126 City of Derby Squadron Air Cadets

This weekend two of our Cadets took part in the first South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets Blue Road Marching training weekend.

Congratulations to Sgt Gillham and Cpl Curd for successfully completing the weekend and being awarded your blue badges.

We look forward to seeing you on more road marches in the future.

A huge congratulations to Cdt Cpl Hadfield who recently completed the RAF WARMA two day marches at RAF Cosford.

After successfully completing a challenging but rewarding weekend Cpl Hadfield has been awarded his silver road marching badge as well as his WARMA medal.

Not only this but he has now been selected to represent the wing at the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen in July. This is a huge achievement and we wish you all the best and can’t wait to hear how you get on.

Thursday night also saw our new training program in full swing.

We were able to deliver multiple different elements of the progressive training syllabus simultaneously, allowing an opportunity for our cadets to experience as much as possible whilst also progressing along every pathway we are able to offer at a squadron level.

Some activities on offer were: Drill, Leadership, Presentation Skills and aviation training.

Huge thank you to the Sqaudron Training Officer for creating the master plan and we look forward to many more evenings to come.

South and East Midlands Wing Athletics Competition 2024

Today a team of 19 Cadets from 126 Sqn competed in track and field events at the Wing Athletics Competiton in Leicester, against 30 other Air Cadet Squadrons from around our Wing.

We are extremely pleased and proud to announce that overall the unit came 2nd!

We placed in three of the four classes as follows:
Junior boys = 1st 🏆
Junior Girls = 2nd
Senior Girls = 3rd.

A big thank you to our Adult Volunteers and Staff Cadets that supported the pre-event training and the event itself today.

OC 126 Sqn Ldr Moore commented “I am immensely proud of all of our athletes that took part today. Some were carrying injuries, some took time away from exam revision, some had never done this sort of thing before and some were seasoned veterans. Many of them had individual successes and won medals, and ALL of them contributed to the overall excellent result. Well done to you all, you are brilliant!! “

Thursday night saw some new promotions at 126 Sqn.

3 of our cadets have now been promoted to Cdt Cpl, this is the first run on the Cadet NCO ladder and marks the begging of their leadership journeys.

We would like to welcome them to the NCO team and wish them all the best in their new roles, well done to you all.

Mr Newstead one of our Civilian Instructors at 126 Sqn will be doing a fund raiser for Prostate Cancer U.K. on the 2nd of July.

In 2022 Mr Newstead was diagnosed with Prostate cancer and received treated. Luckily this was found early and the treatment seems to have been successful. Some other men are not so lucky.

The fundraiser will be a 480 mile round trip visiting all the showrooms of Superbike Factory in a day, starting from the showroom at Donnington Park.

The link below will take you to Mr Newstead’s Just giving page where the trip will be more detailed and you can make a donation if you feel you want to.

‘For those that don't know Andy, he is our Senior Civilian Instuctor at 126 and has served as an adult volunteer for over 20 years, specialising in Aerospace related activity. In addition to his dedicated service to 126, Andy is currently supporting RAFAC Headquarters at RAF Cranwell in developing the "Space" training syllabus for all Cadets nationally, with the aim that the syllabus will be accredited BTEC status.
Andy is one of a number of Adult Volunteers at 126, who live with lifelong medical conditions and despite the challenges that brings, they all still selflessly give up their free time to support the training and development of our Cadets. They are an inspiration.
I am pleased to support Andy as he raises awareness of Prostate Cancer through his fundraising challenge, I hope you will join me too.’ Sqn Ldr Rob Moore, Officer Commanding 126 Sqn.

From all of us at Team 126 we wish Andy the best of luck for the 2nd July, if you wish to help support Andy you can visit his Just Giving page bellow or simply just share this post.
Prostate Cancer UK South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Andrew's fundraiser for PROSTATE CANCER UK Help Andrew Newstead raise money to support PROSTATE CANCER UK

Our cadets showed tremendous endeavour and teamwork on Sunday at South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets Field Day 2024.

The day saw groups of Cadets from 126 Sqn compete against units from across the wing in events such as: Leadersip, First Aid, Shooting, Drill and Cyber.

Key results:
Drill - 2nd
Leadership - 1st
Aviation - 3rd
Overall - 4th

Thanks all for your efforts in training and on the day.

