Hartlepool Air Cadets

Squadron Mess Night

473 (Hartlepool) Sqn. ATC — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:49:55 +0000

On Friday 16^th December 2011, 473 (Hartlepool) Squadron hosted a mess night to celebrate 70 years on the Air Training Corps. The mess night was a huge success with most cadets and their parents attending. The mess night was also combined with the presentation ceremony. The mess night had a few high status guests. These guests included the town’s mayor, Stuart Drummond, the head gliding instructor t RAF Topcliff, and Group Captain Madison, a former cadet of the squadron and now a well-established pilot in the RAF. The mess night was held within the Hartlepool rugby club on Easington road, just around the corner from the Squadrons HQ.

The night started off a bit slow while everyone arrived, but soon after, everyone was sat down a waiting to eat. After the meal some of the parents were caught a bit by surprise when everyone was served a glass of port for the royal toasts. This was then followed by an amazing presentation ceremony. To start off the ceremony the local RAFA presented their certificates to everyone who had taken part in any collection throughout the year, with the top three fund-raises receiving prizes and first place receiving the trophy. First place went to Cadet Bethan Maiden, raising over £600. All of this money is also tallied up to go towards a squadron total, which the squadron is hoping will clinch the national second place or even first place trophy. Next, the CVQO betec’s were presented to the master cadets by the town’s mayor, Stuart Drummond. The mayor then went on to present the squadrons CWO with his certificate and to say a few words on how important he felt the ATC was in the local community. The night then preceded into the squadrons prizes. These are, and went to:

Sportsman of the year- To Corporal Adam Lake
Best Uniform- To Corporal Alex May
First Aider Of the year- To Corporal Katie Biggins
Flight Engineer Award- To Jamie-Lee Sickling
Best Shot- To Sergeant Damon Flint
Pilot of the year- To Sergeant Damon Flint
Best Cadet- To Sergeant Damon Flint
Best new recruit- To cadet Sam Henderson
Best NCO- To Flight Sergeant Martin Murphy

With the three highest awards being presented by Group Captain Madison: Best New Recruit, Best Cadet and Best NCO.

The evening then finished with a bit of chill out time for everyone. The squadron staff is already hoping to make this event an annual occurrence, and is already looking into bigger venues.

This event was definitely the highlight of the past year, not because of the food, or the guests, but because of the amazing amount of talent that is within the Squadron’s cadets. It was a proud night for all. Staff, parents and of course the main people…THE CADETS!

One December Morn…

473 (Hartlepool) Sqn. ATC — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 23:02:44 +0000

On Friday the 16th December the cadets from 473 (Hartlepool) Squadron ATC took part in theannual Bombardment Parade. As normal On the 16th December cadets from 473 Squadron ATC along with other members of the public formed up and marched into the small memorial on the Headland, Hartlepool. This parade is held every year to remember the dreadful bombardment of Hartlepool in the First world War. The parade is held early in the morning so that the time ofremembrance is exactly when the first shell struck the ground in Hartlepool on 16th December 1914.

This act of rememberance is more significant that it first appears. This parade remembers the first British soldier to be killed in action on British soil in many hundreds of years. Every year the committed cadets of Hartlepool Squadron ATC beautifully turn themselves out at this early time to remember those who fought off the Germans and defended the innocent people of Hartlepool.

This year was particularly more enjoyable than most years for one specific reason. This reason is that none of the cadets froze, this is unusual as normally it is either pouring down with rain, sow, sleet or hail stone.

Well Done!

Another Amazing Total!

473 (Hartlepool) Sqn. ATC — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 22:45:49 +0000

On Sunday 18th December, 473 (Hartlepool) Squadron ATC joined forces once again with 36 (Hetton-Le-Hole) Squadron ATC to embark on another giant fund-raising event. On Sunday cadets from both squadrons helped at a combined bag pack in the Hartlepool branch of TESCO. As with the previous weeks collection all of the cadets were well turned out and were a true asset for both squadrons. As a large amount of cadets turned out this meant that all of the available tills could be covered with cadets to spare. Throughout the day the cadets worked very hard whilst serving the public. Many members of the public commented to the staff on how well-mannered and polite all of the cadets were. Gratefully all of this hard work by the cadets paid off. At the end of the bag pack both squadrons went back to Hartlepool’s HQ to count up. The cadets lit up when they were greeted by hot dogs for all of their hard work. This food then fuelled them up for a tremendous count up. The count up took place with military precision. Within no time the total was on the whiteboard. £1265.71!

