August Training Programme

Finally we can publish the August Training Programme! (Apologies for the delay due to camps and personal holidays!)

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[Please note - activities planned will be subject to numbers in attendance, weather and staffing]

A Meeting with Royalty - All in a Days Work for FS Bradley Simpson

FS Simpson, Lord Mayor's Air Cadet 2014-15

On Wednesday 16 July, Flight Sergeant Bradley Simpson undertook his next assignment as Lord Mayor's Air Cadet for Coventry by attending the opening of the Centenary Fields project at Coventry War Memorial Park. The event was officially commemorated by non other than HRH The Duke of Cambridge.

FS Bradley Simpson has only just been appointed as the Air Cadet representative for Lord Mayor, Councillor Hazel Noonan, for 2014-15 but already he has been prominent in the Armed Forces Day parade and then a personal invitation to join his counterparts from the Army and Sea Cadets in the royal enclosure at this prestigious event landed in the doormat! 

Meeting with HRH The Duke of Cambridge. (Photo: Coventry Council)

The Centenary Fields project aims to secure recreational spaces across the nation to honour the memory of the millions of people who lost their lives in World War I. Coventry's very own War Memorial Park was designated to be the first space and was launched by HRH The Duke of Cambridge who assisted Councillor Hazel Noonan in unveiling the new plaque which will be displayed alongside the War Memorial.

FS Simpson was extremely nervous about meeting HRH but said that he felt totally at ease when speaking personally with him: "It was such an honour to meet with Royalty and I am so proud to represent 84 Squadron and the Air Cadets in general. This is such a fantastic cause to be involved with in this centenary year". 

HRH The Duke of Cambridge and Councillor Hazel Noonan Unveiling the new plaque

For more photos from the event visit the 84 Squadron Facebook Page or the Coventry Telegraph

Photographs Courtesy of Mr David Simpson - proud father of FS Simpson

Summer BBQ and Minibus Naming Ceremony

In celebration of the recent hard work towards Wing Training Day and the outstanding results (5th overall in the Wing!) the Squadron held a Celebration BBQ on Sunday 13 July. As well as the enjoyment of the BBQ with parents and guests, there was a formal parade during which the minibus was official dedicated to the memory of Eric Rouse.

Flt Lt Eric Rouse was a key figure in the history of 84 Squadron and the Air Cadets in Coventry. Following his service as a cadet, Eric joined as an adult Civilian Instructor in 1949 from which he progressed through to gain his commission in the 1960s. Not stopping there, Eric joined the Wing team as Wing Staff Officer before finally retiring from uniformed service. He then continued his commitment to the Squadron by joining the Civilian Committee where he was Chairman for many years. Unfortunately, Eric passed away just before Christmas 2013 leaving a long legacy of memories and service at 84 Squadron and Air Cadet Organistion. Never before has anyone given so much time and service to one unit.

During the parade, Mrs Sylvia Rouse, Eric's wife, dedicated the minibus in his memory and unveiled the new signage on the doors of his signature giving it his own unique seal of approval. Mrs Rouse was very touched and moved by the gesture and took time to remember his time and dedication for 84 Squadron.

After all the formalities there was BBQ and drinks for everyone. A big Thank You to all those volunteers who made the event a success. For more photos, see the Squadron Facebook Page.

Introducing the 2014-15 Lord Mayor's Cadet for Coventry...

 ....84 Squadron's very own Flight Sergeant Bradley Simpson!

 Following successful nomination from 84 Squadron staff through to Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing, Flight Sergeant (FS) Bradley Simpson was selected by the Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Hazel Noonan to be the Air Cadet representative for 2014-15.

FS Simpson, aged 17yrs old, will not only represent 84 Squadron but the Wing and the Corps in a variety of different events spread throughout the Mayoral calender. His first engagement was to parade alongside the Army and Sea Cadet counterparts at the head of the Armed Forces Day Parade through Coventry city centre on Sat 28 June 2014.

Other events spread throughout the year include attendance at formal parades such as the Centenary of WWI commemorations event, Freedom Parade to HMS Diamond and Remembrance Parade in November. The highlight of the year will be meeting HRH Duke of Cambridge at an event in Memorial Park on Wed 16 July as part of the Centenary Fields Programme. 

FS Simpson was completely overwhelmed when he heard of his appointment and for once was speechless! To mark his new status, he will now wear a second brassard to proudly display the Lord Mayor's embroidered crest. Officer Commanding of 84 Squadron, Flight Lieutenant Nathan Adams said "It is a great honour for both 84 Squadron and  FS Simpson to be chosen to be this year's Coventry Lord Mayor's Air Cadet. It is a very prestigious appointment which will involve partaking in many high profile public events as an ambassador for both the Air Training Corps and the city of Coventry"

Watch this space for further upcoming high-profile events staring FS Simpson!

Wing Training Day 2014

 Congratulations to the 2014 Wing Training Day Team!

Following months of dedicated training and hard work, 84 Squadron took 5th place overall out of all 27 squadrons in Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing! A massive achievement showing the cadets' commitment and drive to win across a wide range of activities.

Individual Events Results

(overall out of 27 Squadrons)

Drill - 7th Place

Banner Drill - 4th Place 

Individual model - 2nd Place

Diorama - 2nd Place

PR - 8th place

Collins Trophy Shoot - 4th place

5-a-side Football, Senior Team -  3rd Place

Jog on Cancer!

On Sunday 29 June, Cadets and Staff from 84 Squadron took part in and helped organise the Cancer Research UK Race For Life event at Stoneleigh Park, Coventry.

Lead by Flying Officer Rosie Chapman, 6 female cadets lined up to take on the challenge of the 5K course at Stoneleigh Agricultural Park. The Sun shone and kept the group in high spirits as they all crossed the finish line in under 40minutes flat!

Meanwhile, Flight Lieutenant Nathan Adams and the boys were tasked with helping set up the start of the course and then were on hand to hand out over 3000 medals and water bottles to all the race competitors.

Fantastic effort to both teams of cadets, a great support to the Cancer Research UK team and an asset to the Squadron in their professional and diligent manner in getting the task done whilst raising awareness and money for a very worthy cause.