Pleased that we managed to get 2 more first time flyers from 1368 Sqn up on Sunday with the Air Experience Flying School (AEF8). With the nice clear weather Cdt D and Cdt S got to take control of flying a Grob 109 (Tutor T1) for the first time, plus a trip round the museum. Clear day also gave option for a bit of aerobatics.  Cdt D passed his Leading cadet exams as well, hence two new badges are coming his way (Blue Aviation badge and Leading cadet).

3 groups running in parallel most of Wednesdays with marching band, practice pads and ensemble groups. Great NCO work spinning plates (with leadership for junior's also running) while FS R focused on drumming rudiments and Sgt H energized the rock ensemble, and others took real band. Taking on some good suggestions we've tried rotating to real instruments a lot earlier to bang the real drums sooner. Blue badge band is one of the hardest, so we will see what the gap is when Fg Off D visits. Ensemble has been eye opening.  It appears we have an usually high level of musical talent in the up and coming cadets (singers, guitar, and keyboard). It was like Bryan May turned up.

Well done to first batch of 0925/0226 intake to get their Blue badge Foundation Leadership having passed 2 success leads. Cdt B, Cdt P, Cdt P, Cdt R, Cdt S, Cdt S, and Cdt K. 4 nights done so far, more to come. Putting our new intakes through extended leadership training has two goals for us. Firstly, it gets cadets the blue badge which opens up ability to bid for Bronze leadership at sector or Wing level. Secondly, it's actually a really good and fun way of getting cadets to interact with their peers to build friendships, teamwork and mutual understanding, i.e. it bonds them together so that when we get to things like expedition training they already feel part of a team.

Cadets and staff from 1368 paraded the Sqn and Wing banners at the funeral of Frederick John Dawe today, attended by Wing Commanders and OCs of 1368 past and present. John was the first OC of 1368 (1971-1980), a Wing Staff Officer (1980-1988), and OC Wing (1988-1995). It was a very poignant ceremony with senior guests and strong RBL attendance. Very proud of Sgt G, Cpl R, Cpl K and Cdt B who stepped up to attend. They representing the Sqn and the Air Cadets with distinction, incl. banner and slow marching elements. You did a very good thing. Thanks also to Sgt B for help in training banner to those going on Wednesday.

Last Saturday, 1368 Sqn managed to react to fill 3 scratch places offered to all Sqns the night before first-come, first-served. Cdt K, Cdt F and Cdt G taking the chance. Not first timers. Nice clear day so some got to do some aerobatics in a Grob Tutor T1 (E.g. Cdt F took controls doing a loop). Many thanks also for staff stepping up to take. Make hay while the sun shining.