Welcome to the 1315 (Kidlington) Squadron Air Training Corps Civilian Welfare Committee web page.

This is our ‘developing’ web page and I have made it like a FAQ page to get it off the ground; but am happy to listen to any feedback that the users provide to develop our page, or any offers of assistance from the experts! 

What is the Civilian Support Group?

We are an allied civilian structure supporting the running of the Air Training Corps, from Squadron level through local and regional levels to representation on the Air Defence Council.
We are all volunteers, parents, guardians and friends of the Squadron that meet on a regular basis. (We were also known up until October 2008 as the Civilian Support Group).

What is your role?

Our role is to “fulfil the aim”: to ensure the Squadron maintains direction, assist the Commanding Officer, raise funds and support the Cadets by working in partnership.

Who makes up the Civilian Welfare Committee?

The Civilian Welfare Committee structure consists of:

Chairman: Mr David Thompson*.

Honorary Treasurer: Mrs June Williams*.

Honorary Secretary: Mr Roy Williams*.                                                                                                                                           * elected officers.

Officer in Charge: Flying Officer Jonathan Byford RAFVR(T) (ex-officio).
Honorary Chaplain: Rev. Jim Turner (ex-officio).
Committee members: Mrs Berdine van den Toren (co-opted); Mrs Lindsey Axford (co-opted);                                Mr Steven Escott (co-opted); Ms Christine Barnes  (co-opted); Mr Nick Russell (co-opted);

When do you meet?

We meet to our own timetable; usually once per month, under the direction of a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, at the Squadron building.

Why do you have to fund raise?

Fundraising is very important as it supports many squadron activities other than those funded centrally (i.e. flying, gliding shooting and some sports.)
Most pursuits are financed through fundraising. Over recent years, the percentage spend that comes from this source (non-public funds) has increased considerably. Indications are that this trend will continue.
From experience, many parents, guardians and friends get a great deal of enjoyment, pleasure and fun out of assisting 'their' Squadron, as members of the Civilian Welfare Committee.

What type of assistance can I offer?

Basically utilising your own skills and resources available; be it time, contacts, networking or energy!
This can be anywhere on the scale from behind the scenes to assisting the uniformed staff in organising and running events. (It is great to undertake supportive visits at some events, where we can obtain feedback from the cadets i.e. on equipment purchased and see things ‘in action’.)

I don’t have the time to spare but want to get involved? 

Actually, this is how I originally got involved, I am a shift worker and have a young family so could not make a regular commitment to the squadron. I find that I can do work ‘behind the scenes’ on days off or when looking after our children from home etc.

Can I become involved?

It is suggested that Committee members may be:
parents or guardians of serving or previous cadets,
a member of the local RAFA branch committee
a representative of the Local Authority, Education, Police, Fire, Ambulance or any of the other organisations concerned with youth and citizenship training.

There are some exceptions though:
serving officers in the RAFVR(T)
AWOs / SNCOs and Civilian Instructors
…are not eligible for membership.

There is undoubtedly huge personal and team benefits to working in this way and we will be very pleased to accept offers of extra help - even if you are unable to commit to regular or long term assistance.

How can I find out more?

Please contact anyone on the Squadron using the address or telephone number above

Or Wing HQ:

Post:
Thames Valley Wing Headquarters
Air Training Corps
Whitecross
Abingdon
Oxfordshire
OX13 6BU

Telephone:
01235 555 420

Email:
info@challengeyourself.org

Web details:
http://challengeyourself.org/tvw/join/join_committee.html

Or email the Chairman at:
chair@kidlingtonaircadets.org.uk

I look forward to hearing from you soon!

David Thompson

Chairman
1315 (Kidlington) Squadron Air Training Corps Civilian Welfare Committee