NEW YEARS HONOUR - Posted 02-Dec-12

The Plymouth & Cornwall Wing Chapin, The Prebendary Brian A Anderson, has been recognised for his dedication to the Corps with being awarded the Air Officers Commanding (22 Group) Commendation in this years New Years Honours awards.

Wing Commander Francis Reis said of the award, "Very well done, very well deserved"

A full list of this years award can be found here

WING BAND SUCCESS - Posted 08-Nov-11

The Plymouth & Cornwall Band have won the South West Region Band competition in the Non-Valve category. The competition was held as part of a week long music camp at Longmoor, Hampshire.

They will now go on later this month to represent the South West Region at the Corps finals where the best cadets from across the country will compete.

(Click image for larger picture)

Ashley Achieves his Gold Award - Posted 29-Oct-11

BANNER DRILL TEAM STEAL SUCCESS - Posted 04-oct-11

Plymouth & Cornwall Wing Banner Drill Party hard practice has paid off as they brought back the Simmons-Bird Trophy as winners at the Regional Activities Day in a hard and close run competition in which Plymouth & Cornwall Wing cadets won by a single point over Thames Valley Wing. There was success too for Cadet Mills who came third for Under 16 Public Speaking competition, 2339 (Plymstock & Mount Battern) Squadron for 2nd place in Media Skills and Flt Lt Symons for his entry in the Photographic competition which cam third. Meanwhile Cdt Jake Southern of 197 (Devonport) Squadron came third for his photograph in the Aviation Under 16s category. In Aircraft Recognition Cadet May of 2443 (Okehapton) Squadron came a close third while Cdt Buscombe also came third for his entry in the over 16yrs Aero-modelling competition.

Duke of Edinburgh Success - Posted 28-Jul-11

Plymouth & Cornwall Wing has just completed it's largest ever Duke of Edinburgh Expedition weekend with over 70 cadets attending the 3 day event based at RAF Portreath. Over 70 cadets successfully passed their expedition section of their Bronze or Silver awards. If this was not enough success 5 adult staff members of the Wing completed their national accreditation induction assessment for Silver and Bronze future expedition assessments. The Wing will now have over a dozen nationally qualified assessors in the award making our Wing the best in the South West!

Further Expedition training is planned for October this year with adult training courses planned for the winter months of 2012.

JOIN US ON FLICKR - Posted 16-Jul-11

In addition to Plymouth & Cornwall Wing being on Facebook and Twitter the Wing now has its own Flickr page to enable cadets to upload and share their images of Wing and Corps activities.

CHANGE OF COMMAND - Posted 26-Jun-11

Wing Commander Mike Symons will be standing down after three tours as the Commanding Officer of Plymouth & Cornwall Wing spanning twelve years. His dedication to the Wing has seen its development in many areas including accredited BTEC studies and the introduction of Bader used by all the units within the Wing to record all the cadet activities. Squadron Leader Francis Reis's appointment as the new Wing Commander as of 11 July 2011 has been approved by the Commandant of the Air Cadets. Sqn Ldr Reis is the current Wing Media Officer, Sector Commander for Plymouth Sector and he also commands 197 (Devonport) Squadron."

Wing celebrates 70 years of air cadets

Over 400 Cadets and Staff from across the Wing hold an Anniversary Parade through Truro town centre to celebrate 70 years since the formation of the Corps on 5th February 1941. Wing Commander Mike Symons said after the parade, "Although I was able to say a brief 'thank you' and 'well done' from the steps of the Cathedral to those within earshot, I want to say an even louder 'THANK YOU' and 'VERY WELL DONE' to everyone involved in ensuring that our 70th Anniversary was marked in such style... the Wing was certainly an impressive sight marching through Truro.  I was stopped by numerous members of the public, all thoroughly complimentary about the turnout and smartness of the cadets and staff, even two comments about the number of girls!  We certainly did a lot for the blue footprint and our 70th theme of 'Engagement"

CADETS GAIN SEVERAL AWARDS AT THE REGIONAL ACTIVITIES DAY - Posted 09-Oct-10

Cadets from across the Wing have scored success in this years Regional Activities Day. Cadets did especially well in the Public Speaking event with Cadet Healey of 730 (City of Truro) Squadron and Sgt Elson of 2309 (University of Plymouth) Squadron both gaining first place in the Under 16 and Over 16 years categories respectively. Cadet Warrant Officer Thompson of 147 (Camborne & District) Squadron missed out on 2nd place in the Best Cadet NCO competition by a single point. For full results click here.

