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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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March / April 2005 RAF St Athans By Cdt Sarah Farmer On the 16th of March three cadets from the squadron left from Wing headquarters in Paisley to go on an Easter camp to RAF St Athens in Wales. The camp was a week long; during this week we took part in a wide variety of activities such as flying, target shooting, swimming and night exercises. We visited lots of sections on the base, this included the fire section and DARA (Defence Aviation Repair Agency), which is where they repair aircraft. My favourite part of the camp was when all the girls were out for an hour and a half doing drill until midnight because one girl had lost her purse. All in the camp was one of the best I’ve ever been on and I would recommend it to other cadets because it’s a really fun camp and I can’t wait to go again if I get the opportunity. Skiing By Cdt Kristina Callaghan On Sunday the 13th of March, most of the squadron and some friends and family enjoyed a skiing trip in the Cairngorms National Park at Aviemore. In order to get enough time to Ski, we had to be at the squadron for 6am as it was a three hour journey. We stopped at the ski hire centre to collect our boots and carried on up to the slope, where the beginners were split up into two tuition groups and the rest started skiing. During our lesson, our instructor showed us what to do and then let us try it ourselves. I was rubbish! We met back at the bus at 3.30pm and then went to the chippy for dinner, Then, we headed home. It had been a long, tiring but enjoyable day for everyone! By Cdt Jennifer Lynch In March, a number of cadets from the squadron went skiing and snowboarding. The squadron had attended similar event last year, although for a number of the cadets, including myself, this was the first time we’d ever tried it. We met at the squadron headquarters at 6 o’clock in the morning and set off for Aviemore. When we arrived, we were first given an introduction and then fitted for all the ski gear and equipment. As soon as we got our kit, the fun started. We learned how to put the skis on, how to go forward, how to turn left and right and most importantly how to stop. A few people found it quite difficult, but I managed to do it all first time. We headed home after a long day and most of the cadets fell asleep on the bus. Although we were tired, we all agreed it was so much fun.
Indoor Rock Climbing By Cpl Chris Howson
In March, CWO Hastie organised a trip to the Glasgow Climbing Centre, in Ibrox. I thought that the climbing centre would have one or two walls, but was surprised to find out they had ten! Alan, our instructor, issued us with climbing shoes, a helmet and a safety harness each. Alan showed us how to attach our harness to the rope, and then checked it before we started to climb. We worked in pairs with one person climbing and the other controlling the rope down the bottom. When it was my turn to climb I found it incredibly difficult to get started as you find yourself clinging on for dear life! But, bit by bit, I finally got to the top. I wasn't sure what to do next but Alan was on hand to give me some instructions. The first thing he shouted was "Lean Back!" My immediate reaction was "NO WAY!" It took me a while to find the courage to lean back 30 feet off the ground, but I finally did it. After doing it the first time, I found that I could do it again and again, but the first time was definitely a killer! I think this is due to you being in a completely unnatural position, and slightly because you don't completely trust your partner. However, as I leaned back I felt myself being lowered towards the ground and I was told to walk my feet down the wall. I had abseiled for 30 feet and I was proud of it. One of the funniest things of the night was when Kayani Jr was partnered with CWO Hastie and when the CWO was abseiling from the top, Kayani was lifted from the ground and needed Alan to keep him down! Once we completed the training wall, we were moved into the main hall where we would have a bash at the real thing! These walls were extremely difficult and you needed lots of muscular strength and plenty of endurance to get to the top. We started to climb but only CWO Hastie and Cdt Hastie managed to get to the top, I was raging! Even though I tried my hardest, I simply wasn't good enough to reach the top that day. However, myself and Cpl Finnie enjoyed it so much that we went back ourselves just 2 weeks later where I managed to beat that wall I couldn't manage the first time! Rock climbing wasn't something that I thought I would enjoy so much, but I did. I can say on behalf of everyone who went rock climbing that we had a great time and we would all love to do it again. Bag Packing By Cpl Chris Howson As part of our ongoing fundraising efforts, cadets from the squadron have already taken part in a number of supermarket bag-packs this year. In addition to raising some much needed finds the bag packs also give us the opportunity of promoting the image of the squadron and the Air Cadet Organisation to the general public. We also have information ready to hand out to any possible new recruits. The cadets who turn up to help out at event like these are rewarded generally with a free lunch, but more importantly highlight themselves to the squadron staff, who then consider them for camps and social events. Money raised at these bag packs helped pay for new sports and adventure training equipment for the squadron, which we are now enjoying during the summer months. Although the cadets have a laugh themselves at these bag packs, on behalf of the NCO team and the staff I would like to thank the cadets for their commitment and their determination, as it has been well appreciated. |
