EXPEDITION CHALLENGE FOR CADETS

BY CDT DAISY BUCK
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Cadets from 1066 (Hitchin) and 248 (Letchworth) squadrons have recently undertaken and passed a two day bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition. After months of planning and training it was finally time for the cadets to set off on their expedition. The cadets were assessed by staff members from both squadrons. Five groups of cadets spent two days walking around the North Herts area. The weather was good and for many cadets this was their practice expedition and their first experience of undertaking their own expedition. Those on a qualifier found that their navigation and camp-craft skills had improved greatly since their practice expedition last year. The cadets camped overnight at the Henlow Boyd Scout campsite, a site that has been used for many years by 1066 (Hitchin) squadron.

Cdt Daisy Buck (14) of 1066 Sqn said ‘overall this was a great achievement for me. As a team we all learned to work well and how to overcome difficult situations. We all helped each other out which made the expedition very enjoyable. This was a fantastic experience! I can’t wait to participate in the Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s award!’ The cadets are looking forward to completing their qualifying expedition in the summer. Those that are old enough will move onto their silver awards and may complete their silver practice expedition in North Wales this August.

AWARDS GALORE FOR HITCHIN

BY FLT LT ERICA VEY
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Friday 18th April 2008 was a busy night for 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron. It was its annual awards evening which provides the cadets, staff, committee members, family and friends the opportunity to look back on achievements over the past year by the squadron and individual cadets. 2007 saw 1066 being crowned as best squadron in Herts & Bucks Wing, winners of the Wing aviation day competition and April 2008 saw the squadron representing the Wing as the Lee’s trophy inspection nomination.

The reviewing Officer for the awards evening was the Squadron’s President Air Vice-Marshal Alan Merriman. Wing Commander David Henson was also in attendance. Upon AVM Merriman’s arrival at the squadron he inspected all of the cadets on parade escorted by Flt Sgt Lewis Stockwell (17) and Sqn Ldr Paul Mimpress, WSO for the squadron who was also presenting the evening. This was on behalf of 1066 Sqn Commanding Officer Flt Lt Erica Vey who is recovering from her third lot of surgery this week following her injury at annual camp. The inspection was followed by a march past and band display led by Drum Major Flt Sgt Lewis Stockwell (17).


A review of the past year presented by Sqn Ldr Mimpress followed and also a short talk by Martin Vey, Treasurer of the Civilian Committee and Flt Sgt Stockwell spoke about the band. Refreshments were then provided by the Civilian Committee and this gave parents and family the opportunity to look at the static displays produced by the cadets.

Wing Commander Henson then presented a host of certificates including eight wing blues, seven examination certificates, three bronze and two silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, one Air Cadet Pilot Scheme certificate to Sgt Emilie Pearson (17) and seven bronze National Navigation Awards. Sgt Samuel James (17) was awarded a Diana Award for his hard work and effort at the squadron above and beyond that expected of a cadet.

Annual awards were presented by AVM Merriman. The Warrant Officer’s Award for highest uniform inspection scores for the year went to Cdt Oliver Martin (15), The High Flyer Award for examination results was awarded to Sgt Michael Page (17) who achieved the equivalent of six GCSE A*-C grade with the squadron during the last year. Cdt Charlotte Hunt (14) was presented with the Freddy Petch Endeavour Shield. The Erica Vey Award for the cadet(s) that helps others to further achieve went to Sgt Samuel James (17).

The Marksmanship Award was presented to Cpl Matthew Woodward (15) for the highest shooting scores over the past year. The Cadet of the Year award based on monthly scores went to Cdt Emiko Kemp (14). The highest points for sporting event attendance, medals and wing blues for the title of Sports Cadet of the Year was awarded to Cpl Mariko Kemp (16). Best NCO of the year was presented to Sgt Benjamen Reed (16). Flt Sgt Lewis Stockwell (17) was awarded the Merriman Cup for Commitment. Commanding Officer’s Commendations were awarded to Flt Sgt Lewis Stockwell (17), Cdt Meredith Orman-Brown (16) and Cdt Daisy Buck (14).

When Cdt Tom Young died in 2000 his parents donated a trophy in his memory. The trophy is awarded annually to the most improved cadet of the year. This year it was presented to Cdt Henry Wisdom (15).

