Community Spirit

Cadets and Staff from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn have shown what community spirit is all about this weekend in being involved in a number of community activities.

Saturday 6th October saw the cadets raising funds for the unit by Bag Packing at Sainsburys. The cadets were praised for their polite and mature manor by the shoppers and this was reflected in the donations they received.

On the same day the Cadets and Civilian Committee manned a recruitment stand at the Letchworth Get Involved fair at Plinston Hall. This is put together by the Heritage Foundation and is for those members of the community to have a look around and see what volunteer work they could be involved in.

Sunday 7th October was a very early start for 12 Cadets and Staff who made their way to Standalone farm to help with the car parking at the annual 10km road race organised by Letchworth Road Runners.

Alongside the Road Runners event the second day of the Get Involved fair was also going on. The stand attracted some very interesting members of the public which included veterans who have offered to come to the Sqn and give talks to the Cadets on the regular RAF Sqn's they were once a part of.

The whole weekend has been an excellent opportunity for 248 (Letchworth) Sqn to recruit, raise funds and raise their profile in the local community. OC 248, Flt Lt Wilton commented "The cadets, staff and the civilian committee have worked extremely hard over the weekend to make it a success, they have done very well and should be proud of themselves."

Pictured below: a selection of photographs from all 3 events:

248 Sqn Prepare for Overnight Ex

Cadets from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn have begun to prepare for the Wing Overnight Exercise which is to be held at the end of November.

2 teams of cadets led by Sgt Sowden and Sgt Tierney navigated their way around a circular route of approximately 30km near the Halton area. With the weather holding out for them and carrying the required kit, the teams completed the task in just under 7 hours.

Knowing that navigation is not the only skill required to do well at the Overnight Exercise the teams have also devised a fitness plan to ensure their stamina is up to the highest standard.

Although the final team selection has not yet taken place all cadets and staff involved have been working hard to ensure 248 (Letchworth) Sqn get to pick the best possible team for the event.

OC 248, Flt Lt Wilton commented "We are confident that 248 (Letchworth) Sqn will do better this year than we have done previously and with all of the preparation and planning involved we are hoping for a good result."

Battle of Britain Parade Video

Battle of Britain Parade

This years Battle of Britain parade held at St Paul's church in Langleybury saw 12 Cadets and 3 Staff from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn join the 104 Cadets and 12 Staff pay their respects to those who have fallen in the Battle of Britain.

The parade was led by Sgt Mark Abson from 1113 (Berkhamstead) Sqn and his 2 escorts who carried the Union Flag. The banners that followed included those from The Royal British Legion, the Royal Air Forces Association and 6 ATC squadrons. Sgt Grover was given the privilege of carring the banner on behalf of 248 (Letchworth) Sqn.

The band from 1066 (Hitchin) Sqn accompanied the parade on the short march to St Paul's church where a service took place. Readings were read 2 cadets from 1187 (Hemel Hempstead) Sqn.
The congregation inside the church included the Mayor of the Borough of Dacorum, and the Mayor of the Borough of Hertsmere along with MP's from Watford, Hemel Hempstead and South West Herts. All of whom laid wreaths following the church service at the short service of remembrance held around the memorial outside of St Pauls church with Sqn Ldr Mimpress laying the wreath on behalf of the Herts and Bucks Wing.

The Parade Commander, Flt Lt Hutchinson commented "We had an excellent number of cadets and units represented from Herts and Bucks Wing and it is great to see that so many cadets have such a sense of occasion."
Photographs Crown © - Sgt T Fievez

Day Navex

The day navex on Saturday 22nd September is to provide training in preparation for the Wing Overnight Excercise at the end of November.
A full team brief and kit lists will be given on Thursday 20th September.
If you are unable to attend on Saturday but would still like to be considered for the Wing Overnight Ex team please contact Sgt Fievez

Battle of Britain Parade

This years Battle of Britain parade takes places on Sunday 16th September. Dress is wedgewood shirt and ties, please make sure you bring your jumpers with you. Departure will be from the Sqn HQ at 09:45. Return to Sqn HQ will be approx 13:30.
Any queries please contact Sgt Fievez.

Wing Swimming

Wing Swimming will take place at St Albans Swimming Pool on Saturday 15th September. You need to be at the Sqn HQ for 15:45 in sports kit and preferably with a Sqn t-shirt or polo shirt.
Any questions please contact Sgt Fievez.