“This is one of the most amazing opportunities I have done in my Air Cadet career” Last weekend Sergeant Harry Vardy, from 2195 (Long Eaton) Squadron, was the first cadet this year at 644 volunteer gliding school to successfully land his first solo circuit in the vigilant aircraft gaining his Silver Gliding Wings. The journey started just 8 weeks prior to his first solo flight and not only involved practical gliding lessons but also involved a large amount of theory learning in a classroom environment. Every Saturday at the Gliding School, Sergeant Vardy would complete between 4 and 8 launches, weather depending. During these launches he learnt basic controls of the aircraft, how to use thermals to maintain altitude and most importantly and most challengingly to him how to successfully launch and land the aircraft. As Sergeant Vardy became more competent in controlling the aircraft, he began practicing his gliding… Read More »
Members of staff, civilian committees and staff cadets from across the wing attended the Annual Dinner Dance to celebrate the many successes of the Wing thought this year. Joining the Wing as principle guest were Group Captain Graham Bowerman OBE, Corps and Central & East Region Chairman, and Under Warden Professor Julian Ellis OBE, from the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters. Since 2018 the Wing has been affiliated with the Worshipful Company and at the Dinner they introduced their new annual trophy, awarded to an outstanding member of staff. This year the award went to Flight Lieutenant Lawrence, Officer Commanding 2248 (Rutland) Squadron. Following the after-dinner speeches, Wing Commander Pass presented a series of honours and awards to members within the Wing. Squadron Leader Faulkner was presented a Commandant’s Commendation for the work he has done as Wing Health & Safety Officer. Squadron Leader Bates and Squadron Leader Wilson were… Read More »
