The ATC is the RAF's cadet force, divided into six regions, 36 wings and more than 1,000 squadrons within communities around the UK.

With almost 41,000 members, aged from 13 to 20 years, the Air Cadets is the world's largest premier youth air training organisation.

Their aim is to:

• Promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people
• Provide training which will be useful in the Services and civilian life
• Encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship

The Air Training Corps moto is “Venture Adventure”

The JTYAF supports the Dorset and Wilts Wing of the Air Training Corps which forms part of the South West Region and includes more than 30 Squadrons. John Thornton joined 2358 (Ferndown) Squadron as a Cadet at the age of 13 years and rose through the ranks to Cadet Warrant Officer

Bursary Awarded to Aaron Noble from 2358 (Ferndown) Squadron

Aaron will be joining Cadets from the South West Region on an Alpine Adventure in February 2012. Aaron who is a young carer will benefit enormously from the opportunities that this trip will provide, making new friends, travelling to Bavaria, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the challenge and excitement of learning to ski. The Cadets will be staying in Muhle near Wertach and skiing in the Oberjoch region.

The aim of the exercise ‘Alpine Adventure’ is to introduce the Cadets to Alpine (Downhill) skiing and to develop the skills of those who have skiing experience.

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Scholarship awarded to CWO Emma-Louise Parker from the Air Training Corps 633 (West Swindon) Squadron

Cadet Warrant Officer Emma-Louise Parker was awarded a scholarship on behalf of 633 (West Swindon) Squadron to support 10 Cadets on a 5 day expedition to the Pyrenees.

Picture: Squadron Leader Toth presenting the JTYAF Award to Emma-Louise Parker from 633 (West Swindon) Squadron Air Training Corps.

The expedition will challenge the cadets both mentally and physically with an 11,000ft climb to the summit of Mount Perdu. The cadets will be raising funds for the Royal Air Force Association and the Wiltshire Air Ambulance in an effort to improve the profile of young people in their local community and also promote interest in the Air Training Corps.

The following are extracts from the Cadet Report of Flt Lt Helene Woodham RAFVR(T) - 633 (West Swindon) Squadron ATC

After nearly two years of planning, cadets and staff of 633 (West Swindon) Squadron celebrated achieving squadron status with a special expedition to climb some of the highest peaks in the Pyrenees. At the same time, they also raised money for two charities.

On Sunday 3rd July 10 cadets, two staff from the squadron and our guide for the trip Keith Gault arrived at 0900hrs at the Squadron to travel to Bristol Airport for the short journey to Toulouse.

Day one (7km/1,300m climb/6hrs) of the trek started very warm, with an easy walk up to L’Hotellerie du Cirque where we had our first break surrounded by the amazing view of the Cirque de Gavarnie and the largest waterfall in Europe, Grande Cascade de Gavarnie or Gavarnie Falls. It was then time to work our way across the bottom of the Cirque following the HRP route, working our way up the L’Echelle des Sarradets “the ladders”, which proved to be a challenge for some in the group, but for most an opportunity to enjoy the view of the waterfall and eat our fresh baguettes of ham and cheese.

Cdt Sgt Moore: ‘The best part of day one would have to have been having lunch high up on the rock face looking over Europe’s tallest water fall which we had just climbed. It built up a big appetite’.

Cdt Hornbuckle(f): ‘Today was also the day that we had our first encounter of snow, unbelievable seeing as it was July! We also saw a Marmot for the first time today which was nice!’

Day two (8km/6 hrs) We set off at 08:00hrs continuing along the HRP route, on to the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. The route took us down hill to the River Ara, where our journey continued until we reached our rather luxurious accommodation for the evening Camping y Refugio Valle de Bujaruelo. This gave everybody an opportunity to have a shower, wash some clothes, have an ice cream, eat some chocolate, go down to the river, or just chill out reading or catching up on some sleep!

Cdt Battman: ‘We crossed the French/Spanish border into Spain, it was a fairly cold morning considering the hut we stayed in was surrounded by snow but as we walked into Spain, the shorts were out and the sun cream was on!’

Day three began after a good sleep and breakfast. We were ready to tackle the 22km to Refugio de Goriz Hut – 2,200m and continued on the road from day two with very impressive views of the Vale de Bujaruelo and the River Ara, we then picked up the GR11 (which runs from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean Sea) to Pradea de Ordesa which enabled us to have a short break. Next came our main height climb for the day of 600m in an hour and half, zigzagging our way up Senda de Los Cazadores . There was then an opportunity to have lunch and take in the route ahead of us, walking along Faja de Pelay towards the Circo de Soaso. The weather was overcast for most of the day, but this helped with the traverse along and up to the Goriz Hut. On arrival at the hut the sun made an appearance which lightened the atmosphere and gave a better outlook for day four.

