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𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄 ❗

Due to the adverse weather we are currently facing in the Consett area, and in particular the poor road conditions outside of the SQN HQ, we have taken the decision to close the Squadron again tomorrow evening for the safety of all cadets and staff.

As you can see from the photos, there is still a considerable amount of snow and ice in the vicinity of the building, with the entirety of the Squadron car park covered in a considerable amount of frozen snow. We must also be considerate of our surrounding residents, many of whom have temporarily parked in areas in which the main road is easier accessed.

We hope to Parade as normal from Monday 13th January, providing the warmer temperatures forecasted over the weekend alleviate the issues we’re facing. This will be in No. 2C Working Dress.

All parents/guardians should have received an SMS text message withe the above information. If you have not received a text please get in touch so we can update your contact information.

𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃𝐑𝐎𝐍 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄 ❗

Due to the adverse weather we are currently facing in the Consett area, and in particular the poor road conditions away from main roads, we have taken the decision to close the Squadron this evening for the safety of all cadets and staff.

We hope to Parade as normal from Friday 10th January, which will be in No. 2C Working Dress. We will endeavor to keep you updated regarding any further disruption to our parade nights. Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

All parents/guardians should have received an SMS text message withe the above information. If you have not received a text please get in touch so we can update your contact information.

𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 🍴

On Friday 15th November, 1409 Squadron had the pleasure of hosting our annual dining in night.

A formal occasion which sees the cadets in their No. 4 Mess Dress, with the staff following suit in the No. 5’s. Members of the civilian committee and a few select guests are also invited to attend.

The evening offers a chance of reflection on the year, celebrating our collective achievements. There was also an opportunity to formally ‘dine in’ new members of staff, and welcome them to the Squadron.

Together we enjoyed a fantastic meal and evening, once again hosted by the Consett Masonic Hall. Thank you to all who attended!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP

𝐀 𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 🍂

Staff and cadets from 1409 Squadron, joined Deputy Lord Lieutenant Mrs Katherine Simpson MBE, to formally launch the poppy appeal on the 26th October.

From this period forward, we entered into a period of Remembrance. Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life.

We remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those who have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.

The period culminated first with our participation in the Consett Remembrance parade on 10th November, parading for our first time as 2 flights due to our Squadron Strength.

We then continued to Shotley Bridge for a slightly smaller service, parading our Squadron Banner and laying a wreath at both services.

We will remember them.

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Liz Twist MP

𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐙𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 🟤

5 more cadets from Consett have recently gained their Bronze Road Marching badges!

This final session in their training seen our cadets along with others from Durham and Northumberland Wing undertake 2 days of 20km marches.

On Day one, the cadets marched from Winlaton Mill to Consett, with the second day continuing on to just outside Durham City Centre.

The cadets showed great resilience marching over 40km across 2 days, in what was changing, challenging weather. Their Bronze badges are very well deserved!

Well done to all!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Richard Holden

𝐏𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐎𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆 🚣

We have been out on the waters once again!

Owning our own paddleboards and supporting equipment, as well as having numerous instructors, allows us to host our own weekends of paddleboarding.

Cadets; if you’d like to get involved speak to your Squadron staff, and check cadet portal for any upcoming events!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
Liz Twist MP

𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐙𝐄 𝐃𝐔𝐊𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐆𝐇’𝐒 𝐀𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐃 🥉​

Recently, 2 of our cadets have completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s award!

Sergeant Miller, and Corporal Younghusband, have completed their final parts of their assessments, to enable them to be awarded their Bronze badges.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s award is a life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.
The DofE is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life.

Cadets aged 14 and above can take part at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver level and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.

Through the DofE programme, our cadets have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and university and job applications.

Interested in the award? Speak to your Squadron staff on your next parade night to find out more information on how to join!

Well done on your achievements!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
Liz Twist MP

𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄 🥁

Recently, cadets and staff from 1409 assembled at Durham Cathedral, and were joined by cadets from all over County Durham, to take part in the annual Battle of Britain parade.

After the service inside the cathedral, which we observed a 2 minutes silence to remember the sacrifices made by the few for the many, Cadets and Adult Volunteers formed up on parade.

They were then inspected our VIPs and we then performed a march past, paying our compliments to the Lord Lieutenant and other dignitaries who were in attendance.

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
Liz Twist MP

𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐄 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 ✍

We love to share the achievements of our cadets with you, and we recently had the privilege of presenting 2 more!

Cadet Pearson has achieved his bronze first aid award, which covers many different first aid scenarios from CPR, to choking, and controlling bleeding.

Cadet Pears has passed his Senior cadet classification, by undertaking exams in Air Navigation, Air Power, and Principles of Pilot Navigation.

Congratulations on your achievements!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
Liz Twist MP

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐎 𝐂𝐎𝐑𝐏𝐎𝐑𝐀𝐋 📈

OC 1409 also had the privilege, of promoting 3 cadets to the rank of Corporal!

This is the first step onto the NCO ladder, and with it, comes more responsibility.

Junior NCO’s are expected to be able to take and lead drill practice, be a role model to younger/newer cadets, have a great standard of uniform and deportment, and assist with the running of activities.

Cadets Younghusband, O’Keefe, and Tooke, have all demonstrated the required attributes which have led to them receiving their stripes.

Well done to all on your progress!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Durham Northumberland Wing Air Cadets
North of England RFCA
Regional Commandant North – Air Cadets
North Region – Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Commandant Air Cadets
Liz Twist MP