20th June 2010

There are now 12 qualified young first aiders on the Squadron who are ready to respond and treat casualties correctly and safely. The 12 cadets spent a full weekend completing the St John’s Ambulance Youth First Aid course learning how to treat minor ailments such as cuts and grazes to how to react to potentially life threatening situations such as heart attacks or internal bleeding.

The course was taught through both theory lessons learning how to identify symptoms of conditions such as heat stroke or hypoglycaemia and practical sessions including how to administer Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), put casualties into the recovery position and bandage severe bleeds.

First aid is an important skill that all cadets are offered the chance to learn, although hoped never needed, the knowledge gained has the potential to save lives. Just a couple of years ago a Sergeant from the squadron learnt this after being first on the scene after a teenager had been hit by a car outside of school. Due to his quick thinking and the skills learnt at the Squadron he was able to successfully treat the casualty and control the situation.

One of the trained first aiders who taught the course Flight Lieutenant Dave Elliott RAF(VRT) said “First Aid is such an important skill and it is one of many that we teach our Air Cadets. The whole group were brilliant and took to the course very naturally. I certainly feel I'm in safer hands on the Squadron now!” The Squadron would like to thank Adult Sergeant Foley of 607 (Wearmouth) Squadron who taught part of the syllabus and ensured the course could go ahead.

14th June 2010

Cadet Nick Thompson from 224 (Hexham) Squadron has just returned from a weekend water activities course at TS Palatine, a watersports centre located to the north of Manchester, where he completed a sailing course with other cadets from around the region.

Travelling down on the Friday night, Cadet Thompson got the opportunity to meet a couple of the cadets he would be spending his weekend with. On arrival at TS Palatine all the cadets attending the course got together to get to know each other better; meeting new people and making new friends is just one of the benefits of being in the Air Cadets. Despite the early starts the morale was kept high by a full cooked breakfast each morning to give the cadets the energy to stay out on the cold water of Hollingsworth Lake until lunchtime.

Despite being an air cadet Nick has always had a passion for both the sky and sea. Usually dedicating some of his weekends to sailing on a family boat this time he sailed a Laser Pico for the duration of the course. Nick commented "It was a brilliant course, I learned a lot from it and it was well worth the journey! I enjoyed myself and loved the challenge of controlling the Laser Pico when the winds started to pick-up on the last day."

13th June 2010

Horse Trials Team

A number of cadets gave up a weekend of their time to assist in the smooth running of the Hexham Horse Trials; an annual equestrian event consisting of cross-country, show-jumping and dressage.

Over the weekend cadets undertook a number of different responsibilities these included putting up horse jumps when knocked down, assisting horses across the road, keeping the public at a safe distance when horses were competing and organising the car parking for both cars and horse boxes.

The strong team of cadets all showed initiative and responsibility when carrying out their designated roles and received many positive comments from both the public and staff at the event. Spirits were kept high throughout the weekend by good company, good weather and the free food that was very generously provided to the cadets!

This was a chance to both boost the public profile of the Squadron within the local community and a chance to raise some funds for the squadron through a much appreciated donation from the organisers. Squadron funds are spent on providing a range of activities and equipment to the cadets; this can range from climbing equipment to funding the building of a new flight simulator.

12th June 2010

Cadet Sergeant Stuart Bell Solo

In the last week not one, but two air cadets from 224 (Hexham) Squadron have taken to the skies above North Yorkshire on a solo flight in a powered glider. Cadet Sergeants Stuart Bell and Peter Skentelbery were both on a Gliding Scholarship provided by the Air Training Corps at RAF Topcliffe.

Cadet Sergeant Stuart Bell (18), student at Queen Elizabeth High School, had been attending the Gliding Scholarship course on a series of weekends to fit around his A level studies. Over the course of five weekends Stuart was taught all the relevant theory to fly the Vigilant Glider before taking off and putting the theory into practice. It was decided that Stuart was of a high enough standard to allow him to fly a circuit solo in the aircraft and after landing Stuart said "It was the most incredible feeling in the world! So enjoyable and worthwhile, I recommend a gliding scholarship without hesitation!"

Cadet Sergeant Peter Skentelbery (16), student at Queen Elizabeth High School, was on an intensive one week Gliding Scholarship during half-term. Within hours of arriving Peter was being thrown straight into cleaning the aircraft ready for flying and receiving ground school training. Peter, who dreams of being a commercial airline pilot, already has some flying experience in a light aircraft and it took just four days for him to be deemed able enough to fly solo. Peter commented on his solo flight "Even though I have been lucky enough to have flown an aircraft before, it was a truly awesome experience".

