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Latest News

Welcome to the Latest News section!  Our new Media Section team consists of both staff and cadets, aiming to highlight all the great activities that we do, via our website, press releases to local newspapers and video clips.  Read more about 2187 Squadron by taking a look at SKY HIGH, our squadron newsletter.

Follow 2187 Squadron on Twitter and Facebook!

You can now keep up to date easily by following us on Twitter and Facebook! Either click on the logos on the left, or copy and paste this link to your browser: http://twitter.com/2187squadron

Keep up to date with what are are doing!

* * * *

Visit to RAF Mildenhall

2187 will be visiting the United States Air Force (USAF) base at RAF Mildenhall in Suffolk, in September! 25 lucky cadets and staff will have a tour of this large base, visiting a flying squdron, meeting aircrew and looking over their aircraft.

Click the station crest (left) to find out more about the USAF based at RAF Mildenhall.

* * * *

Promotion time!

A number of cadets were recently promoted after completing the selection process. Candidates for promotion had to complete five Phases, which included an exam, uniform inspection, drill test, practical leadership exercise and finally an interview. Candidates were promoted to take responsibility as junior managers at various levels, assuming more responsibility the higher up the ranks they progress. Those successfully promoted were:

Promoted to Cdt Corporal - Cdt Baptiste, Cdt Harvey, Cdy Stevens, Cdt Thomas.

Promoted to Cdt Sergeant - Cpl Chadwick and Cpl Swan

Promoted to Cdt Flight Sergeant - Sgt Bennett and Sgt Worrall

Well done!

* * * *

Essex Wing Inter-Squadron Athletics

Essex Wing held its annual Inter-Squadron Athletics competition at Melbourne Park, Chelmsford. On a very wet and cold May day, 2187 Sqn did a fantastic job by walking off with 12 medals! Not only that, but Sgt Swan broke a Wing record for shot putt, and Cpl Stevens broke three other Wing records!

Although we did not win any trophies, we came 5th in Senior Girls and 3rd in Class B Boys - a very pleasing result indeed! In spite of the poor weather, a great day was had and spirits were high. Well done to all of the cadets that took part, a great team effort! An additional well done to Sgt Swan whom organised all the cadets for the events.

A full listing of all the medals won by our cadets will appear here soon.

* * * *

Former 2187 Squadron cadet joins up!

Former Cadet Warrant Officer Jack Watson has been accepted for Officer training with the Royal Air Force. Jack, whom gained a Flying Scholarship and won the Leadership Trophy on the Junior Leaders course as a cadet, later attended Bristol University Air Squadron (UAS).

Jack recently attended the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre at RAF Cranwell, and now has a date to join up. Well done Jack!

* * * *

New Archery Instructor!

Miss Maltby has qualified as an Archery Instructor! Along with a number of other staff from Essex Wing, she attended a training course over two full weekends.

It is intended that archery will become an popular activity at 2187 Squadron, and that we purchase our own kit to be able to run this on as regular basis. Well done Miss Maltby!

* * * *

New Chairman flies in to take up post

2187 Squadron is set to welcome a new Chairman of the Civilian Welfare Committee (CWC). After many years service, Mr Dennis Palmer is to step down and hand over the reins to Mr Stuart Clarke. Mr Palmer is a former Warrant Officer of the squadron, and pervious to that served in the Royal Air Force.

Mr Clarke has served as both a cadet and staff member of St John Ambulance for 20+ years, and is keen to bring his extensive skills to his new role. His brother is a former Cdt FS of 2187 Sqn, and currently an RAF NCO. Mr Clarke takes up the Chairman position on 19 May.

The Commanding Officer and all members of 2187 Squadron wish to thank Mr Palmer for his many years of loyal service. Mr Palmer will continue to work closely with the unit.

* * * *

 

Hockey representation

Cdt Corporal Swan and Cdt Harvey recently represented Essex Wing in the London & South East Region Hockey competition. Essex Wing came third in the competition, and Cdt Harvey was later selected to represent L&SE Region in the Corps competition.

* * * *

 

Fieldcraft Training Weekend

Staff from 2187 Squadron recently took 22 cadets away on a Fieldcraft training weekend. The cadets were taught a variety of skills and had a great weekend away! Look out for dates of the next few weekends away, and thanks to Sgt Parsons and Sgt Tunley for organising this successful weekend.

* * * *

Essex Wing Annual Report

The Annual Report for Essex Wing ATC can be found by visiting this link. There are a few mentions for 2187 Squadron inside! Take a moment to have a look and see what Air Cadets from Essex have achieved!