Flt Lt Tony Farrell RAFVR(T) Retd, Chairman of the Civilian Committee sadly died in April 2007 after a short illness. His family have kindly presented an annual award in Tony’s memory. The award is the Tony Farrell Musician of the Year award. Tony originally set up the band in the 1980s and assisted Flt Lt Erica Vey to re-form it again in 2005 when she took command of the squadron. The first presentation of the special award went to Cdt Gary Pestell (15) who in the past year has worked extremely hard during practices, parades and competitions. He plays bugle in the 1066 band and trombone in the Wing band.

DIANA AWARD FOR HARD WORKING CADET

BY FLT LT ERICA VEY
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1066 (Hitchin) Squadron Air Training Corps is delighted to announce that Sergeant Samuel James (17) has been awarded the Diana Award for his outstanding contribution to the squadron. The award was presented at the squadron’s annual awards evening on Friday 18 April 2008.

The Diana Award is a living legacy to the late Princess which recognises and celebrates the outstanding qualities and contributions made by many young people to their schools and communities.

Sgt James was selected for the award for his inspirational qualities that are demonstrated through his commitment and work at the squadron since 2005. He has continued to work hard teaching junior cadets, helps manage the squadron’s marching band, designs & maintains the unit’s website in addition to holding the role of cadet media communications officer.

Sgt James said ‘It is an amazing honour to receive this award for doing things that I enjoy doing. I would also like to thank those people who have helped me get this far, because without them I wouldn’t be receiving this award!’

Other achievements with the squadron include attending camps in the UK, Cyprus and Germany, a BTEC in Aviation Studies, bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, young lifesaver plus award, flying solo on his gliding scholarship, band badge, Millennium Volunteers award, staff cadet classification and a distinction in his BTEC First Diploma in Public Services (4 GCSEs A*-C grade). He has been selected to complete a twelve hour air cadet pilot scheme course in the summer which will include him flying solo. He has also enrolled to complete his BTEC First Diploma in Music.

HARD WORK FOR HITCHIN

BY CDT FS LEWIS STOCKWELL
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After weeks of preparation, Thursday 3rd April and the Lee’s trophy inspection of 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron finally arrived. Hitchin squadron is the Wing’s nomination for the Lee’s inspection to find the best squadron in the Corps.

The Inspecting Officer’s from Region, Sqn Ldr Shorter and Sqn Ldr Wiggins arrived promptly at 19.00 hrs. They inspected all the cadets on parade escorted by Fg Off Elizabeth Fox and the senior cadet at the squadron Flt Sgt Lewis Stockwell (17) and this was followed by a march past.

The remainder of the evening consisted of a full marching band display, leadership tasks, lectures, first aid and flight simulator. The Inspecting Officer’s met all of the cadets, staff and Civilian Committee representatives and enjoyed participating in some of the leadership tasks themselves. This was followed by the checking of all aspects of the squadron including records, accounts, achievements, security, building and training.

At the end of the evening the Inspecting Officers’ addressed the squadron on final parade and presented 1066 with a Lee’s trophy Wing nomination certificate. They also presented a number of Duke of Edinburgh’s and National Navigation awards.

Flt Sgt Stockwell said ‘It is great to think 1066 has been put forward for the award, even through it was a great task to get everything sorted, it was also a great achievement for the cadets and staff and on the night everyone was on top form.’

NEW PROMOTIONS AT 1066

BY CDT SGT SAM JAMES
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Congratulations are in order for Cdt Sergeant Emilie Pearson (17), and Cdt Corporal Ben Irwin (15) who were both promoted by Acting Sqn Cdr, Flying Officer Liz Fox at the end of the Lees Inspection that evening. Both Sgt Pearson and Cpl Irwin had their tapes presented by Acting Regional Commandant, Squadron Leader Brian Shorter RAFR who was the inspecting officer that evening. Well done to both of them, evidence of their hard work and dedication to the squadron.

BASIC SUCCESS

BY CDT SGT SAM JAMES
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One staff member and three cadets from 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron have attended a Wing run BASIC course held at 248 (Letchworth) Squadron led by Wing Development Training Officer, Flt Lt Iain Hutchinson.

It is a requirement for new staff to the Air Cadet Organisation and Cadets intending to stay in the Corps beyond the age of eighteen to attend this one day course.

CI Wilf Bailey, Flt Sgt Lewis Stockwell (17), Sgt Samuel James (17), Sgt Michael Page (17) and Cpl Emilie Pearson (17) attended the course alongside numerous other staff and cadets from around the Wing.