This great total will then be added to the previous total from last weeks collection to make a grand total of £2461.21. This means that each squadron will get £1230.60. Hartlepool squadron have graciously agreed to let Hetton-Le-Hole squadron have the extra 1p.

This money will help both squadrons in the coming year. It will help to keep the mini buses on the road and go towards ventures such as camps and other activities throughout the year.

Fun Night For All!

473 (Hartlepool) Sqn. ATC — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:26:03 +0000

On Tuesday 13th December the squadron had its annual rank auction switch-over night.

The night was a great success. Everyone had great fun in telling the usual NCO’s and staff what to do. The cadets were loving it! But what will happen when the staff are ‘re-instated’ on Thursday.

Throughout the night the ‘new cadets’ were taken through a good lengthy drill session for the first half of the night. Then on the second half of the night they had the chance to chooses between band, radios and the flight sim’s.

Now all that awaits is the next parade night on Thursday. What will happen?

Cadet Jordan Craddy as the Adult SGT for the night.

: Flt Lt Andy Pygott as a cadet during the sqn’s rank auction

: Cadet Sam Henderson as CO for the night

Brilliant collection!

473 (Hartlepool) Sqn. ATC — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 14:35:15 +0000

On Saturday 10th December 2011 473(Hartlepool) Squadron joined forces with 36(Hetton-Le-Hole) Squadron for a mega backpack in the stockton branch of TESCO.
The day was a great success. With a large amount of cadets from both squadrons taking part they managed to raise an amazing £1195, which hopefully be topped up by £1000 due to scheme that 36(Hetton-Le-Hole) Squadron are involved in. This total will then be halved between the two squadron resulting in just over £1000 for each squadron.
This money will help to find ventures in the coming year, and give the cadets the chance to take part in more events across the wing along with more subsidised camps.
All of the staff at both squadrons would like to give out a big thanks to all of the cadets who turned up on the day.

Next week on Sunday 18th December both Squadrons will be taking part in another bagpack at the Hartlepool branch of TESCO. We hope to raise the same amount if not more, so we will need maximum turnout. Just remember that all of the funds raised goes back into the running of the squadron and to pay for the cadets activities along with new equipment. Next year all of the flying and shooting places etc. will be determined by who attends these bagpacks, as all of the money raised goes back to the cadets.

Successful Rank Auction!

473 (Hartlepool) Sqn. ATC — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 20:09:43 +0000

On Tuesday 15^th November 2011 473 (Hartlepool) Squadron held its annual rank auction. The rank auction was organised by Cadet CPL Alex May and turned out to be great success. The auction was ‘hosted’ by Mrs Flint and turned out to be quite comical. But in the process raising over £100 for the squadron. It is important that the squadron does fundraisers such as this one to give the cadets a better time and the opportunity to use excellent equipment at their time at the squadron.

The idea behind a rank auction is that the cadets have the chance to buy a rank for a night. It is designed to be a ‘bit of fun’. But gives the staff a change to get their own back on the cadets. It is an excellent way to end the year as it gives everyone a chance to relax and enjoy themselves.

The actual rank switch-over night is on Tuesday 13^th December. It is set to be a bit of good fun for everyone. We hope it goes well, and that all parties involved enjoy themselves. We hope to be able to repeat this event every year at roundabout the same time, to give a fun and enjoyable way to end this year.

Remembrance Sunday Lunch

473 (Hartlepool) Sqn. ATC — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 17:12:50 +0000

This Sunday, 13^th November 2011, eight cadets from 473 (Hartlepool) Squadron helped staff at the RFCA Centre on Easington Road, Hartlepool, serve lunch to local dignitaries, military officers and other guests. The dignitaries included the Lord Mayor and the Town’s MP. Along with these there were high ranking military officers. The cadets that helped out were: Flight Sergeant Martin Murphy, Flight Sergeant Mitchell Jenkins, Sergeant Thomas Biggins, Corporal Alex May, Corporal Matthew Marshall, Corporal Katie Biggins, Corporal Adam Lake and Cadet Jordan Craddy.

