15 cadets and NCOs from Dudhope squadron travelled to Caledonia to compete in various competitions.
3rd in the wing drill comp
2nd in the uniform inspection comp
1st in the banner drill comp
1st in the standard Aircraft Recognition comp
1st in the advanced Aircraft Recognition comp
Flt sgt Curran was the highest scoring individual in the aircraft recognition comps
Flt sgt Curran won the aircraft modelling comp in category number 3 - non aircraft
Sgt Allan won both the trophies for the highest academic scores in aviation and engineering subjects
Also the Wing efficiency trophy returned to the squadron
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  Seven cadets from the Squadron recently undertook their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh practice expedition around Loch Ard and Achray forests in the Trossachs National Park. During the two day expedition, cadets Megan Scott, Tonia Di Ponio, Laura Arcari, Alix Johnson, Jamie Scott, Iain Donaldson and Ewan Cameron had to set up their own camp-site, cook for themselves and take turns navigating and leading the team around the forest trails to prove their navigation skills to the supervising staff. The staff agreed that the cadets met the required standard to be let loose around Fetteresso Forest near Aberdeen for their qualifying expedition later this month. Watch this space to see if they manage to navigate themselves back out...
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 Saturday 27th march saw three cadets from Dudhope join others from Dundee and Central Scotland Wing at the monthly marksmanship practice at Barry Buddon Training Area. The days shooting was further preparation for taking part in the National Shooting Competition to be held at Bisley in the summer. Cadets initially were firing at 300m from the targets, however the strong wind was making things particulary difficult and time consuming when attempting to maintain aim. Despite this there were some notably accurate performances from all three Dudhope cadets. However things changed when moving to 500m, not least due to 'standing-down' for 2 hours when in the afternoon when a sail-border entered the danger area off-shore and all firing was suspended pending the individual moving safely out of the area. This resulted in a much shorter practice at 500m and coupled with the continued strong wind proved very challenging. However it would prove good experience for cadets to practice firing in difficult conditions. Well done to Cpl Brown, Cpl Moodie and Cpl Scott for their patience and enthusiasm.
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 On Friday 26th March the squadron was inspected by the Assistant Regional Commandant for Scotland and Northern Ireland Squadron Leader Carr. The inspection was undertaken as part of the Lees Trophy. Dudhope Squadron are currently the top squadron in Dundee and Central Scotland Wing and are now competing top squadron in the Region.
During the evening Sqn Ldr Carr who was accompanied by Sqn Ldr McAdam inspected the cadets on parade and also reviewed project training currently undertaken in the squadron which included; radio and communications, modelling, squadron website, video project, leadership and newsletter. The newsletter team also took the opportunity to interview Sqn Ldr carr. Having then taken tea with the cadet NCO's he watched a drill display from the Squadron Drill Team. Cpl Strachan then led the Cadet Presentation Team on how the squadron has met the three aims of the Corps. Sgt Gilzean introduced the 2450 (Dudhope) Sqn Musical Ensemble who treated Sqn Ldr Carr to a musical interlude including the cadets singing 'Caledonia'. The evening concluded with Final Parade and an informal address where Sqn Ldr Carr praised all the cadets' for their efforts and achievements over the last year, he also thanked staff for their dedication and enthusiasm. We should know the results of the inspection by the end of April. Watch this space!
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 On Friday five Dudhope cadets attended the second indoor range evening of the year at the TA range at Oliver Barracks in Dundee. Two experienced firers; Sgt Fairweather and Cpl Neill joined relative newcomers; Cdts, Drurie, Malcolm and Scott. For Sgt Fairweather it was an opportunity for her to gain some additional small-bore experience and improve overall marksmanship skills, while Cpl Neill took the opportunity to add valuable preparation prior to the planned Squadron Shooting Team's attendance at the National Shooting Competition held at Bisley in the summer.