The course covered topics including child protection, health and safety, risk assessments, the basics of the Air Training Corps, different ACPs and APs and what these contained, duty of care and how to get involved in the many different activities run throughout the Wing, such as Wing Music, Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards and shooting.

Sgt James said ‘despite the fact the course is compulsory to those wishing to stay in the Corps past their 18^th birthday, it was actually a very informative and pleasant day. The course was invaluable, showing potential instructor cadets and CIs how they would react in different situations regarding cadets’ welfare and how to deal with other potential problems that could occur’.

HITCHIN CADETS RECEIVE SILVER AWARDS

BY FLT LT ERICA VEY
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Four cadets from 1066 (Hitchin) have been presented with their Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards by Air Commodore Gordon Moulds, Commandant Air Cadets. The cadets and their guests were invited to attend the Wing awards ceremony held at Halton House Officers’ Mess on 29th March 2008 after they completed their awards in November 2007. The ceremony also provided the cadets and their guests an opportunity to look around Halton House Officers’ Mess.

Sgt Michael Page (17), Sgt Benjamen Reed (16), Cpl Douglas Johnson (16) and Cdt Dumal Welikala (16) all completed their awards with the squadron following the achievement of their bronze awards the previous year. All are well underway with their gold awards and have expeditions and residential projects planned for this summer.

Sgt Reed said ‘I worked hard for my Silver award and enjoyed the challenges faced during its completion. To have it presented by Commandant Air Cadets made it very special. I enjoyed the ceremony itself and talking with the Commandant.’

The cadets used a variety of topics towards their awards such as fundraising, uniformed youth service, cricket and aeronautics. A number of new subjects are being introduced for their gold awards including marksmanship, driving and badminton. They all hope to use attendance at an annual camp this summer towards their gold residential project and Cpl Johnson has decided to use his Germany camp in August as his project. Cpl Mariko Kemp (15) and Cpl Simon Moore (15) have also achieved their silver awards but were unable to attend the ceremony. They will receive their certificates at the squadron’s annual awards evening in April.

HITCHIN SCOOPS VAMPIRE TROPHY

By FLT LT ERICA VEY

and FG OFF BEN WILKINSON
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1066 (Hitchin) Squadron are celebrating after winning the coveted Vampire trophy, for being officially the best overall squadron in Herts and Bucks Wing in 2007.

The result is all the more outstanding for Hitchin, coming on the back of a challenging year during which the squadron lost three staff members, mainly due to new jobs, saw its committee chairman Flt Lt Tony Farrell (Retd) sadly pass away, and its Commanding Officer Flt Lt Erica Vey forced out of action due to injury.

Runners-up in the toughly-fought competition for the Vampire Trophy were 220 (St Albans) Sqn, while in third place came 2313 (The Chalfonts) Sqn.

There have been celebrations also for 2(F) Watford Squadron. It has taken first place in Herts and Bucks Wing's Kelsey Trophy, which is awarded annually to the unit with the best academic performance, and has tied with 1239 (Broxbourne and Hoddesdon) Squadron in the Stan Stockhill Trophy, which recognises the most improved squadron in the Wing.

Runners up in the Kelsey were 1239 (Broxbourne and Hoddesdon) and in third place were 220 (St Albans). In the Stockhill Trophy, runners up were 2370 (Denham) Sqn.

For Hitchin, which knocked long-standing Vampire Trophy holders 2409 (Halton) Sqn off the top-spot and into fourth place, 2007 was very busy year which saw cadets achieving great things such as Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards at all three levels, young lifesaver plus awards, Btecs in Aviation Studies and First Diplomas in Public Services.

In addition to cadets gaining numerous qualifications, 1066 won the 2007 Wing Aviation Day overall and music trophies for the second year running. They also won the competition's Art trophy and came 2nd in the drill competition, only losing out to the eventual Corps drill champions 220 (St Albans) Sqn. 2007 also saw 1066 take the Wing junior female swimming and senior female cross country trophies. FS Lewis Stockwell (17) was announced as the best Drum Major in the Region.

Other successes for the year included Cpl Emilie Pearson (17) completing an Air Cadet Pilot Scheme course, Sgt Samuel James (17) attending the Rheindahlen camp in Germany, and FS Christopher Moore (18) experiencing a flight in a Hawk aircraft. The squadron's band led numerous parades including the Wing's Corps Banner Parade and the unit's Commanding Officer Flt Lt Erica Vey was the first staff member in the Wing to achieve the Licentateship in Youth Leadership & Training. 1066 have little time to stop and celebrate as preparations are well under way for its Lees Trophy inspection, which takes place on 3rd April. There is a lot of preparation to do and a march past to perfect. The inspection is being managed by Fg Off Liz Fox who is the Acting OC whilst Flt Lt Vey remains off sick following an accident at a 2007 summer camp.

