47F - Grantham ATC

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47F - Grantham ATC

Welcome to the official 47F (Grantham) Squadron RAFAC page

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The Air Cadet Organisation provides young adults from the ages of 12 - 20 with an opportunity to develop a wide array of skills, there is also the chance to take part in activities that most young people can only dream about! The skills that you will learn whilst being a part of 47F include teamwork, leadership, discipline, communication and self-confidence. These skills are taught through many of

the wide ranging activities that the Corps has on offer! At 47F (Grantham) Squadron we frequently partake in many of the Air Cadets core activities such as DofE, flying, shooting, adventure training, fieldcraft, sports to name a few! Its no secret how successful 47F (Grantham) Squadron is, you only have to look at the Air Cadet, Trent Wing or Grantham Journal Websites and there will normally be an article about us on show. We also frequently get involved with community events including the Mayor's Parlour, RAFA/RAFBF collections.

22/06/2026

Today marks the start of the Armed Forces Week celebrations within South Kesteven and Grantham town, 3 Cadets and 2 Officers attended the flag raising ceremony this morning in Grantham with the Chairman of SKDC. Representing the cadet forces in our local community is a big part of our organisation and a role we are proud to undertake.

18/06/2026

Massive congratulations to our newest intake of cadets for graduating in front of their family this week.

Their hard work and dedication throughout their basic training has paid off with the blue badges presented to them

Well Done on all your achievements

15/06/2026

18 cadets enjoyed a wonderful day out at the RAF Cosford Air Show this past Sunday. The brilliant weather complemented a spectacular lineup of static and flying displays, and the cadets particularly enjoyed exploring the pop-up village and stands. Though it was a long day, everyone showed great stamina and spirit throughout.

Photographed with and WORAF 'Subby' Subramaniam

We extend our sincere thanks to Priory Ruskin CCF (RAF Section) for arranging the coach transport, and we were delighted to be accompanied by the cadets and staff from Kings School CCF (RAF Section).

cosfordairshow

06/06/2026

During national volunteer week, we have looked at the staff behind the squadron who volunteer their time up every week on both squadron nights and at weekends. We have looked at the hard work our cadets are doing volunteering in the community with their Duke of Edinburgh award

But there are two important groups of people that we are sometimes forgotten about but need the recognition

The first group is our amazing civilian committee, without them we couldn't have a squadron. They help raise funds for the squadron and keep our books on track. They help at our presentation night with refreshments and raffles. There is a lot that is done behind the scenes that we don't even realise.

The second group is all the wonderful parents of the cadets. Each week they drive the cadets to and from the squadron, driving them across the country to different events that they attend. They pay for activities, buy the cadets new kit and are the biggest cheerleaders to the cadets.

We thank every single one of our committee or cadet parents for the support you other. The cadets would not have the experience without you!

Thank you for giving up your time

05/06/2026

During national volunteer week, we have to recognise our service instructors.

Sqn Ldr Edwards was a cadets 1985-1989, left as a Cdt Sgt in April 1989 to join RAF. Joined as a Linguist. Commissioned into Pers in 1997. SI 2015-2017 at Tring; started again at 47F April 2025. Particular interests in First Aid and D&I but anything to educate and inspire. Outside of cadets he enjoys travelling, reading and anything to do with languages. Photo taken during his time in Falklands on deployment

FS Poole joined cadets in 2006, before leaving in 2015 as a CI to join the RAF. She later came back to air cadets as an service instuctor in 2019, having held the position of OC whilst posted in Cyprus. FS Poole moved to 47F earlier this year when she was posted to RAF Cranwell as a Pharmacy Technician. She helps support the squadron with shooting and developing our NCO team. In her free time she enjoys weightlifting, travelling and enjoying good food.

Cpl McCormack was originally a cadet at 1407, reaching the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer. He began volunteering as a CI with 2505 before joining the RAF as an Avionics Technician. He is now serve in an Electronic Warfare role and have continued supporting the RAF Air Cadets throughout his service at 1265 and 17 before joining 47F. At 47F, he oversee the development and management of the Cadet NCO team, helping to build the next generation of leaders through mentorship, guidance and support.

Our service instructors have said that volunteering allows them to give back to an organisation that played a significant role in their own development, and it is a privilege to help cadets achieve their potential. The squadron wouldn't run without their support from squadron adj to NCO leads

04/06/2026

Our civilian instructors are sometimes hidden in the background of the squadron but make a massive impact to the running of the squadron and we can't thank them enough.

CI Chapman has been a member of 47(f) since 2018. He was in the RAF 2003-2018, before becoming a service instructor 2008-2018 at 2267, 2071 then 47F grantham. He has keen interest in cooking with cadets. Work at HMP Stocken as a chef 2018-present.

CI Hebert has been with 47f for a couple of years, originally as CivCom, now as CI for the last 7 months. Day job she works as a primary teacher. Keen camper and reader and has two crazy cocker spaniels

CI Howitt originally started out at 47F over 15 years ago! Initially as a CI before being coaxed into uniform working her way to WO before going to Newark squadron for a stint. Returning to 47F 2 years ago and stepping back to CI. Keen to help cadets through their DofE. Her day job is working as an EMT on the ambulances.

