Mon 30 Oct we took adv. of holiday number drop to switch out lessons and do a team-based paper aeroplane manufacturing challenge instead. Teams had to try things over a fixed period, make improvements and try again (in sprints). We learnt how an agile team is able to adapt and improve incrementally if they're motivated to work together. Lots of thinking outside the box by the end (some might say cheating) but it was all good fun. Also big congratulations to Cdt R, the first to be promoted to rank of Cpl as we look to incrementally shape the NCO structure for 2024.  We continued to do new recruit show arounds to build up the waiting list for next intake.

Sqn strength currently 57 on books, with just under 40 parading on a night. 0923 intake of 9 seems to be holding together / merged with smaller 0523 to get First Class completed. Some new staff have joined, post 18 p/work underway for some NCOs approaching 18 to become staff cadets. Good stock of blues uniform now, aiming to uniform them up for Remembrance Parade. Sqn's drill feels like it has depth of experience now. Big intake from 2023 matured quite well. Managed to restock Cpl stripes. Doing tours for next intake (probably 0124 but TBD).

He also made a new friend. The Elf and Safety investigation is ongoing.

Congratulations to CWO G on achieving her Gold DofE Award. The 3rd of our 2022, DofE without a difference style, expeditioners to complete the remaining sections to climb the mountain and gain her Gold Award.

Leadership qualities are one of the aspects fostered by the RAF Air Cadet (RAFAC) organisation. Sgt M has consistently set high standards in terms of maturity, personal standards, and teamwork.  Congratulations on her on her promotion to cadet Flight Sergeant (FS). The motto of the Air Cadets is "Venture Adventure". We endeavor to foster a distinctive character, spirit and attitude that pulls us together as a team, overcome challenges and help each other in the face of adversity. Effective and consistent leadership from our cadet NCOs is crucial to achieving this and being part of something that is more than an individual.

One of the great things about DofE expeditions is that you get taken completely away from your environment and you have to survive in an environment you've never been to with your friends. It's a challenge as well as an escape, especially when things go wrong and you have to deal with them and come through it as a team. You learn a lot about your friends.   On 6-8 October, 11 of our cadets went to Shropshire to do their Silver DofE expeditions. Most of them were doing a practice but we also had 4 cadets do their actual Silver expedition. DofE is one of our core activities. We expect all cadets to do their Bronze Awards and many that go into Year 9 or above do their Silver and Gold Awards with the Squadron.

Parading in the 37-42 cadets a night region at the mo. Sqn grew: 9 new joiners in 0923 intake (seem to be taking well). Great success in national courses by cadet NCOs. FS P started his RAFAC Qualified Aerospace Instructors (QAIC). Other news: Gnorman is out of gnome hospital. We finally got the badges from Wing for 3 DofE Bronzes and the latest Gold DofE. Cdt S won cadet-of-the-month for Oct, he was a "Legend" on Silver DofE.