PLYMOUTH & CORNWALL WING MOURN THE PASSING OF TWO OF IT'S STAFF - Posted 25-Sep-10

Staff and cadets from across Plymouth & Cornwall Wing are mourning the loss of two members of it's staff. Civilian Instructor Dave Kemp from 335 (Liskeard) Detached Flight and Mrs Lisa Bowcutt from 3 (Helston) Squadron both passed away in the past two weeks. They will both be sadly missed by all in the Wing.

730 (City of Truro) Squadron win caiel's trophy

Cadets from 730 (City of Truro) Squadron regain the Caiel's Trophy at the Wing Activities Weekend with a final score of 798.2 points. 3 (Helston) Squadron and 2309 (University of Plymouth) Squadrons came second and third with 746.6 and 732.11 points respectively. Cadets from Squadrons and Detached Flights from across the competition which lasted all weekend at RAF St Mawgan and utilised the new Cadet Adventure Centre on the station. Each of the three top teams scored maximum points in two categories. The weekend is used to select cadets & teams to represent the Wing at the Regional Activities Day later in the month.

1900 (West Cornwall) Squadron Top Wing Athletics - Posted 19-May-10

The Wing Athletics trials were held at Par on Sunday 16 May. Cadets from 1900 (West Cornwall) Squadron topped the results table with a total score of 187. 2312 (Tavistock) Squadro came second with 167 points narrowly beating 1225 (St Austell) Squadron into 3rd place. Selected cadets will go on to represent the Wing at the Regional Championship held at Tidworth.

TEN TORS COMPLETED - Posted 10-May-10

Following months of preparation teams from Plymouth & Cornwall Wing have successfully completed the Ten Tors challenge on Dartmoor. A total of six teams took part in the event including in all three distances of 35, 45 and 55 kilometers. Only one member of one team failed to finish the challenge which beats many teams. This year the preparation for the event was led by Squadron Leader Windo who said "Over all a very good result for the cadets and staff who have worked on the Ten Tors activity this year well done to all."

WING MORN LOSS OF EX-WING STAFF OFFICER - Posted 09-May-10

Plymouth & Cornwall Wing morn the death of Ex-Wing Staff Officer Flight Lieutenant Gerald Patterson RAFVR(T).

CI Mike Willis Hangs Up His Trunks - Posted 03-Feb-10

After 16 years of weekly coaching cadets in swimming at HMS Drake Civilian Instructor Mike Willis has decided to hang his trunks up for the final time. Over the years CI Willis has coached numerous cadets to passing their swimming proficiency including at different levels. Flight Lieutenant Sue Perkins, who has been shadowing CI Willis, has taken over the swimming reigns to ensure that cadets still get the high standard of coaching CI Willis gave over the years. CI Willis will continue in his role as a Civilian Instructor at 2339 (Plymstock & Mount Batten) Squadron.

RECRUITMENT SHIELD RESULTS - Posted 12-Jan-10

The inter unit competition this year ran from 1 Oct 08 – 30 Sep 09.  The results are determined by the figures in the unit quarterly recruiting stats.  The Recruiting Shield is presented to the Unit obtaining the most points in the year based on the following scale:

a.         For every recruit (all categories) to the RAF         10 points 

b.         For every officer recruit to the other Armed Forces 5 points

c.         For every other rank recruit to the Armed Forces 2 points

The result of the 2008 competition are:

            1^st        3 Sqn

            2^nd        781 Sqn

            3^rd  =    147 Sqn

                        335 Sqn

                        1225 Sqn

INTER-REGIONAL RUGBY - Posted 02-Dec-09

Five cadets from Plymouth & Cornwall Wing formed part of the South West Region Senior Rugby Team at the Inter-Regional Senior Rugby Championships. Corporal J Reynolds of 730 (City of Truro) Squadron, Cadet D Hales of 1900 (West Cornwall) Squadron, Cpl T Underwood and Cadet F Vitalino of 2309 (University of Plymouth) Squadron) and Sergeant J Jewell of 2174 (Estover) Squadron all represented the South West Region. Cpl Reynolds given the responsibility of captaining the team and together with Cdt Hayes and Cpl Underwood has been selected for the Corps Senior Rugby Team. It is highly unusual for three cadets from the same Wing to be selected for the Corps Team which highlights the unusual achievement in this result.

THE LAST POST - Posted 02-Dec-09

For the second year in a row Cadet Katy Passmore of 1225 (St Austell) Squadron has won the Corps Solo Bugle Competition. The competition was held at RAF Halton. Cadet Passmore had to perform two pieces. The set piece was Retreat and her chosen piece was Sunset. Cadet Passmore's passion for the bugle has resulted in her offering to teach fellow cadets to play the bugle.

