Halesowen Air Cadets Strengthen Community Links at Annual General Meeting
April 19th, 2026
223 (Halesowen) Squadron has celebrated another successful year of supporting young people, while strengthening its ties within the local community.
The squadron recently held its Annual General Meeting, bringing together volunteers, trustees, and representatives from a range of local organisations to reflect on the past year’s achievements and look ahead to the future.
The meeting highlighted the squadron’s strong community connections, with representatives attending from organisations including the Scouts, a local veterans’ charity, and the Royal British Legion.
Trustee team reaffirmed
During the AGM, the existing trustee team was re-elected, ensuring continuity in the squadron’s governance and support. Councillor Simon Phipps continues as Chair, supported by Steve Hill as Treasurer and Julia Sturman-Sprigg as Secretary. Julia was also appointed as Vice Chair, with Danielle Whitehouse taking on the role of Deputy Secretary.
Supporting the community
Over the past year, cadets and volunteers from 223 Squadron have been actively involved in a wide range of local events, including:
- The Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal
- Armed Forces Day
- Halesowen Carnival
- The Cradley Light Switch-on
- Regeneration work at Bernard Oakley Park
These activities demonstrate the squadron’s ongoing commitment to giving back to the community while providing meaningful experiences for cadets.
Growth and future plans
The squadron continues to grow, with notable achievements including one cadet being selected as the local Mayor’s Cadet for 2025/26.
Looking ahead, trustees outlined plans to further invest in equipment and opportunities for young people, including the purchase of archery equipment to expand the range of activities available.
A partnership that makes a difference
Although the Royal Air Force Air Cadets is supported by the Royal Air Force, each squadron benefits from its own charity, led by trustees who help fund additional activities, equipment, and opportunities.
Councillor Simon Phipps, Chair of Trustees 223 (Halesowen) Squadron, added:
“Our trustees play a vital role in enabling our volunteers to deliver the very best experience for cadets. By supporting the squadron with resources, financial oversight, and strong community links, we help create the opportunities that allow young people to thrive, grow in confidence, and enjoy everything the Air Cadets has to offer.”
Flight Lieutenant Chris Sturman-Sprigg, Volunteer Officer Commanding 223 (Halesowen) Squadron, said:
“Our close relationship between trustees and volunteers enables us to deliver training and local activities that genuinely benefit our cadets and volunteers – supporting the community while helping young people develop skills, confidence and ambition, and bringing trustees, volunteers and cadets together to build a stronger local community.”
Ryan Phillips, Chair of Trustees for West Mercian Wing, said:
“Each squadron is supported by its own local charity, and trustees play a vital role in making sure young people continue to benefit from opportunities in their community. It’s great to see Halesowen Squadron building strong local links and investing in equipment that will support both current and future cadets.”
Get involved
223 (Halesowen) Squadron is now encouraging more people to get involved:
- Young people aged 12–17 can join as cadets
- Adults can volunteer as staff or support behind the scenes as trustees
About the Royal Air Force Air Cadets
The Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) is one of the United Kingdom’s largest youth organisations, sponsored by the Royal Air Force. It is formed by both the Air Training Corps and Royal Air Force sections of the Combined Cadet Force, supporting young people aged 12 to 19 through aviation-inspired activities, leadership training, adventure training, and community engagement.
While core activities are supported at public expense, local squadrons rely on charitable fundraising and trustees to provide additional equipment, activities, and opportunities tailored to their communities. In 2026, the RAF Air Cadets celebrates its 85th anniversary.
All squadrons are run by volunteers. Those able to commit as little as around 12 hours a year may support as trustees, helping oversee governance and fundraising, while those with more time can work directly with cadets as instructors or staff. No military background is required for either role.
About West Mercian Wing RAF Air Cadets
West Mercian Wing supports 27 squadrons across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, the Black Country, and Cyprus.
Around 180 trustees work alongside 300 uniformed and civilian volunteers to provide governance, financial oversight, and fundraising support. Collectively, they contribute approximately 80,000 volunteer hours each year to enable and deliver opportunities for young people.
Through this combined effort, trustees enable volunteers to deliver the cadet experience – supporting everything from training and activities to equipment, camps, and community engagement across the Wing.
About 223 (Halesowen) Squadron
223 (Halesowen) Squadron is part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets, supporting young people aged 12 to 19 through aviation-inspired activities, leadership training, adventure training, and community engagement. The squadron is delivered entirely by volunteers, supported by a local trustee team.