487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Air Training Corps

If you would like further information on these bursaries, please see the Sqn staff.

STANDBY FOR BROADCAST!!!
Message for all staff, cadets and parents! As from 7th July we will be parading back at the Sqn building in Kingstanding. Sqn staff, and the civilian committee, have been at the building this afternoon to sort out a few things, but there's still lots to do!! Please parade in civvies on Tuesday evening.

We will look forward to seeing you all.

Exciting news for the Squadron!!!
Staff, cadets, and parents will be aware that the Sqn had to move out of the building late last year so that it could undergo a long awaited renovation. The Sqn then proceeded to undertake a tour of the local area whilst they paraded at the Army Cadet unit next door, then up to 495 (Sutton Coldfield Sqn), then back to the Army cadet building, and finally the Sea cadet unit in Sutton Coldfield!!!

Obviously cadet numbers were down during all these moves, but the Sqn can announce that we are BACK, in our own building!!!

The Sqn staff have started a long needed audit of the kit in the building with the aim of been back in the building by the end of July.

Plt Off Finn Allen, OIC 487 Sqn, said "It's fantastic news that we can now finally utilise the Sqn building again. The cadets will notice a few changes in terms of the layout of the building, but the changes really enhance our training capabilities".

Keep an eye out for further details, but we would like to see all the cadets come back to the Sqn, particularly those that weren't able to attend the other locations due to transport problems etc.

The OC has gone, long live the OIC!
It was the end of an era at 487 Sqn on 16th June as the officer commanding, Flt Lt Michelle Jeffries, said a fond farewell, and we welcomed the new Officer in Charge, Plt Off Finlay Allen.

Flt Lt Jeffries has been the OC of 487 since April 2023, and is now taking up the helm as OC 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Sqn. Michelle started her cadet career at 487 Sqn, and has steadily risen through the ranks. Michelle has also taken a key part in the Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing which has seen her take roles in the Wing Training Team, and as the Wing Media officer. She has also taken a keen interest in road marching, supporting national and international events.

The Sqn would like to thank her for all her hard work at the Sqn over the past few years, and we would also like to wish her the best of luck at 495.

Before Michelle handed over command, she took the opportunity to promote a number of cadets, so many congratulations go to:

Cdt Mckinnon, promoted to Corporal
Cdt Tait, promoted to Corporal
Cdt Shokar G, promoted to Corporal
Cpl Green, promoted to Sergeant
Cpl Ahmed, promoted to Sergeant
Sergeant Willets promoted to Flight Sergeant

Well done to them all.

Michelle was presented with a leaving gift by Mr Ian Dunbar, chairman of the Civilian Committee. Hopefully, the decanter will be put to good use!

The new Officer in Charge is Plt Off Finlay Allen. Again, Fin started his cadet career at 487 where he rose through the ranks. Fin has recently taken his commission, and he has also recently passed his combined initial course at RAF Cranwell. Well done, Fin, we are sure you will take the Sqn to new levels.

The handover ceremony was held at the Sea Cadets location in Sutton Coldfield, and was attended by guests which included Sqn Ldr Bob Foster who was representing the Wing Commander.

Onwards and Upwards!!

The Squadron staff would like to thank the 13 cadets who represented the Sqn at last Sunday's Wing Athletics Championships. The Sqn finished 9th overall with some good results, particularly in the Junior Women's competition. Let's hope we can send more cadets to next year's competition so we can come back with some trophies.
Look out for further sporting competitions in the coming months.

Today 487 (Kingstanding & Perry Barr) Air Training Corps 495 (Sutton Coldfield) Squadron and 165 Castle Bromwich Squadron ATC came together to help the Great Birmingham Run handing out the finishing packs. Well done to all the runners there were some tired legs out there but happy spirits. Thanks to The Great Birmingham Run for inviting us.

Regional Commandant Wales and the West
West Midland RFCA