723 Wigan Squadron - RAF Air Cadets

26/05/2026

A massive congratulations to CI Bolton on his appointment.

Well done sir!

‼NEW WING STAFF OFFICER APPOINTMENT‼

Congratulations to Civilian Instructor Dave Bolton, 723 (Wigan) Squadron on being appointed as the Wing Space Officer for Cumbria & Lancashire Wing.

He is contactable via [email protected].

Many Congratulations.

Commandant Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Regional Commandant North - Air Cadets
Lancashire Lieutenancy
RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man

723 Wigan Squadron - RAF Air Cadets

20/05/2026

Armed Forces Day Drill Practice

Last parade night, cadets and staff from 723 Squadron took part in drill practice in preparation for the upcoming Armed Forces Day Parade.

Throughout the evening, cadets worked hard to refine their drill movements, timing, and overall standard to better represent both the squadron and the wider RAF Air Cadets at this important event.

Events such as Armed Forces Day provide an excellent opportunity for our cadets to show their professionalism, pride, and commitment whilst supporting the local community and recognising the service of our Armed Forces past and present.

We look forward to seeing you all there and thank everybody for their continued hard work and dedication.

Cumbria and Lancashire Wing
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Commandant Air Cadets

20/05/2026

Bronze Flying Badges

A huge well done to four of our cadets who have successfully achieved their Bronze Flying Badges.

Congratulations to all involved, we look forward to seeing your continued progression and future achievements across the squadron. 👏

Cumbria and Lancashire Wing
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Commandant Air Cadets

13/05/2026

Promotions and Awards ✈️

A huge congratulations to the following cadets who, following a competitive selection and interview process, have been appointed to the rank of Cadet Corporal at 723 Squadron.

👏 Congratulations to:

▪️ Cpl Frodsham
▪️ Cpl McCann
▪️ Cpl Crossley
▪️ Cpl Halsm
▪️ Cpl Catterall

Each of these cadets has demonstrated commitment, leadership potential, and dedication to the squadron throughout their cadet journey. We are confident they will be excellent additions to the Junior NCO team and look forward to seeing them continue to develop in their new roles.

Cumbria and Lancashire Wing
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Commandant Air Cadets

13/05/2026

A successful weekend for 723 Squadron!

Over the weekend, both cadets and staff attended a range of activities and courses, continuing to develop new skills and experiences that will be brought back to benefit the squadron.

🏕️ CI Kenyon attended a Lowland Leader Course, further developing the skills required to run the DofE award.

📚 APO Morgan completed Weekend 2 of the Education and Training Level 3 course.

🤖 CI Parr, CI Bolton, CI Tate, Sgt Fitzpatrick, and Cdt Chappell attended a VEX Robotics event, developing their knowledge of robotics, teamwork, and problem solving skills which will support future STEM activities at the squadron.

A huge well done to everyone involved for their dedication and commitment throughout the weekend!

Cumbria and Lancashire Wing
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Commandant Air Cadets

29/04/2026

Skydive for Wigan and Leigh hospice

Cdt Harris will be taking part in a skydive to raise funds for Wigan and Leigh Hospice raising vital funds for the rest work that they do.

We encourage all of our supporters to donate whatever they can to support this great cause.

A huge well done to Cdt Harris for taking on this fantastic challenge.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/helen-derricott-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

Cumbria and Lancashire Wing
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Commandant Air Cadets

Help Helen Derricott raise money to support Wigan and Leigh Hospice

28/04/2026

Sewing Lessons

On Friday 24th April, Mrs Simm, one of our cadets’ parents, kindly delivered an introductory sewing session to our cadets. The session provided them with valuable life skills that they will continue to use and build upon in the future.

A huge thank you to Mrs Simm for giving up her time to support the squadron and contribute to the development of our cadets.

A huge thanks to Rose from The Brick for the kind donation of material to support this activity.

Cumbria and Lancashire Wing
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Commandant Air Cadets

18/04/2026

Garrison Artillery Volunteers Visit 723

Last parade night, a wonderful group of volunteers from 69th Field Regiment Display who brought along an incredible range of military memorabilia for the squadron to explore. This included, a 25 pound artillery piece, which provided a unique opportunity for our cadets to see historic equipment up close.

The volunteers delivered an insightful and informative talk, sharing their knowledge, experience, and the history behind the equipment on display. Experiences like this are invaluable in bringing history to life and inspiring the next generation.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the volunteers for giving up their time to support our cadets and for delivering such a memorable and educational evening.

In addition to this, 723 Squadron is proud to officially welcome CI Aimee Oliver to our staff team. We look forward to the experience, enthusiasm, and support she will bring to the squadron as we continue to develop and deliver opportunities for our cadets.

Cumbria and Lancashire Wing
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
Royal Air Force Air Cadets

Commandant Air Cadets
Armed Forces Community HQ CIC

15/04/2026

Another busy week for the staff at 723,

Last week APO Morgan attended the Army Cadet Force Spring Annual Music Camp at Otterburn Training Camp, where he supported cadets from across North Region in the development of their musical ability.

APO Morgan then made his way to Inskip Cadet Centre to complete the first weekend of the Education and Training Level 3 course hosted by Greater Manchester Wing.

CI Kenyon also embarked on his second Lowland Leaders weekend in the North York Moors.

Another example of the dedication our CFAVs have in support of our young people.

Congratulations, Sirs.

Cumbria and Lancashire Wing

Commandant Air Cadets

15/04/2026

723 Junior Oct 25 Intake Cadet Passing out Parade

On Friday 27th March 26, 723 Squadron proudly held a Passing Out Parade to mark a significant milestone for our Junior Cadets.

The squadron was proud to host Officer Commanding Cumbria and Lancashire Wing, Wing Commander Nibloe, Sqn Ldr Nash, the Rt Hon Lisa Nandy MP, Cllr Smethurst Armed Forces & Veterans Lead for Wigan Council, Cllr Cullen, Cumbria & Lancashire Wing Padre Glyn Shephard, Rev Neil Cook and over 100 parents, family and friends.

All of our Juniors have now successfully achieved the standard of First Class Cadet.

During the evening, the Cadet Oath was administered by our Wing Padre, and they officially graduated into the wider squadron of our 723 family.

It was a proud evening for the cadets and their families, and a fantastic celebration of their hard work, commitment, and progress.

A special commendation to Cdt Molloy for being selected as course cadet. She demonstrated all the values and determination we expect of an Air Cadet and models this in everything she does. To celebrate this award, she received a Squadron Commanders challenge coin.

Well done to all our newest First Class Cadets, we look forward to seeing you thrive as you continue your RAFAC journey!