Recently, Group Captain Roger Simon, Regional Commandant Wales & West Region, visited 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron as part of the selection process for the prestigious Lees & Morris Trophy (the best Squadron in the UK).

At the request of the Regional Commandant, the Squadron operated as a normal parade night, allowing him to experience first-hand the culture, enthusiasm, commitment and professionalism demonstrated by our incredible cadets, staff and civilian committee. He also had the opportunity to observe the wide range of activities and training opportunities we offer.

Following his inspection, Group Captain Simon selected 485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron to represent Wales & West Region for the Lees & Morris Trophy!

With over 130 squadrons across Wales & West Region, this is an outstanding achievement and a testament to the hard work, dedication and teamwork of every cadet, member of staff, civilian committee member and supporter associated with 485 Squadron.

As well as this, a massive congratulations to Sergeant Flynn and Sergeant Gordon on their recent promotion to the cadet Senior NCO team!

Congratulations to everyone who has contributed to this success, this achievement belongs to all of you. 👏

485 Squadron competed in various categories at this year’s Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing Athletics.

A fantastic performance from all who competed and a great representation of the 485 sprit, below are the scores!:

First place - under 15 boys 100m - Corporal Gordon

First place - under 15 boys 800m - Corporal Gordon

Third place - junior women 800m - Cadet Taflinger-Ahmad

Third place - under 15 boys discus throw - Cadet Pati

Third place - under 15 boys relay

Third place - junior women relay

485 (Harborne & Quinton) Squadron proudly marked the Air Training Corps’ 85th Anniversary at St Chad’s Church, alongside 493 (Kings Heath & Moseley) Squadron and 479 (Rubery) Squadron.

Across all three squadrons, more than 150 cadets came together to take part in a range of activities throughout the day, reflecting the scale and strength of our local RAFAC community.

A fantastic celebration of the organisation we are proud to be part of - and of the cadets and CFAVs who continue to make it what it is.

“Foster the Spirit of Adventure.”

A fantastic day on the range for the 485 Shooting Team!

Sgt Hudson, Cpl Ahmed and Cadet Flynn all achieved their Bronze Shot badges. Cadet Warrant Officer Deeming has now completed Air Rifle Lesson 4 and can begin working towards her Silver Shot, while Colclough is very close to securing his Bronze.

Overall, it was a very positive day, with great focus and progress shown by everyone involved.

Thank you to 493 (Kings Heath) Squadron for kindly allowing us to use their range!

We proudly present to you the 2025 Wales & West Region’s Drill and Space Winners. 🏆

485 (Harborne and Quinton) Squadron represented Warwickshire and Birmingham Wing at the Wales & West Regional Activity Day, competing in Drill and Space against Staffordshire Wing, West Mercian Wing, and the Welsh Wings.

Thanks to exceptional effort, teamwork, and commitment, our cadets secured 1st place in both competitions, earning the title of Wing and Regional Drill and Space Champions.

A huge well done to every cadet involved — you have made the Squadron and the Wing incredibly proud.

A proud day for 485 Squadron-hosting our Wing Commander, Sector Commander, and Wing Warrant Officer for our Annual Inspection. Our cadets absolutely shone and showcased the Squadron in its best light 💪

Over the past few months, 485 Squadron Cadets have competed across Banner Drill, STEM, Aircraft Recognition, First Aid, Radio, Space, Foot Drill, and more.

Their hard work paid off with 1st place in both Space and Foot Drill! 🥇👏

485 will now represent Warwickshire & Birmingham Wing at the Wales & West Regional Competition.

Plt Off Watkins, Cdt Kumar, and Cdt Seresht joined cadets from across the Wing for a fun and challenging STEM experience at Williams Racing HQ. From museum tours to virtual racing and engineering challenges, they represented 485 brilliantly!

Well done to our cadets for representing 485!

Well done to the two cadets who earned their Blue Trained Shot qualification! The rest of the group made great progress in their marksmanship training — great work by everyone involved! 💪🎯

And a massive thank you to Acting Sergeant Jarvis for running the day and delivering a brilliant session. Having recently completed his Air Rifle RCO course, he’s already putting his qualification to great use! 👏