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1769 (THURSO) Squadron News 

Air Experience Flying at RAF Kinloss

Eight Thurso cadets enjoyed Air Experience Flying with 12 AEF at RAF Kinloss. Despite leaving Caithness in very bleak weather conditions, the cadets arrived in Kinloss to glorious sunshine.  All cadets took the controls of the Tutor aircraft and most enjoyed exhilarating aerobatics.

 

Cdt Dean MacLennan, Cdt Luke Fairfield & Flt Sgt Nadia Gray waiting patiently for their flights in the Grob Tutor 

 

Dunkeld Adventure Training Camp

Thurso cadets and staff joined forces with Aviemore, Broxburn and Whitehaven Squadrons for an Adventure Training Camp in Perthshire. 

 

Some 'splashing' fun in a calm spot on the River Tay

 

Activities included rock climbing, abseiling and trail cycling in the stunning Perthshire countryside and white water rafting on the River Tay. The hill day saw cadets travelling to Glenshee where they topped 3 munros, 'The Cairnwell', 'Carn a' Gheoidh' and 'Carn Aosda'.

 

Ready for the climb ahead, at the foot of 'The Cairnwell'

 

The Regional Adventure Training Technical Officer, Sqn Ldr Mike Stewart joined the group for 2 days and said the highlight for him was the white water rafting, which he had never experienced before.

All cadets, who had not previously achieved their swimming proficiency, achieved this on the first evening in Perth Leisure Pool before hitting the waters of the River Tay.

I'm an Air Cadet, Get Me Out of Here!

Despite the fact that it should have been called, "There's too many midges, get me out of here!" an enjoyable weekend was had by all.

 

Cdt Luke Fairfield enjoys one of the activities involving rather a lot of flour!!!

 

The cadets were not allowed to bring any food on the activity and had to win tasks to survive!  Two teams pitted their wits against each other, competing to win food, stoves and shelter building equipment.

 

Can they achieve the task without destroying the egg!

 

The tasks included navigation, first aid and casualty transfer, shelter building, 'bomb disposal', quiz using correct radio procedures and dexterity challenges.

 

 

Cdts Kerr & Fairfield attempt to defuse the 'bomb'

 

Piping and Drumming Camp

Thurso Squadron cadets have again attended the Army Cadet Piping & Drumming Camp at Cameron Barracks.

 

They enjoyed a weeks intensive piping and drumming tuition from some of the Army's finest, as well as getting the opportunity to take part in swimming, marksmanship and getting to know other cadets from around the UK.

 

Cadet Keith Baxter achieved is Level 3 Piping Certificate and took home the "Most improved advanced piper" award and was delighted to receive the award from Air Cadet Commandant, Air Commodore Gordon Moulds.

 

Air Commodore Moulds congratulates Cdt Keith Baxter on his achievement

 

Going for Gold
Three Thurso cadets took part in the Highland Wing Swimming Gala at the end of August and between them managed to put the Squadron in 4th place in the overall competition by winning 7 Gold medals.
 
Competing in the senior boys competiton, Cpl Liam Gray took Gold in Backstroke and Breast Stroke and Cdt Bruce Stewart took gold in Individual Medley and Freestyle. New cadet Shaun Gray, competing in the junior boys competition took home 3 Gold medals in Butterfly, Freestyle and Individual Medley.
 
 Cpl Liam Gray, Cdt Shaun Gray & Cdt Bruce Stewart with their collection of Gold Medals
 
Royal Insight for Thurso Cadet
Cadet Flight Sergeant Nadia Gray, Lord Lieutenants' Cadet of Caithness, attended the Royal Garden Party at Holyroodhouse in July.
 

The following day she attended the Installation of The Right Honourable The Lord Cullen of Whitekirk, KT, PC and Sir Garth Morrison, KT, CBD as Knights of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle at St. Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh.  The Order of the Thistle represents the highest honour in Scotland. It is second only in precedence in the UK to the Order of the Garter.

 

Flt Sgt Nadia Gray at the doors to St. Giles Cathedral

 
Finally, to round of her year as Lord Lieutenants' Cadet, Nadia attended the Conferment of The Freedom of Caithness upon His Royal Highness The Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay where she, along with her Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Fiona Macintosh, was presented to Prince Charles. 
 
  Flt Lt Macintosh and Flt Sgt Gray chat with Princes Charles
 
Highland Wing Athletics Competition
Thurso cadets attended the Highland Wing Athletics competition in May and successfully came home with several medals.
 

Cdts Gilli Sutherland, Luke Fairfield, Sean MacLean, Dean MacLennan and Ailsa Keith displaying their medals
 
Two cadets, Dean Maclennan and Ailsa Keith were selected to represent the Wing at the Scotland & Northern Ireland Regional Competition.
 
Athletics Training
Thurso Squadron spent several weeks training with Jean and Malcolm Clasper of the Caithness Amateur Athletics Club in preparation for the Wing Athletics Competition.
 
The claspers gave up their time to assist the cadets in getting to grips with shotput, javelin, long jump, discus, running and relay change-overs.
 

Cdt Keith Baxter gets ready to throw the discuss
 
Erskine Week
We supported Erskine Week Campaign by having a sponsored "I'm an Air Cadet, Get Me Out Of Here" challenge from the 30th May to the 1st June 2008.  You can still visit our fund-raising page to make a donation. 
 
 
So far, the Squadron have raised £370.50, but we are expecting more to come in.  Watch this space for an update!
 
FoneAid Campaign
Thurso Squadron is taking part in the FoneAid mobile phone recycling campaign as a way to raise funds for installing a phone line and internet connection at their Squadron HQ.
 
They will receive £3 for every mobile phone they collect, regardless of condition, but will also be contributing to a worthwhile recycling effort.
 
If you have an old mobile phone you can pass it on to any cadet or member of staff.  You can contact Flight Lieutenant Fiona Macintosh on 01847 861342 for more details. 

 

Digital Photography

Cadets at Thurso Squadron have been practicing their photography skills after an evening with North Highland College lecturer, Les Cowley. After fascinating them with some optical illusions, Les took them through the basics of cameras and photography.

 

 Les Cowley, Photography Tutor

 

Les will be running a practical field trip to assist some of the cadets develop their photography skills for their Duke of Edinburgh Award skills section.