* * * *

A busy year for camps!

Cadets from 2187 Squadron have a busy few months ahead! Lucky cadets will spending week-long camps at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire (home of the Red Arrows) and RAF Aldergrove in Northern Ireland. A number of cadets will be attending the Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre at Llanbedr, Snowdonia, and Cdt Corporal Chadwick is going to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.

We also will be participating in a 5-day camp at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, as part of the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) airshow. Plenty to look forward to!

* * * *

Officer Cadet Bradford graduates

Officer Cadet Bradford recently attended the week-long Officer Initial Course at RAF College Cranwell, which is compulsory for all new RAFVR(T) officers. He successfully graduated from the course, and was awarded the certificate for Top Student of his course - for the second time! As a previous Adult Sergeant, he gained the same accolade on his SNCO course. Well done!

He is now promoted to Pilot Officer and takes up post as Squadron Operations Officer (Ops Officer).

* * * *

2187 Squadron welcomes new Civilian Instructor

Welcome to another new Civilian Instructor to 2187 Squadron! Mrs Kaz Dean is looking forward to getting stuck in, and we are very pleased to have her on board!

Click here to meet the entire 2187 Squadron staff team!

* * * *

Rugby representation

Cdt Corporal Chadwick has received another certificate for representing Essex Wing at Rugby. The Essex Wing team started out very well in the LASER sport event, and should be very pleased with their efforts!

Cdt Corporal Chadwick is seen here receiving his certificate.

* * * *

Fundraising Curry Night

A fundraising curry night was held at the Maharaja restaurant in Benfleet, to raise money for various squadron projects. 50 people took part in the event, which was an all-you-can-eat meal followed by a disco.

A great night was had, and we raised £393 in the process! Thanks to all that participated!

* * * *

Meet the Cadet NCOs

Here's the opportunity for you to meet the senior cadets that assist the adult staff in running 2187 Squadron.

Click here to find out about our Cadet NCO team!

* * * *

2187 Sqn wins Essex Wing Marksmanship Trophy

Well to us! For the second consecutive year, 2187 Sqn has won the Essex Wing Marksmanship Trophy. The trophy is awarded to the squadron that has gained the most Squadron, Wing, Region and Corps Marksman badges.

We look forward to it being formally presented to the squadron later this year.

* * * *

2187 Squadron welcomes new Civilian Instructor

Welcome to Mr Green, whom has transferred to 2187 Sqn from Central & East Yorkshire Wing. Mr Green brings a wealth of aviation knowledge and is starting up aircraft modelling on the squadron.

Welcome aboard!

* * * *

 

Cdt Sgt Worrall gains BTEC in Aviation Studies

Congratulations to Cdt Sgt Worrall, whom recenty passed his Staff Part 1 exams. The subjects he studied for included Operational Flying and Satellite Communications.

All cadets that pass Staff Pt 1 automatically qualify for the BTEC in Aviation Studies (intermediate level).

* * * *

Mr Parsons and Miss Stokes appointed Sergeant (ATC)

Congratulations to both Mr Parsons and Miss Stokes after successfully passing their interviews (known as 'Boards') to be appointed as a Sergeant (ATC).  Sgt Parsons has been a member of staff for about three years, and Sgt Stokes for a year.  To even get to the interview stage, they had to attend several training weekends as part of the Potential Uniform Staff Development course (PSD) to learn about the role and expectations.  They then had a pre-Board with some Wing Staff Officers, to determine if they were ready to go in front of the Wing Commander for the final Board.

Well done Sergeant Parsons and Sergeant Stokes!

* * * *

2187 Squadrons band performs at Horseguards

2187 Squadron recently had the honour of being asked to play at a parade in Whitehall, London.  The event was the annual parade for the Devon & Dorsets Regiment Old Comrades Association - having seen our band play at the local Armed Forces Day Parade in June, 2187 Sqn was approached to play at their London parade.

The band started with a musical warm-up on Horseguards Parade, where the Trooping the Colour event is held each year.  After a brilliant performance, the band lead the Devon & Dorsets parade out on to Whitehall, and, in front of a few thousand people, down to The Cenotaph.  A short wreath-laying ceremony was held by the Devon & Dorsets, where our band played God Save the Queen (the first time it played the tune, and very well too!).

The parade was then marched back up Whitehall and onto Horseguards Parade. At the end of the parade, the band performed a number of tunes, for the entertainment of the many tourists that took photos of the cadets!

