1208 Warsop Squadron

As our final Volunteers’ Week recognition post, we want to say a huge thank you to our Civilian Committee, Ade, Dan, Sharon, Gael and Nicola.

They work hard behind the scenes to support the squadron in so many ways. From fundraising and administration to helping at events and making sure opportunities can continue to be provided for our cadets (and providing a cracking bacon and sausage buttie for Remembrance Sunday breakfast), they play a massive part in keeping the squadron running.

A lot of what they do is never really seen, but their support and commitment make a real difference to both the squadron and our cadets. Thank you for everything you do.

Unfortunately not everyone was available for photos, but we still wanted to recognise and thank the whole team for everything they do for the squadron.

For Volunteers’ Week, we’re recognising Sgt Prince, our Squadron Adjutant, for an incredible 15 years of service with the RAF Air Cadets.

Sgt Prince first joined the organisation in 2002 as a cadet, ageing out in 2008 and becoming a Civilian Instructor (CI) at 2326 Squadron spending a further 4 years in this role. Then after a 10 year break away from RAFAC, he returned to the organisation as a CI at 1208 Squadron, continuing his passion for supporting cadets and squadron life.

In 2024, he achieved one of his proudest RAFAC milestones by returning to uniformed service as a Sergeant. He now serves as our Squadron Adjutant, helping keep the squadron running smoothly behind the scenes.

Thank you, Sgt Prince, for your dedication, commitment and 15 years of service to the RAF Air Cadets.

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we’d like to recognise and thank Sgt Newton for her dedication and commitment to the RAF Air Cadets over the last 9 years.

Sgt Newton joined the RAF Air Cadets in 2017 and transferred to 1208 Squadron as a CWO in 2022. After aging out at the end of 2023, she took a short break before returning in 2024 as a Civilian Instructor. At the end of 2025, she became uniformed staff and has continued supporting cadets ever since.

She is currently the Squadron SNCO and leads recruit training, helping guide new cadets through the start of their RAFAC journey and supporting them as they develop confidence, skills, and discipline.

One of her proudest achievements within the RAF Air Cadets has been taking part in the Nijmegen Marches, demonstrating exceptional perseverance, teamwork, and dedication throughout the challenge.

Thank you for your continued hard work and support for our cadets and squadron.

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we’d like to also recognise and thank our newest member of the team, Sgt Nowakowski for his dedication and commitment to the RAF Air Cadets over the last 9 years.

Joining as a cadet in 2017, Sgt Nowakowski aged out as a CWO in 2024 before going straight into uniform as a CFAV on his 20th birthday. Having spent time at 384 Mansfield, 204 Lincoln, and 1238 North Hykeham before joining our squadron, he brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the team.

Sgt Nowakowski’s favourite memories in the RAF Air Cadets include flying in a Chinook and visiting RAF stations across the UK, but his biggest achievement is the positive impact he has on young people and seeing cadets develop valuable life skills and confidence.

Thank you for your continued hard work, dedication, and support for our cadets and squadron.

As part of Volunteers’ Week, we’d like to say a huge thank you to FS Taylor, our Officer in Charge, for her incredible dedication to the RAF Air Cadets over the last 19 years.

Starting as a cadet before returning as staff in 2014, going into uniform in 2017, and becoming OIC in 2022, FS Taylor has held a number of roles including Training Officer, Squadron SNCO, and Media Officer.

Alongside supporting the squadron, she also helps the wider Wing on courses and camps throughout the year and represents the RAF Air Cadets annually at RIAT as part of the Cadet Detachment.

Thank you for your continued hard work, commitment, and support for our cadets and squadron.

As it’s Volunteers’ Week, we just wanted to say a big thank you to all of our amazing volunteers at the squadron.

From our Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers who give up their evenings, weekends and holidays to support and guide our cadets, to our Civilian Committee who work hard behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly, we simply couldn’t do what we do without you.

Every parade night, activity, camp and opportunity our cadets get is only possible because of the time, effort and commitment our volunteers give so generously.

Thank you for everything you do for the squadron and our cadets. It really is appreciated by staff, cadets and parents alike.

Happy Volunteers’ Week!

🎉 Volunteers’ Week is just around the corner!

Next week, we’ll be joining organisations across the UK in celebrating the amazing volunteers who dedicate their time, skills and commitment to making a difference in their communities.

Here at the squadron, our volunteers play a huge part in everything we do, supporting cadets, delivering activities and helping provide opportunities that inspire young people every week. We’re looking forward to recognising and thanking the incredible people who make it all possible.

Stay tuned throughout the week as we celebrate our volunteers and the positive impact they have both on the squadron and within the wider community. 👏

On 11th May, we proudly held our Recruit Passing Out Parade, celebrating 10 recruits who have successfully completed their first 6 months with the squadron!

The evening was an unforgettable celebration filled with pride, excitement and achievement as we recognised the incredible hard work, determination and commitment these cadets have shown since joining us. After 6 months of training, learning valuable new skills and becoming part of the RAF Air Cadet family, they officially graduated into the main squadron as First Class Cadets, a fantastic milestone and the start of an amazing adventure ahead!

Congratulations to the following cadets who successfully passed out from recruit training:
Cadets Bell, Brown, M Daws, R Dodsworth, Dursley, Foster, Garner, Hatfield, Hollingsworth, Richards

The celebrations did not stop there! We also presented a number of badges and certificates recognising qualifications and achievements earned over the past few months whilst we have not been meeting face to face, including:
• Blue and Bronze Space badges
• Senior Cadet classification
• Presentation Skills

A massive well done to every cadet who received awards, badges and qualifications. Your enthusiasm, effort and dedication continue to make the squadron proud, and we cannot wait to see what you achieve next!

With the hot weather continuing, please make sure you are staying safe and looking after yourselves. ☀️

• Wear suncream and make sure it has a 5-star UV protection rating. Reapply it regularly throughout the day, and if you leave the water.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Fizzy pop alone will not properly hydrate you in this heat.
• Avoid sitting or staying in direct sunlight for long periods of time, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
• Never jump into open bodies of water. The water may be much colder than you expect and can send your body into shock, which could be fatal.
• If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember: “Float to Live” — lean back, spread your arms and legs, and control your breathing until help arrives or you can recover enough to swim safely.

Please enjoy the sunshine responsibly and keep yourselves, your friends, and your families safe. 🌞

A fantastic day at Wing Athletics for our cadets! 🏃‍♀️🏅

We are incredibly proud to celebrate two silver medal achievements:
🥈 Cdt Greatbatch – Junior Girls Shot Put
🥈 Cdt Lissaman – Junior Girls 1500m Race

To top off a brilliant day of competition, teamwork and determination, our squadron also achieved Joint 3rd Place Overall in the Junior Girls category! 👏

Well done to all cadets who represented the squadron with such enthusiasm and professionalism throughout the event. You should all be very proud of yourselves!