281 Southport Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets

31/08/2026

We’ve been featured on the weekly “RAFAC review”

Once again thank you to everyone who came to Southport Airshow and especially those who bought programmes or gave a donation.

We’re having a well earned night off ready to get back on Thursday.

We will be shortly revealing our next intake night later today so watch this space 👀✈️

30/08/2026

It’s day 2 of Southport Air Show and the sun is out! Fingers crossed it stays ☀️☀️

Our cadets are at all entrances with programmes printed by the fantastic local Replica Print Southport

We even managed a cheeky picture with Southport Town Crier Kevin Ruane MBE

29/08/2026

Our cadets and volunteer team are at Southport Air Show this weekend selling programmes and also showing off our immersive tech.

More importantly from every programme you buy, our cadets get a percentage of the sale price.

Make sure to say hello

23/08/2026

Last night members of our cadet force adult volunteer team CFAVS attended the Merseyside Wing Annual Dining In, held at Liverpool Masonic hall. 🍾

The Wing Dinner is a chance for CFAVs from across the wing to meet and let their hair down, and celebrate the important role they play in shaping the cadet experience.

Pictured L-R

Mrs J. Provost, CI Phil Harris, CI Reece Mercer, Flt. Lt Micheal Molyneux, Mr Ryan Williams, CI Tom Hodgin & CI Neil Walsh

OC Merseyside Wing RAFAC
Merseyside Wing Air Cadets
North Region - Royal Air Force Air Cadets
RFCA for the North West of England & the Isle of Man

16/08/2026

Think Air Cadets is just a Monday - Friday Hobby ?

This weekend we’ve had a small group of cadets representing our squadron at a small VJ Memorial service in the town centre, standing alongside veterans of all ages and 3 of our cadets proudly holding the standards during the service.

The weekend also saw three of our cadets undertake their silver leadership award enabling them to become effective leaders within our wing.

Well done to all this weekend who proudly represented our squadron and again being a firm part of our community in Southport

OC Merseyside Wing RAFAC
Merseyside Wing Air Cadets

11/08/2026

✈️ A BUSY WEEKEND AT 281! 🎶

It’s been another busy weekend for the cadets and staff of 281 Southport Squadron!

🏅 Congratulations to Corporal Ormerod, who has successfully achieved his Bronze Wings! A fantastic achievement and another step forward in developing his knowledge and skills in aviation. ✈️

🎺 Music Training Weekend – RAF Woodvale

Members of 281 also joined cadets from across the Wing for a fantastic Music Training Weekend at RAF Woodvale, headed by our very own CI Walsh, who also serves as the Wing Music Officer.

With 18 cadets from across the Wing coming together, the weekend was packed with music, learning and teamwork. Cadets developed their musical skills, learned the basics of band drill, and worked towards achieving their music badges. 🎶🥁

It was fantastic to see cadets from different squadrons coming together, learning new skills, supporting one another and, most importantly, enjoying themselves!

👏 Well done to everyone who took part — your hard work, commitment and enthusiasm are a credit to 281 and the wider Wing.

281 Southport Squadron — developing skills, building confidence and creating opportunities. 🇬🇧✈️

OC Merseyside Wing RAFAC
Merseyside Wing Air Cadets

07/08/2026

We will be looking towards our September intake

Volunteer staff always welcome too ✈️

04/08/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Our New Cadet Warrant Officer! 🎉

Everyone at 281 (Southport) Squadron RAF Air Cadets would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Cadet Warrant Officer Rawcliffe on her well-deserved promotion.

This is the highest rank a cadet can achieve within the RAF Air Cadets and is a testament to the dedication, commitment and hard work she has consistently demonstrated throughout her cadet career.

From the moment she joined the squadron, CWO Rawcliffe has led by example, displaying outstanding leadership, professionalism and exemplary conduct in everything she does. Whether mentoring junior cadets, supporting squadron activities or representing 281 at events across the Wing and beyond, she has always embodied the core values of the RAF Air Cadets.

Her promotion reflects not only her personal achievements but also the respect she has earned from fellow cadets and staff alike. She is an inspiration to those around her and a fantastic role model for the next generation of cadets.

Congratulations once again, Cadet Warrant Officer Rawcliffe. We are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved and look forward to seeing you continue to excel in this prestigious role.

👏 Well done, CWO Rawcliffe!

02/08/2026

✨ 281 Squadron’s First Veterans Afternoon Tea – A Wonderful Success! ✨

Saturday saw our cadets proudly host their very first Veterans Afternoon Tea, and what an incredible afternoon it was!

Organised, prepared and hosted entirely by our own cadets, the event welcomed over 30 veterans from all walks of life for an afternoon of great food, conversation and entertainment.

Our guests enjoyed a fantastic piano performance from Cadet Shipstone and an amazing magic show by Sergeant Collins, both of which were met with huge applause. Our cadets not only prepared and served the afternoon tea but also spent time chatting with our guests throughout the afternoon. It was wonderful to hear so many veterans comment on what a credit the cadets are to the squadron.

A huge thank you goes to Michelle and the team at Southport Masonic Hall for hosting us. The hall and its members have a long history of supporting 281 Squadron, and without their generosity this event simply wouldn’t have been the success it was.

We would also like to thank Lee and his team at Tesco Express, Eastbank Street, along with Neil and Tom from The Windmill Southport, for their generous donations of supplies, which helped make the afternoon possible.

Finally, thank you to everyone who attended and supported our raffle. Thanks to your generosity, we raised over £300 for squadron funds, which will help us continue providing fantastic opportunities for our cadets.

Following such a successful first event, we’re delighted to say that our next Veterans Afternoon Tea is already planned for December—so keep an eye on our page for more details.

Thank you to everyone who supported this special day. ❤️💙

30/07/2026

THIS SATURDAY

If you know a veteran then get in touch, spaces limited

🍰☕ Calling All Veterans – You’re Invited! ☕🍰

281 (Southport) Squadron RAF Air Cadets are delighted to invite veterans of all ages to join us for a special Veterans Afternoon Tea.

📅 Saturday 1st August
🕚 11:00am – 2:00pm
📍 Southport Masonic Hall, Duke Street, Southport, PR8 1LS

Come along and enjoy a delicious afternoon tea, freshly prepared by our cadets, whilst spending time with fellow veterans in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

There’ll also be:
🎟️ A raffle
🎶 Live music
🤝 Great company and plenty of conversation

This event is completely free for veterans of all ages, however booking is essential.

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: 01704 550393

We look forward to welcoming you for an enjoyable afternoon as we say thank you for your service.

Please share this post with any veterans, family members or organisations who may be interested. 🇬🇧