Cdt Hornbuckle(f): ‘Day three was the day I was dreading most as I was told it would be the longest day, with a climb similar, but not as high, as the one we had done on the first day. But it turned out to be my favourite day of the trip.’

CWO Parker(f): ‘There were some high points but also some lows; it was just the consistent uphill, downhill climb that bugged me. We put all the effort in to come back down; it would have been nice if there was a flat path or maybe a bridge between the two. I kept thinking about how my legs were toning in order to keep my morale levels high.’

Day four (7km/1200m climb/7 hrs – round trip) started at 08:00, with our aim to“venture adventure” (the air cadet motto) up to Mt Perdido (3,325m). We walked the well-cairned path to a small lake – Lago Helado, but unfortunately due to a late snow fall in April, we were unable to continue on the intended route up to Mt. Perdido. We did however make it a little further to a col at 3050m (10,000ft), 300m short of the mountain. We were defeated by snow and ice which blocked our way to the summit as we would have needed ice axes and crampons. This didn’t however spoil our day as everyone was pleased with their achievement.

Cdt Sgt Christopher Moore: ‘The sense of achievement came from everybody as we took the group photo. I don’t think there was a bad bit to this day I did not find the climb hard and we were back by two o’clock so a nice short day.’

Cdt Sgt Christopher Wilson: ‘the sense of achievement I felt on the Thursday when we had all the photos taken near Mount Perdu/ Perdido was fantastic’

CWO Parker: ‘Standing at the top I felt a sense of achievement not only for me but for the others around me, together we had made this happen, together we were at the top of the Pyrenees. Team photos and hugs were definitely needed as everyone was relieved to have accomplished our major challenge.’

Day Five (21km/400m climb/9hrs) started at 07:30 following a path leading across mixed ground over two cols before climbing over boulder ground to the Brèche de Roland (2,807m), a huge gash in the frontier ridge between France and Spain. The path descends on the French side but on this occasion the path was tricky due to the snow for about 150m of the decent, so great care was needed. We finally reached the Refuge de la Brèche de Roland, where we had a much needed break, before descending steeply to the grassy Vallée dés Pouey Aspé and the final 45min walk back down into Gavarnie.

The cadets enjoyed a final team photo, the opportunity to have a shower and over an evening meal reflect on the experiences of the last 5 days and their sense of achievement.

Cdt Sgt Cordas ‘The trip to the Pyrenees has given me so many memories that it’s impossible to write them down on a sheet of paper. But one thing that this has taught me and that is - that nothing is ever impossible to do! ‘

Cdt Sgt Cordas ‘But this expedition would never have been possible without donations from John Thornton’s Young Achievers Foundation, The Ulysses Trust and Mini Swindon. Without their support I’m pretty sure that the trek would not have been able to take place. So a very big thank-you! But not only that a big thank you has got to go to all the staff that helped this expedition take place – Helene, Dave and Keith!’

‘We had an amazing 5 day trek, with great views, fantastic weather, but above all seeing all cadets overcome their personal fears of heights, walking on snow, above all achieving 10,000ft a first for all of us, the cadets worked hard throughout the 5 days and I’m sure they all have many stories to tell and experiences to draw on over the next few years’ Well done to you all, another 1st for 633 Squadron.’

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Scholarship and Bursaries Dorset & Wilts Wing Air Training Corps 2011
Dorset & Wilts Wing Nijmegen Team

The 95th Nijmegen Four Days Marches (NM11) will take place 19-22 July 2011. 45,000 people will put their best foot forward during the world’s largest walking event and 12 Dorset and Wilts Wing Cadets will be joining them.