Speaking of their success 224 (Hexham) Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Dave Elliott, said "this is a remarkable achievement for two exceptional air cadets. They thoroughly deserved this amazing opportunity and showed the characteristic determination, enthusiasm and high standards of Hexham Air Cadets."

Gliding Scholarships are offered free of charge by the Air Training Corps to all to cadets over 16 who meet the eligibility criteria of being medically fit to fly and having completed their basic training. They are designed with the intention of training cadets up to solo standard, paving the way for more advanced flying courses and possibly a future career as a pilot. They aim to get every cadet through the syllabus and offer those that show the ability to fly safely and competently the opportunity to fly solo.

6th May 2010

Tynedale Digital Media Award
Sgt Anna Skentelbery & Cadet Whiteley ~ Image courtesy of Hexham Courant

224 (Hexham) Squadron’s website, www.224hexhamaircadets.co.uk, has just been named the Tynedale Digital Media Award Community Website Winner. The awards, run in association with the Hexham Courant, were designed to honour the websites that best harnessed the power and opportunities the internet offers.

The website was first launched in 2007 and was a basic five page static website. Over time the website has grown to more than 50 pages and is constantly changing with the latest news and ‘tweets’ on the home page.

Cadet Sergeant Anna Skentelbery, who first started the website in 2007 and has remained webmaster ever since, said “I am extremely pleased we have won this award as one of our aims for the website was always for it to benefit the community and keep them updated with our news – this award recognises that we have achieved this aim”.

The website is developed on an on-going basis with the password protected cadet area and resources library currently in progress. Cadets on the squadron are encouraged to help out by submitting news, photos or resources that would benefit other cadets either on the squadron or within the Corps. In addition to this the website helps keep the cadets on the squadron organised with the year planner and training programme.

Cadet Jamie Whiteley, who joined the Squadron just over a year ago has been heavily involved with the redevelopment and relaunch of the website, said “I was delighted when I found out we had won one of the Tynedale Digital Media Awards. It came as a bit of a surprise because we haven’t fully finished the website yet. It has been a challenge at times but I have vastly improved my web design skills.” Sergeant Skentelbery added “The website has been built from scratch using notepad writing in HTML and CSS and as our skills develop the website develops with added features like flash slide shows. There is a huge amount of satisfaction in seeing the code turn into a functional and useful website.”

The web team were invited to an award ceremony at the Hexham Courant offices in Hexham where they were presented with a certificate and trophy which is now proudly displayed on the Squadron’s trophy shelves.

6th May 2010

Cadet Adam Hill

Three air cadets from 224 (Hexham) Squadron have taken to the skies at RAF Leeming this week, tasting light-aircraft flight for the first time. The flights in GROB Tutors, RAF training aircraft, are provided to the cadets as part of the training the Air Training Corps offers to all air cadets. The three cadets had an early start to make it to RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, in time for their safety briefing at 08:30am which ran through all possible safety issues to ensure the cadets were confident and competent in carrying out procedures in case of an unlikely emergency. After the briefing the cadets were kitted out in flight suits and parachutes ready to take to the sky.

Cadet Matthew Robson (17), student at Queen Elizabeth High School, said "it was an amazing experience, the adrenaline starts pumping when you are pulling several G's doing aerobatics such as barrel rolls! I can't wait to get another flight!" Cadet Thomas Simpson (17), student at Queen Elizabeth High School said "Waking up at 5am was the only downside to a fantastic day. I was taught about the aircraft and procedures before putting on a parachute and then getting to fly the plane for myself, it was well worth the early start." Cadet Adam Hill (16), also a student at Queen Elizabeth High School, summed up his flight as "simply a brilliant experience".

Although the aerobatics are a highlight for most cadets, the Air Experience Flight (AEF) is not all about loops and barrel rolls. The cadets spend much of the flight taking control of the aircraft themselves in order to put into practice the theory learnt on the Squadron. Before going flying the cadets undertake their basic training to understand the principles of flight, airmanship and navigation. This is the first step to gaining a BTEC in Aviation Studies that the Air Training Corps offers.

28th April 2010

Sergeant Daniel TINTIN Crowther

Sergeant Daniel Crowther, from 224 (Hexham) Squadron has recently returned from an intense Graduation Week to become one of few Qualified Aerospace Instructors within the Corps. Sergeant Crowther was selected to attend this six month course after applying in August 2009; his application was reviewed before he was asked to attend a selection weekend where his abilities and capability to learn was tested.

