Long term favourite this one. Normally we do as an IET/practice with NCOs helping, but tried this as assessed to get some through Bronze sooner. Was a step-up for sure, a few stories to tell about cows and getting lost, the DofE classics. New day 1 start route with canal/train route elements to seemed to flow well. First time anyone has tried making a cake/fishing. Slightly more challenging due to some footpath obfuscation around MOD Kineton on day 2 but they made in the end. Campsite was a stunning backdrop to fun in near perfect weather on the Sat and great comradery shown.

We occasional miss the opportunity, but 2026 is turning out to the year of the cake. With Year 11 exams almost done, last week saw another cake creation battle as Sgt G reached the ripe old age of 16. FS R's sloppy RAF roundel was really tasty with a light sponge (no photo though/FS R jumped the gun). Cdt R's creation was an MTP-themed air cadet Chocolate cake with brown/green mini-poos being attacked by Spitfires. Bravo to both bakers. Both were very nice.

Teamwork is about believing in a common goal and going for it. Leadership is about getting others to believe. Cdt L received the honours as COTM for last month for his contribution with Wing Athletics Competition 2026 win, engagement in preparation, negotiating tactical changes, running great warm ups and cool downs. There was lots of others, but his positive energy and regular attendance as a senior cadet, really helped to lead others to the win this year.

Community Duties is one of 1368's key pillars. We managed to recreate a 2019 classic shot, with CI M back in the driving seat as 1368 revisited one of its classic community duties on Sat. Tis was a little wet, but nothing new, Sqn event shelter came in handy, cadets got some free food, and we got to show off our high vis livery.

Now 8 months since building was closed as a result of RFCA/DIO contract changes as a result of  Volunteer_Estate_Value_for_Money_Study_Report.pdf  (adoption of contract for maintenance by VIVO). Cadets are looking forward to returning as the door was fixed in Feb 2026.  Hard facilities management services for the Volunteer Estate to be delivered by the MOD Built Estates contract - RFCA Yorkshire

Sensed things were going well when everyone turned up for coach, we were first in stand, and first three categories of those who came to do long jump all went to 1368 cadets. Speaking to a few OCs who cited late drop-outs but 2026 team didn't falter, had full girls teams for first time for a while, a few GCSEs with enough gaps in exams to plug holes (and score massive), unusually strong junior boys team, and impressive positive team-energy led by oldies. CI M's parody of a motivation speech on the coach? 2nd in Wing last year was good, but somehow 1st feels better and also reflects the strength across the different ages and genders, or perhaps just the general team spirit that NCOs have engendered as 1368 has grown over the last 5 years, since winning the competition in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Good competition though. Standard seemed quite high. Many thanks to the Birmingham and Warwickshire staff who took on running it and all the other staff who helped out on the day. It is grea...

Well done to 1368's Cdt F who became part of Wing's vanguard of cadets undertaking the new drone flying syllabus. 

Fairly relaxed. Good warm up. Final chance to practice (do hokey cokey / get DofE hours in) before the comp. "If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail" (att: Benjamin Franklin).

This weekday during half term saw a great day making use of the hot weather in half-term to do some river-based adventure training. Contrast with canoes in the afternoon worked well, very relaxing (until the water pumps came out and then it was like the Battle of Trafalgar).  Good fun though, and nice mix of first timers and previous, incl. help from one of our very own Paddlesport Instructor cadets. Looking getting Paddle UK Start Award certificates for those who've done multiple sessions or full day.