2160 Sleaford Squadron RAFAC

13/06/2026

TAKING YOUR DAUGHTER TO WORK DAY.
Okay, we know that’s usually celebrated in this country on the 23rd of April, but why should it prevent a proud dad
from taking his daughter to his place of work at half term? The answer for 2160’s Cdt Cloe Lawson is - not at all.
So, during the recent half term holiday cadet Lawson travelled to RAF Leeming in Yorkshire to experience the thrill of flying in the Tutor training aircraft. Courtesy of number 11 Air Experience Flight, she joined cadets from Dewsbury and Thorne squadrons to take to the air.
Such flights aren’t a passive experience for the cadets; they have the opportunity to take control of the aircraft and put all the theory and simulator training they’ve had at their units into real-world practice.
Flying over North Yorkshire was a thrill in itself, but add a few aerobatics in to the equation and you can see why Cadet Lawson had a smile on her face.
Our thanks go to the pilots and staff of 11 AEF, the volunteer staff of 2160, and of course, her dad, for providing this wonderful opportunity for her to experience in full the first aim of the Air Cadets, that says: -
“To promote amongst young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force.”
I think we can say that for Cadet Lawson that aim was well and truly met, don’t you agree?

Trent Wing Air Cadets
Central & East Region Air Cadets

11/06/2026

Well done Ray.

🌟 Celebrating Outstanding Contributions Across Central and East Region 🌟


This month, we are proud to recognise several exceptional individuals and teams whose dedication, flexibility, and leadership have delivered meaningful impact for cadets and volunteers across the Region. Their efforts continue to raise standards and strengthen the cadet experience.


👏 Fg Off Jon Mills, Plt Off Dale Buck, A/Plt Off Eleanor Byworth & CI Joshua Blackburn

Wing Waendel Walk Team, Norfolk & Suffolk Wing

Thank you to the team who led, supported, and managed 12 cadets at this year’s Waendel Walk. Demonstrating strong leadership and adaptability, they successfully managed changing plans while maintaining morale across both marching days, ensuring an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all involved. Nominated by Flt Lt Alex Stapleton


👏 CI Jack Pateman

Space Instructor, 864 (Watton) Squadron, Norfolk & Suffolk Wing

CI Pateman has achieved 100% attainment of the Blue Space Award among enrolled cadets, ensuring all have gained a fundamental understanding of space through the syllabus. This outstanding result reflects his dedication to delivery and his support in empowering senior cadets to contribute. Nominated by Flt Lt Alex Stapleton


👏 Mrs Susan Elson & Mrs Linda White

Regional Permanent Staff, People Operations

Susan and Linda have delivered exceptional results, facilitating the appointment of over 150 new Civilian Instructors in just a few months. Their persistence and drive have accelerated onboarding and supported CFAVs at pace, while continuing to deliver high‑quality outputs across People Operations. Their teamwork and resilience are making a tangible difference to capability across the Region. Nominated by Mr Chris Cox

👏 Flt Lt Neil Day, Fg Off Sarah Spring, Plt Off Jennifer Ives, Sgt Emma Taylor, Sgt Nicole Scrupps and CI Shane Le-Good

Joint CCF & ATC Multi‑Activity Camp

Delivering a five‑day multi‑activity camp bringing together CCF units and 204 (Lincoln) Squadron, CI Le‑Good and the team provided a well‑run and inclusive experience. The integration of CCF and ATC cadets was a highlight, with multiple PTS awards achieved across the week. Nominated by Flt Lt Alex Bradshaw


👏 Sqn Ldr Ben Hayton

Deputy Executive Officer, Central and East Region CCF Wing

At short notice, the Deputy Executive Officer gave up their bank holiday weekend to support a camp, ensuring required staffing levels and enabling maximum cadet attendance. Their contribution directly supported the delivery of over a dozen shooting qualifications and the overall success of the camp. Nominated by Flt Lt Alex Bradshaw

👏 CI Ray Howes

Civilian Instructor, 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn

Although primarily supporting Range activities, CI Howes consistently goes above and beyond. Supporting weekend activities and camps with enthusiasm, reliability, and a positive attitude. A highly valued team member whose commitment is greatly appreciated. Nominated by Flt Lt Karen Turner


Thank you to everyone recognised here. Your professionalism, teamwork, and commitment continue to make a real difference across RAFAC.

