Former Chipping Campden School student, and Stratford Air Cadet, Ashleigh Smith, recently graduated from the RAF's Central Air Traffic Control School , top of the class.

Ashleigh came join top in her final exam, which marked the end of her basic and trade training. She has now been posted to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland , the largest and busiest fast-jet base in the Royal Air Force, where she will be working in the Air Traffic Control tower as an Air Traffic Control Assistant.

The base is home to 3 operational squadrons of Tornado GR4s, including the famous 617 'Dambusters' squadron, as well as the Tornado GR4 Operational Conversion Unit and a Sea King Search & Rescue Flight.

Ashleigh, from Weston sub Edge, joined 1289 Squadron Air Training Corps in Stratford, when she was 15, and during her first week on summer camp at RAF Conningsby decided that she had found the kind of career and lifestyle she wanted.
Ashleigh rose rapidly through the ranks and was promoted to Cadet Warrant Officer, the highest rank possible. During her time with the cadets she also earned her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, a Gliding Scholarship and a Marksmanship award.

At school and with the squadron, she will be most remembered for her music. Ashleigh was a regular member of the Chipping Campden School Swing band playing Tenor Saxophone, and was the musical director of, her squadron's marching band. She was also selected to play flute with the Air Cadets National Concert band at the RAF College, Cranwell, and on tour in Cyprus. She is likely to be continuing to make music, at there is an RAF swing band at Lossiemoth, which she is keen to join.

Ashleigh joined the RAF in September 2007 and completed her basic training at RAF Halton in November, before moving onto her trade training at RAF Shawbury. She has been selected for fast track promotion and training to full Air Traffic Controller status within the next three years.

Ashleigh's parents both say they are very proud of their daughter, but a bit nervous of where her career may take her. She has their full support, but they and her two sisters, Kristina and Amy, and her brother Philip, are already missing her.

Article Submitted by:-
Tom Gooding - Civilian Instructor - 1289 (Stratford upon Avon) Squadron
02 Apr 08