the members of the RoyalCorps of Music, the resultswere declared as follows;

Full Band: 114 (Ruislip) SqnPercussion:86 (Heston & Isleworth) SqnFanfare: 135 (Reigate & Redhill) SqnEnsemble: 2236 (Stanmore) SqnSolo Bugler: Cdt Freeman 2316(Sheppey) Sqn

LASER’s annual BandCompetition took place atRAF Uxbridge in October2005. 6 Bands totallingsome 90 cadet musicians,from across the region,brought their combinedskills into a highlycompetitive event.Independently judged by

RAF Uxbridge alive withThe Sound of Music

Annual Camp ProgrammeResounding Success

LASER NEWSJournal of the Air Cadet Headquarters London and South East Region

Winter 2005In this issue

Commandant’s Christmas Message

New Officer Commanding forMiddlesex Wing

Middlesex Cadets Support LeukaemiaResearch 2

Sussex Air Cadets meet the Legend

London hounours it’s finest

Sussex Wing Band at VE/VJ DayCelebrations 3

Son Awards his Father’s Cadet ForcesMedal

LASER Wins Greater London’sElworthy Competition

LASER Appoints First Hindu Adviser forAir Cadets 4

Sussex Cadets deploy at ShorehamAirshow 2005

Royal Engagement for Shoreditch at theMalta Siege Memorial

Long-distance for Lewisham 5

Regional Padre’s Christmas Message

Regional Padre’s MAF trip to Tanzania

Sussex Air Cadets Parade ThroughChichester 6

Three LASER Wings in the top ten in2004/04 Gillan Trophy Competition

Michael does the loop and wins 7

Double Honour for a Music Master

High Achievement for Bill

‘Selfless’ VR(T) Officer Recognised 8

Laser’s 2005 campprogramme has beendeclared a resoundingsuccess. From St Athan toAkrotiri, and from Cosfordto Rheindahlen, cadetsenjoyed an exciting andvaried camp programmeincluding flying, gilding,adventure training, targetshooting and many otherleisure activities.The annual programme supported byour parent service through 14 UKRAF Stations and 3 overseas basescovered the Easter, Summer and

Autumn periods. Many of the 50annual camps even managed to getinvolved in local community goodwillprojects. Every Camp Commandantreported on the high levels ofsuccess and particularly commentedon the extraordinary support andcommitment they received from thestation staff. Despite the manyoperational constrains,Air Cadet Liaison teams ensured thatevery possible facility was madeavailable to the cadets.

Over 1800 LASER cadetsrepresenting 27% of LASER’s totalcadet strength took up the camp

places. The camps were alsosupported by over 250 volunteerstaff from LASER Region.The chanceto see the RAF at work also affordedthe cadets, work experienceopportunities, many of which wererelevant to their school educationprogramme.

The Regional Commandant, Gp CaptLes Hakin, in his tour of the Summercamps, visited RAF Coningsby tomeet and thank RAF personnel fromall sections who were supporting theprogramme. He also took theopportunity to visit personnel in FastJet and Weapons Operational

Drill & Music in Supreme Harmony - 114 Ruislip Sqn Band

Annual Camp ProgrammeResounding Success

Regional Commandant, flanked by CO Admin Wing meeting the RAF Coningsby Personnel

RAF Uxbridge alive withThe Sound of Music

Evaluation Unit whose work includesthe Eurofighter. Commenting onthe year’s success the RegionalCommandant said,“ I can’t thankenough the station personnel fortheir enthusiastic support of the AirCadets camp programme”.

New Officer Commanding forMiddlesex Wing

LASER NEWS2

Commandant’s Christmas Message2005 brought many highprofile successes in theRegion. Dacre Sword,Elworthy Trophy, toname but two. Manysuccesses can beattributed to goodteamwork. There is noshortage of good teamsin L &SE Region. Ourcadets also excel inmany importantactivities within theircommunities, which isan excellent reflection oftheir citizenshiptraining.

The activities of the ATC,despite RAF base closures andparent service manpower cuts;from gilding, and flying, throughsports and adventure training

to the Duke of Edinburgh’sAward all help to maintain theATC as the UK’s premier YouthOrganisation.

