Flight Lieutenant Mathew Burton RAF VR(T) - Officer Commanding
Full Name - Mathew Burton
Rank - Flight Lieutenant RAFAC
Squadron Role - Commanding Officer
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) - As a Cadet 2000 - 2006, as a Civilian Instructor 2006 - 2008, as a Adult NCO 2008 - 2011 and as an Officer 2011 until present.
Civilian Job - Prison Service Manager
Squadrons posted at - 94 (Feltham) Squadron, 342 (Ealing and Brentford) Squadron, 267 (Twickenham) Squadron, 1407 (Newton Aycliffe) Squadron and 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - Exercise Controller, Fieldcraft Trainer, Heartstart Qualified, Dangerous Good Trained, Qualified Risk Assessor, ELA Tutor, Leadership, Computing, Archery, History, Walking, Kayaking, Drill, Dress and Discipline
Brief ATC History - I joined in the Air Training Corps in 2000 as a 13 year old cadet at 94 (Feltham) Squadron, London. During my time as a cadet I took advantage of the many activities on offer but took a keen interest in Drill, Dress and Discipline rising to the lofty heights of Cadet Warrant Officer! When I reached 20 I felt I wanted to give something back to the ATC so decided to stay on as staff. Initially I became a Civilian Instructor but quickly missed being in uniform so I became an Adult Sergeant where I was responsible for Drill, Dress and Discipline. I performed this role for around 3 years and eventually made the decision to go forward for my commission. I was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Reserve Training Branch in September 2011. I eventually took command of the Squadron where I joined as a cadet which was a real honour. In 2015 I relocated to the North East, initially moving to 1407 (Newton Aycliffe) Squadron. However, in June 2016 I was invited to take command of 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron where I remain to this day.
Rank - Flight Lieutenant RAFAC
Squadron Role - Commanding Officer
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) - As a Cadet 2000 - 2006, as a Civilian Instructor 2006 - 2008, as a Adult NCO 2008 - 2011 and as an Officer 2011 until present.
Civilian Job - Prison Service Manager
Squadrons posted at - 94 (Feltham) Squadron, 342 (Ealing and Brentford) Squadron, 267 (Twickenham) Squadron, 1407 (Newton Aycliffe) Squadron and 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - Exercise Controller, Fieldcraft Trainer, Heartstart Qualified, Dangerous Good Trained, Qualified Risk Assessor, ELA Tutor, Leadership, Computing, Archery, History, Walking, Kayaking, Drill, Dress and Discipline
Brief ATC History - I joined in the Air Training Corps in 2000 as a 13 year old cadet at 94 (Feltham) Squadron, London. During my time as a cadet I took advantage of the many activities on offer but took a keen interest in Drill, Dress and Discipline rising to the lofty heights of Cadet Warrant Officer! When I reached 20 I felt I wanted to give something back to the ATC so decided to stay on as staff. Initially I became a Civilian Instructor but quickly missed being in uniform so I became an Adult Sergeant where I was responsible for Drill, Dress and Discipline. I performed this role for around 3 years and eventually made the decision to go forward for my commission. I was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in the Royal Air Force Reserve Training Branch in September 2011. I eventually took command of the Squadron where I joined as a cadet which was a real honour. In 2015 I relocated to the North East, initially moving to 1407 (Newton Aycliffe) Squadron. However, in June 2016 I was invited to take command of 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron where I remain to this day.
Major Liz Hancock - Squadron Padre
Full Name - Elizabeth Hancock
Rank - Major (Salvation Army Officer)
Squadron Role - Padre
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) - As a Padre 2016 - Present
Civilian Job - Commanding Officer (Church Minister) The Salvation Army - Chester-le-Street Corps
Squadron posted at - 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialties - Dip(HE) Salvation Army Officership. Pastoral Care, Church Leadership, Preaching & Teaching and Heartstart Qualified. When I'm not ministering as a Salvation Army Officer, or engaged with activities at the ATC - I enjoy park and coastal walks with my 4yr Old Border Collie.
Brief Salvation Army History - I became a Christian whist at University in Huddersfield where I graduated with a BSc (Hons) Catering & Applied Nutrition in 1992. Moving to Suffolk to commence work as a New Product Development Manager I started attending the Salvation Army in Haverhill and became a Senior Soldier in October 1994. Having received 'The Call' to Officership, I moved to London in 1991 to attend Salvation Army Officer Training at the William Booth College. Commissioned with the rank of Captain in 2001 I was appointed to the Newcastle Under Lyme Corps. Two further appointments were served in the West Midlands Division - Tunstall (2004-2008) and Cradley Heath (2008-2015). In July 2015 I moved to the North East having been appointed to the Chester le Street Corps. In 2016 - in celebration of 15 years of Officer Service I received my promotion to Major along with fellow sessional colleagues of the Ambassadors of Grace Session.
