Squadron enters cyber space revolution.

As you may be aware our squadron has had no presence on the ‘Information Super Highway’ but all this is about to change. The Squadron has recently spent a lot of money on equipment to allow us to have our presence on the Web.

We are now proud to announce our website which has already generated 4 potential recruits for cadets and 1 potential recruit for a staff member. We hope to continue this success by continuously developing the web site and targeting more young people around our communities. What’s even better is the website and newsletters are created during project time by our very own Cadets.

We would also like to promote our new monthly newsletter ‘IN – TOUCH’ which will be a communication designed to keep parents and local organisations ‘In Touch’ with events, news and success stories at 888 (Oldbury) Sqn. ‘IN – TOUCH’ will be an E-Newsletter, this means the newsletter will be sent out via E-Mail only, this will help us save money on printing and paper and allow us to spend more on training and projects with the Cadets. To sign up to our monthly news letter please email pr@888sqn.org.uk or visit www.888sqn.org.uk.

We will also be launching a Quarterly magazine, this will be published in paper format and distributed to Cadets to hand out to parents. This will be an in depth version of the monthly newsletter giving a more detailed view of life over the last quarter at 888 Oldbury.

Visit us at http://www.888sqn.org.uk

Auction Success!
Saturday 31st March saw 888 (Oldbury) Squadron hold its first ever Charity Auction event. The event attracted around 80 people, both related to the squadron, and some who were just out to lend a valuable hand. Special guest Jeremy Thorton, Managing Director of Buddle and Webb Auctioneer, agreed to be the auctioneer for the night, free of charge, and set about riling up the guests into a mad spending frenzy.

Auction Lots such as Paint balling, Electric Scooter, Scuba Diving, Safari Park Tickets and the main item the giant Winnie the Pooh bear brought in £100's of pounds. Altogether, 40 auctioned items, a raffle, and ticket money, raised a estimated total of over £2500. Even the cadets got in on the act, with a group of cadets led by Sgt Williams stealing the 2nd of two Scuba Diving experiences from under another bidder’s nose.

There was also a magnificent buffet laid out by staff and committee of 888, with over a 150 loaves and cobs donated by Kingsmill Bakeries. All in all, an amazing night was had by all, and of course, the night was extremely beneficial to the squadron.

Commanding Officer, Flight Lieutenant Greg Elwell, would like to say…

'It was an amazing atmosphere. With over £2500 raised to go towards a new squadron vehicle, we are extremely grateful for everyone’s participation in making the night a success. Just a big thank you to everyone for their generosity!'

Will Flt-Sgt Taylor ever leave us?

No Need to panic we don’t make a habit of tying up cadets, this is a special occasion. Ryan Taylor has been a cadet at this unit for over 5 years and has now become too old to continue his service as a cadet in the Air Training Corps.

Don’t despair, we will not be losing Ryan as he is going to stay with the unit as Civilian Instructor, it is going to be difficult for Ryan to make this transition but I am sure he will adapt to his new role and make a positive influence on the Squadron.

May I take this opportunity to thank Ryan for all his hard work and dedication to the unit whilst he has been a Cadet welcome him into his new role as Civilian Instructor.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Presentation Evening 2007

Yes it is that time of year again where we as Staff give recognition out to all our Cadets who have worked hard throughout the previous year at the squadron. This is a semi-formal event held at Hotshots Snooker Club in Langley. There will be a buffet provided on the night and cadets are free to invite family and friends.

Swynerton Camp 2007

I am sorry to say Swynerton Camp this year will not be going ahead. I apologise for this, but don’t be sad we will be having another camp soon

Watch this space…

Please email your request to receive these monthly newsletters to pr@888sqn.org.uk or visit www.888sqn.org.uk or alternatively send a letter to:

Public Relations
888 (Oldbury) Sqn
c/o 197 Clydesdale Tower
Holloway Head
Birmingham
B1 1UJ