The excellent personal qualitiesdisplayed by our air cadets is inno small measure due to thehardwork, devotion to duty,

dedication, example and loyaltyof the Region’s RAFVR(T)Officers,Adult NCOs, CIs andCivilian Committee members.Your training, discipline andleadership ensures that thecadets can realise their truepotential. I commend you all.

I would also like to thank allLASER staff and cadets fortheir loyalty, support andhardwork during this last year.

May I close this short messageby wishing all of you, and yourloved ones, a Happy Christmasand a safe New Year.

LASER

L.Hakin OBE RAFRRegional Commandant

New Officer Commanding forMiddlesex WingWing Commander IanDavison, took commandof Middlesex Wing on11th September 2005.

He joins LASER after a tour ofduty as Special Projects Officerwith HQAC. His project workincluded the Air Cadet 2000,delivery phase of Defence 2000,HM Golden Jubilee Review atPortsmouth and as inauguralCamp Commandant role atRamstein Air Base in 2004.

Wg Cdr Davison wascommissioned into RAF VR(T) in1978, after a successful cadetservice ,as Training Officer at1075 (Camberley) SquadronSurrey Wing. Promoted directlyto Flight Lieutenant in 1980,WgCdr Davison commanded, 1075

Squadron, 1268 (Haslemere) Sqn,48F (Hampstead) and 2317(Harlow) Sqn, after which he wasseconded to Wing Staff to co-ordinate the then East EssexWing’s celebration of the Corps’Golden Jubilee in 1991. His otherStaff duties included GlidingLiaison, and CorporateCommunications.

Promoted to Squadron Leader in1997,Wing Commander Davisonassumed the duties of DeputyWing Commander andoverseeing the highly successfulstaff development programme.He was a Corps representative inthe Royal British Legion Festivalof Remembrance Muster at theRoyal Albert Hall in 1982. Hewas awarded the Commandant’sCommendation for “highly

meritorious service” (2000).Wing Commander Davisonmarried Kim (nee Tunaley) in June1984. They have one daughter,Helen.

Wg Cdr Ian Davison

1374 [East Barnet] Sqn ATC – gettingon their bikes

MiddlesexCadetsSupportLeukaemiaResearchAir cadets from 1374[East Barnet] Sqn ATCrecently completed a25mile ‘bike-a- thon’ in aid of LeukaemiaResearch.

After three hours in the saddle inthe hills of North London andSouth Hertfordshire, the Cadetsraised over £500 for the charity.

Sussex Wing Band at VE/VJ Day Celebrations

LASER NEWS 3

London hounours it’s finest Fifty London Wing AirCadets took part in thecommemorations tomark the 65thanniversary of thefamous Battle of Britainand the unveiling of thecapital’s lasting memorialfor the fallen.

Following a service atWestminster Abbey the cadetsattended the new Battle ofBritain Memorial at Victoriaembankment which wasunveiled by HRH The Prince ofWales in the presence of TheDuchess of Cornwall,Air Chief

Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, Chief ofthe Air Staff and some seventysurviving Battle of Britain pilots.After the unveiling, Lord Tebbit,Honorary President of 27F(Chigwell) Squadron Air Cadets,escorted the Royal party tointroduce some of theorganisers, surviving aircrew andtheir families.The Royal AirForce marked the occasion withan inspiring flypast with theiconic Spitfire and Hurricaneand a contrasting modern state-of the-art Eurofigher.

London Air Cadets meet a Battle ofBritain Veteran

Sussex Wing Band at VE/VJ Day CelebrationsSussex Wing Band MasterAWO Mike Jefferies hadevery reason to be proud.

The Band participated in theRoyal British Legion VE/VJ Daycelebrations in Brighton on 2 July.

Led by Cadet Flight SergeantFloyd, they took part in theCommemoration Service and theMassed Bands finale along withthe Minden Band of the Queens

Division.There was also anopportunity for them to givewhat was an outstanding displayof their musical and drill talentsto an audience of veterans andlocal people, even joining in animpromptu boogie with a veteranto the music of the swing bandJives Aces.