A brilliant morning, that involved several further requests by tourists, to have their photo taken with the cadets!  Well done to all those that took part!


* * * *

2187 Squadron say goodbye to Plt Off Lindup

2187 Squadron has sadly had to say goodbye to Plt Off Paul Lindup.  Plt Off Lindup has been a member of 2187 Squadron for about 18 months, after transferring into Essex Wing.  He has has been responsible for a number of fieldcraft training weekends, that were greatly enjoyed by the cadets and staff.  He has now moved to a different area of Essex, meaning he has had to transfer squadrons.

Plt Off Lindup is a former Cadet Warrant Officer, whom later served a number of years in the Army Air Corps, before returning the ATC.  Everyone wishes him the very best in his new unit, but we look forward to seeing him at various 2187 Squadron events in the future.

All the best!

* * * *

More Marksman badges gained!

Officer Cadet Bradford has helped even more cadets gain their marksman badges!  Cdt Cpl Robson, Cdt Cpl Swan and Cdt G Swan all recently gained various marksman badges.  2187 Squadron won the Essex Wing Marksman Trophy for 2008, and hopefully these new awards will help us retain the trophy for 2009!

* * * *

2187 Squadron leads Remembrance Day Parade

The 2009 Remembrance Day Service was held at The Paddocks Community Centre, with approx 800 people filling the venue.  Cdt Sgt Parker and Cdt Sgt Green-Muid represented 2187 Sqn at the wreath-laying ceremony, and the squadron band lead the parade of around 200 personnel tot he Royal British Legion club for refreshments. 

Well done to the band for a brilliant perfromance, and the entire squadron for its smartness and turnout.

* * * *

RAF Wittering Camp

13 cadets from 2187 Squadron joined others from across Essex Wing for a week-long camp at RAF Wittering.  The aim of the camp is to experience life on an RAF station and learn more about different roles in the RAF.  Whilst on camp, Cdt A Harvey won the award for Best Cadet, and Cdt C White won the award for Most Improved Cadet.  Additionally, Cdt Sgt Evans, Cdt Stevens and Cdt Harvey all gained various Marksmen badges - well done all!

* * * *

Essex Wing Adventure Training & Leadership Camp - Fremington, Devon

5 cadets from 2187 Sqn joined over 200 Essex Air Cadets for a week-long adventure training camp in Devon.

* * * *

Commandant Air Cadets attends 2187 Squadron Mess Night & Awards Evening!

Air Commodore Stewart, Commandant Air Cadets, was the Principal Guest at the 2187 Squadron Mess Night recently. Air Commodore Stewart and his wife joined a total of 156 people for the 9th Annual squadron dinner, and was kind enough to present awards for the following squadron personnel:

  • Best Cadet - Cdt Stevens
  • Best NCO - Cdt Cpl Swan
  • Best Sports Cadet - Cdt Thomas
  • Most Improved Cadet - Cdt Sallis
  • Best Recruit - Cdt A Harvey
  • Flight Lieutenant Maltby Community Trophy  - Cdt Mayo
  • Good Show awards - Sgt (ATC) Tunley

* * * *

Cdt Sgt Parker attends RAF Non-Commissioned Aircrew Work Experience Course

Cdt Sgt Parker attended the Non-Commissioned Aircrew Course for Air Cadets recently.

* * * *

More cadets attend RAF Police Work Experience Course

Cdt Sgt Worrall and Cdt Hooper attended the RAF Police Work Experience Course at RAF Henlow recently.

* * * *

2187 Squadron Mess Night & Awards Evening - Friday 9 October

The legendary 2187 Squadron Mess Night is coming!  As always, it will take place at the Oysterfleet Hotel, a member of the exclusive Michelin Guide. The event costs £25 for all guests, but is FREE to all cadets.  The Mess Night is an RAF-style dinner/dance, which consists of a 3-course meal, followed by the annual awards, then disco until 1am.  Will YOUR name be engraved on this years trophies? The awards are:

  • Best Cadet
  • Best NCO
  • Best Sports Cadet
  • Most Improved Cadet
  • Best Recruit
  • Flight Lieutenant Maltby Community Trophy
  • Good Show awards

Click here to see pictures from last years 60th Anniversary dinner, or here to find out more about the Squadron Mess Night.

