Now 8 months since building was closed as a result of RFCA/DIO contract changes as a result of  Volunteer_Estate_Value_for_Money_Study_Report.pdf  (adoption of contract for maintenance by VIVO). Cadets are looking forward to returning as the door was fixed in Feb 2026.  Hard facilities management services for the Volunteer Estate to be delivered by the MOD Built Estates contract - RFCA Yorkshire

Sensed things were going well when everyone turned up for coach, we were first in stand, and first three categories of those who came to do long jump all went to 1368 cadets. Speaking to a few OCs who cited late drop-outs but 2026 team didn't falter, had full girls teams for first time for a while, a few GCSEs with enough gaps in exams to plug holes (and score massive), unusually strong junior boys team, and impressive positive team-energy led by oldies. CI M's parody of a motivation speech on the coach? 2nd in Wing last year was good, but somehow 1st feels better and also reflects the strength across the different ages and genders, or perhaps just the general team spirit that NCOs have engendered as 1368 has grown over the last 5 years, since winning the competition in 2022, 2023 and 2024. Good competition though. Standard seemed quite high. Many thanks to the Birmingham and Warwickshire staff who took on running it and all the other staff who helped out on the day. It is grea...

Well done to 1368's Cdt F who became part of Wing's vanguard of cadets undertaking the new drone flying syllabus. 

Fairly relaxed. Good warm up. Final chance to practice (do hokey cokey / get DofE hours in) before the comp. "If you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail" (att: Benjamin Franklin).

This weekday during half term saw a great day making use of the hot weather in half-term to do some river-based adventure training. Contrast with canoes in the afternoon worked well, very relaxing (until the water pumps came out and then it was like the Battle of Trafalgar).  Good fun though, and nice mix of first timers and previous, incl. help from one of our very own Paddlesport Instructor cadets. Looking getting Paddle UK Start Award certificates for those who've done multiple sessions or full day.

Last Friday saw four of our senior 1368 cadets and their guests attend the Royal Palace gardens to celebrate their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award success in the 2025/26 season. They even got to speak with a few famous people, a goal keeper from the past, and bumped into the Commandant of RAFAC/Air Training Corps again.  The sun was shining on them, a great way to celebrate a great achievement. Like their expeditions, something they won't forget. Well done to CWO H, FS R, Sgt F, and Cdt P. The DofE Scheme remains a core pillar of 1368 Squadron, along with Community Duties, Sports, and Drill/Parades/Discipline. Many things cadets do within their two night a week activities can be counted towards the Award, including our focus on sports nights/athletics, leadership and instructional training (all cadets do blue leadership within first 6 months), classification training, marching band and volunteering and service to the community.  We run 7-8 expeditions a year from Initial Exp...