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𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐟𝐭 𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐥𝐝:

𝐀𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦, 𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐧.

𝐀𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠,

𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦. 🌹

𝐏𝐎𝐏𝐏𝐘 𝐀𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐀𝐋 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 – 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐎𝐍𝐘 🌺

On Saturday, cadets and staff from 1409 (Consett) Squadron RAF Air Cadets were proud to attend the official opening of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal at Christ Church, Consett.

The event marked the beginning of this year’s remembrance period, where communities across the country come together to honour the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces—past and present.

Cadets joined veterans, local representatives, and members of the public to show their support and pay their respects. It was a meaningful opportunity for our young people to engage with the community, reflect on the importance of remembrance, and represent the Squadron with pride and respect.

As always, we are honoured to support the Royal British Legion and this vital cause. 🌺

“Lest We Forget.”

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
Consett Magazine
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas

𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐓𝐒 𝐀𝐈𝐑𝐂𝐑𝐀𝐅𝐓 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 🛩️⛰️

Cadets from 1409 (Consett) Squadron recently took part in the Cheviots Aircraft Project, an initiative focused on exploring the crash sites of military aircraft in the Northumberland National Park—particularly in the Cheviot Hills.

As part of the activity, cadets hiked to two crash sites, located in remote terrain near the Scottish border. The aircraft crashed during WWII on a training mission, and the site still contains visible wreckage.

Throughout the day, cadets:

✅ Navigated across open moorland using maps and compasses
✅ Learned about the history of the aircraft, its crew, and the events leading to the crash
✅ Discussed how geography and weather contributed to wartime accidents in the region
✅ Reflected on the human stories behind the wrecks, paying their respects at the site

This was a challenging hillwalk, combining physical activity with historical learning and remembrance. The experience offered a unique insight into our region’s wartime aviation heritage and gave cadets the chance to develop navigation, teamwork, and fieldcraft skills in a meaningful context.

Thank you to all staff involved in supporting the activity—it was a valuable and memorable day for everyone involved.

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
Consett Magazine
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas

𝐓𝐀𝐑𝐆𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 🎯

This week marked an exciting first for 1409 (Consett) Squadron as two cadets took part in air rifle shooting for the very first time—right here on squadron grounds using our brand-new BSA Scorpion rifles! 💥

Under the expert supervision of Warrant Officer Farrimond, acting as the Range Conducting Officer (RCO), cadets were introduced to the principles of safe weapon handling, marksmanship techniques, and range discipline.

Key skills developed included:

✅ Correct shooting position and stance
✅ Breathing and trigger control
✅ Safety drills and range protocols
✅ Confidence and concentration under pressure

This was the first live firing session since receiving our new rifles—and a fantastic step forward in expanding opportunities for our cadets.

Well done to both cadets for embracing the challenge and showing great potential in this new discipline. We look forward to many more sessions and progressing towards marksmanship qualifications! 🏅

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
Consett Magazine
Liz Twist – MP
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas

𝐖𝐄𝐄𝐊𝐄𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅 𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 ✈️🎟️

Last weekend, we enjoyed an unforgettable aviation experience—visiting the RAF Museum Cosford on Saturday, followed by a full day at the Cosford Air Show on Sunday! 🔥🛩️

An event organized by 1409 Squadron, with cadets also attending from 1509 Squadron – Blaydon Air Cadets and 224 (Hexham) Air Cadets.

At the museum, cadets explored a wide range of iconic RAF aircraft, learning about the history of flight, aviation technology, and the role of the Royal Air Force through the decades. From Cold War jets to WWII classics, the visit brought the classroom to life. 📚✈️

The excitement continued at the Cosford Air Show, where cadets witnessed thrilling flying displays, including:

✅ RAF Red Arrows aerobatics
✅ Historic aircraft flypasts
✅ Fast jets, helicopters, and formation flying
✅ Ground displays and STEM exhibits

A lucky Sgt Rose also had the chance to meet Commandant Air Cadets himself!

The weekend offered cadets an inspiring insight into the world of aviation and the RAF, while also building friendships, confidence, and a shared sense of adventure.

A huge thank you to the staff and volunteers who made the trip possible—this is what cadet life is all about! 👏💙

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
Consett Magazine
Liz Twist – MP
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas

𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐂𝐄𝐒𝐒 🥈⛰️

A huge congratulations to Sergeant Anya Pearce on achieving her Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award—a fantastic milestone that reflects dedication, resilience, and leadership both in and out of uniform! 👏🎒

To earn this award, Sgt Pearce completed:

✅ Volunteering – Giving back to the community and making a difference
✅ Physical – Committing to a personal fitness challenge
✅ Skills – Developing and refining a chosen skill over time
✅ Expedition – Tackling a challenging multi-day hike with her team, demonstrating teamwork and self-reliance in the great outdoors

This achievement highlights the core values we encourage in all our cadets—commitment, service, and adventure. Sgt Pearce has set a brilliant example for others working towards their Bronze, Silver, or even Gold Awards! 🌟

The award was presented by Wg Cdr Blackie, at the culmination of our Annual Formal Inspection.

Well done Sergeant—a fantastic achievement!

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
Consett Magazine
Liz Twist – MP
Consett in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas