1004 Pontypridd Squadron, ATC

17/10/2026

Despite a cold but bright day today, our cadets were out supporting a collection at Pontypridd RFC, raising an amazing £534! 🎉

A massive thank you to Pontypridd RFC for welcoming us and allowing us to carry out the collection. We’d also like to thank our Civilian Committee for organising everything and making the day possible.

Flt Lts Rowan and Fowler were also present, alongside representatives from our CivCom, supporting the squadron throughout the day.

Thank you to everyone who donated and showed their support. Every contribution makes a difference to our cadets and the opportunities we can offer them!

30/09/2026

Today, members of 1004 Pontypridd Air Cadets attended the funeral of our former CivCom Chair, Gloria Preedy.

Gloria joined our CivCom in 2017 and continued to support the squadron until earlier this year. Throughout her time with us, Gloria put so much time, effort and care into her role. She truly understood our cadet squadron and was always there to support us, whether that was through seeking grants for financial support, providing supplies, or simply giving her time.

Gloria was not only a valued member of our CivCom, but also a friend to the squadron and its cadets. She was a lady with a wealth of knowledge and was always happy to share it with others. In particular, Gloria shared her knowledge of sign language with our cadets, helping them to learn new skills and understand the importance of communication and inclusion.

We were honoured to be joined by our very own Squadron Padre, who directed the funeral, alongside Sqn Ldr Horton and four of our cadets who took the time to attend and show their respects.

Our thoughts are with Gloria’s nearest and dearest at this difficult time. They will always be welcome at the squadron.

A massive thank you to everyone who attended today and showed their support. It meant a lot to us and was a fitting way to remember someone who gave so much to our squadron and its cadets.

OC Flt Lt Rowan said “As OC of 1004, Gloria was always a great assistance. She was always there with a listening ear, helpful advice or a forthright telling off where needed!

I will miss her dearly.

Thanks to the staff, CivCom and cadets who came along to the funeral today. I think we all found it a moving and lovely service, and a fitting goodbye.”

Rest in peace, Gloria. You will be greatly missed. ❤️

24/09/2026

Tonight we said “see you later” to Cadet Warrant Officer Oloidi as he officially ages out of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

Oloidi has progressed through the ranks of Corporal, Sergeant, Flight Sergeant and Cadet Warrant Officer, taking part in countless activities and opportunities along the way — including Nijmegen twice! He has gained fantastic life skills, experiences and qualifications that he can now bring with him into his next chapter.

Although he has aged out, it’s certainly not goodbye! We’re delighted that Oloidi will be returning as a Civilian Instructor.

Thank you, Oloidi, for your commitment and service to the squadron. We’re incredibly proud of you and look forward to having you back as part of the staff team!

04/08/2026

Well done to our very own CI Gower for being such a big help!

Rhondda Valley Heroes Save Clydach Mountain As Wildfires Stretch Fire Brigade 🙏🫡

A potential disaster on the Clydach mountain in the Rhondda Valley was averted this weekend thanks to the incredible bravery and quick thinking of local residents.

At around 6.30pm on Sunday the 2nd of August, Julie Gower spotted smoke rising from the mountainside. She immediately contacted the fire brigade, only to be told that all local fire crews were already deployed tackling other wildfires in the area.

Realising time was running out, two 24 year old men, Dafydd Gower from Porth and Connor Gibby-Smith from Ynyshir, took it upon themselves to stop the blaze.

Julie drove the young men to the area where they believed the fire was burning. Armed only with water bottles they had filled up before leaving, Dafydd and Connor hiked up the mountain trail to hunt for the flames.

Once they successfully located the fire, they poured their limited water supply around the burning area to create a damp perimeter and prevent the blaze from spreading any further.

Knowing they needed a lot more water to finish the job, the pair ran back down the trail to a nearby street. They urgently knocked on the doors of local houses to ask residents for buckets of water.

Dafydd and Connor then made multiple exhausting trips up and down the mountain trail, carrying heavy buckets to the site of the blaze.

They continued their relentless firefighting efforts until they were completely satisfied that the fire was entirely out and the mountain was safe.

Their amazing community spirit and hard work undoubtedly saved the local landscape from far worse damage.

01/08/2026

Congratulations to our cadets on their fantastic achievements who attended Inter Wing Athletics today at RAF Cosford.

🥉 Graziano – Under 16 Girls High Jump – 3rd Place

Junior Men
🥉 Gittins – 100m – Bronze
🥈 Gittins – 1500m – Silver
🥇 Gittins – Relay – Gold

🥈 Jones – Long Jump – Silver
🥈 Jones – Shot Put – Silver
🥇 Jones – Relay – Gold

An extra congratulations to both Gittins and Jones, who were part of the Junior Men’s team that helped No. 1 Welsh Wing become overall winners in their category.

A brilliant effort from everyone involved—we’re incredibly proud of your hard work and success. Well done! 👏🎉

No 1 Welsh Air Cadets

01/08/2026

Congratulations to Cadet Warrant Officer Oloidi on his promotion to the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer, the highest that a cadet can achieve in their cadet career.

A well-deserved achievement that reflects his dedication, commitment and hard work throughout his RAF Air Cadets journey. Wishing him every success in this new role!

No 1 Welsh Air Cadets

01/08/2026

Congratulations to Cadet Hayward for receiving cadet of the month for July!

25/07/2026

Well done to the 3 members of our squadron who completed the “De 4 Daagse” Nijmegen 4 day March, completing a total of 160km over 4 days.

They’ve demonstrated an immense amount of dedication within a 6 month training programme that started in January. Even more impressive that FS Oloidi and CI Gower had to carry a minimum of 10kg for the entire march.

Well done to Cpl Couch, FS Oloidi, and CI Gower. Along with the rest of the No1 Welsh Wing Road Marching Team for this amazing achievement!!

Royal Air Force Air Cadets Regional Commandant Wales and the West Commandant Air Cadets No 1 Welsh Air Cadets Wales & West Air Cadets

08/07/2026

Congratulations to Cdt John for receiving his blue wings badge and to Cpl Graziano for her silver Lyre badge.

Big achievements!

01/07/2026

Congratulations to Cadet Choudhury for receiving Cadet of the Month for June!