The challenging Qualified Aerospace Instructors Course (QAIC) has been held over 6 months with one weekend a month spent at RAF Linton-On-Ouse to take advantage of 642 VGS and the Regional Activity Centre and its equipment; the Flight Simulator, Air Traffic Control Simulator, radios, computer suite and wind tunnel. Though only at RAF Linton-On-Ouse one weekend a month Sergeant Crowther, or TinTin (his chosen QAIC call-sign) had to be fully committed taking part in online discussions with others on the course outside of these weekends to demonstrate he had learnt the knowledge and knew how to apply it.

Sergeant “TINTIN” Crowther, part of Typhoon, syndicate has worked with his fellow team members over the past months covering modules such as principles of flight, meteorology, flight simulator, air traffic control, leadership and more. Outside of the training weekends he communicated with his other syndicate members via the QAIC SharePoint so they could produce a presentation on “Current and future Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations” that had to last 40 minutes and would be the final test of the QAIC Graduation Week. In addition to working on a syndicate presentation, TinTin had to write an individual essay on Air Power titled “Describe Combat Support Operations in Current Middle Eastern Conflicts ”.

Stood in his green flight suit with his syndicate colleagues on stage they delivered their presentation to a high ranking audience made up of: Station Commander RAF Waddington, allsix Regional Commandants, Air Cadets Chief Of Staff, two Air Commodores, two Air Vice Marshals and an Air Marshal. After the presentations were completed he was presented his QAIC2 Patch and Certificate from Air Vice Marshal Simon Bollom, the MOD Director General Combat Air.

The graduation week has been the culmination of all the hard work put in over the past 6 months with all his skills tested to the limit to ensure he met the high standard a Qualified Aerospace Instructor is expected to have. On the subject of his graduation Tintin said “The course is possibly the highest achievement of my cadet career and I cannot wait to use my aerospace skills at the Regional Activity Centres and at the Squadron.”

224 (Hexham) Squadron are immensely proud that they have one of the few Qualified Aerospace Instructors amongst their team. Sergeant Crowther has already helped out at one Durham & Northumberland Wing Sector 5 Regional Activity Centre weekend, putting the knowledge he has learnt back into the Air Cadet Organisation. The Squadron have been fundraising for a flight simulator and with some parts already bought it shouldn’t be long until Sergeant Crowther is teaching the cadets (and staff!) of the Squadron the skills he has learnt.

25th April 2010

Athletics Team

This Sunday cadets flocked from across Durham/Northumberland Wing to Monkton Stadium in Jarrow, South Shields, to participate in the annual inter-squadron athletics competition.

With representatives in four of the five categories, cadets from 224 (Hexham) Squadron were kept busy competing in a range of track and field events throughout the day, with help from Sergeant Peter Skentelbery who co-ordinated the team. Luckily the weather stayed dry, so the day was enjoyed by all - especially by cadets who were reunited with friends from previous summer camps and other cadet activities. Encouragement for fellow team members filled the stadium with a buzz of excitement that peaked with the final events – the relays, where the competition was brought to an end.

Because of 224 (Hexham) Squadron’s fantastic efforts, along with plenty of support for our competitors, we were proud to leave the competition with number of medals!

Congratulations to:

Also, a special mention is required for Cadet Kristian Henderson for representing 224 (Hexham) Squadron for the first time, and being the only one in his category – well done!

To conclude the competition, the wing paraded all 36 units (for the first time at a sports competition) to announce the winners of each category. Congratulations to 1114 (Gosforth) Squadron, whose efforts meant they succeeded in being champions in the inter-squadron athletics competition this year.

17th April 2010

Sergeants Anna Skentelbery and Stuart bell have returned from a media skills course held by Durham Northumberland Wing.

Representatives from squadrons across the wing gathered at Wing HQ in Gosforth for a training day to help spread the positive message about air cadets and boost the public profile. The course taught the attendees about photography, participating in public events, how to write press releases and the benefits of good PR for the squadron and corps.

224 (Hexham) Squadron have already started to work towards the Wing Media Competition by writing and submitting press releases to the local newspapers, not only does this count towards the competition but it also helps the squadron build and boost its public profile. With other squadrons now fully aware of the competition 224 (Hexham) Squadron are expecting a lot of healthy competition over the coming year!