As Salvation Army Officers our appointment is not simply to minister to those connected with the local corps (church),but to serve the wider community - hence why I was thrilled to receive the invitation, from Flight Lieutenant RAF VR(T) Burton, to consider taking on the role of Chaplain with 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron.
Rank - Major (Salvation Army Officer)
Squadron Role - Padre
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) - As a Padre 2016 - Present
Civilian Job - Commanding Officer (Church Minister) The Salvation Army - Chester-le-Street Corps
Squadron posted at - 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialties - Dip(HE) Salvation Army Officership. Pastoral Care, Church Leadership, Preaching & Teaching and Heartstart Qualified. When I'm not ministering as a Salvation Army Officer, or engaged with activities at the ATC - I enjoy park and coastal walks with my 4yr Old Border Collie.
Brief Salvation Army History - I became a Christian whist at University in Huddersfield where I graduated with a BSc (Hons) Catering & Applied Nutrition in 1992. Moving to Suffolk to commence work as a New Product Development Manager I started attending the Salvation Army in Haverhill and became a Senior Soldier in October 1994. Having received 'The Call' to Officership, I moved to London in 1991 to attend Salvation Army Officer Training at the William Booth College. Commissioned with the rank of Captain in 2001 I was appointed to the Newcastle Under Lyme Corps. Two further appointments were served in the West Midlands Division - Tunstall (2004-2008) and Cradley Heath (2008-2015). In July 2015 I moved to the North East having been appointed to the Chester le Street Corps. In 2016 - in celebration of 15 years of Officer Service I received my promotion to Major along with fellow sessional colleagues of the Ambassadors of Grace Session.
As Salvation Army Officers our appointment is not simply to minister to those connected with the local corps (church),but to serve the wider community - hence why I was thrilled to receive the invitation, from Flight Lieutenant RAF VR(T) Burton, to consider taking on the role of Chaplain with 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron.
Flight Lieutenant Ian Bowles RAFVR(T) (Ret'd) - Squadron Duke of Edinburgh's Award Officer
Full Name - Ian Bowles
Rank – Civilian Instructor (Flight Lieutenant RAF VR(T) Retired)
Squadron Role – IC Adventure Training and Duke of Edinburgh Award
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) – As a Civilian Instructor 1968 - 1974, as an Officer 1974 - 1997 and as a Civilian Instructor 1997 - Present
Civilian Job – Retired but previously a Civil Servant at the Land Registry Durham and Product Development Chemist for a Pharmaceutical Company.
Squadrons posted at – 1110 (Ashington) Squadron, 861 (Wideopen) Squadron and 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron.
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - Hill and Moorland Leader DofE Assessor for both Bronze and Silver Award and Activity First Aid Trained.
Brief ATC History - I joined in the Air Training Corps in 1967 as a Civilian Instructor at 1110 (Ashington) Squadron having never served the corps as a Cadet myself. In 1970 I was commissioned into the Royal Air Force Training Branch as a Pilot Officer. In 1977 I was promoted to Flight Lieutenant at took command of 1110 (Ashington) Squadron. In 1980 I decided to move to 861 (Wideopen) Squadron as a Squadron Officer, this cut down my travelling time and eventually took over as Commanding Officer.
On reaching the mandatory retirement age I retired from uniformed service in the Air Training Corps and became a Civilian Instructor again. In 2010 I transferred to 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron taking on the role of IC Adventure Training and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
I am also part of the Wing Adventure Training team assisting in the organisation of many adventurous activities enabling cadets from across the area to get involved, even without instructors on their Squadron.
My outside interests include: hill walking, primarily in Lake District and Cheviot Hills and dinghy sailing. I also hold the RYA Level 2 (Rescue) qualification so I can do rescue duty in the club's outboard. After a worrying experience whilst sailing with friends off North West Scotland, I trained for and passed the Royal Yachting Association’s Coastal Skipper Certificate. This certificate has since been used to charter yachts up to 38 ft as Skipper, sailing the Outer and Inner Hebrides, sailing from Southern England to the Channel Islands, South Brittany, and South West Ireland as far as the notorious Fastnet Rock, as well as sailing the Aegian Sea. It was also used to take cadets for a sailing week on a RAF Sailing Association’s Sadler 36 off Scotland on one occasion.
