Three cadets from 8F (1 st City of Coventry ) Squadron have been fortunate enough to be selected to attend a Nordic Skiing expedition to Oberammergau in Bavaria with the corps.

Very few cadets get such an opportunity and it is rare that one cadet is chosen but to have three is a real honour.

The cadets; Flights Sergeants' Charlotte Killeen, James Stewart and Tarandeep Bhachoo set off for their trip to Oberammergau on the 24 th March which will see them there for seven days.

Whilst at the camp the cadets will undertake Basic Winter Training and have a taste of RAF Nordic Skiing training from the trainers who ensure that members of the Air Force are able to perform duties in such conditions.

FS Killeen said, "I was really pleased to hear that I had been selected to attend the camp at Oberammergau, this trip is not something that anyone can attend but as an Air Cadet I can"

Squadrons are asked to put forward names of cadets that would like to take part in the trip and these are put into a selection 'pot' together with names of cadets entered from across the Central & East Region of England.

Flying Officer Amanda Sinfield; Officer in Charge of 8F Squadron, said "The Squadron have been very lucky in having not one but three of our cadets selected for the skiing trip, it is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Our Squadron Committee have been very generous in offering to pay a portion of the trip fees from funds raised through recent activities". '

8F (1 st City of Coventry) Squadron recently held its annual inspection taken by Squadron Leader M D Harrison RAF VR(T) - Wing Training and Personnel Officer for Warwickshire & Birmingham.

The squadron received a high mark of six out of a possible seven which are awarded for a number of aspects involved in the running of a squadron.

Squadron Leader Harrison presented cadets with awards on final parade. Seven of them received their Basic Exam badges having passed on the same night; three received their 'Wing Blue' for representing the Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing at Rugby and two cadets were promoted to the rank of corporal and now make their way into lives as Junior Non-commissioned Officers.

On congratulating all the cadets, Squadron Leader Harrison said, "I am particularly please to see so many cadets made the effort to come through the snow and on the coldest night in a century. My congratulations to all that have received presentations and particularly the staff who make sure that all opportunities are available to you."

Articles Submitted by:-
AWO Amanda Hobbins ATC SMCO - 8F (1st City of Coventry) Sqn
17 Feb 07