11/06/2026

RAF CRANWELL ANNUAL FORMAL RECEPTION
Yesterday evening a party of cadets and staff from 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn had the honour to represent the RAF Air Cadets at RAF Cranwell’s Reception. Held at the station’s York House Mess, the Sleaford party fulfilled a number of key roles in the evening’s event.
Firstly, they chaperoned the guests, Including the Lord Lieutenant for Lincolnshire, and other civic and military dignitaries from the event reception to the mess entrance. They then had to introduce the guests by name to the station Commander; no small test of their confidence, before handing them the regular RAF Staff assigned to accompany the guests.
Inside the mess, alongside various organisations based at Cranwell, three of 2160’s Cadet NCO’s skilfully answered questions about the RAFAC organisation, whilst explaining the display they, and the OC had created. With everyone from Council leaders to high-ranking service personnel, the questions were relentless; all were met with smiles and clear positive answers.
One of the guests at the event was Trent Wing’s Deputy Wing Commander, Sqn Ldr Rachel Needham; the Sqn Ldr expressed her pleasure at the cadets’ performance speaking to the OC, Flt Lt Karen Turner and a number of the cadets during the course of the evening.
The final act of the evening was the traditional sunset ceremony: with a wonderful performance by the College band culminating in the lowering of the flag, and a flypast by a trio of Tutor aircraft from the station. At this point, after a busy three-hour period, the cadets were finally stood down.
Officer Commanding 2160, Flt Lt Karen Turner said: - “I am immensely proud of the Sleaford cadets and staff for their part in this evening’s very high-profile event. Everyone was really on top form and represented the Royal Air Force Cadets in the best possible light; well done!”

OC Trent Wing RAFAC
Trent Wing Air Cadets
Central & East Region Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

09/06/2026

TEACHING THE TEACHERS
Our volunteers constantly seek opportunities to up-skill their capabilities to improve the training experience for both our cadets and others within our sector.
Fg Off Rutland is an experienced former RAF fast jet pilot and instructor; given his background, he brings great depth to his instruction. The course he describes below enables him to give the most up to date instruction to both cadets and his fellow instructors.
“I recently attended the Aerospace Ground School course at RAF Syerston which allows me to now train and assess level one simulator assessors. It was a 2-day course with Level 2 assessments on the second day conducted by the instructors from the AGS. We used the simulators based there to provide the demo blue instructor training and Level 1 assessment to those Level 2 instructors to clear new Level 1 assessors.
This means that I can now sign off staff and cadets, who after training, pass the assessment to then provide the Blue Wings Simulator assessment. This should allow most sqns in our sector to have trained staff helping provide the blue wings award to more cadets once they have flown. It also means the cadets will get more out of their first glider or powered flight. In addition, cadets who have completed Leading Cadet and MOI are also eligible for this role.”

M Rutland BEng (Hons) BChD MFDS RAF Rtd
Fg Off
2 I/C 2160 Sleaford Sqn

OC Trent Wing RAFAC
Trent Wing Air Cadets
Central & East Region Air Cadets
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

01/06/2026

VENTURE, ADVENTURE – AT ITS FINEST.
Last week three cadets from 2160 joined with their colleagues from all over Trent Wing to take part in an adventure training camp at the National Air Cadet Adventure Training Centre.
I leave it to one of our group, Corporal Tom Berry to give his view of the amazing week they all enjoyed.
“My week at the Trent Wing NACATC Windermere Camp 2026 has easily been the best RAFAC camp I’ve ever been on. We had amazing weather all week and packed in loads of proper adventure training.
Over 5 days we were split into 4 flights, we tackled ghyll scrambling and raft building, a full day of water sports with paddleboarding and kayaking, and my group even climbed Helvellyn; which was a massive highlight. We also got stuck into rock climbing, bouldering, and abseiling, with everyone pushing themselves and smashing their fears.
Evenings were just as good, including a visit to the Mountain Rescue Centre and a spontaneous football game amongst each other.
If you ever get the chance to bid for a camp like this, go for it. I think those who went can say it's one of the best experiences that RAFAC offers and it will be an experience to remember for life. I know I speak for all of us when I say thank you to the staff who made this camp possible.”
CPL Tom Berry
Photographs: - Courtesy of Trent Wing and Cpl Berry.
Central & East Region Air Cadets
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association
Sleaford Town Council

29/05/2026

Well that was a pleasant surprise..
Thank you to OC 2160 Flt Lt Turner and OC Trent Wing Wg Cdr Dunn for recommending me for this honour.
CI Hullott (Wg Cdr RAF VR(T) Retd).

We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and Cadets who have recently been recognised for their commitment, professionalism, and dedication to the RAF Air Cadets.

Congratulations to the following CFAVs who have been awarded a Commandant’s Commendation in recognition of their exceptional service and contribution:

Sqn Ldr T Fell – Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing
Sqn Ldr P Roddy – Region Headquarters
Rev M Sokanovic – 188 (Ipswich) Sqn, Norfolk and Suffolk Wing
Rev R Williams – 104 (City of Cambridge) Sqn, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing
Flt Lt J Smith – Loughborough Grammar School, Combined Cadet Force
Flt Lt G Hallet – 158 (Braintree) Sqn, Essex Wing
WO A Anderson – 204 (Lincoln) Sqn, Trent Wing
Sgt S Gill – 1830 (Tendring Hundred) Sqn, Essex Wing
Sgt S Mockford – 2417 (Newmarket) Sqn, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing
CI S Hullott – 2160 (Sleaford) Sqn, Trent Wing
CI R Lammin – 207 (Cranfield) Sqn, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing

We also recognise the achievements of our cadets who have been awarded the Commandant’s Certificate of Good Service:

CWO A Cahill – 1985 (Flitwick) Sqn, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing
CWO K Chase – 207 (Cranfield) Sqn, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing
CWO K Gray – 207 (Cranfield) Sqn, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Wing

These awards highlight the dedication and positive impact our volunteers and cadets make across the organisation every day.

