News
20/3/12 - Cadet Exam Results
The Sqn would like to congratulate the cadets who successfully completed their exams, and have achieved their new classifications.
10/5/11 - 481 Sqn Open Evening
We will be holding an open evening on Thursday 2nd June for parents/guardians and potential cadets who wish to visit 481 Sqn, meet the staff and find out what the Air Training Corps and 481 Sqn in particular has to offer.
The evening will start at 7:30pm and our location can be found on the Contact the Squadron page.
3/3/11 - Cpl Lawley Leaving the Sqn
Tonight is the last night for Cdt Cpl Beckah Lawley.
The Sqn wishes Beckah all the best and we all hope she will come back as a member of staff in the future.
10/2/11 - Cadet Exam Results
Well done to Cdts Latham and Riley who have completed their First Class training and are no longer Junior Cadets.
4/1/11 - FS Rolfe Leaving the Sqn
Tonight is the last night for Cdt FS Sophie Rolfe, who has been the Sqn's SNCO for some time.
The Sqn wishes Sophie all the best and we all hope she will come back as a member of staff in the future.
15/12/10 - Xmas Shutdown
The Sqn will close for Christmas on Thursday 16th December and will re-open on Monday 4th January 2010.
6/11/10 - 481 Sqn Collecting for Poppy Appeal
Cadets and staff from 481 Sqn were in Wednesbury today collecting for The Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal, raising funds to help The RBL provide welfare services and campaign on a range of issues affecting Service people.
Find out more at www.poppy.org.uk.
4/11/10 - Cadet Promotions
Congratulations to the following cadets who have been promoted:
Cdt Harper B to Cadet Corporal
Cdt Harper J to Cadet Corporal
Cdt Lawley to Cadet Corporal
All were promoted after undergoing NCO training and showed they have the qualities expected of an NCO. Well done!
22/9/10 - Welcome to New Civilian Instructor
Welcome to CI Jamie Bates, who has been officially appointed as a CI. Jamie will be helping to train new cadets.
13/8/10 - 481 Sqn Perform Well at Wing Swimming
On Saturday the Sqn took part in the annual Wing swimming competition, coming 18th overall out of 27 Sqns.
Special congratulations go to the junior boys, who came 6th, and the junior girls, who came 17th.
15/8/10 - Sqn Summer Shutdown
The last parade night before the summer shutdown will be Thursday 19th August and the Sqn will re-open on Tuesday 7th September. Details about Summer Swynnerton will be posted on SharePoint and people who are attending will be contacted direct.
20/5/10 - Cadet Exam Results
Well done to Cdts Broadhouse, Edwards and Hussain who have completed their First Class training and are no longer Junior Cadets.
15/4/10 - Cpl Lloyd passes Staff Cadet Exam
Congratulations to Cdt Cpl Lloyd who has passed the Staff Cadet Part 2 (ACP 42) course so is officially a Staff Cadet and will now be used to instruct the rest of the Sqn on ATC subjects.
16/3/10 - Sqn Awards Night a Great Success
On 13th March the Sqn held an awards night to reward cadets for their achievements and hard work throughout the previous year. The ceremony was attended by cadets, staff, parents and VIP guests and a good night was had by all.
The award recipients are:
Cdt Cpl Barker - Best Shot
Cdt Sgt Rolfe - Best NCO
Cdt Lawley - Cadet's Cadet
Cdt Kadir - Endeavour Award
Cdt Cpl Smith - Cadet of the Year
18/2/10 - Flying Update
As the forecast for the weekend is better than the weather at the moment, flying is still on as normal. Be at the Sqn at 0745.
22/1/10 - Plt Off Beasley Passes OIC
Congratulations to Chris Beasley who has passed out from the Officers' Initial Course at RAF Cranwell and is now officially a Pilot Officer in the RAFVR(T).
Not only did Chris pass the course but he was awarded best candidate on the course so well done from all at 481.
19/1/10 - Cadet Exam Results
Well done to the following cadets who have recently passed exams:
Leading Cadet - Cdts Dale, Harper B (credit) and Harper J (credit)
Senior Cadet - Cdt Sgt Rolfe (credit), Cdt Cpl Smith and Cdt Kadir
Staff Cadet Part 1 - Cdt Cpls Barker (credit) and Lloyd (credit)
Additionally Cdt Cpl Barker has already passed the Staff Cadet Part 2 (ACP 42) course so is officially a Staff Cadet and will now be used to instruct the rest of the Sqn on ATC subjects.
7/1/10 - Sqn Closed Tonight
As travelling is still difficult around the area, the Sqn will again be closed tonight. We are aiming to open the Sqn on Tuesday but as before, we will keep you posted here.
5/1/10 - Sqn Closed Tonight
Due to the snowy conditions and the forecast of more to come, the Sqn will be closed tonight. The Sqn will be open as normal on Thursday at present but we will keep everybody informed here if things change.
