London Air Cadets recently found themselves in the cells at Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the “The Old Bailey”.

However, much to the relief of Wing Commander Sylvie Silver, Officer Commanding London Wing, the 30 Cadets and Staff were fortunate that their visit was purely for educational reasons to learn about the history and modern function of the Court.

The cadets attended as guests of Mr Charles Henty, who is Secondary of London and Under Sheriff and High Bailiff of Southwark, as well as the man who makes everything tick in the Old Bailey.

The Old Bailey occupies the site of the main Roman West Gate to the ancient City of London which was renamed New Gate in the 12th century. Until the late 18th century up to 50,000 prisoners were sent west from this site on carts for hanging at Tyburn (now at the far end of Oxford Street). From then until 1868 hangings took place in public outside Newgate.

Both Newgate prison and the nearby Sessions House were demolished in 1902 and on the site the present building was built, designed by E W Mountford and opened by King Edward VII in February 1907. The two Sheriffs of London reside at the Old Bailey during their year in office in recognition of their 1,000-year-old role in supervising law and order.

After being taken inside the famous Court number 1, the cadets were given a captivating talk by Mr Henty about his daily working life, the history of the building, and also a riveting insight into the types of trials which are heard at the court.

The Cadets were given a chance to find out what it feels like to stand in the same dock in Court number 1 where famous murderers Dr Crippen, the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, and Muswell Hill murderer Dennis Nilsen once stood.

Following the experience of standing in the Dock, the cadets were then lead to the main halls of the Central Criminal Court, where all were surprised by the grandeur of it, with artwork scaling the marble walls and ceilings providing a surprisingly bright and colourful environment in a building where serious and in many cases unpleasant issues are dealt with!

The Cadets were shown around the prisoners cells (being warned first against closing the cell doors behind them as they might be stuck there until the morning!), whilst learning about many more intriguing cases dealt with at the court as well as various other goings on, including the tale of one man who tried to enter into the building pretending to be wearing a jacket full of explosives! A rare exception of someone trying to get in rather than out, of the Old Bailey!

Before the Cadets departed they were shown where and how criminals are transported and processed while at the Court as well as the security measures taken whilst doing so.

The tour ended in Court 19, which is one of the more modern courts where the cadets learnt more about how different trials are treated. Overall, this rare opportunity (which is not open to the general public, and truly is invitation only) was certainly not one to be missed, with a clear fascination about all that they learnt being very evident amongst all cadets in attendance, who were pleased their visit was pleasure only!

The YOU London network enabled an Air Cadet from 1475 (Dulwich) Squadron in London to attend a walking group leaders course which was being run by the Volunteer Police Cadets.

The course, which took place in North Wales over a 3 day period, is an outdoor hill waking course which allows those qualified to lead a group of cadets in non-mountainous hilly terrain in the UK.

“Achieving this qualification will help me develop the younger cadets on my Squadron” commented Cadet Warrant Officer Stephen Coulstock, adding “expedition walking is a large component of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program, so I am really excited to be able to assist the Squadron in running these activities!”

The course teaches group management, navigation, emergency procedures, access and conservation and remote supervision.  As a nationally recognised qualification, it means Stephen can now also lead any group – not just cadets!

“As a member of the Air Training Corps I am not used to working with members from the Volunteer Police Cadets but through the new initiative YOU London it is now easier than ever for uniformed youth organisations to work together to improve our collective experience and knowledge which is ultimately of benefit to the young people of London” said Stephen.

Group Captain Dave Lee, Officer Commanding Number 1 Elementary Flying School (EFTS) paid a flying visit to 614 (Wethersfield) Volunteer Gliding Squadron (VGS) to present “gold” solo wings to 2 Air Cadets from London Wing on successful completion of their gliding scholarship courses.

The scholarship gives cadets up to 40 launches and for those who show the necessary aptitude, will result in the individual “going solo” and flying the aircraft on their own for a circuit around the airfield!

No1 EFTS is based Royal Air Force Cranwell and is responsible for fixed wing elementary flying training for pilots of all 3 of the UK Armed Forces and for pilots from some overseas countries. Recently, it also became accountable to the RAF for all Volunteer Gliding Squadrons.