There are currently over 40 cadets at the squadron and only three 1066 staff members able to attend. The squadron would like to thank staff from around the Wing who are helping the squadron prepare for the Lees inspection – Fg Off Tara Baker and Flt Lt Ray Kerr from 955 (Stevenage) Sqn and Plt Off Claire Bull of 1239 (Broxbourne and Hoddesdon) Sqn, in addition to Sqn Ldr Paul Mimpress, the Wing Staff Officer for Hitchin squadron.

CADETS NAVIGATE WAY TO SUCCESS

BY FLT LT ERICA VEY
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After many months of hard work, ten cadets from 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron have finally completed their bronze National Navigation Award Scheme. Last year Flt Lt Erica Vey and other squadron staff registered themselves to run the award at the unit.

The scheme was launched from the Royal Institute of Navigation in London in 1994 as an incentive for personal performance in navigation. Since then 10,000 awards have been gained country-wide.

All cadets at Hitchin squadron will have the opportunity to complete their bronze and silver awards. The ten cadets who have completed the first set of bronze awards have been trained by CI Dewbery. The cadets have completed ten hours of practical training and passed a practical exam over a 3.5km distance.

The bronze award syllabus covers many areas of assessment including understanding how to use map symbols and scales on a variety of maps, using linear features as handrails in navigation exercises, planning a safe suitable walk, demonstrating knowledge of the Country Code and procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency.

The ten cadets who have achieved the bronze award are Sgt Michael Page (17), Sgt Benjamen Reed (16), Cpl Emilie Pearson (17), Cpl Matthew Woodward (15), Cdt Henry Wisdom (15), Cdt Holly Somerville (14), Cdt Daisy Buck (14), Cdt Oliver Martin (15), Cdt Charlotte Hunt (14) and Cdt Hope Wagstaffe (14).

Cdt Henry Wisdom said: "Before taking part in the National Navigation Award Scheme my navigation skills were very basic but after completing the enjoyable and very informative course I feel competent in all aspects of navigation. It will help me when leading teams at navigation events and competitions plus with my Duke of Edinburgh's Award expeditions. I hope to start the silver award at the soonest opportunity."

TOP AWARD FOR TOP CADET

The 13th February proved to be a lucky and very special day for seventeen year old Flt Sgt Lewis Stockwell of 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron.

Back in September last year his Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Erica Vey nominated him for the St John Spencer Young People of The Year award (YOPEY). YOPEY was set up in Hertfordshire three years ago to give young people a fairer image. It is hoped a more accurate picture of the younger generation will reassure adults and inspire other young people to give to the community. YOPEY reveals, recognises and rewards young people for being positive role models. Flt Sgt Stockwell was nominated for his work in managing the squadron’s marching band and for numerous fundraising efforts, despite his own poor health.

On 13th February he and nine other young people aged between 10 and 25 years old, selected from a massive 1100 nominations, attended the final of the North Hertfordshire YOPEY. Flt Sgt Stockwell was announced as the overall winner from these ten finalists after his story was judged by other young people who act as ‘youth judges’ alongside various dignitaries.

The ceremony was held at the GlaxoSmithKline research centre in Stevenage and supporting Lewis at the final were his family and friends as well as squadron staff and cadets. Following a light buffet, the ten finalist stories were presented followed by the announcement of the runners up and winner.

Flt Sgt Stockwell has been an active member of the unit for the past four years, helping others, particularly with the squadron’s re-formed marching band, of which he became manager just 15 months ago. He took over the baton with advice from his predecessor despite having no experience of marching bands and having missed practices through gastrointestinal problems which necessitated several operations.

Flt Lt Vey says that Lewis has worked tirelessly to improve and develop the band, which has grown from 20 to 30 members. Under his command and excellent leadership it has been named as the best ATC band in Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. The band then represented these two counties in a regional competition last autumn and came fourth, with Lewis being awarded the title of best drum major. Flt Lt Vey said “This success is tribute to his hard work on a weekly basis at the squadron where he has taught cadets, composed songs and developed new routines for the band. He works tirelessly to help others join the band and he always displays great commitment and dedication.”

