Is ATC Sunday still a thing?
I’ve not seen anything about it this year!
I know of one parade in our county this year (out of 10sqns) and it’s only that Sqn attending.
I think it’s a good barometer of the morale in the ATC - high morale sqns tend to parade those who aren’t or are jaded against the organisation don’t.
Would love to see the for year on year (anyone fancy an FOi?)
Discounting Remembrance and focusing on ATC centric events, I’ve never had a good experience at a large parade and always found the whole thing pretentious.
Helped the DIs feel special though.
And if it’s not a large enough scale to get the attention of the public, what’s the point?
6 Likes
This weekend was a training course… next weekend, a different course. All increasing the skill base, and working through the aims of the ATC.
I find that more beneficial than a parade.
Other times, weve done an activity day.
8 Likes
We swapped out a parade for a Dining In Night. Nobody wants a parade in February.
5 Likes
deleted
Note to self, organise a parade
We need to do something to bring the wing together, to foster inter-squadron working relationships.
An activity day, or a training workshop…would have more benefit.
I’m not anti-parade… i just don’t enjoy church.
4 Likes
Yeah i probably wont do that.
Nice parade followed by social activities
1 Like
Isn’t this the argument put fwd for still doing wing sports (swimming, X-Country, athletics)?
3 Likes
In part yes, though not everyone wants to do (or can do) sports. I like the suggestions of activity days.
Going through my inbox looks like ATC Sunday has either quietly slipped away, or it’s been limited to just some squadrons’ local events.
Wait till that we get direction across the organisation for next year, the 85th anniversary of the ATC. Maybe one last hurrah then call it quits on ATC Sunday parades!
this.
and exactly why ATC Sunday should not be recogised with a Parade but instead something worthwhile that the Cadets want to attend - i have always organised a museum trip - it is “weather proof” given the time of year and so ideal for a February in terms of getting the kids off Squadron and ticks an “engagement with aviation” box early on in the year without having to rely on an Airshow
it shouldn’t be but is chosen to be so by so many by default because they have no imagination.
I called it quits over 12 years ago. the Cadets enjoy a day out at the museum and have often asked “when is the next trip Sir?” which is a “Makes me Happy” moment
3 Likes
That is a really good idea!
3 Likes
thank you.
I have a list of 3 “local” museums which we visit on a three-year cycle.
this helps keep it interesting for me not running the same trip each year, and there tends to be some changes to each museum between visits (some new exhibit or theme given a anniversary year or similar) and means those Cadets who come year after year also get some variety
while i recognise such a cycle isn’t straightforward for all given the location of museums, it works for us using a “military theme” museum (ie not all aircraft/RAF museums)
1 Like
The holy air cadet triangle of Hendon, Cosford & duxford. 
1 Like
Dont forget the FAAM at Yeovilton…
3 Likes
I’m not one for church parades really - had to dodge the lightning on the way in - but ours yesterday was pretty good. Very minimal religion and focused on the positives of the org and our young people. I think that’s a fitting way to mark the occasion, no need to close roads and march through town
2 Likes
The logistical advantages of church parades are pretty clear though. Big space, lots of seats, cheap or free to use, if you’re going to do a parade in February, and want somewhere indoors to do the address bit, churches are convenient.
2 Likes
i still question why ATC Sunday should be a parade
3 Likes