* * * *

Cdt Cpl Chadwick and Cdt Vincent get RAF Police Work Experience course places

Two of our cadets are lucky enough to be attending the same RAF Work Experience course!  Cdt Cpl Chadwick and Cdt Vincent will both be attending the RAF Police Work Experience Course at RAF Henlow in late August.

Both cadets have long had an interest in a future career in the RAF Police, and this will be an excellent way of getting a close-up insight! 

Remember!  Only Air Cadets can get on these courses!

* * * *

Cdt Sgt Evans attends Rheindahlen Camp

Cdt Sgt Evans in back in the UK after spending a week at Rheindahlen Garrison, in Germany!


* * * *

 

Cdt Sgt Evans passes RAF Cranwell Air Cadet Leadership Course

Cdt Sgt Evans has completed the tough Air Cadet Leadership Course, held at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire. On his first morning, he had to complete a 1.5 mile run in approx 15 mins, followed by a 16k march.

After a physically and mentally demanding week, he not only managed to reach the Graduation Parade, but was also a member of the Best Flight for the course. Good Show!

* * * *

 

Cdt Thomas gains Wing Marksman and Cdt Alizade a Region Marksman

Congratulations to the latest cadets to gain Marksmen badges!  Cadet C Thomas gained her Wing Marksman, and Cdt M Alizade gained his Region Marksman.

Well done to both, and let's hope we achieve more in the future!

* * * *

2187 Squadron leads Armed Forces Day Parade

Canvey Island recently held its first ever Armed Forces Day Parade, to honour those currently serving in HM Forces, as well as our Veterans.  2187 Squadron was honoured to be asked to lead the parade, which started at Furtherwick Park School.  The event was organised by Bob Spink MP (whom formerly served in the RAF) and Councillor Neville Watson (ex-British Army).

The squadron band lead the parade, which included members of the Royal Anglian Regiment, Gurkhas, Chelsea Pensioners and other Veterans.  The route was lined by approximately 5000 cheering and clapping members of the local community, whom did Canvey Island proud with their support.  It is planned to do the same again in 2010.

* * * *


Flt Lt Weston presented with Cadet Forces Medal

2187 Squadron formed part of the Massed Bands of Essex Wing at the annual Essex Wing Parade, held this year at Hylands Park, Chelmsford.  Approximately 600 Air Cadets were on parade on a very hot day!  The Reviewing Officer was Air Commodore Lock, whom presented Flight Lieutenant Weston with his Cadet Forces Medal.  The medal is awarded to uniformed staff whom have completed 12 years service in the Cadet Forces.  After each further period of 6 years uniformed service, a clasp (or 'bar' is awarded) is added to the medal. 

Flt Lt Weston was Commissioned into the RAFVR(T) in July 1996, after a year serving as a Civilian Insrtuctor. Before that, he completed 8 years as a cadet with 2187 Squadron, finishing as a Cadet Warrant Officer.

* * * *

First World War Belgian Battlefields Visit

2187 Squadron visited the Belgian World War One battlefields in May, along with some friends from Southend, Rayleigh and Stanford-le-Hope squadrons.  It was a long day, and the visit included Essex Farm, the German cemetary at Langemarck, the jaw-droppinginly beautiful but vast Tyne Cot cemetary (left), the largest British Commonwealth cemetary, Hill 62 and more. The day culminated in a visit to the town of Ypres, and the famous Menin Gate, which contains the names of 54,896 Commonwealth soldiers who died without graves.  Every night since 1928 (except when the Germand invaded in Word War II) the local Fire Brigade close the road and sound the Last Post, since the citizens of Ypres wanted to express their gratitude towards those who had given their lives for Belgium's freedom.  Two of our cadets took part in the wreath-laying ceremony, which was attended by hundreds of people.  An excellent and thought-provoking day.

* * * *

Cdt Sgt Bennett joins Veterans at D-Day Landing Commemorations

Cdt Sgt Bennett joined hundreds of members of the Air Training Corps joined many World War Two veterans in commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Over 160 cadets and adult staff paraded at Colleville-Montgomery in northern France, joining local dignitaries and veterans to remember the fallen of the invasion of Normandy by allied forces on 6 June 1944. A further 100 cadets plus support staff attended a parade in the city of Bayeux. The day saw a number of commemorative events around Normandy, attended by veterans and representatives of the allied forces and representatives of Her Majesty's Government and Armed Forces including His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales,Prime Minister Gordon Brown MP and Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt.