The Cadets will complete the huge personal challenge of walking 40km on 4 consecutive days and achieve the “Vierdaagsekruis” (Four Days Medal). The medal is the “cross for proven marching ability”

The JTYAF has provided the funding to ensure that the Wing is represented at this international 4 day event and the Cadets will be following in John’s footsteps as he too was a member of the Dorset and Wilts Nijmegen Team and completed the Nijmegen Marches on two occasions. Picture below: John Thornton with the Dorset & Wilts Nijmegen Team

The 12 Cadets taking on the Nijmegen challenge are:-

Cadet Zoe Chapman - 878 (Highworth) Squadron
Sergent Laura Chapman - 878 (Highworth) Squadron
Cadet Lee Smith - 878 (Highworth) Squadron
Cadet Matthew Beazer - 878 (Highworth) Squadron
Cadet Josh Birchell - 874 (Sherborne) Squadron
Cadet Tom Rouse - 874 (Sherborne) Squadron
Cadet Carl Wood - Melksham Squadron
Cadet Luke Cordas - 633 (West Swindon) Squadron
Cadet Ryan Stokes - 633 (West Swindon) Squadron
Cadet Macaulay Byrnes - 633 (West Swindon) Squadron
Cadet Callum Young - 633 (West Swindon) Squadron
Cadet Joshua Harvey - 68 (Westbury) Squadron

We wish them all the very best for the Nijmegen Marches and look forward to seeing the photo of the team in their JTYAF t-shirts.

The following are extracts of ‘thank you’ letters from Dorset & Wilts Wing Nijmegen Team

Laura Chapman
‘I writing this letter to you to say thank you for supporting the Dorset And Wilts ATC Team for Nijmegen, without your help the team would not have been able to take part in the event.’
Joshua Harvey

‘....The second day of walking for me was the hardest knowing what was to come and we had 75 miles left...... I would just like to thank you for the sponsorship as this walk has helped me further my experiences.....’

Matthew Beazer
‘..... this was my second Nijmegen and it has given me a bit more confidence than I had before, as well as a great experience......without your help I would not have been able to go at all this year....’

Lee Smith
‘....unfortunately I caught a sickness bug on the second day which made me unable to complete the 4 days marching but the experience of visiting Nijmegen and getting involved in such an amazing event is driving me to go again next year.....thank you for giving me the opportunity..’

Macauley Byrnes
‘.....I would like to thank you for funding me and my fellow cadets for a trip of a life time.......While in Nijmegen I gained a lot of life skills and I especially learnt how rewarding determination is. To be walking the last 5km with the crowd on top of you is the proudest moment in my cadet career.........

Luke Cordas
‘.....Upon completing our Nijmegen walk, myself personally I was very emotional and I was hugely proud that I was able to complete the walk........the time I had in Nijmegen was the most amazing experience of my life and I gained in so many ways. It has also opened up my eyes to a lot more things – like the real meaning of hard work and the fact that if I put my mind to something I can complete anything....none of this could have been done without your incredible work...’

Zoe Chapman
‘....it was my first time this year and there aren’t enough words to describe the fantastic experience. Without your help I wouldn’t have been able to go this year.....’

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Scholarship awarded to Sgt Courtenay Smith from the Air Training Corps 1606 (Weymouth) Squadron

Courtenay has been a Cadet with 1606 (Weymouth) Squadron for four years and was awarded a JTYAF Scholarship to support her ambition to join an expedition to Ecuador. The Trans Andes 2011 Expedition in July 2011 will give Courtenay the opportunity to challenge herself both physically and mentally in this unique equatorial environment, where the altitude will present its own difficulties and the extreme conditions will make her pre-expedition training crucial. 6 days of mountain biking a series of the high mountain trails will provide an exceptional experience enabling Courtenay to see the countryside and meet local people. From the High Andes they will descend into the Ecuadorian Amazon and will navigate the upper reaches of the river which will introduce its own challenges in the form or piranha, leeches and alligators!

Courtenay successfully completed a rigorous selection process to be chosen as one of the 15 members of this expedition. Such an ambitious venture requires a high degree of individual specialisation and each member of the group will take responsibility for one element of the trip. Courtenay will have the opportunity to develop many skills in this unique and challenging environment which will benefit her personal development and her ambitions for the future.

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Bursary Awarded to Corporal Francesca D’Argenio
1995 (Bradford on Avon) Squadron Air Training Corps

Francesa will be joining a month long expedition to Peru with the World Challenge Organisation.

The trip with involve trekking in the Andean mountains reaching altitudes of 5000m, exploring the jungle by canoe and experiencing Peruvian life first hand. Francesca will have the opportunity to learn about the Peruvian culture and customs and will be involved in a project to help local villagers to construct and renovate areas for their livestock.

The entire project is organised and managed by the students themselves and will provide them with many challenges together with an extremely valuable life experience which will help them to develop not only as individuals but as team players.

The JTYAF is delighted to support Francesca on what is sure to be the trip of a lifetime.

