Sqn Training Officer

Sqn Adjutant

Mrs Sandland joined 126 in 1989 as a cadet, achieving the rank of Cadet Sgt and subsequently went into uniform when she reached the age of 20. She then went on to reach the rank of Flying Officer. Over her tenure at the unit she has held many roles including Drum Major, Sports Officer and Adjutant.

After some time away to start a family, Mrs Sandland returned to 126 in 2012 as Sqn Chaplain. She is the point of contact for welfare, pastoral matters and the Cadet Vocational Qualification.

Media & Communications Officer

Cpl McCarthy first joined 126 in 2015 as a Cadet, following a successful Cadet career he left the squadron to join the RAF in 2020.

He then rejoined the Squadron as a Service Instructor in 2021 and has continued to support the unit ever since. Whilst being a regular in the RAF he supports the unit on weekly parade night activities as well as fulfilling the role of Media and Communications Officer.

Sqn Standards

CFAV SNCO

Sgt Lamplough joined the British army in 2004 as a vehicle mechanic. His 12 years of service took him on multiple operational tours of Afghanistan, whilst also serving in various countries such as Canada, Cyprus & Kenya to name a few.

He joined 126 Sqn in 2021 so that he could impart some of his knowledge and skills onto the next generation. Some of his current roles on the unit are: Fieldcraft, leadership, health and safety, standards and discipline.

He is currently employed as an engineering manager at Hellofresh in derby.

Civilian Instructor

CI Hadfield joined us in 2018 after 25 years volunteering for the Scouts. She originally came to 126 as a member of our Civilian Committee. Over her time with us she started to become more involved with the day to day activities of the Squadron culminating in her becoming a Civilian Instructor in 2022.

Since becoming a CI in 2022 she has played an active role on the unit assisting in DofE, Road Marching and our Stores Officer to name just a few.

Civilian Instructor

Civilian Instructor

Civilian Instructor

Every Air Cadet squadron has a Civilian Support Team (known officially as a Civilian Committee) which is a team of volunteers that supports the Squadron and its Cadets by providing much of the equipment, resources and opportunities that are available at the Squadron.

Many of you may not be aware that the RAF Air Cadets is a charity, and whilst some things such as blue uniform, flying and shooting are funded by the RAF, almost all other activities such as sports, flight simulation, space, first aid, radio, archery, drone flying and transport solutions for key events are all directly funded or subsidised by our Civilian Support Team. The same can be said for everything that needs funding to enable our training establishment to operate safely and efficiently, from computers to printer ink, broadband to refuse collection, and toilet rolls to telescopes.

The Civilian Support Team act as Trustees of the charity, and have the responsibility to look after how the Squadron funds are spent, to support the welfare of the Staff and Cadets and to help promote the squadron within the community. Like the Squadron Staff, Support Team members are all volunteers and consist primarily of parents or relatives of current serving or former cadets, however other persons of standing within the community may join, providing that they meet certain eligibility criteria.

Our members give up a few hours a month where we meet together with the Commanding Officer to discuss and agree how we can support the needs and objectives of the Squadron. We also run the Cadet tuck shop each parade night, help with cleaning and the upkeep of the facility and get involved in many of the cadet events, visits and other activity.

If you've ever wondered how you might help the Cadets, but don't have the time to commit to becoming a member of Staff, then why not join our Civilian Support Team. We’re a friendly, supportive and welcoming group and we would love to hear from you. If you would like to register your interest or would like some further information, please contact our Chair Graham Southall. Chair-126@outlook.com