UP, UP AND AWAY FOR HITCHIN CADETS

BY INSTRUCTOR CDT FS SAMUEL JAMES
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“Sorry Mum but you can’t beat this years’ Christmas present!” These words coming from Cadet Abigail Cox (13) after enjoying an exhilarating thirty minute flight in a Sea King search and rescue helicopter. Cdt Cox joined eleven other cadets along with two staff members for the flight of their lives.

The day began with an early morning start, meeting at the squadron for a two hour trip to Wattisham Airfield. The twelve cadets and two staff members, who were split into two groups, were then briefed and kitted out with their helmets by staff from 22 Squadron.

Once the crew had received their flying brief, the first group was ready to take off and head for the skies. For the majority of the flight, the side cabin door was left open providing fantastic views of the local countryside. Cadets even had the chance to sit on the floor with their legs hanging out of the aircraft - strapped to a harness of course! Cpl Daisy Buck (15) said: “This experience completely blew me away!” Some cadets were also lucky to visit the cockpit during the sortie and to talk to the pilots.

Cadet Charlotte Hunt (15) explained: “The whole thing was amazing from beginning to end, from take-off to touchdown. The word ‘epic’ was used too many times to remember – I think it might become our new squadron motto!”

One of the staff members supervising the cadets, CI Luarina Nash commented: “It’s amazing what fantastic opportunities are available to 1066 cadets. It’s one of the best experiences of my life and I shall never forget it!”

Commanding Officer of 1066, Flt Lt Erica Vey, who organised the trip explained: "This opportunity was an amazing one for all of us and we are so grateful to the personnel at Wattisham for hosting our visit. Having the door open during the sortie and being able to sit with our legs outside of the aircraft during the flight was a superb experience and I know that we will never forget it."

HITCHIN’S FUNDRAISING EFFORTS CONTINUE

BY FLT LT ERICA VEY
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Over twenty cadets from 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron have just completed a one day bag-pack at the Waitrose store in the town. The funds raised from the event on Saturday 20th December will go towards the upkeep of the squadron’s minibus for 2009.

The first group of cadets started their bag-packing at 09.00 hrs and completed their shift at 13.00 hrs. At 12.30 hrs the second team of cadets arrived for their briefing, ready to take over from the morning cadets. They completed their shift at 17.00 hrs. The hard work by the cadets also counts towards their volunteering section of their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Cdt Hope Wagstaffe (15) explains ‘it was really rewarding to be able to give something back to the squadron by helping out at the bag-pack. I felt it was a great success and we all worked well as a team.’

The squadron was able to have its recruitment display out on show and this attracted a lot of interest. The event looks to have raised over £800 which is a fantastic achievement.
Commanding Officer Flt Lt Vey said ‘the cadets all worked extremely hard and did a fantastic job of packing bags and helping customers with their shopping. Thank you to the store for giving us this opportunity and also to the staff and Civilian Committee who assisted on the day.’

Instructor Cadet Flight Sergeant Samuel James (18) said ‘we had a great day at this year’s Waitrose bag-pack with a good turn out of cadets. Lots of questions were asked by the general public and as always these bag-packs are a brilliant opportunity to raise local awareness of 1066 squadron, the ATC and to raise funds at the same time.’

REGIONAL COMMANDANT VISITS 1066

BY FLT LT ERICA VEY
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Last week the Central and East Region Commandant Group Captain Brett Morrell paid a visit to 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron. The squadron was one of two units within Herts & Bucks Wing that he had chosen to visit this month.

Upon his arrival at 19.00 hrs Gp Capt Morrell listened to the thirty strong marching band play a variety of tunes. During the evening he spoke to Commanding Officer Flt Lt Erica Vey and Senior Wing Staff Officer Sqn Ldr Paul Mimpress. He also spent time talking to all the staff and thirty five cadets in attendance as well as observing project work being undertaken by the cadets.

At the end of the evening a final parade was held and Gp Capt Morrell presented 1066 squadron with the Vampire trophy for best squadron in the Wing for 2007. This was received by Instructor Cadet Flight Sergeant Lewis Stockwell (18) on behalf of the squadron. Other presentations included a handful of Wing blues for cross country, hockey and swimming, two promotions and a leading cadet classification badge. Gp Capt Morrell also kindly presented Flt Lt Vey with a book ‘First Light’.

Flt Lt Vey said ‘it was a great honour to host a visit by the Regional Commandant and for 1066 to officially receive the Vampire trophy for 2007. This trophy symbolises a lot of hard work and continued effort by the cadets and staff at Hitchin.’

HITCHIN CADETS VISIT HISTORIC WAR BUNKER

BY I/CDT SGT SAMUEL JAMES
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Cadets from 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron Air Training Corps had an interesting parade night when they were recently privileged enough to experience a tour around HQ Number 11 Group Bunker which was constructed at RAF Uxbridge and was used to organise operations in the Battle of Britain during World War II.

