Day one of 863 (Thurston) Squadron’s Recruit Training Camp at RAF Honington brought together uniform care, drill, sport and an evening leadership exercise.

Flight simulator activity featured on 863 (Thurston) Squadron's programme for 19 October 2026, putting aviation at the heart of a squadron evening.

Cadets and staff from 863 (Thurston) Squadron enjoyed an action-packed annual Halloween get-together at Planet Laser in Bury St Edmunds.

After the morning’s Remembrance Sunday duties, cadets from 863 (Thurston) and 301 (Bury St Edmunds) Squadrons met on the football pitch. The morning had brought both squadrons together to pay their respects. The afternoon gave them a different way to spend time together, with a ball between them and every reason to give chase.

It was a very early start at Thurston HQ for CDT Sutton, CDT Crissall, CDT Morris and CDT Teixeira. Four flying places with No. 7 Air Experience Flight (7 AEF) were available to Thurston Squadron, and these were the four cadets selected. CI Crissall and CI Heard drove them to RAF Cranwell and supervised them throughout the visit.

On Sunday 8 November, Thurston Squadron marked Remembrance Sunday with our communities in Thurston and Bury St Edmunds. We paused to remember those who lost their lives in service, those who returned carrying the effects of conflict, and the families whose lives were changed.

Five cadets from 863 (Thurston) Squadron represented us at the Wing Cross Country Competition, showing determination, team spirit and plenty of enthusiasm throughout the day.

Crowds at remembrance events are rarely just onlookers. They shape the atmosphere. In Bury St Edmunds, the spectators gave the parade warmth without making it casual. They stood along the route, phones mostly lowered when the important moments came, watching the cadet forces move towards the church with standards held high. There is something quietly powerful about a crowd that knows when to clap, when to fall silent, and when to simply let the moment breathe.

Wednesday 26 – Monday 31 August 2026 | St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds This August, 863 (Thurston) Squadron RAF Air Cadets is delighted to once again be supporting one of the area's great community events – the 34th East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival.

What better way to make the most of a beautiful summer evening than a Squadron Night involving water, teamwork and plenty of laughter!

Bonus Reel

And just like that, our Summer Camp adventure comes to an end! We certainly weren't going to waste the journey home though. Our final stop was Snozone Yorkshire, where the cadets swapped summer camp for snow and enjoyed an hour-long sledging session on the indoor slopes.

Day 5 of Summer Camp saw the cadets heading north for a day in Leeds, beginning with a visit to the Royal Armouries Museum. The Royal Armouries is the United Kingdom's national museum of arms and armour and looks after one of the largest collections of its kind anywhere in the world.

Another day, another unforgettable adventure! The reports and updates continue to come in from camp, and Wednesday certainly didn't disappoint. Today's activities took our cadets out into the stunning Yorkshire countryside for a day that tested resilience, teamwork and confidence in equal measure.

The first few days of Summer Camp have been packed from start to finish, and by all accounts our cadets have thrown themselves into every challenge with enthusiasm, determination and a real sense of adventure. Although I'm not on camp myself, the updates and reports coming back from staff paint a fantastic picture of what has already been an unforgettable experience.

The 863 (Thurston) Squadron is proud to be one of the supported charities at the 34th East Anglian Beer & Cider Festival. This exciting event will take place from Wednesday 26 August to Monday 31 August 2026 at the stunning St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds. Over six days, the festival will bring together the community to enjoy a wide selection of real ales, craft beers, ciders, food, music, and entertainment — all while supporting local causes like 863 Squadron.

Day four of Whitsun Camp saw 863 (Thurston) Squadron heading out for another action-packed day, this time visiting one of the RAF’s key operational stations and gaining a closer look at several specialist roles and facilities.

Day three at Whitsun Camp saw 863 (Thurston) Squadron head outdoors for a full day of fieldcraft training, giving cadets the opportunity to develop practical skills, learn new techniques and gain a greater understanding of operating effectively in an outdoor environment.

Day two at Whitsun Camp shifted gears as 863 (Thurston) Squadron moved into a full day focused on leadership, teamwork and communication. Building on the momentum from arrival day, our NCO team took centre stage, delivering a carefully planned programme of activities designed to challenge cadets whilst developing their ability to lead others and work effectively as part of a team.

The adventure has officially begun for 863 (Thurston) Squadron as cadets set off for the start of this year’s Whitsun Camp, beginning what promises to be an exciting week filled with activities, teamwork and plenty of opportunities to build friendships and memories. Travelling in a rather warm and surprisingly mellow 30°C weather, spirits remained high throughout the journey as cadets settled in for the trip south.