Sector One of South and West Yorkshire Wing have recently visited the North Regional Activity Centre based at RAF Linton-on-Ouse at and have taken part in many exciting activities. Cadets and staff 0f 23 (South Elmsall), 127 (Wakefield), 148 (Barnsley), 2388 (Castleford), 2446 (Knottingley) and 2460 (Pontefract) Squadrons spent the weekend at the RAC. While there the cadets used the futuristic flight and air traffic control simulators and computer suite available.

On Saturday 13th February six cadets and 2 members of staff from 362 (Elm Tree) Squadron took part in a fundraising event to raise awareness of the charity SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) in its 125th year. The event took place in Sheffield City Centre, and the cadets joined forces with members of SSAFA and members of the Sheffield branch of the OTC (Officer Training Corps). Despite the weather being very cold, the cadets enjoyed themselves and managed to raise about £1400.

Air Cadets from 2344 (Longbenton) Squadron celebrated the formation of the Air Training Corps (ATC) and used the occasion to kick-start a year of special events to celebrate 150 years of the cadet organisations. 2010 marks 150 years since the cadet movement first started, when the Cadet Corps was formed to help bolster the country’s defence numbers following heavy losses in the Crimean War.

Air Commodore Ian Stewart meets thousands of cadets each year but some come to his attention for a variety of reasons. During a review of the East Cheshire and South Manchester Wing in 2009, the Commandant met an Air Cadet from 55(Woodford and Bramhill) Squadron called Simon Dickenson.

On Sunday 7 February 2010 the inter wing trials for Hockey were held at Failsworth Sports Centre near Oldham. 14 girls, aged 16 to 20 from S & W York’s Wing, made up the dynamic team captained by CWO  Kat Couchman from 59 Huddersfield Squadron.

Dewsbury Air Cadets have jogged their way to glory at the recent South and West Yorkshire Wing Cross Country Championships held at Barnsley Rugby Club. Twelve cadets took part running the 3 mile course. While the rain held off on an overcast afternoon maximum effort was given by every participant giving 96 (Dewsbury) Squadron its’ best results in years.

A group of young ambassadors have kicked off Cadet150 in style. The event, which takes place throughout 2010, celebrates the 150th anniversary of the launch of the cadet movement. One of those ambassadors was Cadet Warrant Officer Adam Waudby of 110 (City of York) Squadron

Two Yorkshire Air Cadets were keeping a very important appointment this week. Lunch with HRH The Earl of Wessex at Sheffield Town Hall. Cadet Warrant Officer Joe Hedley of 1053 (Armthorpe) Squadron and Cadet Warrant Officer Richard Fleming of 868 (Mirfield) were selected to meet Prince Edward during his recent visit to South Yorkshire and during a reception and lunch to celebrate the achievements of young adults from the Yorkshire Region.

Local businessman and Ex-cadet, James Brunnell, recently made a generous donation of furniture and office equipment to Askern Air Cadet Squadron. Three Askern Air Cadets recently attended RAF Church Fenton, where they were given the opportunity to take control of a light aircraft and experience powered flight. Askern Air Cadets took part in the South and West Yorkshire Wing cross country competition, held at Barnsley Rugby club and Askern Air Cadet, Damien Stevens (16), was selected to represent South and West Yorkshire Wing in the North Region Senior Football competition

The Vulcan To The Sky Trust (VTTST) has teamed up with the Air Cadet Organisation to begin a new education programme. Four squadrons from Castleford, Doncaster, Bawtry and Dinnington came together at the South Yorkshire Aircraft Museum for a presentation from Miriam Tong, Education Manager followed by taking part in the Vulcan survival challenge.

After a long wait 96 (Dewsbury) Squadron indoor shooting range officially became operational in December 2009. Six staff, the Civilian Committee Secretary and 22 Cadets enjoyed a fun packed adventure training weekend at the Redmire Centre. Adult Sgt Tom Harpur successfully completed the final part of the Basic Expedition Leaders Award (BELA). CI Daniel Culpan has recently returned from the 2010 Snow Eagle ‘Nordic Cross Country Skiing’ Air Cadet Course and Five staff from 96 (Dewsbury) Air cadets have recently attended the January staff development course at the NACATC Windermere

On Sunday 7th February, Cadets from 92(Chorley) Air Training Corps Squadron Band were privileged to lead this year’s annual ATC Sunday Parade. Every year members of the Air Training Corps, Cumbria and North Lancashire Wing meet on the Sunday closest to the date that the ATC (Air Training Corps) was founded in order to celebrate its formation and also as a good opportunity to ‘’Show Off’’ the ATC to members of the public

Yeadon Squadron Cadet Warrant Officer, Elizabeth Cwilewicz had her first taste of competition in her new role as coach to the junior netball team at Central and East Yorkshire Wing of the Air Cadets, when the squad of ten girls competed against other Wings in the North Region Championships at Pontefract.

 It was Flags Flying and Music Playing as 120 Air Cadets marched through the centre of Ripon on Sunday. The parade was organised to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the Air Training Corps. The station commander of RAF Linton-on-Ouse headed up the VIP guests who were on hand to take the salute.

Three Yeadon Air Cadets had the time of their lives recently when they took part in a Regional Activities Centre Camp at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near York. Cadets Joshua Robson, Luke Buchan and Joseph Schofield joined with cadets from other parts of Yorkshire for a weekend full of activities.

For 2010, Squadrons in all six wings are to be given the opportunity to produce a series of photographs which could be used in future marketing material. Closing date for submissions to Region will be 25 May 2010.