Abingdonian 2017

61 www.abingdon.org.uk Summer Term boys suggests that they cannot wait to return in September and get “stuck in”. Although we have enjoyed our successes and ‘good times’, there are also points within the contingent when the mood becomes a little sadder. Squadron Leader, Rebecca Cottam found that out when she delivered her final farewell speeches to the Upper Sixth leavers at their formal regimental dinner, held at Edward Brooks Barracks. She barely held it together when bidding 14 of our senior cadets a fond goodbye. There was plenty of ‘Andrex’ at the ready, and with good reason, as there were a few tears shed. We wish all of them the very best in the future and hope that they will take up the invitation to revisit us in the future as Officer Cadets on one of our planned exercises/trips We have mentioned “bigger & better” this time around and have already added software upgrades to the Part Task Trainer (PTT). The RAF section is able to fly sorties against one another and these can be completed in the skies above Abingdon and in the surrounding areas of Oxfordshire. Corporals John Dickson and Jack Johnson are putting new students to the test each week. Having had a say in the upgrades to the PTT, they commented that the Flight Simulator was the most realistic they have used as of yet, as they have both flown in the skies of Oxfordshire for real when recently on an Air Experience Flight at RAF Benson. An additional donation from an OA, Mr Tony Edwards, has enabled the RAF section to add to the realism of flight by adding some ruggedized laptops to the scenario, allowing them to transport the PTT into the field when on exercise and flying covertly when under pressure from real life situations. They are also in possession of a new MTa kit that will allow them to pit their skills against other Combined Cadet Forces when entering regional and national competitions. So, as another sun sets on this year’s CCF activities, we look forward to the next chapter and what the new breed of cadet and new staff members will bring to the table. Capt. Lee Edwards (SSI)