Ratcliffe College CCF

 

Rolls Royce plc – RAF / Aviation Presentation – 17^th January 2010

The section has started off running at a very fast rate, on the 17^thJanuary 2010 Vice President Mr Dominic Lyons Representing UK MoD Combat Air,  Rolls Royce Filton Site visited Ratcliffe College. He gave a very in depth presentation on the research and development, production and maintenance of engines which are supplied to the Royal Air Force and Domestic companies around the world.The presentation gave a very good insight to the roles and responsibilities Rolls Royce supplies to the Royal Air Force.At present we are in communication with Rolls Royce to organize a site visit at the Filton Plant, there will be a full factory tour to incorporate the research and development, production engines being produced and hopefully a full test of one of the jet engines being supplied to the Royal Air Force.

 New Civilian Instructors. February 2010

 

Towards the end of January, the RAF Section has been honored with the presence of Mr John Jinks to assist with

ADVANCED Training, primarily Air Navigation, Pilot Navigation and Advanced Aviation in General.

Also Mr Bob Moore, ( Fly Off R L Moore Rtd ) returned to Ratcliffe after several years in exile to further

 assist in Part 2 syllabus, continue RAF ethos, standards and general assistance.

 

Eastern Area Leadership Training – RAF Wittering 5^th – 7^th February 2010

 

 

Another very successful weekend of training, overall there were 18 cadets in attendance with 3 cadets attending

 from Ratcliffe College CCF RAF Section CDT D Adcock, CDT C Powel and CDT H Jones.

All three cadets conducted themselves admiral, gaining many new leadership skills such as public specking,

presentation techniques, exercises, and discipline and experience life on an RAF Station! Not forgetting the

wonderful food available within the JRM (Junior Ranks Mess).

An added bonus with Sqn Ldr Ron Miller dropping in to present the Best Cadet Prizes, general support and

announcing the introduction of completion of the Leadership section within the ADVANCE training syllabus

can be gained by completing Level 1 and 2 of the EALT weekends.

 

 

 

 

Presentation from Ex Racliffian – Flt Lt Jonathan ( Jonny ) Meadows RAF / 2nd February 2010

 

 

Flt Lt J Meadows was a former pupil, having left in 1991. He is currently serving as a Tornado Pilot

 in the Royal Air Force and have recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan. He will be shortly

posted to Scotland from the first week in April; therefore on the 2^nd February Flt Lt J Meadows

attended Ratcliffe College CCF Parade and conducted the most in depth, interesting and

comprehensive presentation.

His presentation was very good for opening the minds of the cadets to the world of the Royal Air Force

, what life has been like in the past and what the future holds for any budding cadets interested in joining

the RAF in the Future.

An Added bonus, Jonny incorporated some actual video footage which was recorded from one of many sorties

he carried out when on tour in Afghanistan.
Many thanks must go out for Jonny for spending time preparing the presentation and spending much quality

time with the RAF Cadets

 

 

 

Air Experience Flying – 17^th & 19^th February 2010

 

Unfortunately the first 20 slots available for Ratcliffe College RAF cadets were given a large blow with the

weather being the ultimate stumbling block.

Once the snow started to fall and the ice became very dangerous, all AEF flying was stopped

until the weather became safe enough to fly.

 

 

 

Part II Exams – 16^th March 2010 ( Aviation Knowledge )

 

Congratulations to J/Cpl A Maxwell, Cdt R Soni, Cdt K Gill, Cdt G Britain and Cdt A Donegarni

who have all passed there Aviation Syllabus Part 2 exam.

There subjects included Principles of Flight, Basic Navigation and Airmanship 2.

 

Air Experience Flying – 16^th April 2010

 

Once again the weather proved to be very unpredictable with the recent explosion of the Volcano

in Iceland.

The whole of the UK airspace and several countries in Europe were totally grounded for several days!  

Due to the volcanic ash cloud, fly was again suspended due to the weather and therefore No Flying in 2010 as yet!

