1248 (Prudhoe) Squadron

Wandering through a small village wearing water proofs and a pair of washing up gloves was not the way we planned on spending our Saturday, but mining is a strange experience.

 “When we entered the mine, we were surprised how warm it was- and how dark without our torches.” We all agreed that although it was wet, dark and small- it was weirdly beautiful. Small stalactites littered the ceiling, and we learnt lots about the mine. It used to be mined for iron, but now has barely any iron left. As we walked/ crawled through, we saw all the rocks thrown aside by miners, also called ‘deads’. But it was right at the end that we got a bit of a shock with the water rising up past our boots! We managed to get muddy, wet and tired- but learnt a lot and had a fun morning exploring a mine.

By Cdt Whitehead

The cadets from 1248 squadron arrived in Prudhoe early on Sunday the 8^th November to pay their respects to the fallen.  The long parade in Prudhoe marched through the streets respectfully, and the two minutes silence along with lowering of the flags, happened at 11.00.

After the silence, the cadets went into the church and remembered the heroes.  Other organisations that were participating in the service were the local scouts and guiding associations, and Army cadets. The national anthem was sung inside the church, along with traditional hymns.  Also, there were several extracts from the bible read out by various people, including a sea cadet and an army cadet.

Once the church service was over, thecadets moved on to Stargate where they held a second minute’s silence with the locals. Poppies were laid in each location.

It was a sombre occasion, but remembrance has been heartfelt in two areas nearby to the squadron, and that is what it is all about.

Who on Earth would choose to do a cross country race in the middle of November?  This was exactly what Purdy, Whitehead, Allsop and Dyne were thinking as they prepared to run on Sunday the 22^nd.

These four cadets, along with Flight Sergeant Cornbill, Sergeant Levee and Mr. Walker braved the elements in order to try and win some points for 1248 squadron, and that they did.

Dyne’s race (under 17 men) started first, where he came a respectable 32^nd. Next were the 13 – 15 girls.  The competitors in this race were Whitehead and Allsop, who managed to get an amazing 3^rd (Allsop) and 4^th (Whitehead). Finally it was Purdy’s turn to run (13 – 15 boys). He came 49^th- not bad considering he had been waiting in the freezing cold for over two hours!

All four cadets managed to complete the course, so although they were glad to get back into the warmth, it was a good day.

By Cdt Whitehead