Who are we
Join us
Get in touch

Hereford Air Cadets celebrate growth and community impact

April 19th, 2026

124 (Hereford City) Squadron has celebrated another successful year, as trustees, volunteers and supporters came together for its Annual General Meeting.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on a year of continued growth for the squadron, alongside a strong programme of activities supporting young people across Hereford.

Leadership team reappointed as squadron looks ahead

During the AGM, Tree Wood was re-elected as Chair of Trustees, while Katharine Cripps was elected as Treasurer following her previous role as Secretary. The position of Secretary remains vacant, with the squadron encouraging anyone interested in supporting the charity to come forward.

A selection of cadets from Herefordshire squadrons with local dignitaries during Herefordshire Armed Forces Day 2025. (Credit: Dave Daw Photography)

Fundraising success supports cadet opportunities

Trustees highlighted a number of successful fundraising initiatives over the past year, including a popular curry and quiz night and a raffle held as part of the squadron’s annual formal dinner. Funds raised are used to directly support cadet activities and experiences.

The squadron is also currently taking part in a local supermarket token scheme, helping generate further support through community engagement.

James Nicholas, a Cadet Warrant Officer from 124 (Hereford City) Squadron, was awarded the 2025 Dacre Sword, which recognises the most outstanding cadet out of more than 40,000 across the country. (Credit: Army Reserve Centre)

Range of activities helps cadets develop skills

Cadets at Hereford City Squadron have continued to benefit from a varied and engaging programme of opportunities. Over the past year, this has included an overseas camp to Normandy, as well as inter-squadron training camps where cadets have developed skills such as leadership and radio communications.

While core activities in the RAF Air Cadets are publicly funded, additional experiences like these are made possible through local fundraising and the work of volunteer squadron trustees.

Cadets and volunteers celebrating the squadron’s 85th anniversary.

Strong teamwork driving positive outcomes

Speaking after the meeting, Flight Sergeant Danny Rees, Volunteer Squadron Commander 124 (Hereford City) Squadron highlighted the strength of collaboration within the squadron:

“The strong, continuing to positively develop relationship between our two Squadron supporting pillars of Trustees and Adult Volunteers enable us all to create a meaningful and wholesome experience for our Cadets within the local community and further beyond. By continuing to support our young people in all areas, they build skills, develop confidence and shape life ambitions, well into the future.”

Tree Wood, Chair of Trustees 124 (Hereford City) Squadron added:

“The AGM is a good time to reflect on the efforts and achievements of the squadron and to celebrate the successes of fundraising. These events go along way to support the squadron and it ensures the cadets experience a wide range of activities. The squadron is always looking for like minded trustees who wish to support this amazing organisation which I feel honoured to be a part of.”

Encouraging more people to get involved

West Mercian Wing Chair of Trustees Ryan Phillips also welcomed the progress made over the past year and encouraged others to consider getting involved:

“Squadrons like Hereford City rely on dedicated trustees to turn fundraising into real opportunities for young people. It’s encouraging to see the progress made over the last 12 months, and there’s a real opportunity for more people to get involved and support that continued growth.”

Get involved

124 (Hereford City) Squadron is now encouraging more people to get involved:

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 124 (Hereford City) Squadron

124 (Hereford City) 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.

Categories

Archives