Squadron News
What we did this weekend…
Scroll down to check out what 2214 (Usworth) Squadron got up to recently…
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WE’LL MEET AGAIN
8 Jul 2024
By SGT Rebecca Terry RAFAC
Springwell Village’s 1940’s weekend was back and bigger than ever in June and our cadets were on hand to assist and spread the good word of the RAF Air Cadets.
Whilst handing out leaflets and informing the public just who we are and what we do, the team were available to help out with the raffle and other events going on during the day. But it wasn’t all work- break time included visits to Bowes Rail Museum for demonstrations, visits to various exhibits across the village and of course, stopping for tea and cake in the cafe!
ATHLETICS SUCCESS
6 July 2024
By SGT Rebecca Terry RAFAC
June kicked off with our cadets representing the unit at Durham Northumberland Wing’s Inter-Squadron athletics competition!
9 of our cadets entered this year’s competition, managed by Sports IC Cadet Corporal Gilbert, and gave their all!
Two of our cadets also placed in their categories and came away with some medals:
CDT Callanan obtained first place and second place in the 800 Metres and High Jump, respectively.
CPL Watson placed first in the High Jump for his category and came away with two second place medals for the Long Jump and 100 Metres.
Everyone did exceptionally well and CPL Watson was also selected to represent the wing at tomorrow’s Inter-Wing competition- best of luck Corporal!
MULTI-ACTIVITY EVENING
23 May 2024
By SGT Rebecca Terry RAFAC
Tonight was a mix of activities for our cadets.
Four of our cadets achieved their Blue Aviation Training Package ahead of their trip to RAF Topcliffe this weekend, with training lead by Flt Lt Siberry.
Our new cohort spent time on the archery range with newly trained instructors CI Adgar and WO Miller- some brilliant bullseyes, but not from SGT Terry who got to have a go and hit the woodwork!
And lastly our Training Officer put our cadets to task with our MTA kits!
A brilliant night of sampling just some of things we get up to 2214!
AT CHALLENGE 2024
19 May 2024
By Flt Lt Karl Siberry RAFAC
This weekend, 2214 Squadron headed to RAF Spadeadam to take part in Durham Northumberland Wing’s annual Adventure Training challenge!
Competing against 28 other teams from across the Wing, our cadets completed a day walk on day one, being scored on their ability to make the route checkpoints in line with their planned route card timings.
Then on day two, cadets completed a round robin consisting of mountain biking, first aid, orienteering and archery.
Our cadets put up a very competitive effort across all the events, well done to all!
A NEW ADDITION
13 May 2024
By Flt Lt Karl Siberry RAFAC
Today at the North East Land, Sea and Air Museum, Air Commodore Adam Sansom represented the RAF in gifting a Hawk T1 to the region. The aircraft was received by the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear Ms Lucy Winskell OBE.
There was also Lieutenancy representation from Northumberland, Durham and North Yorkshire. The Sunderland Mayor, Councillor Dorothy Trueman was also in attendance, alongside with Civic representation from South Tyneside, Gateshead, North Tyneside and Durham.
Sqn Ldr Burton RAFAC was representing Durham Northumberland Wing and 2214 were represented by Flt Lt Siberry RAFAC along with Cadets Allan and Hair.
Thank you to NELSAM trustees for the invitation!
SUNDERLAND CITY RUN
12 May 2024
By Flt Lt Karl Siberry RAFAC
Today cadets and staff from 2214 Sqn were volunteering at Sunderland City Run.
The main activity was providing water to the runners of the half marathon who passed our allocated water station.
A fantastic event and enjoyable day for all concerned. Thanks to all who volunteered!
The first step
24 April 2024
By SGT Rebecca Terry RAFAC
Last night we recognised Cadets Brotherton, Coombes, Green, Minett, Purvis and Wallace who all achieved their First Class badges, following the completion of their Junior Cadet Induction.
They were presented with their badges and certificates on final parade by Flt Lt Siberry, overseen by our Training Officer, CI Johnston.
Completion of First Class training opens up a new world of possibilities within the Air Cadets- we can’t wait to see what our cadets get up to next!
Inter Wing Football 2024
20 April 2024
By SGT Rebecca Terry RAFAC
Well done to CPL Rushton and CDTs Green, Hutchinson and Minett who represented Durham Northumberland Wing at this year’s Inter Wing 5-a-side Football Competition!
They represented the wing in Junior and Intermediate teams, playing fantastically well and scoring some stunning goals while showing great teamwork and determination.
All cadets played with spirit and passion, doing themselves and the Wing proud and of course earning their Wing Blues!
BRONZE AWARDS- HERE WE COME!
24 March 2024
By Flt Lt Karl Siberry RAFAC
SGT Berry, FS Siberry and SGT Dodge all completed their qualifying distance of 40k for their bronze badge in Road Marching this weekend.
Across the two days the cadets have shown endurance and commitment in order to complete this distance as well as developing their teamwork skills and putting their coordination to the test under straining conditions.
We are excited to see more cadets take part in bronze, silver and even gold activities in the future to enable them to learn and apply new knowledge and skills in their time with us at 2214!