(Hopefully slots will be re allocated as soon as possible)

” Sorry Guys and Girls, hopefully our July slot will be more forgiving!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The morning started well with all the cadets turning up on time! ( Always a bonus! )

The weather was not too bad to start with; unfortunately we had been pulled out of the bag to go first for the Drill Competition!

This is something which is always good, unless the heavens decide to open and drown everyone in the local area!

Even thou the weather took a tern for the worse; all the cadets carried out a very impressive performance and took the competition to all the other schools / colleges.

Overall Ratcliffe achieved 4^th place, this was a vast improvement in past performances and all cadets were very professional.

Special congratulations to Sgt Richard Jee, who carried out the difficult job of instructing the cadets in a difficult and complex Drill sequence.

 

 

 

 

 

After a short break, it was off to the Education Center to carry out the Aircraft Recognition Competition. The cadets who carried out this task found the PC generated competition very difficult to navigate, however they all tried there best and came a respectable 11^th place. (Something to learn for next year!)

 

 

The Sports Bleep Test was very challenging, all 4 cadets did a very good job in keeping up with the other teams and came a respectable 8^th place.

 

 

 

 

Lunch was supplied by Ratcliffe College, the then back to the Education Center for the leadership Competition.

 

 

 

Flt Sgt Robert Herrick had the honor of taking lead IC (Instructor in Command), from his and the team’s vast experience in leadership exercises we were hoping for a good effort all round!

An excellent performance, skill, confidence and very good team work the team managed to pull 1^st place out of the bag and gain the first CCF RAF Trophy for Ratcliffe College “ Well Done “

 

 

The First Aid scenario was very intence, many hours of training were carried out with the assistance of WO D Nelson.

From the word go things went from bad to worse, due to a fundamental error!

“ ALWAYS Remember to switch OFF any electrical appliance before applying First Aid”

Therefore we lost a member of the team from the off and we really didn’t recover from this situation, however all the members of the First Aid team tried there best and continued ton try and save all the injured parties.

 

 

 

Finally, Target Shooting team moved over to the DCCT range for there shoot.

The teams effort was good, but unfortunately not good enough to get into the final shoot off!

However Sgt Richard Jee excelled and was asked back to the range for a final shoot off for the Best Individual Shoot.

Providing near perfect scores, he was piped to the post and came a respectable 2^nd place. “ Well Done Sgt Jee!”

 

 

 

 

An extra added to the itinerary for this year was a fantastic excursion to the RAF Cranwell Heritage Museum, located on the outskirts of the the station.

We were greated by a current RAF Training Officer cadet, who was very professional and informative with regards to the museum.

There were many different stands to look at, plus interactive equipment with an aviation theame.

All the cadets enjoyed not only the well needed break, but also the fantastic range of models, memorabilia, equipment and the jet provost outside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 7^th November 2009, Ratcliffe CCF paraded through Melton Mowbray with many other organizations. ( i.e. DAC ( Defense Animal Center ), Royal British Legion, Royal Air Force Association, ACF Melton Mowbray, 1279 Sqn ATC MM Melton Mowbray, 2248 Sqn ATC etc )

Today was a special day for Ratcliffe CCF as this was the first opportunity to parade in public with the New CCF Standard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The honor and reasonability to carry the standard went to Cadet Flt Sgt R Herrick, with one escort from the RAF Section and another from the ARMY section.

The Guard Diamond Formation was formed by Flt Lt D Surry RAF VR(T) BSc, Flt Lt J Jinks RAF VR(T) Rtd, Flt Lt T J Burton RAF VR(T) and CPT Schlotfeit.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

E.A.L.T. October 2009 Beckingham

 

The East Area Leadership Training program recently set up for the ACO CCF by Flt Lt D Surry, started off with great success located at Beckingham Ranges, Lincolnshire.

The principles of this new addition to the ACO activities are to enable individual schools / colleges from the Eastern Area to have access to Leadership Training, which may not be available from internal staff and have the desired affect of increasing the overall performance and increased education to all cadets attending.

 

 

 

A full program of camp craft, ration pack knowledge and cooking, movement in the field, public speaking, leadership techniques, exercise planning ( SMEAC / SMAC ), leadership exercises and an evening exercise.

