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2175 (Rolls-Royce)
Squadron
Air Training Corps |
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2175 (Rolls-Royce)
Squadron
Air Training Corps |
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November / December 2002
On the 29th of November the annual 2175 (Rolls-Royce) Squadron Cadet of the Year Night took place in the Rolls Royce Hillington factory canteen. The night began with an introductory speech from the commanding officer Flt Lt. Gregor Brad. Then the first presentations were made with Cadet of the year runner-up awarded to Sgt Robert Hastie. Also, the attendance trophy was awarded to Sgt Robert Hastie. As the night progressed talks were made from cadets and NCOs on the various activities we had taken part in throughout the year. Consequently the part of the night that everyone was waiting for, the cadet of the year, promotions etc. was upon us. This year cadet of the year was presented to Cpl Muir (myself). I felt a great sense of achievement that night and it has remained in my mind since as the proudest day so far of my career in the corps. Also promotions were made to three different ranks Corporal, Sergeant and Flight Sergeant. Congratulations to Cdt Craig Jones who was promoted to Cpl, Cpl Joseph Muir who was promoted to Sgt and Sgt Robert Hastie who was promoted to FS. ROLL OF HONOUR The MacPherson Trophies
Promotions
BARRY BUDDEN RANGES By Cdt McLellan (A) On the 16th of November myself and several other cadets, accompanied by Warrant Officer Leonard, all clambered into the squadron minibus at seven o’clock in the morning. The reason that we were leaving so early was because we were on our way to a range in Barry Budden. Barry Budden is a huge military range complex just to the south of Dundee. When we arrived there we were met by cadets from four other squadrons in our wing. Once all of the rifles were cleaned and checked the first group of cadets went down to the butts, which is the area immediately below the targets, and their job was going to be to slide the targets up and down and to change the targets. As it was my first time shooting the L98 rifle I was taken to the side along with another nine cadets and given dry training to let you get used to the rifle and know all of the firing commands. While I was doing this I could hear many shots going off over at the firing line as the first group of cadets had their turn at firing. Lunch came not too soon for me as it was starting to rain and was very, very cold so I was very glad when I could go into the minibus and have some of my soup and sandwiches. After lunch all of the groups changed and the group that was down at the butts came up and fired. I hade my final test and eventually was allowed to fire the rifle. I managed to fit in two firing sessions before we all packed up and cleaned all the rifles. At about half five we all jumped on our minibuses and left for home, all exhausted and almost everybody fell asleep on the return journey. REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY By Cdt McLellan M
On Sunday the 10th November, our fully uniformed squadron participated in the Remembrance Parade at the cenotaph in Paisley town centre. We reported to the squadron at 9 am in wedgewood blue shirts and black ties. A lot of effort was put in by the staff, NCOs and cadets to get the drill and timings right. Cadets were to march from the Royal British Legion to the cenotaph. There was a 30 minute speech by a minister and then a two minute silence. Then it was time to march back. We then stopped off at the Royal British Legion for some free pies and juice. After our well earned break, we were off to the grave of John Baxter at Cardonald Cemetery. John Baxter was an ex-cadet of the squadron who was murdered by the IRA. The squadron enjoyed paying their respects to the men and women who have given their lives to protect our country. CROSS COUNTRY By CI Suzanne Callan
A very cold 17th of November saw the Glasgow and West of Scotland Wing Cross Country Championships held at Pollock Country Park. We entered a large squad of 15 people for the race, each running in their own age groups. Mr Sim and I were given duties at the finish line, timing the races and counting the cadets back in. So, I took it upon myself to give everyone running past me a bit of encouragement with shouting and clapping. Unfortunately, I got a little too carried away and ended up cheering on a women jogger! Quite embarrassing and I don’t think anyone will let me forget it for a long time. Congratulations to the squadron team, who all finished. Good Show! Especially to FS Hastie and Cdt Reid who both won Gold for the Senior and Intermediate races respectively. FS Hastie, Cdt Reid and Cdt McLellan (F) were chosen for the Regional competition, held in December. Unfortunately, Cdt Reid was unable to make it, however, both FS Hastie and Cdt McLellan did the squadron proud, both returning with medals. FS Hastie’s Gold at Region means that he will represent Region at the Corps competition in January 2003. B29 HIKE By Cadet Chris Kilmartin J On the 29th of December 2002 a group of cadets went on the B29 Hike, so called because a B29 aircraft crashed into the side of a hill. 11 people were killed in this crash; the wreck of the B29 is still there along with a memorial plaque with the names of the people who died. I was one of the Cadets that went on the hike; I think there were 7 other cadets there. I can’t remember where we started or how long it took us to get from the start of the hike to the Crash site but I don’t think it was that long, a few cadets were struggling towards the end of the first half because we had to climb up the side of a hill in order to reach a track that would take us closer to the B29. Before we went up this hill Cpl Morrison “decided” to take a dip in the local stream. There was an easier way we could have went contouring the hill but “we wanted a challenge”. We hope to do a lot more hill walk’s this year to get fitter and hopefully be good enough to get a team together for the “Dales Challenge”, a 12 hour endurance race over hills. TEN PIN BOWLING By Cdt Neil Finnie On Thursday the 21st of November, Greenock Squadron challenged us to a game of 10-pin bowling. We accepted, and won with ease (as usual). We arrived at 7pm and left about 9.30pm. My lane included Cpl Morrison, Cdt Kilmartin and myself against Brian and Fiona from Greenock. I came first (although Cpl Morrison would say “we came first”). Cpl Morrison came in a close second with Cdt Kilmartin third. I got four strikes but I didn’t do the 2175 Strike Dance as everyone else always does. Cpl Morrison, Mr Sim and Miss Hastie were all disappointed in me for not dancing but it was embarrassing. The night cost £3.50 each but I spent £6 on the amusements and got into trouble from my Mum! All in, it was a really enjoyable night and I would definitely go again. DRY SLOPE SKIING By CI Suzanne Callan The squadron restarted its skiing program, just a few days before Christmas. The cadets can sign up for lessons at Bellahouston Ski Centre for just £7.The eight cadets who attended the first session had a great time, and so did we, watching them fall! As well as being fun the lessons could be counted for the PE section of the Duke of Edinburgh’s award. NEW SQUADRON JUMPERS By CI Suzanne Callan November saw the squadron launch another new item of kit for the cadets. The squadron jumper, in navy blue with the embroidered ATC logo, joins the squadron T-shirts in giving a real team spirit look to the squadron. The cost of both items, purchased together, is only £9. We hope that by the end of January 2003, everyone will be sporting the new 2175 look! INTER FLIGHT WARS By CI Suzanne Callan Competition within the squadron encourages participation in all events, leadership, teamwork and pride. This is achieved by splitting the squadron into two flights, Red and Green, who compete in Football games, quizzes etc to be crowned Flight of the Month. So, just in time for the new year, the squadrons Inter Flight competition has hotted up! Relaunched with the new title, Inter Flight Wars and incorporating more activities than ever before 2003 should be a lot of fun. The competition now comprises attendance, uniform, individual activities, sports and leadership competitions and discipline. You can follow the progress of each flight on the squadron notice board and website. Also, copies of the rules, points allocations etc are available in the same locations A shield will be presented to the flight who wins the most during the upcoming year, on Cadet of the Year Night 2003. Ran in the last two months of the year, we saw green flight win for November and Decembers competition was won by red flight. So with the two teams equal so far, what surprises will next year bring? |
Newsletter
Jan / Feb
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