An example of this is when he wanted to raise funds to replace battered instruments which were at least 20-years-old and buy some new drums. He came up with the idea of organizing a concert and secured funding from Hitchin Town Council to hire the Town Hall for the event in September. He organized the concert, helped with publicity and ticket sales, performed and even spoke on the night. The event raised around £1,000.

Away from the band Lewis’s friend Joe Males was given just two weeks to live after it was found that his leukaemia had returned. Lewis composed and recorded a song called Joey’s Bar. This was part of an album of music for Joe produced in just one day by the boys’ Priory School. It raised £1806 which was sent to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where Joe was treated.

Flt Lt Vey said: “Lewis is a mature, responsible, reliable and outstanding individual. He is thoughtful and caring and always puts other people before himself. Despite his schoolwork, losing Joe and being very ill himself over the last two years he always gives 110 per cent in everything he does for the squadron and the cadets.”

Just six months after his last operation, Lewis cycled the 26-mile London Bikeathon with his Commanding Officer and other staff raising a total of around £200. At The Priory School he had his legs waxed as part of an event for Breast Cancer Awareness which raised £1,000. “I think I screamed just a little bit,” he joked.

“I think it’s important to help charities and give other people a chance for a better life,” he said. He has been a poppy seller for the Royal British Legion and he hopes to join the organisation which is dedicated to caring for ex-Service personnel. “It’s important to help those who have done something a lot more commendable than myself, for example put their lives at risk, often for people they don’t know,” he said.

Flt Sgt Stockwell was awarded £1000 after being announced as the winner. £500 goes to him and £500 to his squadron. He now goes forward to the YOPEY final for Hertfordshire, bring held on 8th May in Hertford.

Joe’s mum Sue said: “Lewis is a good lad with a willingness to help others and raise money for charity.” Flt Sgt Stockwell said ‘It is the most amazing feeling to have won such a big award, being able to say I am the North Herts Young Person of the Year is just brilliant, the smile has not left my face! When I was first put forward for the award I did not think I would get very far, even when I was told I had been selected for final! It just shows that people recognize the efforts of others. It is just so amazing!’

AWARD SUCCESS CONTINUES AT HITCHIN

Hard work by cadets from 1066 (Hitchin) Squadron is paying off with many recently completing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards. In the last few months nine cadets have achieved their bronze awards, six cadets have completed silver and one has achieved gold.

Service sections have included uniformed youth service and fundraising. Skills studied have included music, marching band, driving, singing and marksmanship. Cadets have enjoyed improving their standards in sports such as dance, karate and physical achievement. Cadets doing silver and gold awards have worked really hard to complete expeditions in North Wales and the Breacon Beacons, where as those completing bronze have been a little closer to home, undertaking expeditions in East and West Hertfordshire.

Cadets who have achieved bronze awards are Cpl Matthew Woodward and Cdts Gary Pestell, Meredith Orman-Brown, Katherine Swift, Oliver Martin, Peter Bradford, Holly Somerville, Adam Philpot, Michael Barnes. Silver awards have been awarded to Sgts Benjamen Reed and Michael Page, Cpls Mariko Kemp, Douglas Johnson, Simon Moore and Cdt Dumal Welikala. The gold award has been achieved by CWO Christopher Moore who will visit one of the Palaces’ later in the year to collect his certificate.

Cpl Douglas Johnson (15) said ‘completing my silver award was a most rewarding and challenging experience and I am pleased to have been able to achieve it. It has definitely been great fun.’

After being awarded his bronze award Cdt Oliver Martin (15) said ‘I have realised that completing my Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a great achievement and I was very pleased when presented with my award.’

All the cadets who have completed their bronze and silver awards have already started work towards their next award. They will travel to Wales in May to complete their silver and gold practice expeditions.

** 1066 Update **

FS Stockwell makes it to the YOPEY final on 13 Feb!

Cpl Kemp, Cdt Buck and Cdt Wagstaffe represent the wing at regional netball at RAF Cranwell 27 Jan. Cdt Wagstaffe selected for regional trials. They will receive their wing blues and certificates in due course.

FS Stockwell and Cdt Pestell attended the wing music weekend 25 - 27 Jan.

YOPEY Nomination - FS Stockwell

Dear All,

As some of you are aware, I have been nominated for Young Person of the Year Award.
If you would like to read the story then go to YOPEY website:

http://www.youngpeopleoftheyear.org

Click on one of the lastest YOPEYS - the story is then on the page you are taken to.
Many thanks to all of you at 1066,

FS Stockwell