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Tuesday 6:30pm - 9:30pm Thursday 6:30pm - 9:30pm

348 Ilkeston Squadron RAFAC

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348 Ilkeston Squadron RAFAC

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348 Ilkeston Squadron RAFAC Official page New recruits are welcome from the age of 12 and in Year 8.

Welcome to the official 348 (Ilkeston) Squadron, ATC page

We meet on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7pm -9.15pm above the TA centre on Albert Street. Subs are collected each week and cost £2.50 per week. Joining the ATC gives you the opportunity to try flying and gliding, learn fieldcraft skills, go on camps, participate in D of E, gain BTEC qualifications, take part in sports, and many more opportunities.

29/10/2026

Today, 5 cadets from 348 assisted the Royal British Legion in Poppy Appeal 2026 in the Ilkeston Town Centre. It is a huge honour to assist Royal British Legion - Derbyshire in this way, and is very rewarding to interact with members of the local community.

This year also marks the squadrons special occasion of being officially affiliated with the Ilkeston Detachment of the RBL - and so we are ever grateful and happy to support a good cause!

Look out for us on Remembrance Sunday at Ilkeston Town Centre marching just behind Ilkeston Army Cadets!

Lest we forget.

22/10/2026

Today, CWO A Bilby joined The Mayor of Erewash in her capacity as Mayors Cadet in opening the annual Ilkeston Charter Fair which is completing its 773rd year - making it older than even Nottingham’s Goose Fair!

Consequently, 348 are now stood down for the week due to the fair occupying much of the centre of town. We wish all cadets and there families an enjoyable fair week and hope to welcome you all back on Tuesday 27th!

21/10/2026

Our first round of ‘Meet the 348 NCOs’, starting off with the Corporals!

Corporal is the first rung on the ladder for cadets aspiring for promotion within the RAFAC. Termed the ‘JNCO’, these junior non commissioned officers are our first line of management between cadets and higher-ranked SNCOs and staff. Corporals often lead on small activities and breakout groups, and also form up their flights for both initial and final parade.

To become a Corporal at 348, cadets must show above average performance across all categories from drill and uniform to leadership and bearing. We expect prospective Corporals to get stuck in and go above and beyond - which is what all of ours do brilliantly!

14/10/2026

Last night, 348 hosted our Annual Dining In Night, held for the first time at Erewash Valley Golf Club, to celebrate the cumulative successes and achievements of both cadets and volunteers over the last year.

Firstly, a huge thank you to EVGC for your brilliant venue, food and service!

Secondly, to our distinguished guests, thank you for your support and attendance. It was an honour to host the Mayor of Erewash, the Chairman for Royal British Legion (Ilkeston Detachment) and the South and East Midlands Wing Padre - we hope you had a wonderful evening!

And lastly, but most importantly, thank you to all our cadets and volunteers - both past and present - for making 348 such a wonderful squadron of achievement, growth and happy memories! We are all so proud, and looking forward to seeing more of the same amazing work over then next year! 🎉

11/10/2026

Last night, 12 cadets from 348 joined various groups of scouts, cadets, and students in an overnight exercise organised by Nottinghamshire County Council in Sherwood Forest! 🌳

Operation Shadow requires teams to map read, navigate, and complete challenges from 9pm to 4am, all competing for the quickest time! 348 entered three teams - Yellowbird, Redbird and Bluebird - we’ll keep you posted with results!

Well done all! 🥳🥳

08/10/2026

There is still time to join 348 (Ilkeston) Squadron!

Did you unfortunately miss our recruitment evening at the end if September? No matter, you can still join 348 (Ilkeston) Squadron over the month of October!

Do you want to supplement your child’s education with real life experiences in leadership, first aid, flying and many more? Are you interested in developing young people into the next generation of leaders and doers? We are!

We are still recruiting young people in years 8-10, email [email protected] if you are interested! 😁

Also recruiting adult volunteers!

Check out our website too at ilkestonaircadets.com!

06/10/2026

348 are delighted to share that our very own Cadet Warrant Officer A Bilby has been appointed Erewash Mayors Cadet Erewash Borough Council by Mayor Cllr Maskalisk. 🥳🥳

CWO Bilby said “It is a great honour to be appointed Erewash Mayors Cadet. I am excited to get stuck in, attending events and speaking with members of the community with Cllr Maskalisk. Cadets has given me such an opportunity to develop both myself and fellow young people, it will be lovely being able to spread the positive message of the RAFAC to the people of Erewash.”

04/10/2026

Wing Cross Country 2026! 🏃🏻

Thank you and congratulations to the 17 cadets from 348 who represented the squadron at Wing Cross Country in Blaby this afternoon.

A huge well done to Cadet Channon who came third 🥉 in her age category and will be representing S&E Mids Wing RAF Air Cadets at Central and East Region Cross Country alongside Higgins, Harris, Waterall J and Morledge! 🥳

03/10/2026

Today, 26 cadets from across South and East Midlands Wing came to 348 for a Bronze Leadership Course ran by CI Bilby. A huge well done to all attendees, and a huge thank you to directing staff and cadet NCO helpers for such smooth planning and ex*****on.

Special shoutout to Cadets Li, Channon and Fletcher for their ‘paper plate’ awards also!

Bronze Leadership is one of the most in demand courses on our Progressive Training Syllabus, with cadets being required to lead a team comprising of cadets from other squadrons through various challenges and activities. They also have to complete one theory and two practical assessments. The effort shown by all is a testament to the dedication of cadets within the RAFAC.

01/10/2026

A busy week at 348! 😁

First off, a huuuuge congratulations to newly promoted Cadet Warrant Officer Clarke, who successfully passed her Wing Board with Deputy OCW Sqn Ldr Roberts this evening! We are so proud of your progress with us, and cannot wait to see how you continue to develop as a leader! 🎉🎉

Second, a big well done to Cadet Fletcher for completing his Leading Cadet Exams!

And finally, a huge thank you to CI Bark who took four of our cadets gliding today to RAF Cranwell - an opportunity you can only get in the RAFAC! ✈️

Address

The TA Centre, Albert Street
Ilkeston
DE75GU

Opening Hours

Tuesday	6:30pm - 9:30pm
Thursday	6:30pm - 9:30pm

Telephone

+44 115 944 0848

Website

http://ilkestonaircadets.com/

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