Congratulations to Cdt FS Godfrey for being awarded the best shot award!

We're thrilled to announce that Cadet Flight Sergeant Williams has successfully completed the prestigious RAF Air Cadets Junior Leaders Course!

This challenging program has honed his leadership skills, teamwork abilities, and resilience. His dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and we couldn't be prouder! Congratulations on this incredible achievement!

From all of us at Team 126 we hope everyone had
a great Christmas and is looking forward to welcoming in 2024 in a few days time.

If you are looking to start 2024 off with a bang why don’t you try a new hobby and there’s no better place than here at 126 (City of Derby) Squadron Air Cadets.

We are recruiting now for our January intake, if you are interested in joining or simply want to know more either email us at [email protected] or simply send us a message and one of the team will be in touch as soon as possible.

We look forward to welcoming all our cadets back to the unit in 2024 and hope to see many more new faces on our new intake.

On Monday Night we took the opportunity to mark some of the hard work and dedication by our Cadets and Staff through the presentation of the 126 annual awards:

The 2023 Awards are as follows:

The Beyond Award - (Presented to the staff member, voted by the Cadets, who they believe has gone beyond and above to help the Cadets)

Awarded to – CI Leigh Hadfield

The Staff Moment (Wooden Spoon) Award - (Presented to the CFAV who has had the most entertaining moment over the year as voted by the staff team)

Awarded to - AS1(T) Dylan McCarthy

The Cadet Shooter of the Year

Awarded to – Cdt Sgt Batchelor

The 126 Comradeship Award – (Presented to the Cadet, voted by the Cadets, who they believe has been the most supportive for Cadets and has inspired and motivated Cadets to achieve.

Awarded to – Cdt FS Askham

Flight of the Year

Awarded to – B Flight

The Flt Lt Terry Wildgoose Memorial Trophy – (Presented to the top Cadet NCO of the year)

Awarded to – Cdt Sgt Godfrey

Wellington W5795 Memorial Shield – (Presented to the top Cadet of the year)

Awarded to – Cdt Harper

Best Sporting Achievement

Awarded to – Cdt Sgt Singh

The Endeavour Shield

Awarded to – Cdt Stables

Best Recruit Shield

Awarded to – Cdt Topliss-Grave

Aviation Award

Awarded to – Cdt Sgt Richards

The Colin Barnfarther Cup – Space

Awarded to – Wing Field Day Space Team

Most Miles Walked in 2023

Awarded to - Cdt Cpl Brown

First Aid Shield

Awarded to - Wing Field Day First Aid Team

Best Foot Drill Cup

Awarded to - The Wing Field Day Drill Team

Congratulations to everyone that received an award for your hard work and effort throughout 2023.

We would like to extend our apologies to the friends and families of those who have been nominated and awarded prizes this year. We would have loved to have had you with us but unfortunately we’re restricted by space on the unit this year. We hope to welcome you all together next year for the return of our annual awards presentations.

We look forward to seeing you all again in 2024 !

Are you looking for a new Hobby?
Are you aged between 12-17 ?
Then the air cadets is for you!

We are now recruiting for our January 2024 Intake.

If you're interested in joining us please contact us by emailing [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you soon.

We are thrilled to announce that two outstanding cadets have successfully completed their Method of Instruction Course, earning their well-deserved yellow lanyards!

They've officially stepped into the role of Instructor Cadets, ready to inspire and lead with passion. Join us in congratulating them on this significant achievement!

We are proud to announce that two of our Cadets have been selected by the Mayor of Derby to act as the Mayors Cadets 23/24.

Congratulations to you both and we wish you the very best in your new roles.

To mark Remembrance Sunday Cadets and Staff from 126 (City of Derby) Squadron were a part of the Derby Remembrance Parade.

Over 80 Cadets took part in today’s event, there was a great sense of pride from all involved as they marched through the City Centre and took part in the short service element of the parade.

Well done to all involved for a great effort and a huge Thankyou to the supporting staff who are crucial to events like this.

We're excited to share some fantastic news with you all. Our dedicated Air Cadets have successfully completed not one, not two, but THREE road marches, earning their well-deserved Blue Road Marching Badges!

Their hard work, discipline, and teamwork have paid off, and we couldn't be prouder. Let's give a warm round of applause to these inspiring young individuals. 🏅🚶‍♂️

Join us in celebrating their incredible journey and the recognition they truly deserve. Way to go 126.

