CCF // REPORT
aerobatic manoeuvres such as loop the loop , barrel roll and stall turns . Having “ followed the pilot through ” they get to fly their own loop and usually end up wanting more ! Ground Training allocations have also been excellent this year and every single RAF cadet has completed their ground school training at RAF Topcliffe- this is a first and a huge step forward for the section .
We very much look forward to next year when the new fleet of gliders will be operational , and the ground training experience will be topped off by a glider flight on the same day . A combination of the training at Topcliffe and Linton means that cadets are eligible for their blue wings and I am delighted that 90 % of cadets obtained their blue wings with 9 cadets going on to get their bronze wings .
During training on a Thursday afternoon , we focus our attention on the RAF air cadet syllabus of training and cadets have been working towards their proficiency badges in a number of disciplines . All cadets have had the opportunity to complete their Heart Start first aid badge and cadets can develop their first aid skills for further proficiency badges as this is a vital skill in the outside world . Much of the training we do prepares the team to compete in the annual Regional Air Squadron Trophy at Inskip , Lancashire . Flt Sgt Joshua Toulmin led the team very well this year through events including drill , shooting and aircraft recognition . They acquitted themselves well against schools from north Wales , Ireland , Scotland and Northern England . Whilst they did not win overall , they were the highest placed team from the north of
England region and we were very proud of them on the day .
Additional qualification highlights this year include Instructor Cadet Qualifications for Flt Sgt Joshua Toulmin and Flt Sgt Michael Smith . I am thrilled to announce that Flt Sgt Toulmin has recently been offered a place on a prestigious flying scholarship course and we wish him well in the future as he looks to pursue a career in the RAF .
One personal highlight this year was our attendance at Barmby Moor church on Remembrance Day . Cadets from both the army and RAF sections were asked to join myself to form an honour guard for veterans of 102 ( Ceylon ) Squadron in their service of remembrance . It was a humbling experience for the cadets and one they will not forget in a hurry . My thanks to Flt Sgt Joshua Toulmin , Flt Sgt Michael Smith , WO2 Afonso Spencer and WO1 Edward James who represented the school and the CCF so well on the day .
I would like to thank all RAF cadets but also Miss Clarke ( Flying Officer Clarke – now Fg Off Everatt ). I would like to thank Joshua and Michael for all they have done for the section over the years . They will be handing over the reins next year to Flt Sgt Oliver Kettle who will be ably supported by Flt Cpl Harry Chacksfield .
Sadly , the annual adventurous training Easter camp near Keswick in the Lake District and the RAF summer camp at RAF Boulmer in Northumberland could not take place this year . We do look forward to organising as many opportunities for our cadets as possible once we are able to resume training at some point next academic year .
Flt Lt Dare OC RAF section Pocklington School CCF
24 THE POCKLINGTONIAN