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1409 Consett Squadron – RAF Air Cadets
1409 Consett Squadron – RAF Air Cadets
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Recently, cadets from 1409 (Consett) Squadron RAF Air Cadets joined forces with cadets from 1509 (Blaydon) Squadron for an unforgettable four-day paddle board expedition along the historic Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
Over the course of the expedition, cadets travelled significant distances by paddle board, carrying their equipment and working together to navigate the canal network. The challenge required determination, teamwork, and resilience as cadets spent four days living and travelling as an expedition team.
Throughout the expedition, cadets developed:
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Paddle boarding and water confidence skills
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Teamwork and leadership
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Expedition planning and self-sufficiency
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Navigation and route management
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Resilience and determination over multiple days
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal provided a unique environment for adventure training, with cadets experiencing a variety of canal features, locks, and rural scenery whilst progressing along their route.
Adventure Training is a key part of the RAF Air Cadets experience, encouraging young people to step outside their comfort zones, build confidence, and develop skills that will benefit them both within and beyond the organisation.
A huge well done to all the cadets who took part, and thank you to the staff from both squadrons whose support made the expedition possible. It was fantastic to see cadets from 1409 (Consett) Squadron and 1509 (Blaydon) Squadron working together throughout the challenge. ππ
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
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Consett and surrounding areas
1409 Consett Squadron – RAF Air Cadets
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Recently, four cadets from 1409 had the opportunity to take to the skies as part of an Air Experience Flight (AEF) at RAF Leeming.
Flying in a Grob Tutor aircraft, cadets experienced first-hand what it is like to fly from an operational RAF station. Under the guidance of RAF-qualified pilots, they were able to observe the principles of flight in action and gain a greater understanding of aviation within the RAF Air Cadets.
During their flying experience, cadets had the opportunity to:
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Experience take-off and landing from RAF Leeming
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Observe airborne manoeuvres and aircraft handling
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Learn about the controls and instrumentation within the aircraft
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Gain an insight into navigation and communication procedures
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Enjoy incredible views from above North Yorkshire
For many cadets, an AEF sortie is one of the highlights of their time in the RAF Air Cadets, providing a unique opportunity to experience military aviation first-hand and inspiring future ambitions both within and beyond the organisation.
Well done to all four cadets who took part. We hope this memorable experience has sparked an even greater passion for aviation! ππ
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
RAF Leeming
Consett Magazine
Communities in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas
1409 Consett Squadron – RAF Air Cadets
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Recently, cadets from 1409 (Consett) Squadron RAF Air Cadets took part in our Annual Formal Inspection (AFI), one of the most important events in the squadron calendar.
The AFI is a formal parade that assesses the standards of dress, drill, discipline, and turnout maintained by the squadron throughout the year. Cadets were inspected on parade before demonstrating their drill skills, which had been developed through weeks of preparation and practice.
The parade was marked by a qualified Drill Instructor and reviewed by a senior officer from Durham/Northumberland Wing, who had the opportunity to meet cadets and hear about the many activities and achievements completed over the past 12 months.
The inspection highlighted the dedication and professionalism of our cadets, as well as the pride they take in representing both the squadron and the RAF Air Cadets.
The AFI also provided an opportunity to reflect on another successful year of training, which has included:
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Flying and Aviation Activities
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Shooting and Marksmanship Training
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Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Expeditions
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Adventure Training and Camps
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Community Engagement and Public Events
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Leadership and First Aid Qualifications
A huge well done to all cadets who took part in the parade. Your effort, commitment, and attention to detail were clear to see, and you represented 1409 Squadron exceptionally well. ππ
We would also like to thank our staff team, Civilian Committee, parents, and supporters for their continued support throughout the year.
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
Communities in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas
1409 Consett Squadron – RAF Air Cadets
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Recently, cadets from 1409 (Consett) Squadron RAF Air Cadets took part in the Adventure Training Challenge (AT Challenge) at RAF Spadeadam, a demanding event designed to test teamwork, determination, and physical fitness.
RAF Spadeadam is a unique training area used by the Royal Air Force for tactical training, electronic warfare exercises, and operational testing. The vast training estate provides an ideal environment for adventurous training and leadership development. βοΈ
Throughout the challenge, cadets completed a series of activities including:
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Mountain Biking across challenging terrain
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Archery, testing accuracy and concentration
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An 18km timed walking expedition across the training area
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Team-building and leadership tasks throughout the event
The 18km expedition proved to be a real test of endurance, requiring cadets to maintain a steady pace whilst navigating varied terrain and supporting each other throughout the route. Meanwhile, the mountain biking and archery activities challenged cadets to develop new skills and push themselves outside their comfort zones.
