1018 - Downham Market Squadron RAF Air Cadets

18/06/2026

1018 at RAFA Rides! 🚴‍♂️✈️
The cadets' hard work, enthusiasm, and teamwork helped keep the event running smoothly while supporting an amazing cause. 🌟
After the event we received plenty of positive feedback for our cadets, and couldn't be more proud!🎉💙
A fantastic day of community spirit, service, and cycling! ✨️

07/06/2026

Thank you to all of the volunteers at the Squadron, and to those across the rest of the Wing and RAFAC who help make it possible to provide the events and opportunities our cadets enjoy. Whether it's behind the scenes or leading activities face-to-face, thank you.

02/06/2026

12/05/2026

Over the weekend our very own Sgt Greene and Cpl Lown Completed the 45th Waendal Walk, Hosted by Wellingborough Town Council. Our Sgt and Cpl along with other squadrons across the UK, walked an impressive 46k in total across the 2 days👣.

An incredible display of teamwork, resilience, and determination from our own and everyone involved. An absolutely outstanding achievement💯🎖🎊

Fantastic work from everyone that took part 🙌✨



Norfolk and Suffolk Wing Air Cadets Central & East Region Air Cadets Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets Wellingborough Town Council International Wændel Walk Weekend 2026

Are you, or is someone you know, interested in joining us at 1018 Sqn? Then get in touch and email us at [email protected] or go visit the link in our bio!

10/05/2026

As our newest recruits complete their first week at 1018 Squadron, it is a great opportunity to reflect on the success and achievements of our previous intake as they completed their first months as RAF Air Cadets.

Since joining the Squadron in October, the cadets have taken part in a wide range of activities and opportunities designed to introduce them to life within the RAFAC. Over the course of their initial training period, the intake developed skills in drill, leadership, radio communications, uniform preparation and teamwork, whilst also learning more about the RAF and the opportunities available to them within the organisation.

Since completing their initial training, members of the intake have already gone on to represent 1018 across a variety of activities and events including attending a variety of training weekends both on and off the Squadron, supporting community events, taking part in the Squadron’s annual dinner, and more. During the Remembrance period, members of the intake assisted with local poppy collections and joined the Squadron in representing 1018 within the local community during the town’s Remembrance parade. One member of the intake, Cdt Bolton, represented 1018 at the Wing Swimming Competition, and Cdt Benson attended a regional trip to London for a national International Women’s Day event alongside one of the Squadron’s senior cadets.

Many of the cadets have already achieved success in a number of areas, earning qualifications and badges including Blue and Bronze Space, Blue Radio, Blue Leadership, Blue and Bronze First Aid, and Blue Road Marching. Cdt Bolton also took home the Cofield trophy at the end of last year for Best Newcomer. A number of the intake have also already signed up for further courses and camps taking place throughout the remainder of the year.

The intake has shown excellent enthusiasm, commitment and teamwork throughout their first months on the Squadron, and it has been fantastic to see the confidence and friendships developed during that time. They should all be extremely proud of what they have achieved so far and we look forward to seeing them continue to progress throughout their cadet careers.

02/05/2026

During the weekend of 25-26 April, Cpl Lown joined 34 cadets and staff from across Norfolk & Suffolk Wing in the 42nd RAFWARMA 2-Day March at RAF Cosford.

Over the course of the weekend, participants completed an impressive 40–80km, marching alongside around 700 military and civilian participants from across the UK and Europe 🌍

The event saw a fantastic number of RAFWARMA medals and pins awarded, alongside 19 Silver Road Marching badges 🏅

A huge well done to Cpl Lown on earning her Silver Road Marching Badge and completing this fantastic achievement 👏

Are you, or is someone you know, interested in joining us at 1018 Sqn? Then get in touch and email us at [email protected] or go visit the link in our bio!

28/04/2026

1018 Downham Market Air Cadets Open Evening
Are you aged between 12 and 17 (and in Year 8 or above) and looking for an exciting new challenge? Ever dreamed of flying, adventure training, and making new friends while gaining valuable life skills? Now’s your chance!
1018 (Downham Market) Squadron is hosting an Open Evening on Wednesday 29th April 2026, at the Cadet Training Centre, Bexwell Road, Downham Market, PE38 9LX. This event is open to young people who are interested in joining the Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) and want to experience what it’s all about.
During the evening, you’ll get a hands-on introduction to some of the wide range of activities Air Cadets take part in. Such as:
o Flying & Gliding – Take to the skies with real flight experiences.
o Shooting – Learn marksmanship skills in a safe and controlled environment.
o BTECs & Leadership Skills – Earn qualifications while having fun.
o First Aid Training – Learn how to save lives in real-world situations.
o Ceremonial Events & Drill – Take part in prestigious parades and military traditions.
o Paddle Sports & Adventure Training – Push your limits with exciting outdoor challenges.
o STEM Activities – Explore science, technology, engineering, and maths with interactive sessions.
And much more!
Why Join the Air Cadets? Whether you’re looking for adventure, new experiences, or valuable skills for your future, the RAF Air Cadets will take you further than you ever thought possible. Being a cadet isn’t just about discipline and uniform – it’s about making friends, growing in confidence, and discovering what you’re capable of.
To register your interest and attend the Open Evening or ask any questions, email [email protected]. Can’t make it on the night? No problem! Contact us, and we can arrange another time for you to visit and see what we do.
Not old enough to join yet? If you’re interested but under 12 or not yet in Year 8, we’d still love to hear from you! Register your interest now, and we’ll add you to the waiting list for when you’re eligible.
For more information about RAF Air Cadets, call 0345 600 6601, email us, or visit https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets/

24/04/2026

Central & East Region Shooting Camp 🎯

Earlier in April, two of our cadets attended the Central & East Region Shooting Camp, joining a total of 97 cadets from across the region.

Across the week, they took part in a range of shooting activities, showing great focus and determination while developing their skills on the range 💪

We’re pleased to share that Sgt Greene and Cdt Lilley both achieved their Bronze Marksman Badges during the camp — a fantastic achievement and an important step in their shooting progression 🏅

Alongside the shooting programme, cadets also had the opportunity to take part in additional activities, including Air Experience Flying and other training opportunities ✈️

The camp was a brilliant opportunity for both cadets, and we look forward to seeing them continue to build on this success 👏

[Cadets are taught weapon handling skills as part of a structured programme of supervised training that emphasises safe and responsible use]





Are you, or is someone you know, interested in joining us at 1018 Sqn? Then get in touch and email us at [email protected] or go visit the link in our bio!