Marching Begins for 248

6 Cadets and 2 staff from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn took part in the first marching event of 2008.

The one day training march started and finished at 1187 (Hemel Hempsted) Sqn on Sun 10th February. Some of the cadets who took part have never attended any of the marches that Herts and Bucks Wing participate in and are now looking forward to progressing to the next stage of the Marches.

With one more one day training march being held on Sunday 17th February the cadets and staff will then move on to the 2 day Chiltern Hills marches.

Any cadets or staff interested in taking part in the Marching Team should contact ASgt Fievez or ASgt Tierney

ATC Sunday

Cadets from 248 (Letchworth) Sqn took part in ATC Sunday on 3rd February to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the formation of the Air Training Corps.

On parade with over 100 other cadets from around Herts and Bucks wing the cadets marched to the service held at RAF Halton.

ATC Sunday is a major parade in the Air Cadet calendar and is always very well attended, Sgt Adam Sowden carried the 248 banner with the other cadets joining in the service.
Picture by Flt Lt Philip Jones

Wing .22 Postal Competition - Final Results

Team Scores

1st - 936 Sqn - 1316
2nd (joint) - 1365 Sqn - 1224
2nd (joint) - 1239 Sqn - 1224
4th - 248 Sqn - 1099
5th - 2203 Sqn - 840
6th - 1066 Sqn - 719
7th - 220 Sqn - 404
8th - 2370 Sqn - 398
9th - 1563 Sqn - 182
10th - 1113 Sqn - 106
11th - 2313 Sqn - 39
12th - 1875 Sqn - 18
13th - 332 Sqn - 12

Individual Scores

1st - Sgt Z Baker - 936 Sqn - 353
2nd - Cpl Howles - 936 Sqn - 346
3rd - Sgt Hughes - 1365 Sqn - 345
4th - Cpl Williams - 1365 Sqn - 341
5th - Sgt Richards - 1239 Sqn - 334
6th - Sgt A Sowden - 248 Sqn - 332
7th - Cdt Rose - 1239 Sqn - 319
8th - Cdt Baldock H. - 936 Sqn - 282
9th - Cdt Taylor A. - 248 Sqn - 260
10th - FS Gilson - 1365 Sqn - 257

Awards Evening

This years awards evening took place on 1 Dec 07. The guest of honour, Wing Commander Henson was asked to present the following awards:

Best Cadet 2007 - Cdt Adaway

Best NCO 2007 - Sgt Sowden

Best Flight 2007 - C Flight

ASNCO award for Standards & Bearing 2007 - Cdt Daubney

CO's commendation - Cdt Taylor G for his efforts in raising money for the Sqn

In addition to these awards the following promotions were made:

Sgt Poynter (H) to FS

Cdt Daubney to Cpl

Cdt Taylor G to Cpl

6 of 248's newest cadets were also enrolled by Chaplin Howard March

Well done to all of you for all of the hard work that you put in to make this evening the great success it was.

Wing Overnight Ex 2007

A team of 6 cadets led my Sgt Sowden have made 248 (Letchworth) Sqn proud at this years Overnight Ex.

For the first time in 4 years the 248 team have managed to complete the annual Wing Overnight Exercise.

The event is a 30km navigation exercise which takes place in the Halton area. Starting at 8pm and with 12 hours to complete it and numerous checkpoints to visit 248 Sqn made an impressive start.

Only missing 1 of the checkpoints and completing the course in just over 8 and a half hours the team came in 13th out of 40 competing teams.

The team should be congratulated on what was an excellent result, they should feel very proud of themselves and should be an inspiration to next years team to better what has been an excellent performance.

Well done to all of you.

Pictured: Cpl Beecroft, Sgt Sowden, Cdt Kirk, Sgt Tierney, Cdt Berry, Cdt Taylor G

Remeberance Parade 11.11.07

Skill At Arms Weekend

8 Cadets from 248 Sqn attended the final Skill At Arms Weekend for 2007 at Longmoor Camp in Hampshire.

All 8 Cadets passed the required standard on both the No8 and L98 rifles meaning they could take part in the large amount of shooting practises took place over the weekend.

The Skill At Arms weekends are designed to train and coach Cadets on a range of weapons as well as provide them with live firing practices. Staff training has now also been incorporated into the weekends.

The Wing Shooting Officer, Flt Lt Oram commented, "The weekend was a great success and I would like to thank the Cadets for showing a very mature attitude and a great willingness to learn. I would also like to thank all of the staff for their commitment and hard work throughout, without them the weekends just would not be possible."

2008 introduces a new style of Skill At Arms weekends with a clear definition between the Standard and the new advanced courses. Details will follow shortly.

For futher information on the SAA Weekends in 2008 please contact Sgt Fievez on shootingadj@hbwing.org.uk

Pictures of the cadets on the range can be found below.