Setting the standard

Congratulations to Adult Sergeant Stuart Haywood on completing his Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Initial Course (SSIC). The course consists of a number of elements including communication skills, instruction and tuition skills and drill, dress and deportment. Stuart’s recent service as an RAF Police dog handler obviously helped with demands of the course and he was presented with the award for top student.

Sergeant Stuart Haywood is now eligible to compete for the Quinton Memorial Trophy. This is awarded to the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) who receives the highest marks in the examinable aspects of the SSIC. The award is presented by the Commandant of the Region the SNCO is deployed to and a certificate signed by the Commandant Air Cadets is given for the winner to retain.

Another benefit of Stuarts performance is that he has been recommended for a place on the Drill Instructors Course held at the Adult Training Facility. This current knowledge of drill practice will prove to be invaluable to the squadron in future drill competitions.

Stuart enjoyed the course and would like to thank all involved, he made some great new friends along the way as well.

Fund raising at Asda

Cadets and staff from the Rotherham branch of Royal Air Force Air Cadets held a bag packing day at the Rotherham Asda store on Saturday 14^th June. With the assistance of the Asda staff and the great input from their customers we raised over £1200. Which means that the generous folk of our local community gave us an amazing £200 per hour.

The money will be used to help fund a water sports activity week in France, where cadets will undergo a number of challenges and experiences to build on their communication; leadership and teambuilding skills, and help with confidence and self-reliance.

Cadet Ella Clark-Green said, “They were generally polite and gave generously. It was a fantastic experience and I would love to do it again.”

A member of the public emailed the school of Cadet Marcus Hudson to thank him for his help in bag packing and also entertaining her baby. She told us that he was a fantastic example to the cadets and the school.

The other benefit to the bag packing event is that not only does it raise money but it also helps attract people who want to get involved. Teenagers will often come over and have a chat about what we do. It raises awareness of the fabulous opportunities we provide to the young people in our local community.

The cadets and adult staff at would like to thank the staff at Asda and the people using the store for their help and for making us feel so welcome. The final total was £1201.71

RAF Waddington International Airshow 2014

Last Sunday, 218 squadron enjoyed yet another fantastic day at RAF Waddington International Air Show. Around 40 cadets were 'let loose' into Waddington, whilst displays such as the famous Red Arrows soared overhead; the Vulcan was yet another anticipated display on one of its last flights. Throughout the day, plenty of photographs were taken - mostly of clouds - and here, are just a few:

Unfortunately, the 2015 air show will not be happening due to maintenance of the runway, but 218 hope to return in 2016 for another great day.