All of the cadets thoroughly enjoyed the event and got a personal thank you from the captain in charge of the function. Within their duties the cadets had to clear tables, wash up, as well as serving tea and coffee to the local dignitaries and military officers. As a sign of thank you all of the cadets were welcome to a good meal and drink. Everyone at the function commented on how well the cadets conducted themselves and how polite they were. We hope to impress next year aswell.

Remembrance Sunday Parade

473 (Hartlepool) Sqn. ATC — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 16:53:44 +0000

Today cadets from 473 (Hartlepool) Squadron participated in the Remembrance Sunday parade and service. The parade was held at the town cenotaph on Victoria Road. The turn out by cadets was very good, along with the standard of uniform and drill. This year our wreath was laid by Cadet Flight Sergeant Jack Adams, and the Squadron Banner paraded by Cadet Corporal Matthew Marshal.

The squadron were led by Commanding Officer Flt Lt Andrew Pygott VR(T), followed by Adjutant Flt Lt AJ Moy VR(T), Cadet Flight Sergeant Jack Adams and Cadet Flight Sergeant Martin Murphy. Much to the surprise of all of the participants, the area surrounding the cenotaph was packed with people who clearly hadn’t been deterred by the bad weather.

Video from Hartlepool Mail:

Recent Air Cadet Collections

473 (Hartlepool) Sqn. ATC — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:54:23 +0000

Over the last week, the squadron has attended two collections, one in the town centre and one in the Co-Operative supermarket in Sedgefield. The collection in the town centre raised £460 and the bag pack in the Co-Op raised £220. This will go towards the funding of events and, most importantly, subs. These may have to be raised for cadets from their current £8 pm to £10 pm. Across the wing, the subs vary from £4 pm to up to £16 pm, so we are not totally in trouble! The main cause of this is either cadets not paying their subs or the number of cadets at the squadron. We have organised three bag packs in the local Tesco supermarkets across December, which we hope will fund the subs for the whole of next year for every cadet. This means that every penny you pay goes towards paying for you to go flying, gliding and things that YOU want to do.

Dennis still flying high 60 years on

RB Media — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 14:59:04 +0000

Source: Hartlepool Mail

AN octogenarian who kept the accounts of an air cadet group in check for six decades has been honoured for his long service.

Dennis Snowball was just 24 and working for West Hartlepool County Borough Council’s income and revenue department, then based in Avenue Road, when he was asked to be treasurer for Hartlepool Air Cadets Corps Squadron 473 civilian committee.

Now 60 years later he has been presented with a long service award, as well as a merit of service award.

To add to the honours, Dennis, 84, has also been made honorary president of the squadron.

Dennis – who has been described as a “kingpin” – said: “I’m very pleased to get these awards.

“It’s been a long time, though it doesn’t feel that long.”

The awards were presented by squadron commander Andy Pygott and retired wing commander Eric Green, president of the Durham and Northumberland Air Cadet organisation, who travelled to town from Newcastle.

Dennis, who lives in the Hartfields Retirement Village, in the Bishop Cuthbert area of Hartlepool, said: “The main thing I have loved about being involved over the years has been the camaraderie.

“There have been a lot of decent guys who go there and it was a nice atmosphere.”

Dennis said the squadron was re-commissioned after the Second World War in 1949 and it had strong links with the town council, which formed a civilian committee.

Alderman TW Pinkney became the chairman of the committee and the council’s chief education officer, Leslie Dowsland was the committee’s secretary.

In 1951, Dennis was asked to become treasurer and for nine years, he ran the books from his Avenue Road office.

The squadron moved from Jesmond Road School to the former West Hartlepool Civic Airport, at Greatham, and then to George Street.

When the group moved to Blakelock Road, Dennis started to attend meetings twice a week and would collect young cadets’ subs, canteen money and pay the bills.

The group moved to its current base in Easington Road in 1976.

After Dennis retired from his day job in 1986, he got more involved.

He almost gave up the squadron role in 1995, due to ill-health, but as a replacement could not be found, he carried on from his home.

Dennis, formerly of Stamford Walk, continued in the role until 2007 and has been kept on in an advisory role ever since.

He said he remembers one former cadet, Frank Yeoman, who went on to become a pilot and later a teacher at Dyke House School.

The squadron’s civilian chairman, Andrew Thorn said: “Dennis has ran the accounts for years and kept us on the straight and narrow in times when we really had no money.

“He was a stickler for doing everything correctly, but over the years it paid off.

“The squadron went from strength to strength – he was always the kingpin.”