As a Staff cadet she is assisting staff in instruction duties while continuing to participate in normal cadet activities.
SQUADRON CADET CLINCHES WING PHOTO COMPETITION - Posted 11-Sep-09
Cadet Rachel Clifton from Ivybridge entered three photos she had taken at this years Dawlish Air Show in the Wing's Photographic Competition held at the Caiel's Trophy weekend. Cdt Clifton took the images using her dad's digital camera. The winning photos, below will now form part of the Wings entry at the Regional Competition. Cadet Clifton eventually returned her father's camera to allow him to take a few photos of the air show himself.
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