HIGH SHERIFF AWARDS
24 March 2024
By Flt Lt Karl Siberry RAFAC
Great to be at the Tyne and Wear High Sheriff Awards ceremony at the Stadium of Light recently with two of our cadets, SGT Berry and CPL Gilbert representing 2214, alongside WO Miller RAFAC.
SQUADRON GRANT
19 January 2024
By Fg Off Karl Siberry RAFAC
Second belated post from our evening with Representatives from Durham Freemasons. The cadets demonstrated their STEM skills with a session facilitated by our Training Officer, CI Johnston; they were tasked with building wheelbarrows to carry a bowl of beads across the room.
We’re pleased to say it was an enjoyable night and all our cadets were successful in their mission!
Out in the community
9 December 2023
By Fg Off Karl Siberry RAFAC
Thanks to all of the 2214 cadets and staff who attended Asda Boldon, for today’s bag pack. We’re raising vital funds for the squadron and we appreciate everyone’s help. Good effort! Also huge thanks to Asda!
We Will Remember Them
13 November 2023
By CI Rebecca Terry
Remembrance weekend was a busy one for the cadets and staff of 2214 (Usworth).
Remembrance day saw poppy collections and an Armistice Day service in the Galleries Washington, followed by a visit to our friends at Highcliffe Care Home, engaging in some fantastic conversation and even trying our hands at an Armistice day quiz!
Sunday saw a great turnout for Washington Village’s Remembrance Parade, with the local people turning out in their hundreds to observe the two minutes silence and lay their wreaths and crosses in memory of those who lost their lives at war.
The cadets and staff of Usworth squadron marched alongside colleagues from the Army Cadet Force and other groups and communities across Washington.
Awards All Around!
7 November 2023
By Fg Off Karl Siberry RAFAC
Tonight Cadets were presented with their CREST Discovery Award certificates.
The CREST Awards are managed by the British Science Association and are STEM projects that inspire young people to think and behave like scientists and engineers.
Our groups researched, trialled, and then followed a period of testing before presenting their findings to the staff.
Congratulations!
Certificate of Affliation
20 October 2023
By Fg Off Karl Siberry RAFAC
Members of the Washington Branch of the Royal British Legion attended 2214 Sqn last night. Branch Chairman, Steve Lee presented a certificate of affiliation to the Officer In Charge, Flying Officer Karl Siberry.
2214 Cadets will be demonstrating their commitment to the Washington Royal British Legion by participating in Remembrance activities in October/November and collecting for the Poppy Appeal.
First step for Seven Cadets
12 October 2023
By Fg Off Karl Siberry RAFAC
We are very pleased to welcome our latest intake of cadets to 2214 (Usworth) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets.
Over the coming months the cadets will learn about, among other subjects, The Royal Air Force Air Cadets and The Royal Air Force, first aid, expedition training, basic communication skills and what to expect when flying.
Welcome to the Air Cadet Family.
Run, Run, Run…
8 October 2023
By Fg Off Karl Siberry RAFAC
Today cadets and staff from 2214 Sqn were volunteering at Kielder Marathon, along with cadets and staff from 224 Hexham Sqn.
Activities included marshalling, providing water to the runners at the finish line and also allocating goodie bags and issuing medals.
A fantastic event and enjoyable day for all concerned. Thanks to all who volunteered.
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award
22 September 2023
By Fg Off Karl Siberry RAFAC
Recent funding very kindly offered by the Sunderland City Council Washington Area Committee, allowed us to purchase expedition Kit.
The Duke of Edinburgh's award is a life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work…
Through the DofE programme, our cadets have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence. They gain essential skills and attributes for work and life such as resilience, problem-solving, team-working, communication and drive, enhancing CVs and university and job applications.
Many thanks once again to the Sunderland City Council Washington Area Committee for making these new experiences accessible to the cadets of 2214.
“This was their finest hour.”
10 September 2023
By CI Rebecca Terry
Cadets from 2214 (Usworth) Squadron joined their peers from across Durham/Northumberland Wing for the annual Battle of Britain parade at Durham Cathedral.
Over 200 cadets and uniformed staff paraded at the 12th-century Cathedral, taking part in a service before a march-past lead by Squadron Leader Mathew Burton RAFAC- the salute was taken by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham, Mrs Sue Snowdon.
Nissan Family Fun Day
27 August 2023
By Fg Off Karl Siberry RAFAC
Our cadets were in the local community this weekend, creating a blues presence at Nissan Motor Manufacturing UK.
The car manufacturing plant is but metres away from the unit and offers an annual fun day to its employees and their families- the perfect opportunity for our cadets to get stuck in with the fun too, all while also recruiting for and promoting the local air cadet squadron.
Despite a sudden pour down of rain, the cadets created a fantastic presence and showed the public what we’re all about!
Moving On Up…
24 August 2023
By Fg Off Karl Siberry RAFAC
Tonight, the squadron commanding officer was delighted to present a number of awards: four First Class Cadet badges to Cadets Robson, King, Wilson and Gray, three Essential First Aid badges to Cadets Robson, Gowan and Wilson, one Leading Cadet badge to Cadet Rudland and, last but not least, a Senior Cadet badge to Sergeant Berry.
The squadron was also able to witness the well deserved promotions of Cadets Gilbert and Rudland to Corporal. Congratulations to all cadets that were presented with an award!