Rank – Civilian Instructor (Flight Lieutenant RAF VR(T) Retired)
Squadron Role – IC Adventure Training and Duke of Edinburgh Award
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) – As a Civilian Instructor 1968 - 1974, as an Officer 1974 - 1997 and as a Civilian Instructor 1997 - Present
Civilian Job – Retired but previously a Civil Servant at the Land Registry Durham and Product Development Chemist for a Pharmaceutical Company.
Squadrons posted at – 1110 (Ashington) Squadron, 861 (Wideopen) Squadron and 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron.
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - Hill and Moorland Leader DofE Assessor for both Bronze and Silver Award and Activity First Aid Trained.
Brief ATC History - I joined in the Air Training Corps in 1967 as a Civilian Instructor at 1110 (Ashington) Squadron having never served the corps as a Cadet myself. In 1970 I was commissioned into the Royal Air Force Training Branch as a Pilot Officer. In 1977 I was promoted to Flight Lieutenant at took command of 1110 (Ashington) Squadron. In 1980 I decided to move to 861 (Wideopen) Squadron as a Squadron Officer, this cut down my travelling time and eventually took over as Commanding Officer.
On reaching the mandatory retirement age I retired from uniformed service in the Air Training Corps and became a Civilian Instructor again. In 2010 I transferred to 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron taking on the role of IC Adventure Training and the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
I am also part of the Wing Adventure Training team assisting in the organisation of many adventurous activities enabling cadets from across the area to get involved, even without instructors on their Squadron.
My outside interests include: hill walking, primarily in Lake District and Cheviot Hills and dinghy sailing. I also hold the RYA Level 2 (Rescue) qualification so I can do rescue duty in the club's outboard. After a worrying experience whilst sailing with friends off North West Scotland, I trained for and passed the Royal Yachting Association’s Coastal Skipper Certificate. This certificate has since been used to charter yachts up to 38 ft as Skipper, sailing the Outer and Inner Hebrides, sailing from Southern England to the Channel Islands, South Brittany, and South West Ireland as far as the notorious Fastnet Rock, as well as sailing the Aegian Sea. It was also used to take cadets for a sailing week on a RAF Sailing Association’s Sadler 36 off Scotland on one occasion.
Civilian Instructor Dorrie Burton - Squadron Junior Cadet Co-ordinator
Full Name - Dorrie Burton
Rank – Civilian Instructor
Squadron Role – Junior Cadet Coordinator
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) – As a Cadet 2005 - 2010 and a Civilian Instructor 2012 - Present
Civilian Job - Prison Service Administrator
Squadrons posted at - 342 (Ealing and Brentford) Squadron, 267 (Twickenham) Squadron, 94 (Feltham) Squadron, 2505 (Bishop Auckland) Squadron and 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Heartstart Qualified, Dangerous Goods Trained, Leadership, Communication, Organisation, Rock Climbing and Kayaking
Brief ATC History - I joined the Air Training Corps in 2005 aged 13 at 342 (Ealing & Brentford) Squadron. I took advantage of many of the activities that the cadets have to offer but I was particularly interested in Drill, Dress and Discipline. I reached the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant before leaving the Corps at age 18 to attend university. Two years later after turning 20 I decided to join as a member of staff at 267 (Twickenham) Squadron. I filled the post of Junior Cadet Training Officer where I will able to draw from my experience as a cadet to develop the new recruits. I have also been involved in many annual camps, as well as an overseas camp to Sennelager, Germany, and I have also undertaken a sky dive to raise money for Help for Heroes. I have recently relocated from London to the North East of England and joined 1507 (Chester le Street Squadron).
Rank – Civilian Instructor
Squadron Role – Junior Cadet Coordinator
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) – As a Cadet 2005 - 2010 and a Civilian Instructor 2012 - Present
Civilian Job - Prison Service Administrator
Squadrons posted at - 342 (Ealing and Brentford) Squadron, 267 (Twickenham) Squadron, 94 (Feltham) Squadron, 2505 (Bishop Auckland) Squadron and 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - BSc (Hons) in Psychology, Heartstart Qualified, Dangerous Goods Trained, Leadership, Communication, Organisation, Rock Climbing and Kayaking
Brief ATC History - I joined the Air Training Corps in 2005 aged 13 at 342 (Ealing & Brentford) Squadron. I took advantage of many of the activities that the cadets have to offer but I was particularly interested in Drill, Dress and Discipline. I reached the rank of Cadet Flight Sergeant before leaving the Corps at age 18 to attend university. Two years later after turning 20 I decided to join as a member of staff at 267 (Twickenham) Squadron. I filled the post of Junior Cadet Training Officer where I will able to draw from my experience as a cadet to develop the new recruits. I have also been involved in many annual camps, as well as an overseas camp to Sennelager, Germany, and I have also undertaken a sky dive to raise money for Help for Heroes. I have recently relocated from London to the North East of England and joined 1507 (Chester le Street Squadron).
