Bradford Cadets get Star Struck - TWICE

Air Cadets from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron have done it again. This time the Squadron has been invited to do a guard of Honour to welcome the Russian Cosmonauts Colonel Alexander Volkov and Dr Alexander Martynov to the National Media Museum Bradford. The days events started with a film in the IMAX Cinema "Fly me to the Moon" and a Question and Answer Session.



The Squadron was over the "moon" as two cadets from from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron - Cadet Seetal Mistry 15 and Cadet Faheem Kahn 15 were lucky enough to have visited Russia earlier in the year for the International Space Olympics held in Moscow, Russia, Seetal said "its De ja vous - Been there, done that! I will be meeting the Cosmonauts again but its so nice that they have come to my hometown Bradford""....." In Russia, the best thing was meeting the Cosmonauts in "Energia" (Space Company) and I got to ask them questions about space and even get a chance to speak live to the Cosmonauts living in the International Space Station 23,000 miles above Earth "

The Squadron is excited to have the opportunity once again to be invited and to take part in the days events. 44F (City of Bradford) invited fellow cadets from 2458 Shipley Squadron to help with the Guard of Honour for the Russian Cosmonauts and were grateful to Shipley Squadrons Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant Eileen Dibb

Officer Commanding 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron, Flight Lieutenant John Seed said, "The opportunities are endless in the Air Cadets, the days events and meeting the cosmonauts has to be the highlight to end the year with for the squadron"

Events Officer 44F - Nasir Ahmed said " The Air Cadets will learn about how the cosmonauts prepare prior to going into space and the opportunity to meet the cosmonauts and ask questions That is not something everyone can say they have done. But its what we do best at the Air Training Corps.”

Media & Communications Officer 44F - Yaseen Rahman said, " Its great that Cadets in the ATC find as they enjoy the adventure in the ATC, many many doors start to open for the cadets, and this just proves, being in the Air Training Corp and joining in the adventure, can lead to many new things and hopefully a career in aviation, its what we do best at the ATC" 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron would like to thank the following Organistaion Space Connections - Martin Chester and Alam Zeb for making the event possible and for the opportunity to meet with the Cosmonauts

Bradford Cadets Reach for the Stars

From Russia with Love

Dr Alexander Martynov and Colonel Alexander Volkov from the Russian Space Centre attended a presentation by the youngsters who went to Moscow to take part in the International Space Olympics earlier in the year.

Amongst the presentations, two cadets from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron Cadet Seetal Mistry 15 and Cadet Faheem Kahn 15, made an additional presentation to the cosmonauts. They were presented with Air Training Corps lapel pins, which they wore with pride.

Colonel Alexander Volkov who has been into space for a duration thirteen months, living in the earlier Salyut Space Crafts and the MIR Space Station said " This is the best gift I have received so far, thank you" Seetal said " It was nice to give the Cosmonauts who had done so much for us whilst in Russia something back" Faheem added " The 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron, T-Shirts will be travelling back to Russia and who knows one day we might see Cosmonauts wearing it on board the International Space Station".

Media & Communications Officer 44F - Yaseen Rahman said " To meet an Astronaut or a Cosmonaut is not something you get to do everyday, but to visit them in Russia first and then your hometown is something else, the adventure for the cadets continues, we may be looking at future Space Explorers".

Events Officer Nasir Ahmed said " Its been a day to remember for the cadets, the adventure in the Air Cadets just gets better, its what we do best at the ATC"

Promotion at Bradford Air Cadets

Corporal to Sergeant

Dan Leedham, 15 joined City of Bradford Air Cadets in September 2006. During his adventure with the Squadron, Dan has notched up hours of flying, and as he put it, “I have enjoyed every minute”.

Dan is also responsible for organising and putting together the Squadrons website and he added “It’s still under construction, but will be the best in the ATC”. Officer Commanding Flight Lieutenant John Seed Said “Dan was promoted as a result of excellent reports both at the Squadron and most recently the Junior Non Commissioned Officers Course and his promotion to Cadet Sergeant is well deserved”
Media & Communications Officer Yaseen Rahman said “It just shows that the Skies the limit for the cadets, Dan deserves the promotion to Cadet Sergeant”

Bradford Banner

Air Cadets at 44F Bradford Squadron have designed a new banner.  Forming part of a project, the cadets were given a brief by CI Nasir Ahmed - (Events Officer) and CI Yaseen Rahman (Media & Communications Officer) The brief was simple, show what the Air Training Corp and the Air Cadets do. Several designs later, the cadets came up with the design, comprising of the silhouette of the Typhoon (Euro Fighter) with the smoke trail, flying off into the RAF insignia.  The message being, join the Air Cadets and end up with a career in the Royal Air Force.