Today we had a group of Cadets supporting this years by manning a collection desk in a local supermarket.

A huge Thankyou and well done to all the cadets involved. Everyone represented the Squadron, RAFAC and the Royal British Legion with pride and did an outstanding job.

As always Thankyou to the staff for supporting this event and a huge well done to all involved for an amazing effort.

If you are aged 12(Year 8)-17 and are interested in joining us on our next recruitment intake or just want to find out more. Drop us a message to register your interest.

Yesterday we were asked to partake in a Guard of Honour for the Derby Freemasons.

10 Cadets took part in today’s event alongside OC 126 - Sqn Ldr Moore RAFAC.

All the Cadets thoroughly enjoyed today’s event, they did an amazing job and represented the Squadron with pride.

We would like to thank the Freemasons for inviting us to partake in the guard of honour.

Thank you to all the supporting staff for your continued support and to all involved for an outstanding effort.

If you are aged 12(Year 8)-17 and are interested in joining us on our next recruitment intake or just want to find out more. Drop us a message to register your interest.

Are you looking for a new Hobby? Are you aged between 12-17 ? Then the air cadets is for you!

Come along to our Recruitment Evening on Thursday
21st September to find out more and join our
September Intake.

If you're interested in attending please contact us by emailing [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Recently we had a group of cadets partake in their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award qualifying expedition alongside our colleagues at 395 Stafford Squadron - Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

We are pleased to announce that all those that participated successfully completed their expedition and are one step closer to completing their award.

We would also like to thank 395 Stafford Squadron for inviting us along for the expedition and we look forward to many more joint endeavours in the future.

Congratulations to 7 of our Cadets that were awarded their shooting badges this week.

3 Cadets were awarded their trained shots and another 4 were awarded the marksman shots blue badge with star.

Well done to you all for all your hard work and effort to gain your badges!

On Monday Evening we held a passing out parade for our recruit flight. The recruits were marched onto the parade by their training NCOs before being formally admitted into the RAFAC by the Padre and awarded their first class cadet badges by our Dep OC Fg Off Evans.

Well done to all of the recruits that passed out and we hope that you enjoy your time in the main flights.

If you are aged 12(Year 8)-17 and are interested in joining us on our next recruitment intake or just want to find out more. Drop us a message to register your interest.

Air Cadets from around the World have landed in Derby to spend the evening with 126 (City of Derby) Squadron, Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC).

72 Cadets and their Escorts from Sweden, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are in the UK as part of the International Air Cadet Exchange (IACE). In a packed two week programme, the IACE team only get one opportunity to visit and see a UK Air Cadet Squadron in operation and 126 Squadron, supported by other local units within South & East Midlands Wing, were given the honour of hosting the Exchange.

During the evening, the visitors got to try out the different activities that are available to Air Cadets in the UK, as well as meet with local Cadets, Adult Volunteers and invited guests. They were also treated to a traditional British supper of ‘Fish & Chips’.

Special guests for the evening were; His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County of Derbyshire, Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill; Deputy Chief Executive for East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) Mr Paul Desborough; Wing Commander Carl Wilson, Officer Commanding South & East Midlands Wing RAFAC. The International team along with our own Air Cadets and Volunteers were thrilled to be able to speak to these guests during the evening and we thank them for joining us at this occasion.

The evening was a great success for all involved and 126 Sqn would like to thank our International visitors for your interest and active participation in all of our activities, for taking part in the International ‘Drill’ Challenge, for trading gifts with our Cadets, for the kind presentations and for enjoying our Cake! You are all excellent ambassadors for your countries.

126 Squadron would also like to thank Wing Commander Alyn Thompson RAFAC from HQAC for offering us the opportunity to host the IACE team. A huge thank you also to the other Air Cadet units who supported the event through the attendance of personnel or the loan of resources - 1211 (Swadlincote) Sqn, 2195 (Long Eaton) Sqn, 1279 (Melton Mowbray) Sqn, 1360 (Stapleford & Sandiacre), 2502 (Hamilton) Sqn, 151 (Leominster) Sqn.

Commandant Air Cadets Central & East Region Air Cadets South and East Midlands Wing Air Cadets East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association Royal Air Force Air Cadets 1211 Swadlincote Squadron ATC 2195 Long Eaton Squadron Air Cadets