 

 

 

 

 The weather was on the turn, many hours of rain made life difficult in the field, however with the availability of the buildings within the area made life allot easier.

Several schools / colleges were in attendance with Kings College Grantham and Ratcliffe College working well together, with the additional help of Adult SGT R Gardner from 2502 Sqn ( Air Training Corp ) Hamilton assisting throughout the weekend training.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Battle of Britain Parade September 2009

 

 

Once again Flt Lt Burton assisted with the organising and logistics of this years Battle of Britain Parade in the town of Melton Mowbray.

 

The total number of participants on parade were 168, ( DAC - Royal Air Force Military Police Section, Royal British Legion, Royal Air Force’s Association, Air Training Corp 1279, 2248, 1181 and 2502 Sqn, Ratcliffe College CCF RAF Section.

 

” Well Done” Cadet SGT Richard Jee who showed great composure and professionalism on laying the wreath from Ratcliffe College CCF.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 RAF HQ – Summer Maintenance 2009

 

Through out the summer months additional maintenance. up keep and general house keeping was carried out by Flt Lt Burton and WO Nelson.

 

 

 

Reorganization of storage areas, additional notice boards, New RAF HQ Sign and a donated Tail Plane from 1279Sqn Air Training Corp Melton Mowbray.

The Tail plane needed some renovation, however after several coats of paint and the addition of transfers the Tail Plane was mounted before the start of the Autumn Term.

 

 

With the addition to our new Flag / Ensign Pole, a new Flag / Ensign housing box has also been installed to keep the Flags / Ensign clean, safe and available.

 

 

 

Representing the Royal Air Force.

Menin Gate – July 2009

This year started with a bang!  The cadets were on holiday throuout the summer holidays, however Flt Lt T J Burton RAF VR(T) had the wonderfull opportunity to represent the Royal Air Force overseas.

With Permission granted from Wgn Cmd G S Clyton-Jones, Flt Lt Burton was given permission to take part of the parade and lay a wreath representing the Royal Air Force.

On parade was the Canadian Legion, Dutch Legion, Royal Air Force’s Association ( Melton Mowbray ), The Royal British Legion ( Melton Mowbray ) , The Royal British Legion ( Womens Section – Melton Mowbray ), The Royal Naval Association and the International Air Cadets.

  

 

Ratcliffe New CCF (RAF) TEST SNCO

SGT Gary Ansall – September 2009

 

 

 

Due to operational commitments, reorganization and planning our past CCF (RAF) SNCO SGT Clare Philips has move on to pastures green, filling her boots is SGT Gary Ansell.

Gary will be assisting with training, weapons handling, uniforms, drill, administration and general liaison between the RAF and Ratcliffe CCF RAF Section.

“ Gary we welcome you! “

 

 

 

 

ITN Production Team - Ratcliffe Promotion Video

September 2009

 

 

In September 2009 the an ITN production team were Invited to Ratcliffe College to Formulate a documentary for initially a promotional Video for the Head Masters Conference to which was Held in Liverpool this year.

Part of the production included a Combined Drill Movement between the ARMY and RAF section, RAF Section Leadership Training and ARMY Movement in the field.

The RAF Section were a credit to themselves, the Contingent and also the Cadet Organization conducting themselves extremely professionally, efficiently and  very little training and time to execute all the tasks in hand.

 

   

 

BI ANNUAL Review

October 2009

 

Every two years the authority’s body who assists with funding, training, support and overall policy (i.e. Army 49 Brigade, RAF Air Cadet Organization and overall Ministry Of Defense) conduct an overall review of training for the whole Contingent.

 

Such as accounts, training records, stores, equipment, training aids, recruiting, advertising, systems of work and overall running

of the contingent.

  On the 6^th October 2009, the RAF Section provided the Inspecting Officer with two different types of leadership exercises, the first was “Raging Torrent” and the second was “Suspended Box”.

 

The “Ragging Torrent” is an exercise where the cadets have to get from one side of the imaginary river to the other utilizing the equipment available. (I.e. Planks, Tires, Ropes) There are limitations to the exercise such as no cadet is allowed to touch the floor while crossing the imaginary river as they would be imaginary washed away in the river!

