It's now approaching 6 months now since the building was closed due to failure of the building maintenance system following the award to VIVO Defence  as a result of  Volunteer_Estate_Value_for_Money_Study_Report.pdf  which concluded that RFCA use MOD's existing built estates supplier starting in August 2024 as it would provide better value for money. We thank those members of the local community that have helped us continue to deliver with alternatives and RAFAC HQ who have tried their best to resolve. 

Easter hols saw an opportunity for 1368 to run another inter-flight competition. This one was building rocket launchers out of toilet rolls and rubber bands. Some excellent "thinking on your feet" design stories (who needs ChatGPT). Winners based on combined group scores were Alpha (33 pts), followed by Charlie (32) and Bravo (31). It was a smallpeice trust home challenge, 2nd we've done. These seems to fit nicely into a parade night, more to come.  The challenge came from Smallpeice Trust's website here:  https://www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk/challenge-yourself-at-home/  if anybody wants to try themselves.

Air Cadet Training Order 123 (Musician Badges): We have quite a musical Sqn (our rock band won the Wing ensemble last year with a couple of songs they learnt and played together, including an Abba one, they seem to be very keen on Queen at the moment). As we enter final stages of current training segment we're trying to get as many badges as possible. ACTO 123 gives the requirements for musician badges either a) because of existing grades or b) as part of an assessment. As part of an assessment it's possible for new musicians to be mixed with existing. It may change but current ACTO 123 (version 7) says: Blue Badges 6. Blue badges are awarded solely on the basis of musical ability.   7. It is not necessary for a cadet to be in a band to qualify for a ‘blue’ badge – although the assessment route is designed with band members in mind.  A cadet may qualify for a ‘blue’ badge in one of three ways: a. By passing a recognised music board examination at grade 3 (practical)...

Last Saturday saw 8 of our more senior cadets experience clay pigeon shooting for the first time. It's taken staff team over 6 months of liaison and admin to get all the pieces in place, with aim to share their passion. Priority was given to slightly older cadets on first one, which was also a nice opportunity to keep in touch with some of the year 11's. Great success though, including support from venue.  Plan, timings and approvals all seemed to work. More to come, as we look to provide new and exciting stuff in 2026.

Well done to 8 cadets from 1368 Sqn who all passed the St John's EFA course last Wednesday. The night also provided an opportunity for 2 additional staff and cadet Sgt H to be signed off EFA trainers. EFA is the base First Aid qual, and needs to be achieved within first 6 months/renewed every 3 years. Not only does it mean they are better prepared to help save (mainly) old people, but some have also achieved their first badge (aim is to get brassard & sow it on, ready for uniform).

As a result of high attendance and stalwart performance in excess of rank, "Gnorman night of the Domino Pizza order" hat ownership passed from Cpl K to Cpl G last Monday for outstanding NCO-ness. She got to take an NCO selfie with NCO team. 3 of these that she might get the prestigious NCO Millennium Falcon medal.