of operational aircrew in today's RAF, presentations on commissioned and non-commissioned careers in the RAF and engineering in the RAF.

1985 has seen a series of farewells. Firstly to a very close friend of the Contingent, Flight-Sergeant Alec Dobinson, our liaison NCO. Alec, who was responsible for the `nittygritty' establishment in 1982 (uniforms, equipment, basic training, etc.) never gave less than his best to Cotton. Always willing to help, he was a good friend to Cotton. He rejoins the `sharp end' of the RAF at Church Fenton. Our new man is Flight-Sergeant Graham Vaughan straight from the 'sharp-end', as previously he was an engineer with the Red Arrows Display Team. We welcome him warmly. Equally we welcome Captain Griffiths who takes over 33 CTT from Captain Wytcher, our liaison officer. Flight

Lieutenant Steve Duffill paid possibly his last visit to us in July. He is shortly to resume his activities as a pilot. He has watched over us during a critical time in our development and our gratitude and best wishes go with him.

Unseen by the cadets (but not the officers) was our firstline real `boss', Wing-Commander Brian Stansfield based at HQ RAF Newton. He played a key role in our establishment and will be remembered by the officers for always being so approachable - `the other end of the phone' - when problems arose. He retired from the Service in June and we wish him well. Finally, with the departure of Fr Pargeter in June, the Contingent acted as minor host to

the Stoke on Trent District Army Cadet Force Annual Church Parade held at Cotton. The ACF said their own goodbyes to Major Fr Pargeter, their Chaplain, and presented him with the Cadet Force Medal.

We continued our inter-services theme when eight cadets attended a Royal Navy Acquaint Course at Portsmouth. Successfully completing the course and topped up with naval yarns, they travelled back from Portsmouth to join the other cadets for summer camp at RAF Abindgon. Well done, the NCOs, for navigational skills.

Camps have been the high-spot of the year, for Easter saw eight cadets and me heading for RAF Laarbruch. An RAF Germany camp is available only once every three years and we had all waited and worked hard for our turn. The camp was a huge success and, although its duration spanned the Easter week-end with some reduction of station facilities, we nevertheless saw much of the life of an operational front-line station. Five other schools were represented but still Cotton College managed to win the inter-flight competition. Activities included a tough drill competition (why don't cadets march like that at school?), map-reading exercises, swimming, etc. Many visits to places of interest in Germany and Holland were enjoyed, including sobering excursions to Arnhem and Oosterbeck, the marvellous Phillips Science exhibition 'Evoluon' and Germany's answer to Alton Towers, 'Phantasialand'.

This year's summer camp was held at RAF Abingdon, Oxfordshire. It proved to be hard work and good fun with opportunities to swim, shoot, drill, fly, barbecue and make new friends.

1984-5 has been busy, but 1985-6 will be busier. The Contingent welcomes a new officer, who attended summer camp as Mr Sharpe. We shall know him as Pilot-Officer Sharpe in September. While he can look forward to a rewarding new career, I know he will be an asset to the CCF in assisting Flying-Officer MacDougall, our established OC RAF Section. I thank Ron MacDougall for his continued efforts throughout the year. Finally my thanks also to Squadron-Leader Jones of No 7 AEF for all of the Chipmunk flying we have enjoyed this year; to the Cadet NCOs

and to the Headmaster and Staff for their support and for putting up with flashes, bangs and other disturbances.

D F Coggan, Flight-Lieutenant, Contingent Commander

CCF SAILING

In 1984 the CCF started visiting the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham to do some sailing in Wayfarer dinghies. We were fortunate in having a couple of boys who had already had some sailing experience; these were A McFarlin and D Connor. The Headmaster gave it full support because he holds the Master's Certificate for sailing and has sailed in the Mediterranean and Atlantic. We had two familiarisation visits in 1984 and 1985.

The last time there was a sailing trip it was arranged that we should meet King's School, Grantham, and race against them after lunch. However, this was cancelled when one of their boats capsized. We first met them at the Laarbruck camp at Easter when we were in the same flight. They won the accolade for being the best flight in the group and were complimented by the Camp Commandant for mixing well with other schools.

Next term a regatta has been arranged between us, King's School, Charterhouse and J C Bamford's, who have their own sailing club. We also hope to gain more experience in the use of the `Topper' boats at the National Centre. Eventually we hope to be able to go to sea in an ocean-going vessel with the Headmaster as Captain.

P Sacco

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