On presenting the awards to the Cadets, Group Captain Lee said; “my congratulations go out not just to the cadets that attended the course and went solo in such a short time, but also to the instructors and staff of 614 VGS whose dedication and skill enabled such achievement. Going solo is a pivotal moment for anyone regardless of whether they continue to pursue a career in aviation, and the work that the VGSs do in developing maturity and self-confidence in our young people should not be underestimated.”

614 VGS is based in Essex and operates the winch-launched Viking T1 glider, giving  Cadets an experience of gliding, plus qualifications such as gliding scholarships and advanced glider training.

Squadron Leader George Capon, Officer Commanding 614 VGS, also present to see the newest pilots “badged” said; “a great team effort was made by all to ensure everyone achieved the aim of solo flight despite the weather trying to stop them on several occasions!”

Corporal Taufio Alwan (19) from 282 (East Ham) Squadron said at the end of the 9 day course; “My time at Wethersfield was very special. It was an intense course, but the staff were great and with their help we all passed. Everyone went solo and for some that was even before being able to drive! It was an experience of a lifetime and everyone loved it.” All of the cadets on the course achieved a solo flight and for some, they were able to use the time towards the skill or residential sections for their Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

London Wing Cadets on the course were Corporal Taufio Alwan 282 (East Ham) Squadron and Cadet Kenneth Kangethe 2048 (Dagenham) Squadron.

Four Teams from London Wing units,  241 (Wanstead and Woodford) and 1838 (Elm Park) Squadron’s attended the Inter Service Cadet Rifle Meet (“ISCRM”) which took place on the 08 to 11 July 2010 at the National Shooting Centre in Bisley. This is the most prestigious shooting event of the cadet calendar and saw 125 Teams from the Sea, Army and Air Cadets competing for the Cadet 100 Award and other trophies. In addition there were teams present from the Canadian and Australian Cadet Forces.

The Cadet 100 is awarded to the top 100 shots of the competition, out of the around 500 cadets firing in the event. The L81 7.62 Target Rifle is used at ranges of 300, 500 and 600 yards, and the cadets also shot in the Bisley V Competition at 900 and 1000 yards.

This year, 2 cadets from 241 (Wanstead and Woodford) Squadron qualified for the Cadet 150. This is a special award to celebrate the 150 anniversary of the cadet forces, with Cpl Raj coming 79th and Sgt Ischt 107th out of 500 top firers. Whilst down on last years awards, 9 of the 12 team members were new to the ISCRM and fired solid performances which bodes well for 2011 competitions.

“The cadets have been working really hard in the lead up to the Inter Service Cadet Rifle Meet. We have some really dedicated teams which is reflected in the results which were achieved despite in most cases, this being their first compeitiontive shoot at this level of competiton.” said Flight Lieutenant Chris White of 1838 (Elm Park) Squadron

Overall the A Team came 24th out of 125 teams, and 9th out of all the Air Cadet teams which were present. Special mention should be made of Cadet Flight Sergeant Alexandra Dutch, (a Cadet 100 participant from the 2009 ISCRM) who, although too old to shoot, was back on the range coaching the C Team, a task she rose to in her customary style.

The A Team Coach Adult Volunteer Civilian Instructor Dave Grant was 9^th overall all the attending members of staff and 6^th our of all Air Cadet Adult Volunteers in the Staff Shoot.

Squadron Leader Jerry Godden, Officer Commanding 241 (Wanstead and Woodford) Squadron, commented “Marksmanship goes a long way back in the history of Air Cadets and is one of our most popular activities. We teach cadets how to concentrate on distant targets and fire with consistent accuracy. This is harder than it sounds It’s not easy. It requires focus, agility and a very steady hand.

More importantly we teach cadets to handle a variety of weapons in a safe and disciplined fashion as well as helping them to carry on with competition shooting all the way up to Olympic standard if they wish.”

Wing Commander Sylvie Silver, Officer Commanding London Wing stated “This is another example of the excellent work undertaken our Squadrons and most importantly the effort and determination of our Adult Volunteers, without whom we would never be able to achieve as much as we do. Congratulations go to 241 (Wanstead and Woodford) and 1838(Elm Park) Squadron’s for doing so well in the Competitions at this years Inter Service Cadet Rifle Meet.”