 

The “Suspended Box” is an exercise where the cadets have to suspend a box at a pre determined height! To achieve this cadets utilize the equipment available. (I.e. Pine Poles, Ropes, Box)

 

 

Additional to the leadership exercises, the RAF Section utilized a 1952 type Military Tent for displaying examples of educational training syllabus diagrams, photos taken over the two year period which included summer camps, section visits, flying, gliding, annual competition, community parades and training aids.

 

  

 

A fully documented video which included examples of the vast opportunities available,  most of the training photos and videos taken over the last two years, composed to music and will be available in the near future on the Ratcliffe College Web page.

 

www.ratcliffecollege.org

Also available to view was a video of the flight simulator, produced by Flt Lt Dominic Surry and a photo slide show.

 

Finally SGT Rob Gardner ( 2502 Sqn Hamilton Sqn Air Training Corp, assisted with setting up a Fieldcrest, camouflage and concealment and living in the field Stand.

He also assisted in setting up the display stands, transferring of equipment and generall assiting over the days activities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Ratcliffe College CCF

(RAF Section) Annual Review 2009 

 

This year activities have been most enjoyable, challenging and rewarding.

The RAF Section started the academic year by welcoming the new recruits into the fold, a very impressive recruiting drive from all the staff and current cadets enabled the RAF Section to swell by 18 new recruits and giving a record number of cadets to 41 within the section.

This could only have only be achieved by many hours of hard work by the RAF Staff , the extra ordinary commitment by all the current cadets to assist with the recruit drive and to pas on there own experiences and enjoyment within the RAF Section.

 

 

Battle of Britain Parade 2008 ( Melton Mowbray - Leicestershire ) 

 

 

 

 

 

The RAF Section took a flight of 9 cadets to Melton Mowbray on 21^st September 2008 to take part in the Battle of Britain Parade.

CPL R Herrick had the honor of laying the wreath for the CCF on the day; all the cadets conducted themselves with superb conduct, very smart and a credit to themselves, ACO and Ratcliffe College.

 

 

 RAF Annual Leadership Training October 2008

 

RAF Annual Leadership Training (Stage 1) started with the most incorrigible start located at RAF Wittering at CS (Charlie South); the attendance from the new recruits was excellent and well supported by more experienced cadets. Several leadership exercises were executed, tripod building, spiders web, rope skills, public speaking and overall awareness of life on an RAF Station which included meals in the JRM ( Junior Ranks Mess ). Thanks to SNCO TEST SGT Clare Philips who has supported the RAF Section for the last four years, unfortunately her tour of duty has now come to an end and now has moved on to pastures new, handing over to SNCO TEST SGT Gary Ansall, welcome.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Escort to the CCF National Standard

The Royal Albert Hall 2008

A special mention needs to be made for CDT CPL Herrick who volunteered to be an Escort to the National CCF Standard which was paraded at the Royal Albert Hall in the presence of HRH Queen Elizabeth. CPL Herrick had stage fright for the two practice march past; however when he needed to get it right he stepped up to the mark at all cadets involved in the Standard party carried out there duties with perfection.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rememberance Parade 2008

( Melton Mowbray - Leicestershire )

Making a swift return from London back to Leicestershire late on the Saturday evening arriving around 0130hrs, it was a quick turn around to prepare for the Remembrance Parade in Melton Mowbray on the 9^th November 2008.

Further duties included the CCF Contingent provided a flight of 12 cadets to attend the Remembrance Parade at Melton Mowbray.

The CCF Contingent carried on there duties by being an integral part of the Remembrance Service at Ratcliffe College in the Chapel on the 11^th November 2008

 

 

 

 

 

CCF Annual Ground Training Competition

Preparation Weekend 2008

 

CCF Annual Ground Training Competition Preparation Weekend  was located at RAF Wittering, the training consisted of  Target Shooting, Leadership exercises, RAF Knowledge, Aircraft Recognition, First Aid and Drill.

