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𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐓𝐒 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐌𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 🗑️🌍

Cadets from 1409 (Consett) Squadron RAF Air Cadets have been out in the Consett area taking part in a litter picking activity, helping to keep our local community clean and welcoming.

Armed with litter pickers, gloves, and plenty of energy, cadets worked their way through local footpaths, green spaces, and public areas—collecting rubbish, improving the environment, and setting a great example for others.

Community service is a key part of the RAF Air Cadets ethos, and our cadets once again demonstrated teamwork, pride, and a positive attitude throughout the activity. Their efforts made a noticeable difference, and we are incredibly proud of their commitment.

A big thank you to all cadets and staff who took part! 👏

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 RAF Air Cadets have recently been taking part in the Cheviots Aircraft Project, an activity focused on exploring historic military aircraft crash sites in the Cheviot Hills and learning about the stories behind them.

Cadets completed a challenging hillwalks to the sites of various wartime aircraft crashes, navigating across open moorland and rugged terrain. Along the way, they learned about:

✅ The history and circumstances of the aircraft involved
✅ The challenges faced by aircrew flying over the Cheviots during WWII
✅ How geography, weather, and navigation played a role in wartime aviation
✅ The importance of preserving these sites and remembering those who served

The project culminated with a showcase on Sunday, with presenting their findings and what they have learnt throughout the project.

This has been a valuable mix of physical challenge, heritage learning, and respectful reflection, giving cadets a deeper appreciation of the region’s aviation history and the sacrifices made during the war.

Well done to all cadets who took part!

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

𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 🍽️🎖️

On Friday evening, cadets and staff from 1409 (Consett) Squadron RAF Air Cadets gathered at Derwent Manor Boutique Hotel for our annual Dining In Night—a fantastic opportunity to come together, celebrate achievements, and reflect on another successful year for the squadron.

The evening followed traditional RAF Mess customs, giving cadets the chance to experience a formal military dining atmosphere. With speeches, toasts, and plenty of shared memories, it was a superb night that highlighted the teamwork, commitment, and spirit shown throughout the year.

It also afforded us the opportunity to dine in new members of staff and formally welcome them to the Squadron, as well as dine out those who will sadly be leaving us.

In particular we say "so long but not goodbye" to Sqn Ldr Gilmour as he takes on his new role as a sector commander within the wing.

A huge thank you to the staff, cadets, families, and Derwent Manor for helping make the evening such a success. Here’s to another great year ahead for 1409 Squadron! 💙✈️

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

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