Cdts Drurie, Malcolm and Scott all showed great promise as their accuracy and 'grouping' skills improved considerably following some intensive coaching from Plt Off Butler. It was remarked that all the cadets significantly improved over the course of the evening and are looking forward to next month's shoot. Picture to follow
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 On Sunday 7th March 20 cadets from 2450 (Dudhope) Squadron attended the tree planting event at Middleton Wood. The event is open to the public and organised by Dundee City Council Ranger Services to encourage local communities to get involved in their local green spaces. This is the fourth or fifth time that Dudhope cadets have helped out at Middleton. The cadets joined a small but enthusiastic group of members of the public to clear weeds and undergrowth from around existing saplings to allow in light and invigorate growth. Cadets also helped plant a number of trees to fill in some of the gaps in the rows of trees. Most of the tree species' were Scots Pine but some Holly and Willow trees were to be found in between. The cadets were split up into teams of 4 with some clearing weeds while others planted. Following a busy couple of hours work all there was a feeling of real satisfaction, having done a good job in helping the environment. Sgt Thornton commented, "it is good to see so many cadets' get involved in a muddy job and at the same time enjoy themselves - it's what being a cadet is all about". There was juice, crisps and chocolate as well as some recycled pencils and notebooks for all, courtesy of the Ranger Service. The picture shows cadets with a couple of friendly dogs belonging to some of the regular helpers at MIddleton Woods.
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 On Sunday 28th February around 180 Cadets and Staff from all of Dundee & Central Scotland Wing ATC gathered together at St. Luke's Church in Broughty Ferry for the Wing church parade. It is worth noting that this is only the third time in 30 years that such a parade has taken place in DCSW. On this occasion it also marked one of the last parades' for the Corps Chaplain the Reverend Tom Tait he is due to retire from his ATC duties in July this year. Today he was hosted by the DCSW Chaplain the Reverend Graham Taylor, Minister of St Luke's Church. The photograph shows Rev Tait and Rev Taylor together with the colour party including several cadets from 2450 (Dudhope) Squadron outside the church.
During the service Rev Taylor talked about the 'leap of faith' undertaken by aircraft passenger's at take-off, putting their life in the hands of the pilot and the importance of concern for others' over ones' self; adding that those who think first of their own safety – are lost.
Reverend Tait continued the theme of self-less acts in particular regarding the motto of the ATC, 'Venture Adventure' and told the story of the 'Quinton Memorial Trophy' which commemorates an act of extreme gallantry by Flt Lt John Quinton who saved the life of a cadet during a flight in 1951 while both he and the rest of the crew died following a mid-air collision.
There were some particularly uplifting hymns during the service including; 'Shine Jesus Shine', 'One More Step Along the World I Go' and 'Lord of the Dance'.
Following the service there was the opportunity to sample 'tea and cakes' courtesy of the Ladies' of St Luke's Church and judging by the speed cadets' cleared the tables they were very tasty.
Photograph courtesy and (c) D.C.Thomson&Co.,Ltd
See the gallery picture here
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  On Friday, 17 cadets and 7 staff from the Squadron headed north to the Cairngorms on the Squadron's first ever ski trip. The cadets, almost all beginners, received expert tuition from the Squadron's Commanding Officer, Flt Lt Graeme Wallace and the Wing's newly appointed Adventure Training Officer, Fg Off Leanne Campbell. Over the course of the weekend, the cadets progressed from complete non-skiers to being able to perform proficient turns that enabled them to ski the entire length of the Cairngorm ski area. We are happy to report all cadets returned home in one piece!
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Twenty-one cadets travelled to Soccer World just off the Kingsway. Three teams of five with two substiute each. We entered a Senior boys team, a Junior boys team and a female team. Unfortunately the females did not place. The Junior boys placed third. The Senior boys placed second. Well done folks!
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 Seven cadets had the opportunity to undertake marksmanship training on the No.8 rifle at the .22 indoor range in Dundee this evening. This was the first time for a number of years that the squadron has made use of this range on a parade evening, however it will be a regular event from now on.
For three of the cadets it was the first time they had ever fired at all and they all showed definite improvements throughout the evening and in fact, did extremely well considering it was the first time they had fired. For the four NCO's present they had the opportunity to undertake some .22 competition style shooting practice for the first time. Also, the NCO's helped coach the younger cadets in the marksmanship principles something they particularly enjoyed.
Cpl Brown commented, "it was really good to get involved with coaching and pass on the skills we have learned to others." All the cadets thoroughly enjoyed the evening and were definitely looking forward to next month's range evening. Cadets who took part were; Cpl Brown, Cpl Moodie, Cpl Neill, Cpl Strachan, Cdt Duncan, Cdt Malcolm and Cdt Whyman.
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