PADRE'S PAGE

Squadron Chaplains

Each Squadron in the Region is required to have a Chaplain or “Padr”. He or she may be from any of the main-line Christian denominations. Assistant Chaplains (of other denominations or even of other faiths) may be appointed. There are over 100 Squadron Chaplains in the North Region.

Chaplains are not commissioned and therefore do not wear uniform. They are unpaid, even on camps.

The task of the Squadron Chaplain is, in the words of the Regional Chaplain, “To be a friend to the Squadron”. In other words, to care for each member, whether Cadet, Civilian Instructor or Officer. It is the responsibility of the Squadron Commander to make provision in the training programme for the Padr to meet all members of the unit regularly. The Chaplain is expected to hold a “Padr's Hour” (not necessarily one hour in length and of varied format) once a month, but Padrs often “pop in” to the Squadron to see the members informally at other times as well. In the Padr's Hour the main topics are the Christian Faith, Moral Issues and Good Citizenship.

Enrolments of cadets are normally conducted by the Squadron Padr, either in Squadron HQ or in a Church Parade. It is the custom in this Region to present an ATC crested New Testament to cadets on Enrolment. (See NM&AFBS below).

Church Parades are held, usually in the Padr's Church but also in town-centre churches or one closer to the Squadron, if these are not the Padr's church. Parades should be held on ATC Sunday, Battle of Britain Sunday (allowing for Wing Parades if also held), and on at least one other occasion in the year.

The Squadron Civilian Committee includes the Padr, who, like the Squadron Commanding Officer, is an ex-officio member, having no vote.

Annual Camps – The Squadron Padr should be consulted at an early stage of preparation and if possible should attend Camp.

Wing Chaplains

The Wing Chaplain is a key member of the ATC Chaplaincy Service. He is there to help the Wing Commander and his staff and oversee the appointment and support of Squadron Chaplains. He attends Wing functions and Wing Staff meetings, officiates at Wing Parades and is an ex-officio member of the Wing Civilian Committee. He should take part in the planning of the Wing's Annual Camp programme . Each Wing in the Region has a Wing Chaplain in post, and he is encouraged to have an Assistant Wing Chaplain.

The Appointment of Squadron Chaplains is initiated by the Squadron Commander, who should consult the Wing Chaplain at an early stage. The Wing Chaplain interviews the candidate and, when the form of nomination comes to him from the Squadron via Wing HQ, he is able to recommend the appointment, having obtained the approval of the appropriate Ecclesiastical Authority. When the appointment is made, the Wing Chaplain inducts the Squadron Chaplain in a ceremony, either at Squadron HQ or in a Church Parade service.

The support of Squadron Chaplains is given by the Wing Chaplain by personal contact, by organising Wing Training days for chaplains and encouraging attendance at Regional Training days and at the Annual Convention of ATC Chaplains.

The Regional Chaplain

The Regional Chaplain is appointed by the Commandant Air Cadets, in consultation with the Regional Commandment and the Corps Chaplain. He helps the Regional Commandment and his staff, and supports the 5 Wing Chaplains in their key role. He is an ex-officio member of the Regional Council and attends Regional Staff Meetings.

He organises Regional Training days for chaplains and encourages them to attend Wing training days and the Annual Chaplains' Convention.

He meets with the 5 other Regional Chaplains in the Corps Chaplain's Committee, a committee of the Air Cadet Council, which advises the Air Cadet Council on matters affecting the spiritual and religious welfare of Cadets and Staff.

Training Courses for Cadets

These are held at Amport House, several times a year, and also at Carronvale (organised by the Scotland and Northern Ireland Region) once a year. Information about these is transmitted to Squadrons and can also be obtained from the Chaplains. Cadets who have attended these courses have found them tremendously helpful and squadrons are strongly urged to send cadets to one of them. They are designed to hep equip the cadet for life, leadership and fulfilment.

The Naval Military & Air Force Bible Society (NM&AFBS)

This society provides the ATC with the New Testaments presented to Cadets on Enrolment, and also with a wide variety of very helpful booklets, used by Squadron Chaplains in their ministry. It is a Charity and the gifts are free, but Squadrons send donations to help cover costs

The North Region's Chaplaincy Branch

Rev. Allen Bagshawe, (Regional Chaplain) Contactable through the Regional HQ's 01347 848261Ext 7460

Wing Chaplains are contactable through the respective Wing Headquarters.

Rev. Allen Bagshawe- Central & East Yorkshire Wing

Rev. Peter Ford - Cumbria & Lancashire Wing

Rev. Jim Shewan - Durham/Northumberland Wing

Rev. Michael Hepworth - Greater Manchester Wing

Rev. Trevor Dixon - South & West Yorkshire Wing