2301 Heywood Squadron - RAF Air Cadets

05/06/2026

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29/05/2026

This month saw the retirement from the Air Cadets of Warrant Officer Sid Smith, after joining Heywood Squadron on the 20th of December 2022 following many years service in the Royal Air Force.

Sid has been an asset to the unit over the years with his expertise in Cyber Security and Radio Opperations, and has up until recently held the post of Greater Manchester Wing - Air Training Corps Radio & Cyber Officer.

Even though his work has kept him away from time to time over the years, he has alway given up his time for not only 2301 Heywood Squadron, but any squadron in Greater Manchester Wing - Air Training Corps that has needed his asistance.

Work commitments has meant he has had to leave us, but we shall still see him about at local events that the squadron attends and on Remembrance Parade each year.

We are going to miss your help, but thank you for everything you have done for the cadets and the massive help you have been to the staff at here in Heywood. We all wish you the best.

16/05/2026

Please take a moment to read this … ❤️✈️🇬🇧

“Today was one of those days that reminds us why we do what we do. Why we use personal holidays from work to take cadets flying, on camps, and run courses.

From the cadets that are keen and eager to fly, to the one that signs up for something they really aren't sure about. The one that wants to do, but is scared, nervous, anxious. To see these young people, shy, reserved, unconfident, unsure, test their boundaries and push them. Take those tentative steps outside their comfort zone, challenge their own uncertainties, and win and come back smiling. To grow, mature, and become better, more confident versions of themselves is something we never tire of. It's why we do what we do.

They're your children, not ours, but they're our kids, our cadets, our young people, and I am proud of each and every one of them for their achievements, just as you are”

Sgt Janet Edgerton
Heywood Sqn 2301

05/05/2026

Great photos and videos! Well done to the fantastic NCOs! ✈️🇬🇧✈️

30/04/2026

Another interesting evening for the combined cadet groups, Heywood & Rochdale, down at squadron! 🇬🇧✈️🇬🇧

23/04/2026

✈️🇬🇧🏅Another round of awards and promotions for more fantastic cadets at Heywood Squadron this week! …

Firstly we have the following Cadets complete their Bronze First Aid awards with flying colours!…
⭐️ Cadet Zgierski
⭐️ Cadet Taggart
⭐️ Cadet Norbury
⭐️ Cadet Heaney

Alongside 2 promotions to Acting Corporal for the following fantastic Cadets …
⭐️ Acting Corporal Brown
⭐️ Acting Corporal Conway

We are so proud of these Cadets efforts and wish them well in the next stages of the learning and promotions!
✈️🇬🇧🏅

19/04/2026

✈️🇬🇧✈️ DATE FOR YOUR DIARY ALERT! ‼️

As Easter holidays come to an end, we are busy planning our next open event for potential new cadets to come down and meet the team!

Our next open day is Bank Holiday Mon 4th May!

We would love to see the local community and anyone interested in learning more about becoming a cadet to join us to find out more about what we do!

Please come down to join us on this fabulous day!
✈️🇬🇧✈️

15/04/2026

This is what it’s all about ✈️🇬🇧❤️…

“Rivalry? What rivalry? 🏀😜

Tonight cadets from 2301 (Heywood) and 1263 (Rochdale) swapped blues for basketball, coming together for a friendly inter‑squadron game. Both teams brought the teamwork.

No trophies, no pressure – just skills, sportsmanship at its finest that showed that whether you’re from Heywood or Rochdale, we’re all one RAFAC team.

These are the memories we remember, and the moments that keep cadets coming back week after week. 🏀

Huge well done to all the cadets who tried something new and who support each other on and off the court.

14/04/2026

✈️🇬🇧 PROMOTIONS UPDATE 🇬🇧✈️

This week, Heywood squadron staff were incredibly happy to award the latest promotions to two incredibly hard working members of 2301!

The first, to our incredibly hard working Cadet Idiegbe who will now become -
⭐️Acting Corporal Idiegbe

The second, to one of our fantastic leaders, Corporal Jackson, who will now become -
⭐️Sergeant Jackson

Both very well deserved rank progressions and we wish them the very best in the next stage of their RAF Careers.
✈️🇬🇧✈️

If you would like to know more about joining the Heywood Squadron Air Cadets then please come down to our open day on Monday May 4th! See last post for further details!

03/03/2026

Heywood Squadron & Rochdale Squadron Unite! ✈️🇬🇧✈️🇬🇧✈️

Last week Heywood squadron welcomed Rochdale squadron into our unit for a temporary period whilst their own unit has works completed.

What does this mean for the cadets?

Well this means more staff, more cadets, less space, 2 training plans that need to be synchronised, 2 squadrons at different stages of training, a huge challenge for all but also a great opportunity to come together and learn new ways of working and best practices from each other!

All of our fantastic leaders are working hard to coordinate the training plan, pool resources, and find great ways to work together!

The first week has been incredibly successful and we look forward to spending more time together and building some long lasting future relationships!
✈️🇬🇧✈️🇬🇧✈️