29/12/2025
Did you think it was quiet around here? Our Wing Aviation Officer, Sqn Ldr Adam Waudby has been taking a well earned break; and whilst on personal holiday down under to Australia ended up on camp with the Australian Air Force Cadets, supporting 344 Musicians Flight and 3 Wing!
Based at RAAF Richmond, near Sydney, for the week - he spent the week teaching and performing music with the 115 cadets and staff from around New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory; learning about the Australian Air Force Cadets and teaching them about what we do in the United Kingdom. This year saw their tenth anniversary concert, Echoes of a Decade; and also saw 325 (Goulburn) Squadron celebrating their Freedom of the City of Goulburn - with Adam performing in the band at both events to support.
All this came about because before taking post as the Wing Aviation Officer; Adam had a very successful 9 years as our Wing Music Officer - taking the Wing all over the country performing; making some friends (especially FLTLT(AAFC) Ben Simon - the OC of 344 Musician’s Flight; effectively the 3 Wing Band) in Australia along the way; hence the opportunity to work together. During COVID the Wing had a joint virtual performance with them; so being able to go over personally was the culmination of a long term plan!
Speaking about the experience, Adam commented: “It was fantastic to finally get to meet Ben and the team in person; and to be able to once again enjoy making music. I’ve always felt that music unites and is a common language; and to be able to go to the other side of the world and immediately fit into Ben’s team and teach and play was incredible. It was brilliant to be able to see my flag (the white rose of Yorkshire, naturally) hanging in the band room all week - alongside the Australian Southern Cross."
By the end of the week it was common place for the attending cadets and staff to greet Adam with “Ey up” getting a response of “G’day” and much learning and laughter occurred. (Every day they surprised him with a different Australian staple food - he just about managed to hold the Vegemite down…)
Massive thanks to the Australian Air Force Cadets for having him; and making him so welcome. We’re absolutely not considering sending him again next year…