14th - 20th February 2010

Corporal Peter Skentelbery Paragliding

Corporal Peter Skentelbery, 16, from 224 (Hexham) Squadron has just returned from a week at the Joint Services Hang Gliding and Paragliding Centre in Wales. After a week, Corporal Skentelbery who was just one of twelve chosen from the entire Central and North Region, managed to achieve his Elementary Pilot Qualification.

Within 24 hours of arriving in Wales Corporal Skentelbery was airborne and taking his first short flights to get to grips with the glider. Though encountering all types of weather, including 3 inches of snow, he managed to attain, along with the other 11 cadets, his Elementary Pilot Qualification. Corporal Skentelbery thoroughly enjoyed his time in Wales and said "It was a great opportunity to experience the freest and most natural type of flight man-kind can achieve, it was brilliant".

Due to the temperamental Welsh weather some days it was just not possible to get airborne so the group of paragliders got a chance to go mountain biking, climbing and go on the high ropes course. Throughout the week the 12 became close friends, sharing many funny moments and Corporal Skentelbery said "it was a fantastic opportunity and I wish I could do it all over again, I hope I get the chance to paraglide again soon".

Click here to read the paragliding diary

10th February 2010

As a reward for the fundraising efforts last year and to relax after the cadet classification exams 224 (Hexham) Squadron went bowling! The cadets went to the newly opened Namco Funscape Bowling Alley in the Metrocentre Qube. The cadets were split into three teams and played two games, after these games ended it wasn't long before the cadets conducted “Operation: Golden Arches” and tucked into some food. The trip was kindly paid for by the Civilian Committee - remember all those that attended are expected to help fundraise throughout this year too!

Sunday 24th January 2010

Three Cadets on Way Home
3 Cadets On Their Way Home From The Introduction

Today 3 cadets, Sgt Molina, Cdt Whiteley and Cdt Thompson went to an introduction to Target Rifle shooting, Shooting Competitions and the L98-A1 Target Rifle.

During the morning the cadets learnt the basics about target rifle shooting and the competitions that you an get involved in throught Air Cadets

In the afternoon the cadets were shown how to strip down (take apart) the rifle and shown the all the parts that should come included in the kit. They then used these skills to check over the rest of the rifles to ensure that they were in working order and everything was included.

23rd December 2009

Today cadets from 224 (Hexham) Squadron gave up time from their Christmas Holidays to raise an amazing £1128 for the squadron. The 11 cadets who particpated assembled at 9am at Waitrose, Hexham. They spent the day helping to pack the bags in the heaving shop as everyone tried to get on with their christmas shopping.

Not only were the cadets raising funds but they were helping to get shoppers through the checkouts more quickly easing the long lines. Both the customers and Waitrose staff were impressed with the cadets with their attitude and efficiency.

The money raised will be put into the squadron funds to help subsidise trips and provide more opportunities for the cadets.