Many thanks go to Adult SGT Rob Gardener, ACO ATC DRILL INSTRUCTOR assisting with training our cadets to a very good standard to challenge the best of any RAF Section.

Also thanks go to SSI WO Nelson for assisting not only the Annual Competition Training, but also continuing Adult Supervision through out the year.

 

 

 

  

 

 

 CCF Annual Ground Training Competition 2008

( 6th Place Overall ” Well Done ” )

A fantastic effort made by all cadets who took part in the CCF Annual Ground Training Competition 2008, the weather was something to be desired especially traveling between competition venues around RAF Cranwell.

The temperature was near to freezing and the snow began to fall, even so all the cadets made a consorted effort to do there best and do well in all categories.

This year saw Ratcliffe College RAF Section beat of many schools to achieve overall 6^th place out of 16 schools competing. “Very Well Done “

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New RAF Section Head Quarters

 

Towards the end of the autumn term saw the opening of the New RAF Section Head Quarters, located on the Old Ratcliffe ATA Airfield. Flt Lt Dominic Surry, Flt Lt T J Burton started to renovate the building in June, by December several rooms were eventually in the position to be utilized for training the cadets. Much more work needs to be done, however as time goes by more rooms, equipment, better training and a better environment is being available to the cadets. The ultimate goal is to have a fully operation motion flight simulator to assist with Air Navigation, Principles of flight and aviation in general. Also an area has been set to one side to accommodate projects, model making and practical lessons.

 

 

 

 

 

Also we have access to ground to the rear of the HQ; this has been cleared and is being utilized for basic field craft, basher building and leadership exercises.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RAF SECTION VISIT

RAF Waddington ED3 Century AWAC

 

 

Straight into the New Year with a bang, two lucky cadets J/CPL Reeves and J/CPL Fung visited RAF Waddington where they took part in a seven hour flight in an ED3 Century AWAC aircraft. On there exciting flight they endured a fire drill, in-flight refueling, interaction between RAF flight crew asking questions and the in flight meals!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gliding Scholaships x 2 Easter 2009

 

During the Easter holidays, two cadets excelled themselves J/CPL Tina Newton and J/CPL Stanley Pearce by achieving there Gliding Scholarships Course at Watton.

 

 

 

PART 1, PART 2 & ADVANCED Training Acheived

 

Thought the spring months, training continued with CPL Herrick and CPL Jee obtaining there ADVANCE cadet certificate in AIR NAV & CARDA, eight cadets gaining there PART 2 badge in Principles of Flight, Airmanship II and Ground Navigation and ten cadets gaining there PART 1 badges in History of the RAF, History of the CCF, Badges of Rank, Airmanship I, Basic Navigation and Basic Weapons Training

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RAF  Summer Camp 2009 - ( RAF Valley & RAF Henlow )

 

 

 

 

Towards the end of the summer saw a recruit drive ready for the beginning of next term, preparation for the Annual Summer Camp and reorganizing various areas.

 

Summer Camp was at the last minute put into doubt as we lost half of our allocated places due to accommodation, however with some reorganization we managed to locate four cadets at RAF Valley and four cadets at RAF Henlow.

So all was not lost and the eight cadets who attended there respective summer camps enjoyed themselves to the hilt, especially CPL Herrick who managed to gain a days section visit with Air Sea Rescue with a run up Mount Snowden, N’Wales.

 

 RAF Valley

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RAF Henlow 2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AEF No7 - RAF Cranwell / AEG 644 Sqn RAF Syerston

 

This year was a good year for Air Experience Flying at RAF Cranwell AEF No7 and gliding at 644 SQN Syerston, with the continuing support from our own SSI with assistance for transport during the working day, the RAF Section managed to fly 53 cadets on AEF and 7 cadets on AEG. Many thanks to the SSI WO Nelson for making this possible throughout the annual period.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ITN Production Team - Ratcliffe Promotion Video

 

 

 

 

 

In September 2009 the an ITN production team were Invited to Ratcliffe College to Formulate a documentary for initially a promotional Video for the Head Masters Conference to which was Held in Liverpool this year.

