Enrolled as a cadet with Number 1263 (Rochdale) Squadron in November 1981. Went on to complete a series of examinations in aviation-related subjects, completed a 30-hour powered flying course, flew solo on motor-gliders and attended week-long camps in Oxfordshire, West Germany and Berlin. Transferred to 2415 (Penkridge) Squadron in October 1985 where I achieved Gold standard in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, became an RAF shooting marksman, exchanged with the Aero Club de France for 2 weeks and attended week-long camps in Wiltshire, Gibraltar and Cyprus. Was adjudged to be the most outstanding cadet in the Corps for 1987 in its annual “Dacre Sword” competition and left to join the RAF in August 1988.

Subsequently served as the Air Cadet Liaison Officer organizing and participating in cadet activities for RAF stations Digby, Leuchars and Henlow. Gave-up 2 nights per week and most weekends to assist with 2482 (Henlow) Squadron from May 1994 to August 1996, 4F (Ilford) Squadron from January 1998 to June 2000, and 9F (Islington) Squadron from October 2007 to April 2009. In April 2009 I assumed command of 9F (Islington) Squadron - a highly unusual appointment for a Regular officer and one I held for exactly one year before moving overseas with the RAF.

Following the dreadful pandemic of 2020/2021, finally made it back on to the books as a Service Instructor with Number 73 (Huntindgon) Squadron in July 2022. The venture adventure continues…