90-Speke Squadron ATC

🚨 90 (Speke) Squadron – Parade Night Round‑Up 🚨

Over the past few parade nights our cadets have thrown themselves into a mix of activities designed to build confidence, skills, and teamwork which they’ve done with the energy and enthusiasm that makes 90 Speke what it is.

⭐ Highlight: A Session with Padre Rob McAvoy
We were privileged to welcome our Padre, Rob McAvoy, who delivered an inspiring session on how small “stepping stones” can move us closer to our life and career goals.

Cadets explored three key life lessons:

1. Aim to do what you enjoy
2. Learn as much as you can
3. Get good people around you

There was friendly competition (and chocolate on the line), plenty of reflection, and lots of laughs. Rob shared that it felt a privilege to lead a session for such a great group of young people, and we’re grateful for the time and wisdom he brought to the squadron.

🍳 Fieldcraft Cooking
Cadets got hands‑on with outdoor cooking skills - learning how to prepare, heat, and safely manage ration packs in the field. A great mix of practical know‑how and teamwork.

🎖️ Uniform Lessons
Attention to detail was the focus as cadets worked on polishing, pressing, and perfecting their uniform standards. These sessions build pride, discipline, and confidence in presentation.

⛑️ First Aid Practice for FTD
With Field Training Day approaching, cadets refreshed essential first aid skills. From assessing casualties to practising key interventions, they’re shaping up to be a capable and confident team.

🫡 Drill Practice for FTD
And of course drill practice was in full swing too - crisp movements, sharp turns, and plenty of focus. The cadets are tightening up their drill ready for FTD, and the progress is really starting to show.

Another brilliant run of parade nights! Full of learning, leadership, and progress.
Well done to every cadet who continues to show up, step up, and make 90 (Speke) Squadron proud.



For more info about Rob & The Long Lane Church :
https://www.facebook.com/p/Life-At-The-Lane-Long-Lane-Church-61551020848289/

🌹 90 (Speke) Squadron Recognised by the Royal British Legion 🌹

Last week we had a visit from the Royal British Legion (RBL) recognising the support that 90 (Speke) Squadron Air Cadets have provided over the years.

For a long time, our cadets have stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder with the RBL in the run‑up to Remembrance Sunday, raising vital funds, and helping increase visibility of the incredible work the Legion does for serving personnel, veterans, and their families.

Our cadets have also supported the RBL at Hale Village Carnival, helping set up and take down their stall and ensuring they have everything they need to engage with the community.

About the Royal British Legion

The RBL is the nation’s leading Armed Forces charity, providing lifelong support to members of the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force, veterans, and their families. From financial assistance and mental‑health support to remembrance events and community outreach, the RBL continues to be a lifeline for thousands across the UK.

Go check them out at Royal British Legion

🙏 A Message of Thanks
We’re honoured that the Royal British Legion has acknowledged the commitment and enthusiasm shown by our cadets. Their dedication each year reflects the values of service, respect, and remembrance that sit at the heart of the Air Cadet Organisation.

A huge thank you to the RBL for their recognition - and to our cadets for always stepping up with pride.🤝

and

On Saturday, a number of cadets volunteered at a 5k and 10k Charity run in Stanley Park Liverpool, alongside cadets and staff from .

The aim was to help the event organisers, spectators, participants and vendors keep the event running.

Cadets also collected and securing participant valuables and manning the finish line cheering on & providing water and snacks as they came in to finish.

All cadets were exemplary & an absolute pride to themselves.

Throughout the event, the organisers provided praise of them all as did a representative of Merseyside ACF.

Cadets also helped with the decamp and a FOD walk to make sure the field was completely clear of any rubbish & disposed of correctly.

Makes us proud seeing this level of dedication and commitment to community engagement promise.

🎉 Promotion Announcement – FS North 🎉

We are incredibly proud to announce the promotion of Sgt North to Flight Sergeant North - a milestone she has worked tirelessly to achieve.

Over the past three years, FS North has been a constant source of dedication, leadership, and positivity within 90 (Speke) Squadron. Her commitment to the squadron and our cadets has been nothing short of exceptional.

To achieve her new rank, amongst other activities, FS North has:
- Completed the Drill Instructors Course and now leads drill training with confidence and precision
- Actively develops cadets and NCOs, helping them grow the skills they need for their own promotions
- Drives interest in and supports Adventure Training, encouraging cadets to push their limits
- Represents the squadron at multiple sports events, always giving her all
- Achieved her Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and is now working towards Gold

FS North consistently shows up, leads by example, and embodies the values of the RAF Air Cadets. Her promotion is thoroughly deserved and reflects the impact she has on everyone around her.

Congratulations FS North - the squadron is proud of you.

✈️ 90 (Speke) Squadron at Cosford Air Show 2026!

Sunday was all about the RAF Cosford Air Show 2026, and what a day it was. From iconic historic aircraft to cutting‑edge RAF capability, the cadets experienced the very best of aviation, engineering, and air‑minded inspiration.

They explored the static displays, met serving personnel, learned about RAF careers, and of course — watched an incredible flying programme that had everyone looking skyward.

🛫 Flying Displays We Saw (amongst others)
RAF Red Arrows – full display
RAF Typhoon FGR4 – solo demo
RAF Chinook HC6A – handling display
RAF Tutor T1 – aerobatic routine
RAF A400M Atlas – tactical demo
RAF A400M Atlas – tactical demo
RAF SE5a replicas, the Nieuport 17 and a pair of Fokker Dr1s (Great War Display Team)
Dassault Rafale C
BBMF Spitfire
BBMF Hurricane
Army Air Corps Apache AH-64E – role demo
Army Air Corps Display Team
Boeing C-17A Globemaster
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress ‘Sally B’
P-51D Mustang
P-47D Thunderbolt
Jet Provost
OV-10 Bronco
Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning
Lockheed Martin CC-130J Hercules
Glider display (RAF Air Cadets)
Leonardo Wildcat HMA2 (Black Cats Helicopter Display Team)
DHC Chipmunk T10s (Vintage Pair)

🎪 Ground Shows & Exhibitions the Cadets Explored
STEM Hangars – robotics, engineering challenges, RAF tech
RAF Recruitment Zone – careers, apprenticeships, and trade stands
Military Vehicle Park – armoured vehicles & logistics displays
Emergency Services Zone – fire, medical, and response demonstrations
Cadet Village – activities, simulators, and ATC engagement stands

⭐ A Day to Inspire Future Aviators
Our cadets represented 90 (Speke) Squadron brilliantly throughout the day — curious, enthusiastic, and full of questions. Trips like this remind us why the Air Cadets is such a powerful experience: adventure, opportunity, and inspiration at every turn.

🎯 90 (Speke) Squadron – Archery Training & Hale Carnival Support

Busy weekend for our cadets! This is Saturday's post for archery & Hale Carnival...

This weekend our cadets took on a brilliant mix of skill‑building and community service - combining archery training as part of their preparation for FTD (Field Training Day) and proudly supporting the annual Hale Carnival.

🎯 Archery Training for FTD
As part of their FTD preparation, cadets spent the weekend developing their archery skills — a discipline that builds focus, patience, control, and consistency.
Archery is more than hitting the target: it teaches cadets how to regulate their breathing, steady their stance, and apply calm decision‑making under pressure. These are exactly the qualities that shine during FTD scenarios.

Our cadets showed fantastic improvement throughout the sessions, with accuracy and confidence growing shot by shot.

🎪 Supporting Hale Carnival
Alongside training, cadets also stepped up to support the Hale Village Carnival , one of the community’s biggest annual events.

From helping with setup & assisting stallholders & keeping the day running smoothly to showing what cadet life is like, the cadets represented the squadron with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Events like Hale Carnival give our young people the chance to engage with the community, demonstrate leadership, and show what the RAFAC spirit is all about.

✨👞 Bull Night at 90 (Speke) Squadron! 👞✨

Tonight our cadets got stuck into one of the core skills of RAF life — Bull Night. Boots shining, uniforms pressed, attention to detail on point. It’s all about pride, discipline, and presenting yourself to the highest standard.

Meanwhile, our newest recruits were putting in the work on the drill square, practicing the movements they’ll need for their 1st Class assessment. From standing at ease to marching as a team, they’re building confidence, precision, and teamwork with every step.

A brilliant night of effort, focus, and progress from everyone at 90.

📯 90 (Speke) Squadron – Parade Night Round‑Up 📯

Tonight our cadets were split across four core training areas, each designed to build confidence, teamwork, and practical RAFAC skills. Every group threw themselves into the challenge and represented 90 with pride.

🫡 Knockout Drill
Cadets went head‑to‑head in a fast‑paced drill competition, testing precision, discipline, and focus. One wrong move and you’re out — but the standard tonight was sharp, competitive, and full of energy.

🤝 Blue Leadership
This group worked through leadership tasks from the Blue Leadership syllabus, learning how to communicate clearly, take charge under pressure, and support their team. Cadets practised decision‑making, delegation, and problem‑solving - all essential skills for future NCOs.

📍 Map Reading
Cadets refreshed their navigation skills, covering grid references, contour lines, route planning, and how to interpret terrain. These are the foundations for DofE, fieldcraft, and adventure training, and the group showed great focus throughout.

🌲 Fieldcraft
From movement techniques to camouflage and concealment, cadets explored the basics of operating safely and effectively in the field. They learned how to work as a silent, coordinated team - a key part of RAFAC’s outdoor training.

Another strong night of learning, teamwork, and progression. Well done to every cadet who took part - you continue to make 90 (Speke) Squadron proud.

🥇 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!