A new website was also designed at the same time, although still under construction, it will be as the cadets put it "the best in the ATC".
 
Media & Communications Officer at 44F, Yaseen Rahman said, "It's amazing. The energy and enthusiasm the cadets have shown in tackling what would be a major branding exercise by companies, and the cadets have delivered. They are immensely proud of there work and can't wait to use the banner at all future events".
 
44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is looking for young people aged 13 to 17. They meet at Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane, Bradford BD8 7HY on Monday and Friday, 7pm-9pm. For more information call (01274) 742954 or visit www.aircadetsyorkshire.org  or www.44f.org.uk

Mistry in Space

The International Space Olympics is one big competition between many countries for a total of 10 days. The competition is held in Moscow, Russia. Students aged 15 - 25 can enter, however you have to compete in many subjects prior to being selected.

Only 12 students from the City of Bradford were selected and Seetal from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron was one of the lucky ones. The International Space Olympics is a one in a lifetime opportunity. As well as getting time to visit the many attractions in Russia. Seetal had to endure exams in Moths, Physics and Literature lasting some 4 hours."You enter looking for adventure in the grounds of the youth hostel doing your own thing and making new friends from places you would never visit.2 said Seetal and added, “The best thing was meeting the Cosmonauts in "Energia" (Space Company) and get to ask them questions about space and even get a chance to speak live to the Cosmonauts living in the International Space Station 23,000 miles above Earth "

Seetal went on to say " We had to do a presentation, and I prepared this some four months earlier before I had even gone to Russia. I had the time of my life and I will never forget it. But I must say the best part of the trip was not only my educational enjoyment, but meeting people from other Countries and getting to know them. I even found time to meet Russian Air Cadets, and it was nice to meet the cadets, because we had so much in common.  
Media & Communications Officer Yaseen Rahman said," Its great that Cadets in the Air Cadets find as they enjoy the adventure, many many doors start to open for them and this just proves, being in the Air Training Corps and joining in the adventure, can lead to many new things maybe even a career in aviation. It’s what we do best at the ATC")
 
44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is looking for young people aged 13 to 17. It meets at Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane, on Monday and Friday, 7pm-9pm. For more information call (01274) 742954 or visit www.aircadetsyorkshire.org  or www.44f.org.uk

Cadet Meets NASA Astronauts

Cadets and NCO’s from Bradford Air Cadets, went to meet the NASA Astronauts in Bradford during a once in lifetime opportunity and the Squadron did not want to miss it.  Having met as they always do on a Mon and Friday, the cadets and NCO’s went to seek out the NASA Astronauts.  With a bit of negotiation and charm, they finally got the opportunity they had waited for and spent some time chatting with the Astronauts.
Cadet Bostock even managed to get a ticket to join in the evening celebrations laid on for the Astronauts. Cadet Bostock was able to ask the Astronauts in some great detail about their recent mission. Akihiko Hoshide (Japanese Astronaut) asked Cadet Bostock, “The ATC, What is that”, laughing at the question, Cadet Bostock explained what the ATC (Air Training Corps) was, and where the squadron was based.

44F Squadron was formed on the 21st January 1939 as part of the Air Defence Cadet Corps and was given the letter F which stands for founder squadron. Only the first fifty squadrons where given the letter and later the squadron became part of the Air Training Corps in 1941.
Akihiko replied “Aah, well I started flying in a Cessna, and eventually joined NASA”

Shakeela Khaliq of Carlisle Business Centre said, “It was great to invite the cadets from 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron to the event; this was truly a one off opportunity”
 
The Astronauts, from mission STS – 124, were sent to space to deliver key parts for the International Space Station and in particular the Japanese Science Lab – KIBO. Mission Commander Mark Kelly, Specialist Karen Nyberg and Specialist Kenneth Ham, were more than happy to come and chat with cadets and spent some time with them.

44F (City of Bradford) Squadron is looking for young people aged 13 to 17. It meets at Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane, on Monday and Friday, 7pm-9pm. For more information call (01274) 742954 or view the rest of the site

44F Squadron Boosted by new staff

44F Squadron Air Training Corps has been boosted with the arrival of two new staff members.

Nasir Ahmed Bradford joined 44F Squadron as a Civilian Instructor (CI), CI Ahmed, is an ex cadet who joined 44F in 1989 when the squadron was based at the old ,location of Leeds Road in Bradford. Nasir left the Squadron to pursue other activities outside the ATC but is now the Events Officer, organising events for the cadets. Nasir works for The Royds Community Association on Bradford as an Employment Officer covering Girlington, Thornbury and the Mannigham Areas.