Part of the production included a Combined Drill Movement between the ARMY and RAF section, RAF Section Leadership Training and ARMYMovement in the field.

The RAF Section were a credit to themselves, the Contingent and also the Cadet Organization conducting themselves extremely professionally, efficiently and  very little training and time to execute all the tasks in hand.

 

 

 

 

 

Battle of Britain Parade 2009 - ( Melton Mowbray )

 

On the 20^th September 2009 saw 7 cadets from Ratcliffe College supporting the local community by taking part in the Battle of Britain Parade at Melton Mowbray, assisting the Defense Animal Center / Royal Air Force / Military Police Section, Royal Air Forces Association and the Air Training Corp from 2502 Hamilton Sqn, 1181 Syston Sqn, 2248 Oakham Sqn. Directed by Flt Lt T J Burton RAF VR(T) from Ratcliffe College CCF RAF Section OC acting as Parade Marshall ,SGT  ATC R Gardner 2502 Hamiton Sqn acting as Deputy Parade Marshall and Flt Lt C L Teasdale RAF 2 IC Canine Division as Parade Commander.

 

 

 

 

 

BI ANNUAL Review 2009

 

Every two years the authority’s body who assists with funding, training, support and overall policy (i.e. Army 49 Brigdgade, RAF Air Cadet Organization and overall Ministry Of Defense) conduct an overall review of training for the whole Contingent .

Such as accounts, training records, stores, equipment, training aids, recruiting, advertising, systems of work and overall running of the contingent.

  On the 6^th October 2009, the RAF Section provided the Inspecting Officer with two different types of leadership exercises, the first was “Raging Torrent” and the second was “Suspended Box”.

 

 

 

The “Ragging Torrent” is an exercise where the cadets have to get from one side of the imaginary river to the other utilizing the equipment available. (I.e. Planks, Tires, Ropes) There are limitations to the exercise such as no cadet is allowed to touch the floor while crossing the imaginary river as they would be imaginary washed away in the river!

 

The “Suspended Box” is an exercise where the cadets have to suspend a box at a pre determined height! To achieve this cadets utilize the equipment available. (I.e. Pine Poles, Ropes, Box)

 

 

 

 

 

Additional to the leadership exercises, the RAF Section utilized a 1952 type Military Tent for displaying examples of educational training syllabus diagrams, photos taken over the two year period which included summer camps, section visits, flying, gliding, annual competition, community parades and training aids.

A fully documented video which included examples of the vast opportunities available,  most of the training photos and videos taken over the last two years, composed to music and will be available in the near future on the Ratcliffe College Web page.

www.ratcliffecollege.org

Also available to view was a video of the flight simulator, produced by Flt Lt Dominic Surry and a photo slide show.

 

 

 

Finally SGT Rob Gardner ( 2502 Sqn Hamilton Sqn Air Training Corp, assisted with setting up a Fieldcrest, camouflage and concealment and living in the field Stand.

He also assisted in setting up the display stands, transferring of equipment and generally helping out.

 

 

 

Memorial Service of Wg Cdr Smith-Carington

 

On the 14^th October 2009 eight senior cadets assisted with the Memorial Service of Wg Cdr Smith-Carington at Ashby Follville Church in Leicestershire.

Wg Cdr Smith-Carington was a pilot within the Royal Air Force for many years, starting his carrier flying Mosquito’s, Hunters and various other aircraft.

To see more information go to http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article6732066.ece

 

The cadets assisted with the memorial service, providing escorts to the Royal Air Force’s Association Standard, two escorts to the Royal British Legion Twyford and District Standard and a Guard of Honor lining the way to and from the church entrance.

The cadets who supported the memorial service were Sgt Herrick, Sgt Jee, J/Cpl Pearce, J/Cpl Adcock, J/Cpl Maxwell, J/Cpl Leung, Cdt Amies, Cdt Yau. All cadets were a credit to Ratcliffe College, Ratcliffe College CCF RAF Section, the RAF, the RAFA, the RBL Twyford and District and of course themselves.

