CO's CORNER: Flt Lt Phil Powell
   Welcome to the first issue of what we hope will be a regular newsletter.
This is a trial run and will only be successful with your input and suggestions.
If you have any interesting items, photos or quizzes which could be included
please see Mr.Kelly.  We are hoping to produce one issue every few months so
pens and ideas at the ready.  The Christmas party was a great success and the
costumes were very interesting (to say the least!) I would like to say a big
thank you to Martin Webber for the disco and congratulations to Matthew Thomas
for winning the best costume award as Zorro.  Have you worked out whose legs
they are on the notice board?  I would like to take this opportunity to thank
the cadets, parents and staff for their help at the Narracott Hotel on Saturday
23rd.  We did a great job in raising a lot of money for the Squadron.  We hope
to arrange some more fund raisers in the near future which we hope will be
supported with the same enthusiasm.


#200 raised in one afternoon
   Cadets and parents have packed their bags this week to raise money for the
Squadron.  The fundraiser was held at the Narracott Hotel in Woolacombe on Jan
23rd.  The hotel provides each room with a complimentary pack of tea, sugar,
coffee, and whitener and had offered the Squadron #5 for each sack of 100
complimentary packs they make up.  About 25 cadets and helpers arrived at the
hotel by 10am and within minutes there were six production lines churning out
the packs non-stop.  By half-past two the target was reached.  With eight
sugars, eight whiteners, and four each of coffee and tea in each of the bags
(all arranged neatly, of course) the job was hard but fun.  The money will go
toward equipment for the Squadron.

 
During a recent visit to the Chivenor Fire section, Sgt.  Furneaux looks on as
cadets try on the breathing apparatus (which proved to be a bit on the heavy
side for one of the cadets!) They were also given rides around the airfield in
the fire truck and tried out their knot tying skills by lowering a dummy down to
the ground.  The heavy rain and strong winds were still not enough to prevent
the customary fire hose fight.  More visits will be arranged in the near future.

 
Where are you?
   From time to time, we all fall ill, especially lately with the cold and flu
doing the rounds.  It is important to let the staff know if you are unable to
attend a Squadron evening.  If you are ill or have another commitment that
prevents you from attending the Squadron, please phone Mrs.Powell on #####
######.  If you know in advance that you will not be able to attend on a certain
date, there are leave of absence slips available from the office.  Ask your NCO
for one.

 
What is the ATC?
   The Air Training Corps is a national voluntary youth organisation.  It is
sponsored by the Royal Air Force and provides challenging aviation, adventurous
and community activities.  The aims of the Corps, as defined by Royal Warrant,
are:
   7To promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation
       and the Royal Air Force.
   7To provide training which will be useful both in the service and in civilian
       life.
   7To foster the spirit of adventure and to develop the qualities of leadership
       and good citizenship.
These aims are achieved by:
   7Providing progressive training in aviation related subjects.
   7Encouraging participation in a variety of activities including adventure
       training/flying and gliding/citizenship training.
   7Developing personal qualities such as initiative, resourcefulness and the
       ability to work successfully as a member of a team.

 
Sqn Sports
   On 17th January a number of cadets attended the Wing sports trials at Exeter.
Most of them were chosen to go on and represent the Wing.  Crystal Barney was
chosen for the netball reserve, Anthony Pullen, Robert Byrne, Jake Rafferty,
Ryan Cushion and Luke Coventry were picked for rugby while Jake Rafferty was
also chosen for football and Clare Powell was chosen for hockey.
Congratulations to them all and I look forward to reporting on their future
sporting achievements.
   Also, on Feb 4th, Chivenor, Barnstaple and Bideford cadets met at the
Barnstaple leisure centre for a sports evening.  Volleyball, basketball and
badminton were on offer.  There were many "interesting" styles of play to be
seen along with a remarkable display of colourful shorts.  The teams will meet
again soon to determine the winner of the sports challenge.


Once again this year the Red Barrows display team will be run by Sgt Furneaux.
The team was set up to promote the ATC and provide a bit of fun for the cadets
and the viewing public.  For those of you who are not aware, a team of nine
Barrows recreate the display of the RAF's Red Arrows for the public at various
fêtes and carnivals around North Devon.  Last year's displays proved very
successful with organisers asking us to return.  If you wish to join this year's
team put your name on the list outside canteen.


And here's the proof that the extensive range of activities on offer to the
cadets can take a toll.