Sussex Wing Band at Brighton’s VE/VJCelebrations

100 Sussex cadets andstaff were recently invitedto attend theInternational Festival ofthe Sea in Portsmouth byRAF Careers Office.

Included in the contingent werecadets from 54 (Eastbourne)

Squadron, who had a memorableday, visiting the ships, exhibitions,combat displays and finding outmore about Admiral LordNelson, who famously signalledhis fleet the emotive words;

“ England expects every man todo his duty” 54(Eastbourne) Sqn members meet Lord Nelson at HMS Victory

Sussex Air Cadets meet the Legend

London hounours it’s finest

LASER Wins London’s RFCA Elworthy Competition

LASERAppointsFirstHinduAdviserfor AirCadets LASER has appointedthe Corps first HinduAdviser. RegionalCommandant presentedDr Tanaji Acharya, apriest of the Hindu faith,with his certificate ofappointment as AssistantWing Chaplain ofMiddlesex Wing.

Dr Tanaji's Terms of Referenceinclude a responsibility as Hinduadviser to the Region as well asto Middlesex Wing. RevChristopher Miles, RegionalChaplain said,“ Dr Tanaji is thefirst chaplain of a faith otherthan Christian to be appointedas a chaplain in the Air Cadets.We welcome him to workamongst us in the LASERRegion."

Dr Tanaji Acharya receives hisappointment From the Regional

Commandant

LASERAppointsFirstHinduAdviserfor AirCadets LASER has appointedthe Corps first HinduAdviser. RegionalCommandant presentedDr Tanaji Acharya, apriest of the Hindu faith,with his certificate ofappointment as AssistantWing Chaplain ofMiddlesex Wing.

Dr Tanaji's Terms of Referenceinclude a responsibility as Hinduadviser to the Region as well asto Middlesex Wing. RevChristopher Miles, RegionalChaplain said,“ Dr Tanaji is thefirst chaplain of a faith otherthan Christian to be appointedas a chaplain in the Air Cadets.We welcome him to workamongst us in the LASERRegion."

Dr Tanaji Acharya receives hisappointment From the Regional

Commandant

LASER NEWS4

Son Awards his Father’sCadet Forces MedalFlt Lt Mel Reeve,currently serving as aFighter Control Instructorat RAF Boulmer and anex cadet of308(Colchester) Sqnmade a surprise visit tothe Essex Wing camp atRAF Wittering to presenthis father Adult WarrantOfficer Russ Reeve of1207(Maldon) Sqn withhis Cadet Forces Medal.

AWO Reeve first joined 308 in1991 as a Civilian Instructorshortly after his son joined as aCadet, being appointed AdultWarrant Officer in Apr 92.AWOReeve is used to the uniformedlife as before joining the Corps

he was a member of REME TA.Presumably this was the time hedeveloped a liking for fieldconditions as he has played a

significant part in Essex Wing'sleadership and developmentcamps for many years.

LASER Wins London’s RFCA Elworthy Competition

241(Woodford) SquadronATC won the 2005Elworthy Trophy beatingeight other teams.

The trophy, awarded to the besttri-service cadet teamparticipating in a weekend ofgruelling competition including,1st Aid, drill, confidence course,command tasks and orienteeringtook place at Pirbright.Thepresentation of the trophy wasmade by Brigadier Mark DodsonMBE Deputy CommanderLondon District (Army)

LASER’s 241(Woodford) Sqn receivingtheir winners’ medals

Reeve’s family affair at Summer Camp – How cool is that?

Long-distance forLewisham

Royal Engagement for Shoreditch atthe Malta Siege Memorial

Sussex Cadets deploy atShoreham Airshow 2005

LASER NEWS 5

Air Cadets from 444(Shoreditch) Squadronrecently took part in a

memorial service toremember those involvedin the Malta Siege.

The President of Malta, Dr. EdwardFenech Adami inaugurated theMalta Siege Memorial in TrinityGardens in London an initiative ofthe George Cross IslandAssociation (GCIA). His RoyalHighness the Duke of Edinburgh,Patron of the GCIA, later laid awreath at the monument whichwas also attended by manydignitaries including the MalteseHigh Commissioner and civicdignitaries such as the DeputyLieutenant of Tower Hamlets, theLord Mayor of London, theMinister for Shipping, as well as

Ambassadors and HighCommissioners representing theAllied Nations involved in thesiege.