CI Ahmed is delighted to be part of the ATC once again and is looking forward to working with the “Next Generation.” He said: “As well as returning back to the Squadron, I intend to join the RAF Volunteer reserve as an Officer in due course. Working in the Community, has given me valuable experience which would benefit the Squadron.”

Yaseen Rahman from Bradford joined the 44F City of Bradford Squadron as a Civillian Instructor (CI). Yaz works fulltime with the BBC in Yorkshire, directing the Look North news bulletins. Amongst his other duties he is the BECTU Union Lead Safety Rep for the BBC Yorkshire Region, covering Leeds, Bradford, Sheffield & York also a Union Shop Steward. Cadet Rahman (his son), joined the 44F (City of Braford) Squadron, and this sparked an interest for Mr Rahman to join as an adult staff member.

He said: “It was great being able to give something back to the Community and the ATC, this is new and exciting, truly a challenge in itself. I intend to join the VRT as an Officer in due course. I thought I was going to enjoy myself, which I am, but now I am also responsible for highlighting the many achievements and events as well as getting the Squadron noticed as the Squadrons Media & Communications Officer”

Adult volunteers, uniformed or civilian, have a crucial role in the organization, as without them the Air Cadets could not offer the vast range of activities it does.

As well as helping cadets realise their potential, adult staff can also gain valuable academic qualifications and leadership skills which are highly valued by employers. So what exactly is the secret of helping young people to become high flyers?

Air Commodore Ian Stewart, Commandant Air Cadets, said: “Air Cadets aged 13 to 18 are given the chance by our team of staff and adult volunteers to learn to fly aerobatics, learn skills to lead expeditions, tour foreign countries, become target shooting marksman, join a band, learn about aviation and aerospace - only a small list of the many activities and opportunities for an enviable social life with many new friends.”

The activities and opportunities available to members of the Air Cadet Organization (ACO) are certainly impressive. Many cadets take control of an aircraft before they drive a car!

Getting involved as an adult instructor and help shape the future of tomorrow’s leaders is easy. Anyone who has a few spare hours a week is welcome in the Air Cadets.


44F City of Bradford Squadron is keen to meet anyone aged 13 – 17, interested in joining in the adventure. If you are Interested in joining the Air Training Corps you can contact 44F Squadron City Of Bradford at Bell Vue Barracks, Drill Parade, Mannaingham,BD8 7HY please ring 01274 742954, email: office@44f.org.uk or visit the rest of the site. The Squadron parades every Monday and Friday’s between 7-9pm.

Bradford Cadets take to the air

Seven teenage Air Cadets from Bradford have flown a aircraft for the first time and have had the opportunity to literally “take control” and pilot the machine themselves. .
Cadet Rahman , Cadet Minshull, Cadet Crouch, Cadet Brewer, Cadet Fuller, Cadet Clay and Cadet Webster, of 44F (City of Bradford) Squadron, Air Training Corps, took control of an aeroplane at RAF Church Fenton.

Officer Commanding, Flt Lt John Seed, said “ It’s great to take new recruits flying for the first time and to see their reaction when they land having taken control for the first time. Not many young people get this opportunity but for Air Cadets it’s what we do best”.
RAF Church Fenton is the home of No. 9 Air Experience Flight and gives air cadets the chance to fly with an experienced pilot by their side while they familiarises themselves with the aircraft.

Bradford squadron is looking for young people aged 13 to 17. It meets at Belle Vue Barracks, off Manningham Lane, on Monday and Friday, 7pm-9pm. For more information call (01274) 742954 or visit the rest of the site.

Cadets Visit Police Station

Cadets from 44F were part of the West Yorkshire open day. All cadets and staff had great fun talking with police officers and discussing equipment etc.

Beckingham Camp 2008

Nearly three hundred and fifty cadets and almost one hundred staff from South and West Yorkshire Wing returned this weekend from the annual Wing Camp at Beckingham Training area in Lincolnshire.
 
With the drawdown on camp places on RAF stations meaning fewer opportunities for cadets, some years ago the Wing began a massed camp exercise to allow more places to be available.
 
With 34 of the 39 South & West Yorkshire Squadrons represented the camp was a mammoth exercise for Squadron Leader Trevor Souter, the Camp Director. “With so many cadets and staff travelling from all quarters of the wing it took eight coaches and some mini busses to get everyone here and back” said Trevor and he added “However, with the activities being in modules, and the qualified staff giving up so much time, the week flew by and a great deal has been achieved.”
 
The cadets were divided into 6 flights, A to F, with a mixture of cadets from across the wing in each, and each had a series of rotating modules to complete on different days.
 