10th April 2010

On the hottest day of the year so far, Saturday 10th April, air cadets from 224 (Hexham) Squadron were providing shelter, refreshments and general assistance to the competitors in the 21st annual Allendale Challenge. The Allendale Challenge, held each April, is a tough 25 mile course that sees the competitors test their stamina to the limit over tough terrain to raise money for the North of Tyne Search and Rescue Team who host the event.

The team of nine cadets and two staff members were split into two groups helping to man two of the eight checkpoints posted across the route; Black Hill and Smelt Mill. The cadets pitched large tents that housed facilities for making soup, tea and providing water to ensure the 800 competitors were kept hydrated and their salt levels up. In addition to providing the shelter and pouring the tea, soup and water the cadets also had the great responsibility of ‘checking in’ competitors as they reached the checkpoint to make sure everyone was accounted for and no one left behind.

It was a long ten hour day but was thoroughly enjoyable and a chance for the cadets to interact with the public boosting the image of 224 (Hexham) Squadron. The squadron have supported this event for many years seeing both the best and worst weather the Allendale skies have to throw at them and were pleased this year, after two of heavy snow and hail, to find clear skies and warm sun that helped keep morale high all day.

The North of Tyne Search and Rescue Team had nothing but good words to say about the cadets and the effort they had put in helping to ensure the event ran smoothly and the assistance they provided. The cadets hope to be invited back next year and for the weather to be as nice as it was this year!

19th March 2010

Mountain Rescue Slideshow - Please allow blocked Content

Tonight cadets of 224 (Hexham) Squadron received a talk from the North of Tyne Search and Rescue Team. The cadets have worked alongside the North of Tyne Search and Rescue team at the annual Allendale Challenge for the past few years and will be doing so again next month.

The two members of the team and their dog came along to the squadron with a Mountain Rescue vehicle. The talk involved what to wear when out walking and a talk through all the equipment they had in the back of the vehicle; radios, first aid kits, stretchers, etc. Following the talk there was a practical demonstration of the sleeping bags and stretchers.

All cadets thoroughly enjoyed the talk and found it highly informative. A lot of the information will be put into use when up on the hills in Allendale next month! To find out more about the North of Tyne Search and Rescue Team please visit North of Tyne Search and Rescue

17th March 2010

Flash Slideshow from the Promotions - Please allow blocked Content

Tonight, 6 of our cadets achieved a well deserved promotion for the services they provided to the squadron. The rest of the squadron congratulates them with their achievement. These promotions were awarded to:

Flight Sergeant Molina (Sgt to FS)
Sergeant Bell (Cpl to Sgt)
Sergeant Skentelbery (Cpl to Sgt)
Sergeant Crowther (Cpl to Sgt)
Corporal Bell (Cdt to Cpl)
Corporal Laidlow (Cdt to Cpl)

12th March 2010

Flash Slideshow from the Awards Night - Please allow blocked Content

Tonight, parents and cadets gathered in the Drill Hall for the Awards Night. Held annually the awards night is a chance to showcase the achievements of the cadets and inform the parents of what the cadets have been getting up to throughout the year. The night began with a brief introduction from Flight Lieutenant Elliott, followed by an explanation of the Civilian Committee by the treasurer, Sandra Bell. Corporal Crowther explained what we do as cadets before the parents were split into groups to view the four presentations that the cadets had prepared; flight simulator, first aid, fieldcraft and a demonstration on the range.

After a short break for refreshments provided by the Civilian Committee the parents were seated to watch and listen to Corporal Bell and Corporal Crowther who were performing a variety of songs on guitar and keyboard as part of gaining their Music BTEC. After the musical performance there was a brief break as the awards were brought out and the cadets prepared for the award giving.

Flight Lieutenant Elliott began by presenting the certificates for cadet classifications. Cadets Robson, Whiteley, Wordsworth, Craigs and Thompson were all awarded their Leading Certificate and Badge, whilst Cadet Bell achieved his Senior classification. Next to be presented were three BTEC�s in Public Services earned by Coporal Bell, Corporal Crowther and Sergeant Sheehan. Finally we moved on to the trophies which were awarded to:

Best Recruit - Cadet Whiteley
Best Cadet - Cadet Bell
Best NCO - Corporal Crowther
Best Marksman - Sergeant Molina
Best Academic - Corporal Bell
Most money collected for RAFA - Cadet Bell
Best Attendance - Sergeant Molina
Best Sportsman - Sergeant Molina
Outstanding Contribution - Cadet Warrant Office Swinton
Outstanding Contribution - Sergeant Skentelbery

Both the cadets and parents had an excellent night and there were many proud parents in the audience.

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 L81-A2 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.