28/11/09 - Welcome to New Civilian Instructors
Over the last few months the Sqn has had an influx of new CIs so welcome to CIs Jayne Ash, Jamie Bates and Michelle Owen who will be fulfilling various roles within the Sqn.
A welcome also goes to CIs Stephen Brooks and Lee Horton, ex-cadets from 888 Sqn, who have joined us on a six-month training secondment.
8/9/09 - Cadet Promotions
Congratulations to the following cadets who have been promoted:
Cdt Cpl Rolfe to Cadet Sergeant
ICdt Lloyd to Instructor Cadet Corporal
Cdt Smith to Cadet Corporal
All were promoted after putting in considerable effort over the last six months and showing the leadership qualities expected of an NCO. Well done!
8/9/09 - Cadets Achieve First Aid Qualification
Congratulations to Cdts Harper B and Harper J who have achieved the Youth First Aid qualification.
4/9/09 - Cpl Barker passes CDIC
Congratulations to Cdt Cpl Barker who has passed out from the Cadet Drill Instructors Course run by Staffordshire Wing ATC at Summer Swynnerton camp.
Cdt Cpl Barker is now formally trained as a Cadet Drill Instructor and will take on more responsibility for drill training within the Squadron.
30/8/09 - FS Greensmith passes WI(AC)
Congratulations to FS Greensmith who has qualified as a Weapons Instructor (Air Cadets).
FS Greensmith is now qualified to instruct cadets and staff on safe handling and operation of the Air Cadet weapon systems.
29/8/09 - Staff Promotion
Our Officer Commanding has officially been promoted to Flight Lieutenant. Congratulations to Flt Lt Somerfield.
8/8/09 - Sqn Shutdown
Due to summer camp commitments the Sqn will be closed from 18th August and will re-open on 8th September.
6/8/09 - FS Shaw Joining the Forces
Tonight is the last night for ICdt FS Martin Shaw as he is leaving 481 Sqn to join the Royal Air Force as a Weapon Technician.
The Sqn wishes Martin all the best and we all look forward to him coming back to the Sqn to pass on his experiences.
4/8/09 - Cadets Achieve First Aid Qualification
Congratulations to Cdt Kadir, Cdt Lawley and Cdt Rosevear, who have achieved the Youth First Aid qualification.
12/6/09 - 481 Sqn Achieve Best Result in Four Years at Wing Field Day
The Wing Field Day is an annual event where the 31 Squadrons of Staffordshire Wing ATC come together to compete at drill, first aid, banner drill, shooting, aircraft modelling, aircraft recognition and media.
The Sqn finished in its best position since 2005 by coming 21st overall and achieving a 9th in drill and 7th in banner drill. A fantastic result due to the hard work of the cadets during training. Well done all!
11/6/09 - Cadet Exam Results
Well done to the following cadets who have recently passed exams:
1st Class Cadet - Cdts Ashall, Coughlan, Dale, Downing, Harper B, Harper J, Lawley and Shilton
Leading Cadet - Cdt Cpl Rolfe, Cdts Kadir and Smith
Senior Cadet - Cdt Cpl Barker (credit) and Cdt Lloyd (credit)
11/6/09 - Welcome to Another New Civilian Instructor
James Harper, who is the father of Cdts Harper B and Harper J, has joined 481 Sqn as a CI. A warm welcome from all.
9/5/09 - Welcome to New Civilian Instructor
Welcome to CI John Causer, who has recently joined 481 Sqn. John will initially be helping to train new cadets.
28/4/09 - Cadets Achieve First Aid Qualification
Congratulations to ICdt FS Shaw, Cdt Cpl Barker, Cdt Cpl Rolfe, Cdt Lloyd and Cdt Smith who are the first cadets at 481 Sqn to achieve the new Youth First Aid qualification.
9/4/09 - Sqn Closed over Easter
Due to the majority of our cadets attending Easter Swynnerton camp, the Squadron will be closed on Tuesday 14th April and will re-open on Thursday 16th April, which will be a sports night.
29/1/09 - Cdt Smith A Joining the Forces
Tonight is the last night for Cdt Andy Smith as he is leaving 481 Sqn to join the Royal Air Force as an Aircraft Technician (Mechanical).
The Sqn wishes Andy all the best and we all look forward to him coming back to the Sqn to pass on his experiences.
11/12/08 - Sqn Closed for Xmas & New Year
The Squadron is now closed for Xmas and New Year and will reopen on 6th January 2009.
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year from all at 481!
23/11/08 - Fundraising Evening A Huge Success
481 Sqn held a curry and quiz night on Saturday to help raise funds for the Squadron. The event was a massive success and raised nearly £600 for the Squadron.
A huge thank you to everybody involved in organising and running the event.
10/11/08 - 481 Sqn in Express & Star
Following successful participation in the annual Sandwell Festival of Remembrance on Sunday, the Sqn have appeared in today's Express & Star, including a photo of the Guard of Honour.
7/11/08 - 481 Sqn Taking Part in Remembrance Sunday
481 Sqn will be attending the Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Dartmouth Park in West Bromwich on the morning of the 9th of November. Also, in the evening we will performing our traditional Guard of Honour as part of the Festival of Remembrance at West Bromwich Town Hall.
