Air Cadets Meet the Booties
Air Cadets Meet the Booties
Activities included an experience ride on the the fast raiding boats up and down the River Tyne with the Royal Marine Raiding Troop, a 50 foot abseil, weapon systems familiarisation, leadership exercises and a gruelling physical training session with RMR Tyne’s Physical Training Instructors.
Many of the cadets felt that the highlight of the day was the fast raiding boats experience ride. After receiving a comprehensive safety briefing from the Royal Marine Coxwains, the cadets donned their life jackets for the ride. They then had the chance to experience a high speed ride up the River Tyne to the Millenium Bridge and back again. Cadet Flight Sergeant James Scott from 733 (Newcastle Airport) Squadron commented that “The fast boat ride was brilliant and really exciting. The Coxwain told us to hold on tight and that was good advice!”.
Air Cadets in Fast Raiding Boats on the River Tyne
Cadet Oliver Pratt of 861 (Wideopen) Squadron stated that “The best part of the day for me was the abseiling – I don’t like heights very much but I got a real sense of achievement when I made it to the bottom of the rope successfully”.
A cadet makes their way down the abseil
Flying Officer James Elliott, Officer Commanding 861 (Wideopen) Squadron and organiser of the activity said “This is the second year that RMR Tyne have organised this event for Squadrons of Durham/Northumberland Wing and they are always excellent hosts. The cadets had a fantastic day, the weather was brilliant and I even overcame my fear of heights and completed the abseil! I would like to extend my thanks to all of the Royal Marines who helped us to organise this event and I look forward to organising the activity again in 2011”.
Cadet Sergeant Ben Scorer pushes himself on the Physical Training activity
Warrant Officer Class 2 Steve Garrow of RMR Tyne commented that “The Air Cadets we hosted in April are the most polite and well disciplined youth group we have worked with at RMR Tyne in many years. They were a pleasure to work with and I hope we can assist again in the future”.
In convoy - Fast Raiding Boats with cadets on board on the River Tyne
This multi-activity day is just one example of the huge range of activities available to young people aged 13-20 in the Air Training Corps. There are Squadrons across the Durham and Northumberland area and the organisation accepts entrants aged 13-17 years. More information about your local Squadron can be found at www.dnw-atc.org or at the national Air Cadet Organisation website at www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets.org. Why not join your local Squadron and see how far you can push yourself in the Air Cadets?
861 (Wideopen) Squadron is currently recruiting for new cadets aged 13-17 years. We are currently parading in Hazelwood Community Primary School, every Monday and Thursday 7-9.30pm. Why not come down and see what we can offer? If you have any questions, please contact Flying Officer James Elliott on oc.861@aircadets.org.