CI Jarvis has been with Grantham Sqn since 2017. Work as a Digital Product Manager for LNER. Interests in STEM, Space, Drones etc. At weekends you will frequently find him driving cadets across the county to different activities in the squadron mini bus

CI Knifton previously attended 47(f) as a cadet before leaving to become a young leader and leader in scouts. She become a CI at 607 to support Fg Off Knifton with DofE. Since moving back to 47(f), she lead for our social media and supports with DofE weekends. Outside cadets has a young child and she works as a nurse for the military and police custody.

CI Leeton joined us in February 2026. He has been active on the squadron with assisting with air rifle shooting, drone flying, STEM and leadership. By day he help SMEs achieve their I.T. Infrastructure and cybersecurity goals.

CI Newby joined in November 2025. In his day job he a project director for a large defence organisation focussing on developing project management capability. He is involved in anything to support the cadets as develops in experience and skills, with specific interest in DofE and leadership.

03/06/2026

At 47F we have 3 Officers and 2 NCOs who form our uniformed staff. We look at the person behind the name as we say thank you for your service and dedication to the squadron for your time and effort.

Flt Lt Knifton was a cadet at 1279 before going to Welbeck defence college. At University he part of DTUS squadron and joining 607 as a CI before later taking his commission. He moved to 47F in 2022. Now OC, he still finds time to run air rifle range, archery and a very busy DofE programme. All of this while being a dad to a young child and working shifts at Network Rail.

Fg Off Howard is an Ex RAF Armourer, who joined 47F as a service instructor before becoming an NCO and commissioning within RAFAC. He works as a paramedic, Fg Off Howard enjoys teaching military skills including Weapons Training, Road Marching and Field Craft

Fg Off Walker has been with 47F since 2018 joining the CivCom, became CI Oct 2019, then Sgt 2022, Officer 2023, currently Training Officer. She currently works as Helpline Advisor at Payplan, after years of working in primary school as SEN Teaching assistant. Her has keen interests in First Aid, Shooting, Cadet Inclusion/diversity.

Sgt Birkby initially joined 47F in 2014 before becoming CI for a brief period before passing his sergeants board. His focuses on stem activities with keen interest in rocketry and supporting cadets gaining a crest discovery award. For work Sgt Birkby is a Building maintenance unit Installation engineer for zarafa height solutions working around the country on high rise buildings.

Sgt Goddard was originally a cadet at 47(f) 2002 to 2006 before joining the RAF reserves in a force protection squadron in 2008 until 2011. She rejoined 47(f) as a staff in April 2025 before recently becoming a sgt. She has been involved in teaching archery after gaining her qualification as a CI and has has been supporting the development of our NCO team amongst other supporting activities. Outside cadets she is a dedicated mum of 2 and works for Wiltshire Farm Foods supporting customers.

02/06/2026

Cadets completing their Duke of Edinburgh have been volunteering at different organisations across town for 3, 6 or 12 months. Many cadets continue doing their volunteering after their time has finished.

For national volunteer week, we want to recognise the time and effort they all put in for their volunteering across different areas.

CDT Parker has been volunteering at 1st Barrowby Cubs supporting running games and activities. She has recently attended the fire station with the cubs and taught them how to keep safe in the home.

Come rain or shine Cdt Phillips has been volunteering at Belton House parkrun every weekend.

CDT Howkins has been volunteering at St Wulframs choir to help the younger children with boost their confidence and given them support to achieve their light blue ribbon medal over the last 6 months. This represents that’s they have been in choir for a certain amount of time and have proven themselves to be a kind and respectful chorister.

Volunteering at Hive FM, CDT Corol has been promoting diversity and inclusion by interviewing young people of different nationalities about their cultures, customs, keeping their traditions alive etc, celebrating outstanding achievements of people of Grantham, reading poems written by poets from all around the world, and playing great music.

Cdt Robson volunteering at church of the ascension, helping with church set up and the computer support for the service.

This is just a small selection from some of the current 25 cadets completing their bronze, silver and gold DofE this year

We would like to say a massive thank you and well done for your time, effort and dedication to your chosen area where you are all volunteering.

01/06/2026

This week is national volunteer week, an opportunity to celebrate the hard work of our dedicated volunteers who keep the squadron running.

On average just to run the parade nights it takes 42 hours per week or over 2,000 hours a year of volunteer time. Add on the behind the scenes admin, planning for events and weekend activities, our volunteers give up a lot of time for free to plan and organise activities which they run to give the cadets a varied and exciting program

Over the next week we will be celebrating some of those that give up their time at 47F. We can't thank our volunteers enough for their time and effort that they put into volunteering with the RAF Air Cadets.

25/05/2026

✨GOLD DofE AWARD✨

Congratulations to CWO Chatterjee, who attended the Buckingham Palace on Friday to celebrate achieving his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award!

Address

Triggs Yard, Watergate
Grantham
NG316NT

Website

http://www.raf.mod.uk/aircadets

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