Civilian Instructor Keith Heightley - IC Sports
Full Name - Keith Heightley
Rank - Civilian Instructor
Squadron Role - IC Sports
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) - As a Civilian Instructor 2017
Civilian Job - Civil Servant at the Land Registry Durham
Squadrons posted at - 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - Qualified part time youth worker and Heartstart qualified. I have a keen Interested in sports, outdoor activities, all things computer related and learning as much as I can with regards to the Air Cadets.
Brief ATC History - My son joined the Air Cadets in March 2016 and seeing the opportunities afforded to him and the enthusiasm he was showing got me interested as well! I came along to a couple of events and after talking with existing staff and decided it was something I would like to get involved as the number of adult helpers was quite low at the time.
I have now started the process of becoming a civilian instructor and hope to expand on my knowledge of the ATC to enable me to give a little something back to a very worthwhile organisation.
Rank - Civilian Instructor
Squadron Role - IC Sports
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) - As a Civilian Instructor 2017
Civilian Job - Civil Servant at the Land Registry Durham
Squadrons posted at - 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - Qualified part time youth worker and Heartstart qualified. I have a keen Interested in sports, outdoor activities, all things computer related and learning as much as I can with regards to the Air Cadets.
Brief ATC History - My son joined the Air Cadets in March 2016 and seeing the opportunities afforded to him and the enthusiasm he was showing got me interested as well! I came along to a couple of events and after talking with existing staff and decided it was something I would like to get involved as the number of adult helpers was quite low at the time.
I have now started the process of becoming a civilian instructor and hope to expand on my knowledge of the ATC to enable me to give a little something back to a very worthwhile organisation.
Civilian Instructor Stephen Heiniger- Adventure Training Instructor
Full Name - Stephen Heiniger
Rank – Civilian Instructor
Squadron Role - Adventure Training Instructor
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) – As a Civilian Instructor 2017 - Present
Civilian Job – Retired
Squadrons posted at – 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - Archery Instructor, BCU Cane Coach Level 1, BCU Foundation Safety Training, Heartstart, Heartstart Instructor, Joint Service Mountain Leader Training, Climbing Wall Award with Abseil Endorsement, Mountain Leader (Summer and Winter), Single Pitch Award, Trial Cycle Leader, ITC Certificate in Outdoor First Air (16 hours) and Emergency First Aid at Work. I have a big interest in all things involving adventure training. I regularly take part in walkng, climbing, canoeing and mountain climbing in my own time as well as at cadets!
Brief ATC History - I never served in the ATC hut having served for over 16 years in the reserve forces and with my interest in the outdoors, combining those experiences in 2016 I thought that it would be a good idea to be able to utilise and pass on my experience to the younger generation .
Rank – Civilian Instructor
Squadron Role - Adventure Training Instructor
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) – As a Civilian Instructor 2017 - Present
Civilian Job – Retired
Squadrons posted at – 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - Archery Instructor, BCU Cane Coach Level 1, BCU Foundation Safety Training, Heartstart, Heartstart Instructor, Joint Service Mountain Leader Training, Climbing Wall Award with Abseil Endorsement, Mountain Leader (Summer and Winter), Single Pitch Award, Trial Cycle Leader, ITC Certificate in Outdoor First Air (16 hours) and Emergency First Aid at Work. I have a big interest in all things involving adventure training. I regularly take part in walkng, climbing, canoeing and mountain climbing in my own time as well as at cadets!
Brief ATC History - I never served in the ATC hut having served for over 16 years in the reserve forces and with my interest in the outdoors, combining those experiences in 2016 I thought that it would be a good idea to be able to utilise and pass on my experience to the younger generation .
