863 (Thurston) Squadron at Elmsfest 2025

CI Millard
Sep 7
2 min read

Yesterday, 863 (Thurston) Squadron took part in Elmsfest, the ever-popular family festival featuring a funfair, street food, local traders, live music, children’s activities, and charity stalls.

Our outside stall proved to be a hit, with visitors trying their luck at the tombola, testing their reflexes on splat the rat, and aiming for success at sticky golf. Inside the hall, two of our flight simulators drew a steady stream of eager participants keen to take to the virtual skies.

Alongside the fundraising, our cadets also helped out around the grounds with a spot of litter picking, all while carrying our collection bucket to raise even more for squadron funds.

The day began early, with everyone meeting at squadron HQ at 0900 to collect the kit before heading over to the Blackbourne Community Centre field, where set-up began at 1000 ahead of the public opening at midday. The weather was lovely, though a little windy for some of our displays, but that didn’t dampen the cadets’ spirits.

Even though our pitch wasn’t in the most prominent spot, cadets showed great enthusiasm, encouraging people to visit our stand and sign up for simulator slots. One particularly memorable moment was Batman himself having a go at splat the rat, much to everyone’s amusement!

A special mention must go to Cpl Giles, who took the lead in organising the simulator set-up and managing sessions throughout the day.

It was a long but rewarding day, with a steady flow of visitors right through until packing up at 1700. By the end of the event, we had only a handful of tombola prizes left.

Thanks must go to all the parents who kindly donated prizes for the tombola, and to the four CivCom members, one staff member, and one parent who came along to support the squadron.