Join us to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today and to reflect on the sacrifices made by our brave Service men and women. The morning parade forms up in Walsall Street at 10.40am and the doors open for the evening festival at 7pm.
6/11/08 - CI Beasley Commissioned
CI Beasley has been commissioned into the RAFVR(T) and is now an Officer Cadet. Off Cdt Beasley takes over as Squadron Adjutant. Congratulations from the rest of the Squadron.
28/10/08 - Bonfire Party
481 Sqn will be attending the annual bonfire party organised by 1047 Sqn on 4th November. Dress is civvies and the van leaves the Sqn at 7pm.
3/10/08 - Jumper Order
Due to the noticeable drop in temperature, the Sqn will be in jumper order as from 7/10/08.
26/9/08 - Cdt Rolfe Promoted
Following a good performance as an Acting Corporal and an award of Best Cadet at annual camp, Cdt Rolfe has been promoted to Corporal. Well done, Cpl Rolfe!
5/9/08 - Bronze D of E Qualifying Expedition Postponed
Due to the torrential rain that has deluged Western England for the last 24 hours, the bronze D of E qualifying expedition due to take place this weekend has been postponed.
The expedition has been rescheduled for next weekend, 13-14 September.
25/8/08 - 481 Sqn Open Evening
We will be holding an open evening on Thursday 4th September for parents/guardians and potential cadets who wish to visit 481 Sqn, meet the staff and find out what the Air Training Corps and 481 Sqn in particular has to offer.
The evening will start at 7pm and our location can be found on the Contact the Squadron page.
12/8/08 - 481 Sqn Recruiting at the Sandwell Community Show
After a quiet summer program, we will be expanding our numbers by recruiting at the Sandwell Community Show. The Sandwell Community Show is held over the August Bank Holiday (Sunday 24th and Monday 25th) and is said to be the biggest free council organised show in the country.
We will be at the show at Sandwell Valley Country Park on both days so please come and visit our tent.
12/8/08 - Sqn Closed for Summer Break
481 Sqn will be closed for a summer break from tonight and will re-open on 2nd September. Swynnerton, Annual Camp and the Sandwell Community Show will be taking place as normal during the break.
18/5/08 - 481 Cadet Represents Wing at Athletics
ICdt Cpl Frazer took part in the Wales & West Regional Athletics Competition at DCAE Cosford as part of the Staffordshire Wing team. The senior team were narrowly beaten into second place by Merseyside Wing.
However, Cpl Frazer won gold in the shot and 4 x 100m relay competitions, and won silver in the discus. Well done to Cpl Frazer, who will receive a Wing Blue and will go on to represent Wales & West Region at the Corps Athletics.
30/4/08 - 481 Cadet to Represent Wing at Athletics
Following the Wing Athletics competition, ICdt Cpl Frazer has been selected to represent the Wing at the long jump, shot and discus events at the Regional Athletics competition at DCAE Cosford on 18th May. Well done to Cpl Frazer, who is representing the Wing at athletics for the second year running.
28/4/08 - 481 Cadets Represent Sqn at Athletics
Well done to ICdt Sgt Shaw, ICdt Cpl Frazer, Cdts Barker, Smith A, Rolfe, Rosevear and P Ashall, who represented the Sqn at the Wing Athletics competition at DCAE Cosford on 27th April.
10/4/08 - ASgt Greensmith Promoted
With effect from 23 Feb 08, ASgt Greensmith has been promoted to AFS.
25/3/08 - Frazer passes Leadership Course
During Easter Swynnerton camp, ICdt Cpl Frazer took part in the Swynnerton Leadership Course. The course is one of the more difficult courses so well done to Cpl Frazer, who passed with flying colours.
25/3/08 - Cadets take part in Easter Swynnerton
Cadets from 481 took part in the Easter Swynnerton camp over the Easter weekend. Cdts Smith A, Smith K and Barker took part in various adventure training activities and a good time was had by all.
18/3/08 - Sqn Shutdown for Easter
Due to Cadets and staff attending Easter Swynnerton Camp, the Sqn is now closed for Easter and will reopen on 27th March.
16/3/08 - 481 Cadets Represent Wing at Soccer
ICdt Sgt Shaw and ICdt Cpl Frazer joined Cadets from across Staffordshire Wing to represent the Wing at the inter-Wing soccer competition.
Staffordshire Wing powered their way to the final, only to be beaten at the final hurdle. Well done to both, who will receive Wing Blues for their efforts.
Frazer and Shaw may still be selected to represent Wales & West Region at the inter-Region soccer competition. Fingers crossed!
12/1/08 - 481 Cadets to Represent Wing at Soccer
Cadets from 481 took part in the Staffordshire Wing senior soccer trials and ICdt Sgt Shaw and ICdt Cpl Frazer have been selected to represent the Wing at the inter-Wing competition on 16th March. Well done to both!