Home RAFVR(T) Officers Adult NCOs Civilian Instructors Civilian Committee
We have a variety of adult instructors, all of whom contribute different skills and abilities to running the squadron. As well as these regular staff we have an extremely supportive Civilian Committee who work behind the scenes, raising funds, controlling the squadron accounts and watching out for the general well being of everyone on the unit.
How can I get involved ?
Flt Lt Jo Gruchy RAFVR(T) |
Jo joined the Squadron in 1992 and rose through the ranks to
become a Cadet Warrant Officer at 18. In 2001 she was appointed as an officer
in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve (Training) branch, initially at 469 (Lowestoft) Sqn,
returning to Beccles Squadron in the summer of 2002. She was appointed
to the Commanding Officers position in the summer of 2006, after 6 months as
Acting OC. Flt Lt Gruchy specialises in outdoor activities and shooting, as well as running the BTEC, Duke of Edinburgh's and MV awards for all the cadets. She holds Summer Mountain Leader training, Indoor Climbing Wall supervisors award and is also a qualified range conducting officer and First Aider. |
 WO Martin Dobson |
Martin was a cadet at Beccles in the 90's before
moving to Caister Sqn as a CWO. He became a CI there and went into
uniform as a Warrant Officer in 1997, before
transferring to Lowestoft Sqn. A further move to Leiston Sqn saw him
spend 2 years as Acting CO until a suitable officer was found. Following a house move in 2005 he has now
returned to Beccles Squadron. Martin has taken on the Adjutant role and also deals with the general duties of supply, drill and discipline, as well as sharing his enthusiasm for shooting as a qualified RCO on both the .22 and L98 weapons. |
Flt Lt Bob Ward RAFVR(T) ret'd |
Bob is a long time member of the Corps. He has served in a variety of Squadrons around the Wing, as Civilian Instructor, AWO and Officer. He joined Beccles Squadron as a Flight Lieutenant in 1993. He has now retired from uniform, but remains with the Squadron as a Civilian Instructor. His training and teaching are second to none. He runs the training program, organising courses and classes for our staff and cadets. He is also a keen "spotter", training our aircraft recognition team, and has recently completed his Private Pilots License. |
| Mr Mick Smithson | Mick is parent to one of our cadets, and after a spell on
the Civilian Committee, has now joined the Squadron staff. He is
the Squadrons Training Officer and arranges ground training, instructors and exams, as well as getting involved with various
activities.
He is a former RAF policeman and brings a wealth of experience to the Squadron.
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| Mr Ben Sparkes | Ben was a cadet at the Squadron for 7 years before taking a
break when he reached 20. He has now returned and is learning the
ropes of Press and Corporate Communications.
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| Mr Andy Buckingham | Andy transferred to Beccles from Lowestoft Squadron.
His many years in the RAF as an engineer provide a good background for the
cadets to find out about the RAF. He has organised
work experience for a number of cadets, as well as visits to local RAF
stations and is involved with training our First class cadets. Having
now left the Air Force he joins us as a Civilian Instructor.
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| Mr Ian Hembling | Ian instructs some of our Flying based subjects and has a
keen interest in Gliding.
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Squadron Chaplain
| Rev Peter Knight | Peter took on the post of Squadron Chaplain several years ago. He visits the Squadron regularly to perform enrolments, as well as just to have the opportunity to speak to the cadets. |