* * * *

Mr Tunley appointed as Sergeant (ATC)

Congratulations to Mr Tunley after successfully passing his interview (or 'Board') to be appointed as a Sergeant (ATC).  Sgt Tunley has been a member of staff for about three years.  To even get to the interview stage, he had to attend several training weekends as part of the Potential Uniform Staff Development course (PSD) to learn about the role and expectations.  He then had a pre-Board with some Wing Staff Officers, to determine if he was ready to go in front of the Wing Commander for the final Board.

Well done Sergeant Tunley!

* * * *

Cdt Lee gets RAF Work Experience course

Cdt Lee follows in the footsteps of Cdt Cpl Chadwick, after also being successful in his application for the RAF Physical Training Instructor work experience course!  These courses are only open to Air Cadets, and are completely free of charge - he even gets a rail warrant to help him travel to and from RAF Cosford. As Cdt Lee has a real interest in becoming an RAF PTI in the future, this will give him a great insight to that particular RAF trade.  Good work!

* * * *

Sgt Evans gets place on Air Cadet Leadership course

Sgt Evans faces a challenge after being sucessful for his application for the Air Cadet Leadership Course, held at RAF Cranwell. Sgt Evans is believed to be the first ever 2187 Squadron cadet to have successfully applied for this week-long course, which, if he completes, will result in the award of the Air Cadet Leadership badge (shown left).

The course itself includes a fitness test, various leadership/command tasks, and culminates in a graduation parade.  Good luck!

* * * *

Fieldcraft Weekend!

12 cadets and 6 staff attended an excellent Fiedcraft training weekend recently, organised by Pilot Officer Lindup.  On a weekend that was held with beautifulhot sunny weather, the cadets were taught camouflage & concealment, field signals, patrolling, field cooking (with the new style ration packs), how to create bivvy shelters, and more.

Mr Tunley used his skills as a paramedic to create a very realistic first aid scenario, that involved a crashed vehicle and different 'injuries'.  The injuries were very realistic looking (see the picture left)!  Mr Tunley used staff 'volunteers' made up with wounds that simulated burns, cuts and other nasty wounds, and the staff all deserve Oscars for their role plays!  More similar weekends coming this year, so watch this space.

Well done to the cadets, and particularly to all the staff for all their good efforts over the weekend.

* * * *

Commandant's Commendation for Meritorious Service..times two!

Two of 2187 Squadron's finest have been announced that they are to be awarded the Commandant's Commendation for Meritorious Service.  Officer Cadet Bradford and Mrs Toni Evans were nominated by the Commanding Officer of 2187 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Weston.  The CO felt that Off Cdt Bradford deserved some formal recognition for his efforts with the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Shooting within the unit, and Mrs Toni Evans (our Treasurer) for all of her outstanding fundraising activities, which resulted in the purchase of a brand new minibus for the squadron.

The certificates have yet to be presented, but well done to both - good show!

* * * *


Air Experience Flying in Grob Tutors

14 cadets and three staff from 2187 (Canvey Island) Sqn went to No.5 AEF at RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire, for Air Experience Flying.  Everyone first had to watch the flight safety film and then had a short brief from one of the pilots.  Then it was around to the fitting hut, to be kitted out with flying sit, parachute, helmet and gloves.  All the cadets flew in the Grob Tutor aircraft with their RAF pilots for about 30 mins, and all the cadets were given the opportunity to take control, or even experience the thrill of aerobatics!  A great day out, especially for those whose for whom it was their first AEF flight - and even better, it costs nothing!

The photo shows some of our cadets kitted up, and waiting for their flight.

* * * *

2187 Squadron visit RAF Cranwell

2187 (Canvey Island) Sqn recently visited RAF College Cranwell, to learn more about Officer/Aircrew training.  17 staff and cadets attended, and the first stop was to the Officer and Aircrew Selection Centre (OASC).  Here they were met by their host, Corporal Casson for the day, and then given an interesting insight by an aircrew Flight Sergeant, as to how future RAF Officer and Aircrew are selected, and what happens. Then it was around to College Hall, the magnificent Officers Mess, for a guided tour by the curator.  After some lunch in the Candidates Mess, we then visited the Non-Commisioned Aircrew (NCA) training school, to find out about their varied roles.  Finally, we visited 55 Sqn, to be met by two very interesting pilots whom showed the cadets around the Domine aircraft (pictured), and explain both about the aircraft and how student aircrew are trained. What a great day, and thanks to our hosts!

* * * *

Squadron Spring Ball!