Since then it has been fully restored to its former glory and run as a historic war museum. As the bunker is on an RAF station it isn’t easy for members of the general public to tour the bunker. So the squadron was certainly very fortunate to be shown around the facility by the Bunker’s curator who showed the cadets around and spoke on the history of the bunker and provided some fascinating facts on the plotting room and how operations were run during the Battle of Britain.

One of the cadets on the trip that evening, Instructor Cadet Sergeant Samuel James (18) said “This trip to Number 11 bunker was a very fascinating and interesting insight into how the Battle of Britain was run and organised. 1066 would like to thank Squadron Leader Paul Mimpress for organising the trip.”

YOUTH TRUST'S AMAZING GESTURE

By FLT LT ERICA VEY

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Back in September 2007 the cadets of 1066 (Hitchin) squadron, under the leadership of Musical Director Instructor Cadet Flight Sergeant Lewis Stockwell, organised ‘An Evening of Music’ which was held at Hitchin Town Hall. This music concert was held in order to raise funds for much needed band equipment.

With cadets putting information leaflets about the event through their neighbours’ front doors, one of the guests at the concert was Mr Roger How, President of Hitchin Youth Trust.

Mr How was so impressed with the performances and the evening in general, that he later contacted Squadron Commanding Officer Flt Lt Erica Vey in the hope that Hitchin Youth Trust could assist the squadron with funding for more band equipment. Between them an application was then put together to try for a successful bid for funding at one of the Trust’s meetings.

A few months later 1066 Squadron received the amazing news that it was to receive a donation of £3,600 towards the purchase of new band equipment. This fantastic gesture along with funds from the concert has enabled the squadron to purchase three bell lyres, six snare drums, two tenor drums, drum sticks, a bass drum, cymbals, a mace, belts and gloves as well as protective carry cases for all the drums and lyres.

On Monday 1st December four members of Hitchin Youth Trust visited 1066 Squadron to listen to the band and meet the cadets. They were impressed with the band’s performance and the hard work that the cadets put in especially meeting early on parade nights to practice.

Flt Sgt Stockwell (18) explained: "Without the money that Hitchin Youth Trust gave 1066, the band would still be playing battered instruments and would not sound anywhere near as impressive as it does today. The money has allowed the band to improve its standards of playing and because of this we are extremely grateful to the trust.’

Flt Lt Vey said: "The 1066 marching band continues to grow and the new band equipment is making this possible. We are truly grateful to Hitchin Youth Trust for its very generous donation. The cadets practice on a weekly basis and put a great deal of effort in. It is fantastic that finally the instruments that were over twenty years old have been replaced.’

CADETS HELP FIGHT CANCER

By CADET CPL HENRY WISDOM

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Cadets from 1066 (Hitchin) squadron turned out in force to raise money for the squadron and Somerfield’s chosen charity of the year, Macmillan Cancer Support.

This is the time of year when Hitchin squadron descends upon the local supermarkets for organised bag-packs, which provides the squadron with essential funds.

In the last week, 1066 Squadron has carried out three days of bag-packing at the small Somerfield store in Shefford. Two days were for squadron funds and one day was for Macmillan Cancer Support. The hard work by the cadets has enabled them to raise over £800 for the squadron.

The cadets took the opportunity of giving back to the community by organising a one day bag-pack in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support group on Saturday 29 November. Macmillan Cancer Support is one of the UK's biggest cancer charities. It focuses on helping people with cancer and their friends and families - because cancer is an illness that affects a lot of people in a variety of ways - physically, emotionally, and even financially. The cadets’ £500 contribution to the charity will be gratefully accepted.

Deirdre Wisdom, Chairperson to the Squadron’s Civilian Committee said: "The money raised for the squadron will help us hugely. Even though a lot of the cadet activities are subsidised, the running and maintenance of their minibus, utilities and band equipment are not."

Cadet Sgt Benjamin Reed added: "Everyone who attended has put in a great deal of effort and as result, we manged to receive lots of donations which will benefit the squadron greatly. Plus we as a squadron get a good reputation locally which promotes us and the Air Cadets as a whole."

With more bag packs planned in the near future at Waitrose and Sainsbury’s, 1066’s work is nowhere near over.

1066 ASSIST AT ANNUAL DINNER

By FLT LT ERICA VEY

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For many years now, 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron has assisted at the annual dinner of the North Herts Branch of The Aircrew Association. This year was no exception and on the evening of Friday 28th November four cadets and a staff member travelled to the Jester Hotel in Odsey to assist.

Fg Off Elizabeth Fox supervised the cadets who assisted during the evening by taking coats from all the guests, opening car doors for the Guests of Honour and selling raffle tickets.

In return for their efforts Cpl Matthew Woodward (16), Cpl Douglas Johnson (16), Cdt Emiko Kemp (15) and Cdt Hope Wagstaffe (15) all enjoyed tucking into a Christmas meal. The Aircrew Association also kindly made a donation to 1066 squadron funds.

Cpl Douglas Johnson said: "This was a very enjoyable evening and the guests were all very kind. Being provided with a Christmas meal and soft drinks was a lovely gesture."

