Great opportunity for any 16-21 year old living in CV34 to go on the Warwick Twinning exchange visit to Germany this summer - FREE! Sponsored by Warwick Town Council and the Twinning Association...just need to apply...🇪🇺♥️

Every year, till the end of March, the number of points for successfully completed Duke of Edinburgh Awards is added up (3pts for Gold, 2 for Silver, 1 for Bronze), and the total score is used to award the Wing DofE Trophy. This year we got 48 points, close to double what we got last year (where we came 3rd by 1pt). Congratulations to 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron achieved an outstanding 50 points, securing 1st place and taking home the trophy. The full results are as follows: 1. 495 (Sutton Coldfield) – 50 points 2. 1368 (Warwick & Leamington Spa) – 48 points 3. 121 (Nuneaton) – 32 points As the Wing DofE Officer states "This year, Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing has increased its overall DofE achievement by an impressive 65% compared to last year. It has been fantastic to see so many squadrons collaborating, supporting one another, and re-engaging with the Award—particularly those returning after several years of limited activity." We do have 4 cadets hopeful...

One of 1368's most senior cadets, FS R spent a week in the Lake District. "Not a PGL week", this W&W Region Staff (and senior cadet) development course focused on training and logbook entries for professional qualifications in outdoor leadership. A chance to experience new locations and meet like-minded people.  It's great to see these region and national opportunities open for senior cadets, and them taking the chance while they have it, challenging them in their chosen sports and developing their qualifications and experience for the future. RAFAC's redeveloped Windermere AT centre is pretty swish, apparently (it even has a TV).

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)...