2187 Squadron recently held their Spring Ball, at the Oysterfleet Hotel on Canvey Island.  Around 90 guests turned up in their best dresses, tuxedos and uniforms and had a great night.

The music was provided by the brilliant local band REDONIZM, which includes two ex-cadets of 2187 Squadron!  The band had everyone up and dancing from start to end, and helped to make it another successful 2187 Squadron Ball.

Thanks to everyone whom came along and supported us rock the night away, it was very much appreciated.

Same again next year?

* * * *

Sgt Parker receives Commandants Special Certificate of Commendation

Cdt Sergeant Parker has been presented witha national certificate from the Commandant Air Cadets.  The certificate is the Commandants Special Certificate of Commendation, and was presented to her after being nominated for her cool and calm actions after a fellow cadet collapsed after having a fit whilst at RAF Duxford Imperial War Museum.  Sgt Parker administered basic first aid and dealt with the situation until the cadet was taken to hospital.


* * * *

Sgt Parker gains Gliding Scholarship wings

Cdt Sergeant Hayley Parker has gained her Gliding Scholarship (GS) Wings after completeting several training weekends at 614 Volunteer Gliding Squadron.  The VGS is based at the Ministry of Defence Police training school at Wethersfield, near Braintree, and is a former United States Air Force base.

Hayley spent many weekends learning in more detail about Principles of Flight, Airmanship, and as part of the GS, experienced many glider launches.  She is now the proud owner of the special blue GS 'Wings' on her uniform, and we hope that it inspires more cadets to follow in her footsteps!

* * * *

Mr Parsons qualifies as a Weapons Instructor

Well done to Mr Parsons, whom recently added to his impressive list of shooting qualifications, by passing a recent Weapons Instructor course.  The intensive 2-day course took place at RAF Uxbridge, and now qualifies him to teach cadets all about the weapons before they can fire them on a range.

Mr Parsons is already qcWHT and Basic Coaching qualified, and Range Qualified Officer for both Long and Short ranges.

* * * *

Cpl Chadwick wins the Essex Police Young Person of the Year (YOPEY)

Cpl Damion Chadwick, 16, was almost kicked out of his old secondary school for bad behaviour, but went on to change his ways and become a model student.  Cpl Chadwick landed top prize at the Essex Police Young People of the Year awards.  Damion, now thriving at Furtherwick Park School, Canvey, says the help he was given by the Air Training Corps is the main reason for the big change.

“Being in the ATC has taught me a lot about discipline, particularly self discipline and leadership skills,” he explained.

Damion picked up a cheque for £1,000 at a ceremony at Stansted Airport. He is giving half his winnings to 2187 Squadron, and hopes to have a career in the RAF Police.  He was nominated for the award one of his teachers at Furtherwick Park, because of the way he has changed.  He was suspended from his previous school, for 15 days in 2007, following repeated fighting and faced expulsion. Instead, he moved to his current school, where he is now a Prefect.  He was presented with his prize by Assistant Chief Constable Peter Lowton of Essex Police.

Cpl Chadwick said: “When I found out I'd won, I just couldn't believe it.  “I thought there were loads of other people in the room who deserved it far more than me.” Read the full article here.

He added: “The great thing about the ATC is it wasn't judgmental. It didn't matter what I'd done in the past. I was just another recruit.”

* * * *

ATC Thanksgiving Parade - London

2187 Squadron provided 12 cadets and three staff as part of the Essex Wing contingent of the London & South East Region ATC Sunday Parade.  On a bitterly cold February morning, the Essex Wing contingent marched down Kingsway and the Strand in London, to a service at St Clement Danes, the Central Church for the Royal Air Force.  Squadron Leader Robinson was i/c of the Essex Wing section of the parade, with Flt Lt Weston as Flight Commander.

* * * *

 

New Squadron Minibus arrives!

Thanks to the extremely hard work done by our squadron Treasurer, Mrs Toni Evans, we are lucky enough to have our brand new Ford Transit minibus! We are now the proud owners of a 17-seater Ford Transit, complete with squadron graphics.  This has been a major project, and has been made possible with significant donations from the following organisations;

  • National Lottery Awards for All - £10,000
  • Jack Petchey Foundation - £8,000
  • Clothworkers Foundation - £5,000
  • Garfield Weston Foundation - £3,000

Many thanks to these organisations, and to our wonderful Treasurer!

 

         
 
Last updated
Wednesday 26 May, 2010 21:41

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2187 (CANVEY ISLAND) SQUADRON ATC
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