90-Speke Squadron ATC

🥇 DofE Gold Achieved 🥇

Huge congratulations to two of our incredible cadets from 90 (Speke) Squadron who have officially achieved their Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award - the highest level of the programme and a truly outstanding accomplishment.

To reach Gold, Eleanor & Michael Boden dedicated themselves to:

👋 Volunteering in their community for 12+ months
🏸 Developing a new skill over an extended period
🏃‍♀️ Committing to regular physical training
⛺ Completing a challenging four-day, three-night expedition
📆 Taking part in a Residential, spending five days away from home with new people, pushing their independence and confidence

This is a journey that takes commitment, resilience, leadership and grit — and they’ve shown all of that in abundance.

The ceremony is a formal celebration recognising the years of commitment, service, and personal growth. Every Gold Award holder is invited to attend a special celebration event at a Royal Palace, hosted by a member of the Royal Family.

We couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved and the example they set for every cadet in our squadron.

Just another parade night...

Rounders practice & DofE prep!

Another busy night as 90 split between our squadron & 1913 as the DofE prep continues.

Cadets on squadron got stuck into flight simulator, Blue Leadership & Initial Expedition Training (IET)

✈️ 90 Speke Gliding High ✈️

While some of the squad were smashing it at Athletics, our other cadets were literally flying high this weekend 🚀

Every cadet got two gliding flights, and they absolutely loved it — huge smiles all round.

Special shoutouts to:
✨ Cpl Cleverley - recommended for Bronze Wings
✨ Sgt Parker - recommended for Silver Wings

If you’re new to RAFAC gliding, here’s the vibe:

Bronze = you’ve nailed the basics — controls, lookout, pre‑flight checks, and handling the aircraft safely.

Silver = you’re levelling up — stronger manoeuvres, smooth turns, accurate approaches, and deeper flight knowledge.

Both take skill, focus and proper determination — and our cadets brought all of it.
Massive well done to everyone who represented 90 Speke on land and in the air this weekend 💙

🏅 90 (Speke) Squadron – Merseyside Wing Athletics Competition

Our cadets showed up, stepped up, and brought the competition today at the Merseyside Wing Athletics event.

For most of them, this was their first ever athletics meet — and some even competed in events they’d never tried before. That didn’t stop them. They pushed themselves, backed each other, and represented 90 with pride, grit, and proper squadron spirit.

And they didn’t just take part… they brought home medals. A lot of them.

🥇 Medal Results

Overall Girls - 3rd place
Girls A - First Place
Boys B – Third Place
Boys B Relay – Gold
800m Girls A – Gold - Cdt Fargher
200m Boys B – Gold - Cpl Stanford
800m Boys B – Silver - Cpl Stanford
Long Jump Girls A – Bronze - Cdt Fargher
High Jump Girls A - Bronze - Cdt Lefebure
High Jump Boys B – Bronze - Cdt Vengesayi
Javelin Girls B – Silver - FS Nisbet

Every single cadet gave everything they had. Whether they medalled or not, they showed courage, teamwork, and the willingness to try something new - and that’s what makes 90 (Speke) Squadron proud.

Bringing Merseyside Wing to attention on final parade was our very own FS Nisbet as requested by Warrant Officer Hafford.

Bring on the next challenge 💪

📣 We are incredibly proud to announce that Flight Sergeant Nisbet has been awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the Regional Commandant North for her exceptional actions during a real‑world medical emergency.

Recently, while travelling home from school, FS Nisbet’s sister suffered a sudden medical episode in the car. With her dad driving and the situation escalating quickly, FS Nisbet’s First Aid training immediately kicked in. She asserted herself with calm authority, ensured her sister was safe and comfortable, and then contacted the ambulance service, guiding them to their location.

Her composure, confidence, and quick thinking made a genuine difference when it mattered most.

📜 What is a Certificate of Recognition?

A Certificate of Recognition is one of the hardest commendations to earn within the RAF Air Cadets. It is awarded only when a cadet demonstrates exceptional conduct, courage, or skill in a real‑life situation — the kind of actions that go far beyond normal expectations.