TASTE OF ROYALTY FOR HITCHIN

By FLT LT ERICA VEY

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Four cadets and a staff member from 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron experienced a taste of the high life, with a flight in a BAe 146 aircraft on Monday, 24 November.

This was no ordinary flight as the aircraft was part of 32 (The Royal) Squadron based at RAF Northolt. The aircraft is usually busy flying The Queen, members of the Royal Family, VIPs and Politicians - but this was a training flight and the cadets of 1066 were given the opportunity to come along for the sortie.

It was a very early start for the group with an 0730hrs arrival at the departure lounge. On the road at 0545 hrs, 1066 Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Erica Vey, I/Flt Sgt Lewis Stockwell, Cpl Matthew Woodward and Cdts Hope Wagstaffe and Holly Somerville survived the motorway traffic to arrive at the departure lounge with 15 minutes to spare!

Seven other Air Cadets from as far afield as Wales joined the 1066 group for a briefing on the aircraft and busy day that lay ahead. The flying commenced just before 0900 hrs and the group returned to RAF Northolt at gone 1600 hrs. The flight saw the aircraft stop at various places including Liverpool, Plymouth, London City and Guernsey.

The cadets enjoyed exploring the aircraft and sitting in the very seat The Queen uses on the aircraft. A hot meal was also kindly provided by the crew. After a long but exciting day, the cadets returned to their squadron for a regular parade night.

Flt Lt Vey, who organised the trip, said: "This was a superb experience, particularly for the cadets who have never flown in an aircraft of this size, having only flown in light aircraft with the ATC. The RAF Northolt personnel were fantastic and we are truly grateful for their hospitality."

Cadet Holly Somerville (15) added: "It was an amazing opportunity - not very many people can say that they have flown with The Royal Squadron."

HITCHIIN GIVE A HELPING HAND

BY FLT LT ERICA VEY
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Back in May this year, Martin Vey, Treasurer of the 1066 (Hitchin) Sqn civilian committee accepted the big challenge of organising personnel to manage one of the entry gates at the very popular Rhythms of The World (ROTW) music festival.

The two day world music festival took place over the weekend of 12-13th July in the grounds of The Priory in Hitchin. The festival has been held annually since 1992. Back then it started with just five performers but now has more than seven hundred. The event attracts thousands of people but is all organised by a thirty-stong team of volunteers who meet fortnightly throughout the year to ensure the event is the great success it is.

Three civilian committee members, two staff members, many cadet parents and their family and friends aged over eighteen worked shifts on one of the two gates. They took entry fees, sold programmes and applied wrist bands to members of the public. In return for their hard work they received free entry to the event and refreshments. Security personnel were also present at the gate. Personnel covered 10.00 – 22.00 hrs both days with Martin working all weekend carrying out briefings, monitoring volunteers and recording takings.

On Saturday 28th September at a post festival thank you event for the volunteers, Martin and Squadron Commanding Officer Flt Lt Erica Vey collected a four hundred pound donation for 1066 squadron from the ROTW Chairman Matthew Wyle.


Flt Lt Vey said ‘Hitchin squadron was pleased to be able to help the community by manning one of the gates. Although the hours were long, the atmosphere was great and the team were all extremely hard working. I would like to thank the personnel that supported 1066 Squadron with this huge task, many whom worked both days. A special thank you must go to Martin for the many extra hours he put in, in order to find and manage the many volunteers.’

Thanks also to Fg Off Laura Pole of 2313 DF for assisting at the event.

NORTH WALES CHALLENGE FOR 1066

BY FLT LT ERICA VEY
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A group of twelve cadets from 1066 (Hitchin) squadron and three staff members have just returned from a busy few days in North Wales. The purpose of the trip, organised by CI Dave Dewbery (ML) was for the cadets to complete their silver practice or qualifying Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition. All of the cadets completed their bronze award last year with the help of Flt Lt Erica Vey and CI Dave Dewbery.

The group departed 1066 squadron on Tuesday 26 August in the squadron minibus with trailer. After a long journey, base camp was set up near Barmouth. The following day the expedition started with three groups leaving base camp early that morning.

With one cadet dropping out on the first day, the three groups then had to re-form into two larger groups. The next three days saw cadets covering over thirty miles on foot and camping out at two different camp sites. The three staff members on the expedition spent time monitoring the groups and checking them at their campsite in the evening.

The group returned home very tired on Saturday 30 August. Cpl Henry Wisdom (16) who completed his practice expedition said ‘by far the best expedition I have ever done! It was wet and foggy and a challenging route but I had a fantastic time.’

Cadet Oliver Martin (15) who was completing a second practice expedition said ‘the Wales expedition was a great opportunity to test my map reading skills and enabled me to work as part of a team.’
All of the cadets have expressed an interest in completing their gold awards with the squadron. Some are old enough to start the gold level now but others will have to wait until next year. They will complete their gold expeditions with the seven cadets who are already silver award holders at the squadron.

Cpl Matthew Woodward (15) who has just completed his silver award as a result of passing the expedition explains ‘it is great how the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is both exciting and challenging.’