140 Matlock Squadron RAFAC

09/10/2026

Happy National Cadet Week! 🏆

Behind every great cadet squadron is an exceptional team of staff and volunteers who give up their time to make it all happen.

From adventures and training to leadership and life skills, our staff make the impossible possible every single day.

Thank you to our incredible squadron staff for your dedication, energy, and unwavering support! 🙌✨

28/08/2026

Last weekend cadets and staff from Derbyshire and South Yorkshire took a trip to the Aqua Park at Rother Valley, it was an action packed morning which even saw 2 of the OCs battling through the obstacles showing the cadets how to do it.

Adventure training in the Air Cadets helps you build confidence, teamwork, leadership and resilience. It also improves fitness, problem-solving and independence, while giving you the chance to try new activities and make friends.

2326 (Clay Cross) Squadron ATC
Dronfield Air Cadets - 1890 Squadron
366 (King Ecgbert) Squadron

22/06/2026

What a fantastic weekend of Adventure Training at Thornbridge Outdoors for cadets from Derbyshire Sector and Trent Wing!

Cadets challenged themselves across a range of exciting activities, including, archery, abseiling, mountain biking, orienteering, and walking. Throughout the camp they demonstrated determination, resilience, teamwork, and plenty of enthusiasm, stepping outside their comfort zones and supporting one another every step of the way.

Adventure Training is a key part of the RAF Air Cadets experience, helping to build confidence, leadership, and lifelong skills while having fun in the great outdoors.

A huge thank you to all the staff and volunteers who made the weekend possible and to Thornbridge Outdoors for providing such an excellent venue.

21/05/2026

This week we held a presentation evening for our Cadets who have been working hard over the last several months. A total of 67 certificates and badges were handed out including ones for Essential First Aid, 1st Class Cadet, Basic Swimming Proficiency, Blue Space, Blue Fieldcraft, Blue Pre Duke of Edinburgh,Bronze Duke of Edinburgh, Blue Wings, Prestation Skills and Blue Leadership.

The night also saw the re-opening of our Air R***e Shooting Range which has not been in use since before covid.
Many Thanks to our Civilian Committee Chairperson Mrs McCarthy who cut the ribbon for us to open it officially.

15/05/2026

09/05/2026

🧗‍♀️Not the usual parade night for our cadets this week 🧗🏻‍♀️

Harnesses on, helmets fitted, and straight onto the wall! Our Air Cadets swapped boots for climbing shoes this week as they tackled an exciting climbing session.

From first-time climbers to those reaching new heights, every cadet showed courage, determination, and brilliant teamwork. There was plenty of encouragement from the ground and some impressive problem-solving on the wall!

Adventure training isn’t just about the activity — it’s about building confidence, resilience, and trust in each other. Safe to say, they all rose to the challenge! 👏

29/04/2026

Tonight, members of Matlock Air Cadets had the fantastic opportunity to visit Red Watch at Chesterfield Fire Station 🚒

The cadets were given an insightful tour of the station, where they learned about the vital role firefighters play in keeping our community safe. Red Watch demonstrated their equipment, explained how they respond to emergencies, and shared valuable advice about teamwork under pressure.

It was inspiring for our cadets to see first-hand the professionalism, dedication, and courage shown by the crew. Experiences like this help build confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of public service.

A huge thank you to everyone at Red Watch for taking the time to host us and for the warm welcome. We are incredibly grateful for the work you do every day to protect our community.

11/04/2026

11/04/2026

Introducing the Trent Wing DofE Squadron Performance Competition

Following Trent Wing’s success in winning the Roger Austin Sword last year, the Wing has introduced a brand new initiative to recognise and celebrate squadron achievement in the The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme — the Trent Wing DofE Squadron Performance Competition.

We are delighted to announce the first results of this new competition.

The competition is run along similar lines to the Roger Austin Sword, measuring squadron performance based on the number of Bronze, Silver and Gold DofE Awards completed between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026. Results are calculated as a percentage of each squadron’s cadet strength, ensuring a fair and balanced comparison across all units, regardless of size.

Congratulations to 1401 (Alfreton & Ripley) Squadron, who are the inaugural winners of the Trent Wing DofE Squadron Performance Competition. 👏

This achievement reflects the squadron’s commitment to developing cadets through the DofE programme, encouraging them to challenge themselves, build resilience and gain valuable life skills.

Royal Air Force Air Cadets Commandant Air Cadets Central & East Region Air Cadets East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association OC Trent Wing RAFAC The Duke of Edinburgh's Award

08/04/2026

⛳️ Cadets Take on Crazy Golf! ⛳️

This week, our cadets swapped drills for putts and headed out for a round of crazy golf. From trick shots and unexpected hole-in-ones to dramatic near-misses, the competition was fierce but friendly.

It was a brilliant chance to relax, build teamwork, and enjoy some well-earned downtime together. Activities like this remind us that being a cadet isn’t just about discipline and skills — it’s also about friendship, confidence, and making great memories.

Well done to everyone who took part — and congratulations to our crazy golf champion! 🥇👏

Bonkers Illumination GOLF