The AT Challenge is designed to develop resilience, leadership, teamwork, and self-confidence, and our cadets rose to the challenge superbly throughout the event.
Well done to everyone who took part and represented 1409 Squadron with determination and enthusiasm. ππ
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
Communities in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas
1409 Consett Squadron – RAF Air Cadets
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Recently, cadets from 1409 (Consett) Squadron RAF Air Cadets successfully completed their Bronze Duke of Edinburghβs Award Expedition, undertaking a challenging two-day journey from Consett to Muggleswick.
Throughout the expedition, cadets were responsible for navigating their route, carrying all of their equipment, and working together as a team whilst travelling through the local countryside. The expedition tested their resilience, determination, and ability to work effectively under pressure.
As part of the assessment, cadets demonstrated:
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Navigation using maps and compasses
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Campcraft and self-sufficiency skills
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Teamwork and communication
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Route planning and decision-making
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Resilience whilst carrying equipment over challenging terrain
The Duke of Edinburghβs Award is one of the UK’s most recognised youth achievement programmes, encouraging young people to develop valuable life skills through adventure, teamwork, and personal challenge.
A huge congratulations to all the cadets who took part. Completing a Bronze expedition is a significant achievement and reflects the commitment and determination shown throughout their training and assessment journey. πποΈ
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
Communities in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas
1409 Consett Squadron – RAF Air Cadets
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Recently, cadets from 1409 (Consett) Squadron RAF Air Cadets took part in a litter picking activity around the Consett area, helping to keep our local community clean, tidy, and welcoming for everyone.
Equipped with litter pickers, gloves, and plenty of enthusiasm, cadets worked together to collect rubbish from public spaces, footpaths, and local green areas. The activity not only improved the local environment but also reinforced the importance of community service and civic responsibility.
As part of the RAF Air Cadets, giving back to the community is an important aspect of what we do, and our cadets demonstrated excellent teamwork, dedication, and pride throughout the activity.
Activities like these help cadets develop a sense of responsibility while making a positive difference to the area in which they live and train.
A huge well done to all the cadets who took part and represented the squadron so positively. ππ
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
Communities in Focus
Consett and surrounding areas
1409 Consett Squadron – RAF Air Cadets
πVolunteers’ Week 2026 π
At our Wing Presentation Night earlier this year, we celebrated some of our amazing volunteers and their contributions to Squadrons across Durham Northumberland Wing.
Mrs Joyce Parker, Squadron Treasurer for 1409 Consett Squadron – RAF Air Cadets, was awarded a Wing Commander’s Commendation for her dedication over many years.
Mrs Parkerβs association with the Squadron started through her late husband Flt Lt David Parker who was a former 1409 Sqn cadet, Sqn officer and Officer Commanding. Initially running the sqn canteen she then soon progressed to becoming a full committee member. She briefly held the role of sqn secretary, and has for the last 16 years been the squadron treasurer.
Her service to the committee has been exemplary with the many administrative demands placed on the treasurer, always making sure the F60 accounts and the external audits were carried out annually and on time.
Additionally she has always supported the squadron at bag packing events, coffee mornings and fetes, and ensured that funding was always available to support both small and large scale sqn projects.
Joyce has also been a great support also to the Civilian Committee chairman, Mr John Burdon, and the previous OC Sqn Ldr Keith Gilmour during his 15 years as the officer commanding, keeping their courses both steady and true.
As a church warden of the local Church of England Church in Consett, Mrs Parker she has been pivotal in maintaining a strong relationship with the church and the squadron for Remembrance Day parades, ATC Sunday and the development of the Consett poppy appeal service.
More recently she has arranged for the squadron to use the church hall for sporting events such as archery on a weekly basis with agreement to store sports equipment on site. This has been of great benefit to the sqn to be able to extend the squadron footprint, which is limited and hence offer additional space for the staff and cadets to use.
Mrs Parkerβs involvement with 1409 (Consett) Squadronβs Civilian committee spans in excess of 30 years uninterrupted service, and she is most deserving of this Wing Commanderβs Commendation.
Congratulations, Mrs Parker!
#VolunteersWeek
1409 Consett Squadron – RAF Air Cadets