Cadet Flight Sergeant VanessaWade acted as a receiving guardfor the Duke of Edinburgh,Commodore-in-Chief of the AirCadet Organisation commented, ‘Iwas really nervous! It is noteveryday you get to meet amember of the Royal Family andcertainly not something I wouldbe doing if I wasn’t an Air Cadetin 444 Squadron.’

Royal Engagement for Shoreditch atthe Malta Siege Memorial

Sussex Cadets deploy atShoreham Airshow 2005 Members of Sussex Wingyet again played a majorpart in the ShorehamAirshow. Seen as anopportunity to say thankyou to RAFA for itssupport of the Air Cadets,such as Flying Scholarships,the two day Airshow alsogives Sussex Wing the

opportunity todemonstrate what life as avolunteer and an air cadetis all about, by its discipline,organisation and "can do"attitude.

The ability to swap from helping topark cars, assisting members of thepublic, helping out in the VIPenclosures, competing in arena

displays andprovidingmusicalentertainmentover the twodays is down tothe slick planning of anexperienced team of adult leaders.The Sussex Air Cadets talked tomany young visitors about all theopportunities available in Air

Training Corps.The staff alsomanned a Public Relationsmarquee exhibiting achievementsin the form of recent photographsand posters.

Sussex Wing Muster at Shoreham Air Show.

Long-distance forLewisham12 cadets from 1921(Lewisham) Squadronhave earned a well-earnedrest after completing theannual Spitfire March inFolkstone!

On Sunday 29th May 12 cadetstook part in the march, covering aroute of 27 km (approx 17 miles).The walkers started at around10am and finished at 4.45pm, aleisurely pace despite the pushing

encouragement from Cadet SgtNeil Shand. One or two cadetswere "old timers" however somehad never walked that far beforeso it was a good group time.Despite this only small blisterswere reported. In completing thewalk the cadets raisedsponsorship money for theSquadron - an estimated £400!Each cadet was awarded a medaland certificate on completion ofthe course.

Generation Mix! – Mr Baker, veteran of the Malta Siege meets 444 Sqn members

The walking team: (From left to right) Back - Sgt Shand, Cpl Thring, Cdt Dixon, F/SWheeler, Cdt Lane, Cdt Murphy B, Cdr Murphy N, Cdt Nixon Front – Cdt Partington, Cdt

Lakhrif, Cdt Cavendish

In the Summer issue ofLaser News we reportedthat our Region Padrejoined a team of 16volunteers, with a varietyof skills, to work withMission AviationFellowship (MAF) at theirmain operating base at

Dodoma, the capital ofTanzania in East Africa, fora period of three weeks.

On the team’s arrival at Dodoma,and after a briefing weekend, thevolunteers settle down to varieddaily duties, which always startedwith prayers in the MAF hangar.The team tackled some planed

and some unexpected tasks. Suchas stripping a Cessna 182 (4-seater) ready for a majoroverhaul, dealing with a grass fireon Dodoma airfield, re-decoratingand furbishing of new and olderguesthouses. Our padre wasresponsible for all the wiring withan assistant from the team.Members of the team also visitedan outreach location to see thesupport MAF renders to themedical work through a clinic inthe area.

If you would like to know moreabout MAF’s work in developing

counties around the world, or fora full report of his African tripplease contact Rev ChristopherMiles by E mail:cmiles@supanet.com

Regional Padre’sMAF trip to Tanzania

Sussex Air Cadets Parade Through Chichester

At our recent conferencefor Wing Chaplains in theRegion, Padre Andrew Jolly,

who is both a full time RAFChaplain and MiddlesexAssistant Wing Chaplain,

was telling us about hisexperience in Iraq duringthe Summer. Like allmilitary personnel, he worebody armour but, sincechaplains do not beararms, he had an armedescort when travelling offbase. He lived and workedwith those he was serving.