Civilian Instructor Paula Honeyball - Squadron Adjutant
Full Name - Paula Honeyball
Rank – Civilian Instructor
Squadron Role - Adjutant
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) – As a Cadet 1989 - 1992 and as a Civilian Instructor 2015 - Present
Civilian Job – EE Business Partner Support, Account Co-Ordinator
Squadrons posted at – 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - Heartstart Qualified, Karate, Swimming, Photography, Family History, Cake baking and decorating
Brief ATC History - I joined in the Air Training Corps in 1989 as a 13 year old cadet at 1507 Chester-Le-Street Squadron. While I was a cadet, my main interests focussed around flying and shooting, as well as map reading. I was the squadrons first female radio operator and had a keen interest in this too, eventually leading to training the junior cadets in radio communications. During the time I was a cadet, I was also training in shotokan karate, due to the heavy training schedule leading up to my Dan grading, I was unable to continue with the cadets and left when I was 16. The next 24 years saw me married, have 2 kids and rise to the grade of 3rd Dan Black belt and Instructor in karate, but I still missed the Corps. By chance, I was looking to become actively involved with the Corps again and returned to my old squadron in September 2015. I was initially recruited as training officer, however, the OC found my skills were best suited to the Adjutant role, which I have held since January 2016. I currently form part of the Wing media team as a photographer, and I’m currently working towards becoming a commissioned officer in the corps.
Rank – Civilian Instructor
Squadron Role - Adjutant
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) – As a Cadet 1989 - 1992 and as a Civilian Instructor 2015 - Present
Civilian Job – EE Business Partner Support, Account Co-Ordinator
Squadrons posted at – 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - Heartstart Qualified, Karate, Swimming, Photography, Family History, Cake baking and decorating
Brief ATC History - I joined in the Air Training Corps in 1989 as a 13 year old cadet at 1507 Chester-Le-Street Squadron. While I was a cadet, my main interests focussed around flying and shooting, as well as map reading. I was the squadrons first female radio operator and had a keen interest in this too, eventually leading to training the junior cadets in radio communications. During the time I was a cadet, I was also training in shotokan karate, due to the heavy training schedule leading up to my Dan grading, I was unable to continue with the cadets and left when I was 16. The next 24 years saw me married, have 2 kids and rise to the grade of 3rd Dan Black belt and Instructor in karate, but I still missed the Corps. By chance, I was looking to become actively involved with the Corps again and returned to my old squadron in September 2015. I was initially recruited as training officer, however, the OC found my skills were best suited to the Adjutant role, which I have held since January 2016. I currently form part of the Wing media team as a photographer, and I’m currently working towards becoming a commissioned officer in the corps.
Civilian Instructor Andrew Snowball- Squadron Training Officer
Full Name - Andrew Snowball
Rank – Civilian Instructor
Squadron Role - Training Officer
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) – As a Cadet 1998 - 2001 and as a Civilian Instructor from 2017 - present
Civilian Job – BIM & Digital Innovation Manager (Principle Consultant)
Squadrons posted at – 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - I hold a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and professionally qualified through the Institution of Structural Engineers, Engineering Council & Chartered Institute of Managers. I am also professionally qualified with PADI as Divemaster & an Emergency First Responder. My interests are; Scuba Diving, Climbing, Shooting, Photography.
Brief ATC History - I joined the ATC in 1998 as cadet at 13 years old at 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron where I enjoyed many of the activities available such as; shooting, flying, summer camps and fieldtrips. It’s been 16 years since I was last involved in the Cadets and it’s great to see how much the ATC has progressed. Through providing formal qualifications, such as BTECs and the number of opportunities available that; consolidate their training, provide memories that will last a life-time and hopefully inspire their futures.
Rank – Civilian Instructor
Squadron Role - Training Officer
Time in the Air Training Corps (ATC) – As a Cadet 1998 - 2001 and as a Civilian Instructor from 2017 - present
Civilian Job – BIM & Digital Innovation Manager (Principle Consultant)
Squadrons posted at – 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron
Qualifications, Interests and Specialities - I hold a BSc (Hons) in Civil Engineering and professionally qualified through the Institution of Structural Engineers, Engineering Council & Chartered Institute of Managers. I am also professionally qualified with PADI as Divemaster & an Emergency First Responder. My interests are; Scuba Diving, Climbing, Shooting, Photography.
Brief ATC History - I joined the ATC in 1998 as cadet at 13 years old at 1507 (Chester-Le-Street) Squadron where I enjoyed many of the activities available such as; shooting, flying, summer camps and fieldtrips. It’s been 16 years since I was last involved in the Cadets and it’s great to see how much the ATC has progressed. Through providing formal qualifications, such as BTECs and the number of opportunities available that; consolidate their training, provide memories that will last a life-time and hopefully inspire their futures.