 

 

In addition Ratcliffe College CCF RAF Section received a wonderful letter of thanks from Air Vice-Marshal Sir John Severne KCVO OBE AFC DL (Please see below)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The whole year has been very productive, seeing many cadets growing with confidence, grasping life skills and learning not only how to work as a team but thrive as a team!

The whole RAF Section is growing into a very solid unit with many personalities, dedicated, smart, and proud and a credit to themselves, the CCF, the RAF and especially Ratcliffe College. (For Further information go to: - http://www.ratcliffeccf.org )

 

A Special thanks goes to Flt Lt Dominic Surry, he has been the RAF Section Training Officer for approximately four years and has been a credit not only to him self, ACO,  but to Ratcliffe College. He has assisted in all aspects of training from direct training the cadets, setting up the RAF Section Website and forum, admin, IT, Media and Publications, participating in Public Parades and creating the Leadership Program for the RAF Section.

His vast knowledge, expertise, professionalism and dedication will be sadly missed.

 

FLT LT T J BURTON RAF VR (T)

RATCLIFFE COLLEGE CCF RAF SECTION OC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Easter break the Ratcliffe College CCF section took part in a week’s adventure training in northern Wales. This RAF section was represented very impressively by a large number taking part and almost equalling the number of Army cadets. During the week cadets took part in a vast amount of activities including Kayaking,  Dry slope skiing,  hill walking , orienteering and rock climbing. All the events took part without any injuries occurring however the odd toe nail was lost on the hill walking.

All the activities were challenging and tiring but at the same time very satisfactory. The accommodation enjoyed by the cadets were of very good quality with superb facilities and billets and also the chefs made sure that no one went out for the day hungry. Despite the busy and demanding schedule cadets also had time to relax in the evening and found time to go bowling on the final evening. The section managed to make many new friends and meet a variety of characters.

A special mention must go to the second hill walking group who managed to arrive at the top of Snowdon at 6.49 in the morning to see the startling sunrise. They set off from the foot of the peak from their campsite and the painstaking hour of 3.30 am!

 

Joe Adcock pictured on the right and nicknamed Jadcock said:

“The week was very tiring and demanding but every bit of effort was rewarded with the stunning views at the top. We had a fantastic time and also had the chance to make some new friends!”

 

Angus Maxwell commented:

“That this sort of week is what i love and could do every day all day. I love being around my friends and generally having a good time.

 

Gnome added:

Not a lot really he just remained motionless in his prime position as displayed!

Also in the area there was the constant hum of the trainer Hawks from RAF Valley which is the location for this years annual RAF summer camp. But finally a big thank you must go to all the officers who made it possible and again were able to organise a fantastic week and they even managed to book the sun! Their hard work and time are what makes these weeks possible so from everyone involved a big thanks!

Well done to all who took part in the exercise and especially Cpl Richard Jee who designed the winning entry. 

 

The crest denotes a pelican (inspiration taken from the school crest) pecking at its chest to feed its young.   The motto “Victum Adversum” meaning Conquer Adversity is something we challenge all cadets in the section to do.

The symbolism of the mother pelican feeding her little baby pelicans is rooted in an ancient legend which preceded Christianity. The legend was that in time of famine, the mother pelican wounded herself, striking her breast with the beak to feed her young with her blood to prevent starvation. Another version of the legend was that the mother fed her dying young with her blood to revive them from death, but in turn lost her own life.

Given this tradition, one can easily see why the early Christians adapted it to symbolize our Lord, Jesus Christ. The pelican symbolizes Jesus our Redeemer who gave His life for our redemption and the atonement He made through His passion and death. We were dead to sin and have found new life through the Blood of Christ. Moreover, Jesus continues to feed us with His body and blood in the holy Eucharist

It was with great pleasure that news came through from HQ Air Cadets at RAF Cranwell that another gliding scholarship was awarded to Ratcliffe student Cdt A Yau.  The course will be held during the easter break at RAF Syerston the home of the Central Gliding School, near Newark.

Cdt Yau will be learning to fly (and hopefully go solo) in the Viking winch launced glider with 643 Volunteer Gliding Squadron.

Good news indeed!