The chaplain’s role especially, in anoperational situation, is to be fullyidentified with those he or sheserves. I recently had the privilegeof joining a short-term volunteerteam working with MissionAviation Fellowship in Tanzania(reported below). We workedclosely with people there, includingwhen visiting a remote bush villagesleeping on the earth in a mudbrick hut.

If we wish to influence people forgood we have to be fully identifiedwith them. This is what God did insending his Son, Jesus to this earth

in human form (incarnation), beingborn as a baby. He was born in astable and often slept on the bareearth. He came as a ‘servant-king’.This is an example for us all. Wetruly influence people by beinginvolved with them, sharing in theirjoys and sorrows, seeking to serveothers, not from a lofty height butby close identification with them.

At this Christmas season let usremember and pray for all whothrough duty are away from homeincluding those serving withMission Aviation Fellowship, thosein the UK Armed Forces, especiallyin situations of danger like Iraq.Let us, ourselves, seek to followthe example of Jesus.

My prayer for you and yourfamilies is that you will have a trulyblessed Christmas.

Rev Christopher MilesRegion Chaplain

LASER

RegionalPadre’s

ChristmasMessage

RegionalPadre’s

ChristmasMessage

LASER NEWS6

Sussex Wing Air Cadets,under the command ofWing Commander MartinHaswell paraded the WingBanner throughChichester in July 05.

Over 200 cadets, Officers,AdultNCOs marched to ChichesterCathedral for a service led by theSussex Wing Chaplain,TheReverend S Kersley. The parade,held only once every six years,

gives the opportunity for aSenior Officer to inspect andmeet with staff and cadets. Thisyear's honoured guests includeGroup Captain Les Hakin OBE,RAFR, Regional Commandant, forthe London & South East RegionAir Cadets, Councillor RichardPlowman, Mayor of Chichesterand the Vice Lord Lieutenant ofEast Sussex - Mr Peter Field.

Wing Commander Haswell said,

"A great amount of hard workand preparation has gone intothe parade today, my personalthanks to every single personinvolved. Sussex Wing is gratefulto The Dean of Chichester,TheVery Reverend Nicholas Fraylingfor making the Cathedralavailable to us and also to thepeople of Chichester for allowingus to parade our Banner throughthe town today."

Sussex Air Cadets Parade Through Chichester

Regional Padre’sMAF trip to Tanzania

Sussex Wing Banner Party

Our Padre (Right) with other MAFvolunteers

Michael does theloop and wins

Three LASER Wings in thetop ten in 2004/05 GillanTrophy Competition

LASER NEWS 7

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Three LASER Wings in thetop ten in 2004/05 GillanTrophy CompetitionLASER’s Middlesex Wingwas placed 3rd in theACO’s Gillan Competition.

The trophy awarded annually tothe best all-round “Sports Wing”in the ATC, was own byMerseyside Wing. However,Surrey and Kent Wings were alsolisted in the top-ten out of the

total of 36 Wings. Thecompetition scoring is based onthe attainment of highest numberof points over the range of allATC “approved sports”-made upof basic and honour points. TheCommandant Air Cadets willshortly award a certificate ofmerit to Middlesex, Surrey andKent Wings.

WING Middlesex Surrey Kent Sussex London Essex

Scores 505 475 450 295 275 265

Position 3rd 6th 8th 27th 30th 31st

Michael does theloop and winsCadet Michael Pickin of2427 (Biggin Hill)Squadron won anaerobatic competition atHeadcorn Airfield.Michael performedaerobatic manoeuvresincluding theloop andquarter cloverto win thecompetition inSeptember thisyear.

His father is a flyingInstructor and anAerobatics Pilot atthe Tiger Club

where young Michael is amember. He wants to join theRAF when he leaves the AirCadets but as he is only 14, hisfather must fly with him until heis 17 and obtain his own privatepilots licence.

Cadet Michael Pickin – Reaching for the Stars!

“Selfless” VR(T) Officer Recognised

Flight Lieutenant WilliamHunt, the LASER’s Duke ofEdinburgh Officer wasawarded a City & Guildsdegree in Youth Managementand Training. Bill, who usuallyhelps young Air Cadetsachieve their Duke ofEdinburgh Awards foundhimself in the receiving end ofdegree from the Duke ofWestminster at a recentgraduation ceremony.