Group Captain Dave Boreham, Central and East Regional Commandant said, “These awards recognise the quiet professionalism and sustained commitment that underpin everything we deliver. Our adult volunteers and cadets give their time, energy, and talent to create opportunity for young people across the Region, and I’m delighted to see that service rightly acknowledged. Congratulations to every recipient and thank you for the difference you make.”

25/05/2026

MEREDITH’S GOLDEN APPOINTMENT.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a nationally recognised scheme that challenges young people to expand their comfort zone, increase their confidence and self-reliance, whilst also honing their team working skills. They do this via a number of activities and can progress through ever greater challenges as they go through the stages of bronze, silver and gold levels.
It requires a great deal of commitment and perseverance from the participants, and dedication from the staff who support the scheme. Having completed the gold level, the final honour is to receive their award at Buckingham Palace.
One such cadet who has just received her gold award is 2160’s CWO Meredith Rutland. She takes up the story below:
“On Friday I had the privilege of going to Buckingham Palace to celebrate completing my Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. It was a proud moment after many years of commitment, having begun the DofE Bronze Award in 2019, and also a great occasion to share with my dad, who drove me here, there and everywhere across the country for some of my expeditions!
The Gold DofE expeditions gave me an opportunity to meet individuals from across the country and grow my confidence as I worked with cadets and staff from Norfolk and Suffolk Wing, Trent Wing and 3 Welsh Wing to complete the practise and then qualifying expeditions.
It was lovely to run in to people from both my expedition teams and also from the RAFAC National Choir; part of which I used as my Gold Residential.
DofE gave me confidence and amazing new friendships. It also showed me the importance of commitment through my Skills and Physical sections of Piano and Martial Arts; also, the importance of community as I volunteered with Beavers and Cubs in my local village and then with the Air Cadets at Veteran/Family Days and charity collections.
The Gold Award Celebration at the Palace was a great way to finish my DofE journey and I couldn't have gotten this far without the help of my community, namely the Air Cadets.
I urge everyone to give DofE a go and then take it all the way up to Gold! To prove to yourself that you can do it...and have a great time along the way.”

Commandant Air Cadets
OC Trent Wing RAFAC
Trent Wing Air Cadets
Central & East Region Air Cadets
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

25/05/2026

THE SEARCH AND RESCUE VISIT
On Thursday evening we played host to an amazing organisation that many people may not have heard of – the Lincolnshire Lowland Search & Rescue Team. This Lincolnshire based team are members of the UK Search and Rescue Operators Group.

Whilst the Mountain rescue teams cover the mountains and hills of the country, the Coast Guard and RNLI the seas, these amazing people cover an awful lot of the territory between these two extremes; It’s moto of “from hill to high water” sums this up very well.

One of their key tasks is to support the police in searches for vulnerable missing persons. As if the amplify this point, shortly before they arrived at 2160, they were responding to a call for help; which they were subsequently stood down from; these are busy people.

The team members, who are all volunteers, gave an illustrated brief about the training they receive and the work they undertake. This was followed by a demonstration of their comprehensive kit, and a chance for our cadets to get some hands-on experience of using it.

All in all, this was a very interesting and informative glimpse into this very worthwhile organisation’s amazing work. We are very appreciative of them making time to come and tell us about it.
The LLS&RC is a charitable organisation which largely relies on donations to carry out its work. For more information about the organisation and its work, visit their website on: - https://www.lincslsar.org/

Photographs: - Wg Cdr Lindsey

Commandant Air Cadets
OC Trent Wing RAFAC
Trent Wing Air Cadets
Central & East Region Air Cadets
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association

25/05/2026

THE GLIDING EXPERIENCE
On the hottest day so far this year a party of the squadron’s cadets took to the wide blue yonder – in gliders!
Travelling to No 644 Volunteer Gliding Squadron based at RAF Syerston near Newark, the cadets received a thorough briefing before taking to the air.
The winch launch, with its rocket-like climb, is soon followed by the serenity of near silent flight; during which the cadets were given the opportunity to take control of the glider.
On a day such as this, where the weather conditions were near perfect, the cadets would have enjoyed amazing views over the river Trent and its surrounding area.
Our thanks go to as our accompanying officer Wg Cdr Lindsay and of course, to the staff of 644VGS who week in, and week out provide cadets with such an amazing experience.
Photographs: Wg Cdr Lindsay.

OC Trent Wing RAFAC
Trent Wing Air Cadets
Central & East Region Air Cadets
East Midlands Reserve Forces & Cadets Association