Within the shooting module, there were opportunities for both .22 25m ranges and L98 100m shooting. Some very lucky cadets also got the chance to train on the new L85 rifle which will be coming into service during 2009. In addition to the range activities there was plenty of dry training and a series of weapons handling tests meaning ever cadet on the camp either qualified or moved up a grade in shooting terms and they all got the opportunity to fire.

Wing Shooting Officer, Flight Lieutenant Barry French said, “This camp gives us the chance to upgrade and maintain high levels of marksmanship throughout the wing. A number of awards have been reached and for some cadets, this is the only opportunity they get to fire full bore weapons. The shooting team are all very highly qualified and safety is absolutely paramount in all activities we do.”

Another shooting opportunity was the DCCT range, a computerised indoor range which allowed the cadets to take part in scenarios but within a safe environment. The DCCT range uses gas powered laser weapons and is the military equivalent to Laser Quest, but with more meaning.
 
For the Fieldcraft/Command tasks module, another fun day, the cadets had the opportunity to go through full training in camouflage and concealment, observation, movement and reconnaissance. For the first time this year, this module was taught by Instructor Cadets, Warrant Officer Richard Armstrong and Flight Sergeant Adam Ellis from 2460 (Pontefract) Squadron but under the supervision of ex-cadet and RAF Police Corporal Gareth Hall who gave up a week of his time to support the camp.

Richard said “This section gave us the chance to put into practice the new ACP 16 manual and as we had attended the planning weekends, we volunteered to run the activity”. Adam added, “We had a great time running the module and hopefully the cadets have enjoyed it too.”
 
For the command tasks, once again under the guidance of Warrant Officer (ATC) Pete Catrwright, the cadets found themselves handling nuclear bombs and building “bashers” to sleep in as well as crossing rivers of shark infested custard and crawling under obstacles. Pete commented, “This is a fun activity and this year we’ve been able to develop it to test the leadership skills and teamwork of all the cadets on camp. It’s rewarding to see their faces when the penny finally drops and they work out the solution to the task as well as to see their confidence grow and communication improve.”
 

Richard said “This section gave us the chance to put into practice the new ACP 16 manual and as we had attended the planning weekends, we volunteered to run the activity”. Adam added, “We had a great time running the module and hopefully the cadets have enjoyed it too.”
 
For the command tasks, once again under the guidance of Warrant Officer (ATC) Pete Catrwright, the cadets found themselves handling nuclear bombs and building “bashers” to sleep in as well as crossing rivers of shark infested custard and crawling under obstacles. Pete commented, “This is a fun activity and this year we’ve been able to develop it to test the leadership skills and teamwork of all the cadets on camp. It’s rewarding to see their faces when the penny finally drops and they work out the solution to the task as well as to see their confidence grow and communication improve.”
 
The adventure training module saw the on-site climbing wall being put to good use with the cadets developing their skills and techniques under the guidance of professional staff bought in for the week. By the end of the half day events, the cadets had the opportunity to climb a variety of obstacles and there were some happy faces when they sat on top of the structure looking down on where they had been. This also gave them chance to build on their teamwork skills and practice climbing techniques.

The wet activities during the other half of the day took place at Newark Canoe Club, with all the facilities and equipment as well as instruction provided by the club. The cadets learnt kayaking and canoeing skills as well as how to fall out, get wet, get back in and fall out again. Probably the highlight of the day was the launch ramp where the task was to try and remain upright as the canoe ran down the ramp into the lake. Not all achieved it and many rolled over but Warrant Officer (ATC) Iain Kirk (103 (Doncaster) Squadron) managed a superb solo effort, on his second attempt, and stayed in the boat, and the right way up to the applause of his cadets and staff colleagues.

Iain said, “The water just comes up so fast, you just have to hang on and hope. It’s been a fantastic event and I think I’m going to have to look into doing more of this when I get back. I’m sure there are some local facilities in Doncaster and all the cadets would love to do this again.”
 
The final module was the “Alton Towers” day when the flight went off to the world famous theme park to ride things like Oblivion and the strangely named Rita as well as “Air” and some truly scary machinery. Despite the queues over the bank holiday weekend, this was a fun day and a welcome break from the camp environment.
 
In addition, there were evening activities and events taking place. As well as the “Best Burger Van in the World” being on site for those hungry cadets who could still manage to eat after three full meals, (which means most of them), the computer range was available and the Wing Band Officer, Flying Officer Lizzie Arnott, was on hand assisted by Sergeant (ATC) Andrea Nash to provide musical opportunities and instruction. Along with all the general socialising taking place, when there was time for it, the camp returned home, tired but happy on Saturday to present parents and partners with huge bags of washing.
 
So would they go again in 2009. “YOU BET THEY WOULD!”