Commenting, on the first ever awardwithin the Air Cadets, Bill said,“I amvery pleased to be among the first inthe ACO to be awarded thisDiploma. It is rewarding that thework volunteer staff put into youthorganisations can now be formallyrecognised”.

The Duke, a Major General in theTerritorial Army and an Assistant

Chief of the Defence Staff, paidtribute to Bill’s outstanding work,particularly the contribution hemade in the production of a Good

Practice Guide on Duke ofEdinburgh Awards Scheme, whichhas been adapted by the Air CadetsOrganisation.

Bill receives his Degree from the Duke of Westminster

High Achievement for Bill

Double Honour fora Music Master

LASER NEWS8

Air Cadets Regional Headquarters

London South East RegionRAF NortholtRuislip MiddlesexHA4 6NGt. 020 8833 8278f. 020 8833 8391e: acr-lse-ao@atc.raf.mod.uk

• Editorial control retained byRegional Commandant LASER.

• All distribution inquiries toACRHQ LASER. Next issueMay 06 (submissions by 24March 06)

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• Views expressed in LASERNews are not necessarily thoseof ACO, RAF or the MOD.

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LASER WINGS-HEADQUARTERS

HQ Essex WingCarver BarracksWimbish, Saffron WaldenEssex CB10 2YAt. 01799 521447f. 01799 526925e. whq-essexao@atc.raf.mod.uk

HQ Kent WingYeomanry CottagesBoxley Lane, MaidstoneKent ME14 2ARt. 01622 754188f. 01622 686738e. whq-kentwao@atc.raf.mod.uk

HQ London Wing206 Brompton RoadKensingtonLondon SW3 3BQt. 020 7584 8914f. 020 7584 8156e. whq-londonao1@atc.raf.mod.uk

HQ Middlesex WingBuilding 148RAF UxbridgeMiddlesex UX10 0RZt. 01895 815622f. 01895 815368e.middxwgchfclk@uxbridge.raf.mod.uk

HQ Sussex Wing17 Broad StreetSeafordSussex BN21 1LSt. 01323 899900f. 01323 872348e. whq-sussexao@atc.raf.mod.uk

HQ Surrey Wing192 Merton RoadSouth WimbledonLondon SW19 1EGt. 020 8542 4893f. 020 8542 6462e. whq-surreyao@atc.raf.mod.uk

Double Honour fora Music MasterFlt Lt D Briant RAF VR (T)Rtd, formerly of 1312(Southend on Sea) Sqn,wasawarded the RegionalCommandant’s Certificate ofRecognition which he receivedfrom OC Essex Wing.

Flt Lt Briant also received an AirCadet Music Services Shield fromSqn Ldr Peter Slaney, CorpsDirector of Music in recognition ofhis contribution to Air Cadet Musicwith 1312 Squadron. Dave receives his Music Shield from the

Corps Director of Music

High Achievement for Bill

Flight Lieutenant NickWeston, OC 2187 (CanveyIsland) Squadron, has beenrecognised as one of theselfless volunteers of his localcommunity.

The Volunteer Awards, backed bythe Borough Council and the CastlePoint Association of VoluntaryServices (CAVS), were presented atRunnymede Hall in Thundersley,Essex, in early June 05. Castle Point’sMayor, Cllr Godfrey, presented themain award to Flight LieutenantNick Weston, for his 18 yearsservice in the Air Cadets. Nick’scitation reads, “he has providedthem, (the cadets), with countlessopportunities to go flying, gliding,adventure training camps andexpeditions overseas. He has runmany leadership and teamwork

courses for these young people andhas by personal exampleencouraged them to actively help inthe community.This has includedfundraising for charities like theRoyal British Legion Poppy Appeal,

the Royal Air Forces Wings Appeal,Leukaemia and cancer trusts.Through his leadership many youngpeople have been encouraged tofollow a better route in life”.

“Selfless” VR(T) Officer Recognised

Mayor of Castle Point, Cllr Isaacs with award winners including Flt Lt Nick Weston