By Cadet Ian Shields

Just four weeks ago, our own Cadet Warrant Officer Paula Hastie visited the House of Commons. The CWO was representing our region, Scotland and Northern Ireland, at a dinner to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Air Training Corps (ATC) on the 5th of February 1941. The event was organised by ex-Conservative party MP Bill Walker and current MP Gerald Howard. Wing Commander George Campbell, who is the officer commanding Glasgow and West of Scotland wing, accompanied the Cadet Warrant Officer. The Wing Commander was one of 39 Wing Commanders who attended the event. In addition to the fine dinner, which was laid on for the guests, other activities included tours of the Palace of Westminster and the Royal Gallery. CWO Hastie said of the day, “ The dinner was lovely but the many speeches dragged on after a while. Overall it was a very enjoyable day”. Transport to the event was organised with the CWO also receiving a free flight to London and back again.

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By Cadet Little and Cadet Muir.

In last years Wing cross-country competition, which was held at Pollock Country Park the senior male event was one by Cpl Robert Hastie. The Corporal came first out of 30 participants who had to run three miles through mud, hills and very large puddles. Each year the top five from this competition go on to represent the Wing at the Regional Cross-county competition in Livingston, where Cpl Hastie achieved second Place in January. He then went on to represent the Region at the ATC competition, where he was eleventh in the country.  Well done to Cpl Hastie who will hopefully achieve more success next year. The squadron has a very challenging Physical training Programme and by next year we all hope to do as well in sporting events such as Athletics and cross- country.

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By Cadet Colin Campbell

Mr Steven Sim has been made an official Civilian Instructor. Since leaving on the 5th May 2000, his training is now over and he can take his place in the squadron structure. As an official Civilian Instructor, CI Sim can attend ATC run courses, gaining skills like mountain leadership in order to take cadets on hill-walks. Another benefit to the cadets is his intention to attend courses at RAF Cranwell to train him in the instruction of classification training subjects, raising the standard of teaching at the squadron. CI Sim also hopes to become insured to drive the squadron minibus, taking cadets on activities, allowing the squadron to live up to the ATC motto of “ Venture Adventure”. CI Sim is a long time member of the squadron. He joined in 1994 as a cadet and reached the rank of Sergeant before he applied to become a civilian instructor and he promises to put in lots of hard work to allow the squadron to reach its full potential. CI Sim was very happy to be appointed to his new position and I’m sure that the cadets feel the same way.

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By Cadet Ironside

In the Air Training Corps there are many opportunities for Flying and Gliding. Currently, one of our cadets is taking part in the Gliding Scholarship Scheme. This scheme allows a cadet to learn how to launch, control and land a glider to the standard where they can fly solo. Completion of the scheme will see the award of a Gliding scholarship certificate and badge, which is worn on the left shoulder patch on your uniform jersey. Cadet Neil Surgenor has had 47 launches in a glider from the base in Arbroath. He has been attending the gliding school for 10 weekends and hopes to go solo soon. Bad weather has meant that on some weekends gliding is not possible and the travel to and from Arbroath is long. However, as Neil says “ The travel and putting up with bad weather is worth it in the end.” Participation in the scheme is free, as is your travel, accommodation and food. Cadets are eligible to apply after the age of 16, providing they have attended a Gliding induction Course.

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By Cadet Espie and Cadet Collins