2516 (Droitwich) Squadron

Droitwich Air Cadets this week received news that they have scooped the prestigious Morris Trophy confirming them as one of the top two squadrons out of the 1000 in the corps.

In June 2012, 2516 Droitwich ATC Squadron were named as best squadron in the West Mercian wing and therefore entered into the Lees Trophy 2013(Competition to find the best squadron in the organisation); earlier this year they won the next stage to become best squadron in the region. Just a couple of weeks ago Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, head of the Air Cadet Organisation, visited the squadron and cadets demonstrated some of the wide variety of activities they undertake; award winning drill; the squadron marching band played; cadets showed off their skills in archery, paint balling — something the Air Commadore was keen to have a go at — canoing, film making and first aid, where cadets had used make up to create realistic wounds.

The unit also scored points for their participation in inter–squadron competitions, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, flying and community projects, including Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, which Cadet Warrant Officer Wheeler handed over to Sergeant Watson, also from 2516, earlier this year. The evening was rounded off by the squadron rock band who had the Air Commadore singing along to well known anthems.

Squadron Commander, Flight Leiutenant Paul Wilde, understandably elated, commented, “This is an incredible accolade and pays tribute to the cadets’ commitment and hard work.”

The squadron, which meets on a Tuesday and Thursday, draws cadets from Droitwich, Bromsgrove and parts of Worcester and is increasing its numbers all the time; there is however still room for a few more young people who enjoy trying new things and working as part of an incredible team. For further information contact Flt Lt Paul Wilde on 07912341757

This last weekend was a busy one for Droitwich Air Cadets; on Saturday 15th June five Members of 2516 Droitwich ATC Squadron were amongst a number of Air Cadets invited to ride on the Voyager aircraft as it flew in the fly–past over Buckingham Palace to end the trooping of the colour celebrations. This prestigious trip involved the cadets leaving RAF Cosford at 5am Saturday morning to be ready for take off from RAF Brize Norton at 10:30, however all agreed that the early start was worth it.
“We had a fantastic view” commented Cadet Wheeler “our aircraft was escorted by four fast jets which were so close we could wave to the pilots. The skill of all the pilots was unbelievable and we were incredibly lucky to have been given this opportunity. I’d never have been able to do this if it wasn’t for the cadets.” The squadron was asked to pick five cadets to enjoy the flight, as a reward for being named one of the top six squadrons in the country.

On Sunday, cadets once again demonstrated some of the skills that they have learnt, this time at the wing training day at RAF Cosford. The squadron, who are finalists in the competition to find the best unit in the country, scooped a number of prizes including winning the drill competition for the 8th consecutive year.
Paul Wilde — squadron commander, said, “The cadets work hard and deserve all the success that they have achieved, we are very proud of them. Thanks must also go to our adult staff, many of whom are volunteers, who give up their time to provide an exciting programme for the young people.” Flight Lieutenant Wilde then went on to explain that the cadet force in Droitwich provides a vast number of activities for their members including learning to fly light aircraft and gliders. The squadron has thirty five members at present, but is always happy to welcome new ones. Anybody interested in joining should contact Paul Wilde on 07912341757 for more details.

On 25th April, the squadron had their inspection for the regional round of the Lees Trophy after being put forward as the wing’s representative following the success at the Wing Training day back in 2012. After a parade to welcome Group Captain Allen, the cadets displayed some of the activities that they get up to. These activities included band, archery and paintballing, first aid, intelligence gathering, and a performance form the squadron’s rock band. The Group Captain was impressed by the range of activities that are available to the cadets and early in May, Flight Lieutenant Wilde was informed that the squadron had won the regoinal part of the Lees Trophy, placing them in the top 6 squadrons in the country. The squadron will soon have another inspection by Air Commodore McCafferty for the final part of the Lees trophy.

The Air Cadets from 2516(Droitwich) Squadron have launched an appeal to raise vital funds to purchase a new Squadron minibus.

The Squadron are struggling to keep their existing mini bus on the road due to high maintenance costs of their current vehicle which is almost 10 years old. The Squadron Civilian Committee who help raise vital funds to support the Squadrons activities are desperately trying to raise at least £10,000 to fund a newer mini bus so that the Cadets from the Squadron can continue to support local events. It will also mean that they will be able to continue doing the range of activities with a more reliable mini bus to get them about.

The Chairperson for the Squadron Committee Lisa Handley said, “we are currently arranging a number of social events to help us reach our target.”

The Welfare Chairman Dave Jepson from the Droitwich Lions Club had also heard about the Cadets efforts to raise the funds for a newer minibus and because of this they too have made a contribution, which has helped the total. Flight Lieutenant Paul Wilde Officer Commanding 2516 (Droitwich) Squadron said, “We have a very healthy membership of more than 35 young people that come from the areas of Droitwich and Bromsgrove. Our minibus is vital in getting these young people to functions, camps and other activities. We appreciate the interest which Droitwich Lions Club has taken in the Squadron and hope that this will encourage other local organisations to support us.”

Thursday 20th December marked the end of the year for Droitwich squadron and with it, the end of Fg Off Bissell’s time as OC of 2516. We would like to thank him for all of the work he has put into the squadron. Thank you also to the staff and committee members as well as the cadets and their parents for all of the help and support that has been given throughout the year.

The squadron will re–open on 8th January 2013 with Flt Lt Wilde returning as commanding officer.

We hope you have a great Christmas and New Year.