Picture: Arriving at a Peruvian jungle village

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Scholarship awarded to Flt Sgt John Ennals , Air Training Corps 2182 (Dorchester) Squadron

Pete and Linda Thornton were delighted to award a JTYAF Scholarship to Flt Sgt John Ennals at 2182 (Dorchester) Sqn Air Training Corps on Friday 7 May.

John has been with the Squadron for just over three years and has always worked extremely hard to progress through the classification exams and other training phases. He has excellent prospects of a career with the Royal Air Force and has recently taken up his place at Welbeck Defence Sixth Form College. Welbeck DSFC educates students from all backgrounds to achieve their ambition to become an Officer in the Armed Services and is rated nationally as in the top 1% of schools and colleges. John has been fortunate to experience the thrill of flying through the Air Training Corps and has been commended for his flying skills. He will use his JTYAF Scholarship to build flying hours and experience towards a fixed wing National Private Pilots Licence.

John said "this is a great honour and I am quite overwhelmed. I know how fortunate I am in receiving this opportunity to gain experience through flying lessons to further my ambition to become an Officer in the Logistics Branch of the Royal Air Force."

John is an outstanding young man and we wish him every success in his future career. Climb as high as you can dream!

Picture: Flt Sgt John Ennals received award from Linda and Peter Thornton

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Bursary for £1,600 awarded to 130 Bournemouth Squadron Air Cadets

At 130 (Bournemouth) Squadron the cadets, aged between 13 & 18, undertake band work in addition to their normal Air Cadet activities using the best of traditional and modern drumming styles. The Drum Corps is an award winning unit, winning the UK’s top ATC percussion section. Daniel Ryan applied for an award from the JTYAF on behalf of the Squadron to refurbish and replace the current drum equipment which is now over 40 years old.

Flight Lieutenant Kevin Mitchell, Officer Commanding 130 (Bournemouth) Squadron said that the JTYAF award will ensure the growth of the Squadron Corps of Drums and will also enable cadets from Oakmead Detached Flight to become more active in its progression and future success.

Picture: The Drum Corps

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Dorset & Wilts Wing Air Training Corps

Award Winners 2010 - extracts from ‘thank you’ letters

Courtenay Smith

‘I am writing to thank you for the scholarship you awarded me. This scholarship gave me the opportunity to travel to Ecuador with the Dorset Expeditionary Society and challenge myself mentally and physically to the limit. I achieved all the physical aspects of the expedition that I was challenged to do and was then pushed to the absolute brink, mentally, when it came to the Amazon jungle.

Picture: Courtenay on her journey to the Caldera hike

After 4 mountain and volcano climbs at high altitude, 3 downhill technical bike routes and a 57K professional ascent in the equators heat, we packed for Coca and left for the rainforest. As soon as we arrived everybody knew how hard the next 6 days were going to be in 100% humidity. My stay in the Amazon was hot and uncomfortable but taught me many skills about life that one could not gain anywhere else. The trekking in the heat during the day was an experience no one will forget and even at nightfall the heat wouldn’t go away and the creatures would come out...... I truly enjoyed every second of this life changing experience and I will never forget the time you have given me.‘

Picture right: Courtenay in the Amazon Jungle

Picture left: lifting bikes across an interception.

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Scholarship awarded to Matthew Drew, Air Training Corps 2358 (Ferndown) Squadron

The trustees of the JTYAF were extremely pleased to award a scholarship to Matthew Drew from Ferndown. Matthew will use the scholarship for flying lessons towards his National Private Pilots License.

Matthew, a student at Poole Grammar School, said that he was always inspired by the 'tales' of John Thornton throughout his time with 2358 Ferndown Squadron and particularly enjoyed listening to John's presentation on his tour of Iraq.

Matthew's ultimate aim is to fly with the Commando Helicopter Force and has already shown that he is a very talented student. After gaining a flying scholarship with the ATC he was selected from 2358 Ferndown Sqn to attend an intensive week of flying training in Portmoak, Scotland in August 2008. He was also awarded a place on the Air Cadet Leadership Course at RAF Cranwell and found this a challenging but rewarding course that made an important contribution towards his personal development.

We wish Matthew every success — 'climb as high as you can dream'.

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Award to a Cadet from Air Training Corps 2358 (Ferndown) Squadron

An award of a bursary to fund private literacy support. This Cadet aims to improve his educational achievement in order to further his ambition of becoming a pilot in the RAF.

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