REGIONAL ACTIVITIES DAY RESULTS IN - Posted 07-Oct-09

Cadets and Squadrons from  Plymouth & Cornwall Wing had some good results at this years Regional Activities Day which was held at Royal Air Force Lyneham on Sunday 4th October. Significant results for the Wing include:

Diorama - 3rd place 2377 (Plympton) Squadron

Aeromodelling - Staff - 2nd place CI Dave Hughes 730 (City of Truro) Squadron

Photo - ATC Activity Under 16 years 1st place Cdt Allday 781 (Newquay) Squadron

Photo - Aviation theme 16years+ 1st place Cdt Clifton 339 (South Dartmoor) Squadron

Media Skills 1st place 2309 (University of Plymouth) Squadron

Public speaking Under 16 years 1st place Cdt Cpl Elson 2309 (University of Plymouth) Squadron 

Drill Competition - Best NCO 2nd place Cdt WO D Wiltshire 2309 (University of Plymouth) Squadron

Banner drill - 2nd place 730 (City of Truro) Squadron

All cadets and staff that entered deserve congratulations in their contribution to the highly successful day.

1900 (WEST CORNWALL) SQUADRON WIN THIS YEARS WING ATHLETICS TRIALS - Posted 17-May-09

Cadets from 1900 (West Cornwall) Squadron scored consistently over each of the track and field events at this years Wing Athletics Trials to win the overall competition with a total of 274 points, 80 points ahead of 730 (City of Truro) Squadron who came in second place. 335 (Saltash) Squadron finished in 3rd place with 163 points. Cadets who won their events are selected to represented the Wing at the Regional Trials to be held at Tidworth on 07 June.

CADETS RETURN FROM CYPRUS CAMP - Posted 17-May-09

Recently 4 Plymouth and Cornwall Wing Air Cadets, CWO Nick Browne, FS Sarah Lucas, FS Craig Saunders and Sgt Mark Reynolds from 2443 (Okehampton), 2312 (Tavistock) and 3 (Helston) Sqn's attended Overseas Easter Camp at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus from 15th to 24th April. They all enjoyed themselves and got involved in various activities in the hot weather such as helicopter flying in the Griffin, shooting, watching and visiting the Red Arrows, seeing the U2 American Spy Plane, visit to Pathos and Nicosia whilst seeing the United Nations and visiting the Buffer Zone which divides Cyprus (half Turkish and half Greek), cruising on a boat around the coast or Cyprus and a whole lot more! A good week was enjoyed by all and would totally recommend to all cadets.

730 (city or truro) squadron win this years plymouth & cornwall wing cadet inter-squadron shooting competition

730 (City of Truro) Squadron have won the Plymouth & Cornwall Wing Cadet Inter-Squadron .22 Shooting Competition with 706 points. Shooting with the Mk8 0.22 rifle Cadet Corporals A Clitherow and S Blake shot with team members Cadets J Garside and A Wilson to secure their win over 1225 (St Austell) Squadron who came in 2nd with 663 points. 1157 Squadron finished third with 617 points.

Retirment of Flight Lieutenant Brian Lowe RAFVR(T)

After more than 40 years of being a Reserve Officer in the Air Cadets, Flt Lt Brian Lowe was dined out with fellow staff and cadets of 2443 (Okehampton) Squadron in December at their annual Squadron Dinner. The Squadron thanked Flight Lieutenant Lowe for all his hard work and commitment to the Squadron over the many years, as well as being Officer Commanding of the Squadron. As he enjoys model trains, the Squadron decided that is what they were going to give him as gift for his efforts over the many years which was presented to him by Unit Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Mingham and Sector Commander, Squadron Leader Reis. The evening was much enjoyed by all and a presentation finished the evening off showing old and new photos of his career in the Air Cadets from start to the end and all wished him all a long and happy retirement.

Picture: Left to Right: Flt Lt Brian Lowe, Sqn Ldr Reis, Flt Lt Mingham
 

PLYMOUTH & CORNWALL WING AWARDED STATION COMMANDERS COMMENDATION - Posted 02 Jan 09

Plymouth & Cornwall Wing have been awarded the RAF St Mawgan Station Commanders Commendation for their efforts and committment to this years Royal Cornwall Show Contingent held near Wadebrdge. The three Cadet Warrant Officer's involved with the event, CWO Nick Browne (2443 Okehampton), CWO Danny Butchers (335 Saltash), CWO Emma May (335 DF Liskeard) along with Wing Staff Officer Sqn Ldr Julie M-P were invited to an awards presentation with other members of the Royal Air Force at RAF St Mawgan where they were presented with the commendation by the Station Commander, Wg Cdr Jim Lawson.