Oswestry Air Cadets Celebrate Successful Year
September 9th, 2026
1165 (Oswestry) Squadron has held its Annual General Meeting, reflecting on a year of achievement, investment, and expanded opportunities for local cadets.
At the meeting, Chair Andy Mayne, Treasurer Harriet Egerton-Davies, and Secretary Nadine Wilde were all re-elected to continue leading the squadron’s connected charity and supporting its ongoing development. The squadron has also recently welcomed two new trustees to its Board.
Andy Mayne, Chair of Trustees 1165 (Oswestry) Squadron said:
“It was wonderful to reflect on the numerous achievements of cadets and volunteers over the past year, and to welcome new Trustees to the Board, ensuring that the charity remains well-governed and financially strong going forward. We always welcome interest from people who would like to help shape and support the squadron’s future.”
Fundraising success
Over the past year, the squadron secured a successful National Lottery grant which has helped invest in additional equipment and resources for cadets. Trustees and volunteers have also delivered community fundraising events to further support opportunities for young people locally.
Ryan Phillips, Chair of Trustees for West Mercian Wing, added:
“It’s brilliant to see the continued progress at the squadron, with a strong and committed Board of Trustees supporting cadets to achieve more each year. From successful grant funding to the return of their adventure training camp, this is a great example of how trustees and volunteers work together to expand opportunities for young people locally.”
A first in more than 10 years
Among the year’s highlights was the delivery of an Adventure Training camp involving local squadrons – the first camp of its kind organised by the squadron in more than 10 years.
Cadets have also achieved significant success in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, with three cadets achieving their prestigious Gold Award over the last year. The squadron also recently hosted a successful awards evening recognising achievements across a wide range of activities.
The role of trustees
While core Royal Air Force Air Cadets activities are publicly funded, local squadrons rely on connected charities and trustees to provide additional equipment, opportunities, and experiences for cadets.
Get involved
1165 (Oswestry) Squadron is now encouraging others in the community to get involved. Young people aged 12 to 17 can join as cadets, while adults can volunteer their time either as volunteers or as trustees supporting the charity behind the scenes.
- 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 1165 (Oswestry) Squadron
The 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 Board of Trustees.
