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.

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.

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.

The 863 Squadron cadets gathered Today for an exciting fishing exercise that introduced them to the fundamentals of coarse and carp fishingand a professionally demostrated use of match fishing equipment and techniques (Thanks to RAF Team Captain). The event took place at Kettles Farm Fisheries, a popular local fishing spot known for its calm waters and abundant fish. The day was filled with hands-on learning, practical demonstrations, and plenty of time by the water, all desi

In a truly special gesture, the museum opened exclusively for the cadets, allowing them to experience the site in a far more personal and immersive way. As the evening light settled across the museum grounds, cadets were greeted by the incredible sight of towering tanks, armoured vehicles, artillery pieces, and military exhibits stretching across the site. From the very beginning, there was a real sense of excitement and privilege amongst the group.

Cadets from across the Norfolk and Suffolk Wings gathered at RAF Marham this past weekend to take part in one of the most prestigious events on the Air Cadet calendar — the Annual Drill Competition. The day brought together squadrons from across the region in a proud display of discipline, teamwork, and tradition.

After months of preparation, 863 (Thurston) Squadron proudly welcomed our potential new recruits to our annual Recruits Night. We had a really good showing of 20 plus, with both parents and recruits engaged throughout the evening.

Today at 863 (Thurston) Squadron, cadets gathered for an important step in their training — the Weapons Handling Test (WHT). The session was hosted by SGT Hudson, whose clear instruction and professional approach ensured that all attendees had the best possible opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills safely.

On the 5th of July, Norfolk and Suffolk wing came together to compete in various events throughout the day. From 9 to 6:30 cadets from 21 different squadrons across the wing took part in tug of war, first aid

nvited and hosted by the Station Commander, on 1st July 2025 I had the honour of attending the blessing ceremony for RAF Honington’s new gate guard - Tornado GR4 ('twin stick') registration ZG752.

At our 863 (Thurston) Squadron formal Annual Dinners we always try to follow RAF traditions and etiquette where pragmatically possible.