This year, nine girls from year 9 have travelled to Caterham school on a Wednesday evening in order to become cadets in the Caterham School CCF- one in the army section and eight in the RAF. During their recruit training they have learnt about patrolling, camouflage, weapon handling, drill and navigation. Natalie Light attended the weekend recruits camp and seemed to thoroughly enjoy herself despite the very early morning PT sessions during which she had to wish a "good morning" to various buildings around the camp in between performing  physical exercises.

All of the girls were on parade for the Remembrance Day Parade at Caterham School and they looked very smart.

Having passed their initial written air force test, on the 6th December the eight air cadets were given their first opportunity to experience flying a light aircraft when they visited RAF Benson for a flight in a Tutor. All of the girls received at least 20 minutes in the air and had the opportunity to take control. Unfortunately there were high winds and low cloud so the girls were unable to experience  the aerobatic moves which the pilots are always keen to demonstrate. Isabel Stewart was even given the responsibility of leading recruits out to the airfield and completing the necessary paperwork for the session which is usually allocated to a more senior and experienced cadet.

Despite their initial fear of weapon handling, the girls are now becoming far more confident and when they pass the initial test will be eligible to attend a firing range day in the Spring Term which I am sure they will thoroughly enjoy.

The girls are a pleasure to take to cadets and I hope they continue to enjoy the training nights and are able take part in the various camps and other activities that are on offer.

Pilot Officer Margaret Andrews