These certificates are rare, and receiving one from the Regional Commandant North is a testament to the significance of FS Nisbet’s actions.

FS Nisbet has not only done her sister proud, but she has shown the very best of what it means to be an Air Cadet. Her professionalism, bravery, and level‑headed response make her a credit to 90 (Speke) Squadron.

Well done, Flight Sergeant.

Your squadron stands proudly behind you.

Thank you for the presentation OC Merseyside Wing RAFAC

Commandant Air Cadets

90 (Speke) Squadron – Annual Inspection Success!

Tonight we welcomed the OC Merseyside Wing RAFAC for our Annual Inspection, and our cadets rose to the occasion with confidence, enthusiasm, and professionalism.

To showcase the breadth of what we do at 90, cadets delivered a series of interactive activities, including:

🧭 DofE Route Card Planning
Working alongside 1913 Squadron, cadets demonstrated how they prepare safe, well‑structured expedition routes — from navigation to contingency planning.

🚑 CASSIM (Casualty Simulation)
A hands-on look at high‑pressure first‑aid scenarios, giving cadets the chance to show their ability to assess, react, and support casualties in realistic emergency situations.

✈️ Flight Simulator
Cadets put their aviation knowledge to the test, demonstrating aircraft handling, situational awareness, and communication skills.

🛫 Flying Ops Syllabus
A deep dive into the operational side of RAF flying — from procedures to safety and mission planning.

🎵 Music Badge Assessment
Cadets working toward their music qualifications showcased their progress, discipline, and talent.

Every cadet represented the squadron brilliantly. Their teamwork, confidence, and commitment made 90 (Speke) Squadron incredibly proud.

Commandant Air Cadets

🌄 Weekend Walk Vibes: 1913 Knotty Ash x 90 Speke Take on The Roaches

Over the weekend, cadets from 1913 (Knotty Ash) Squadron and 90 (Speke) Squadron levelled up with a stunning day walk between Tittesworth & Gradbach, taking in The Roaches and the legendary Lud’s Church. And honestly… the weather was chef’s kiss.

Two groups. One route. Pure determination. Zero drama.

✨ A little lore drop (because Lud’s Church is basically Middle‑earth IRL)
Lud’s Church is a deep, moss‑covered chasm carved by a massive landslip in the gritstone. Step inside and the temperature drops, the light dims, and suddenly you’re in a place that feels like elves should be whispering from the shadows.

It’s said to have been a secret worship spot for the Lollards in the 1400s — a hidden sanctuary tucked away from the world.

Some even believe it inspired scenes from Sir Gawain and the Green Knight… which is peak fantasy energy.

If Tolkien had seen it, he’d have written three more chapters.

💪 The Cadets? They SMASHED it.
From the physical graft to the navigation challenges, every cadet stepped up. Whether leading legs, pacing, map‑reading, or keeping morale high, they proved they’re more than ready for their Bronze DofE expedition.

Two squadrons. One mission. Big teamwork. Big resilience. Big win.

Proud is an understatement.

Last parade night, 1913 Knotty Ash joined forces with 90 Speke to collaboratively plan for their Duke of Edinburgh Expedition.

Lots of energy & excitement in the room as the cadets got stuck in to catching with each other & planning their routes!

🏑 INTER SQUADRON HOCKEY — 90 SPEKE’S SPIRIT ON FULL DISPLAY 🏑

Huge credit to our cadets today — the energy, teamwork and determination on that pitch were brilliant from the first whistle. You represented 90 (Speke) Squadron with real pride and commitment.

We didn’t come away with any trophies this time, and a few results didn’t go our way. But even in the tougher moments, nobody let their heads drop. You kept pushing, kept communicating, and kept showing exactly what resilience looks like.

Stepping out of your comfort zone is where growth happens, and every single one of you did that today. We’re proud of the effort, the attitude, and the progress.

Now we reset, refocus… and we’ll be back for athletics stronger than ever. 💙💪