All the news and happenings from north Antrim’s towns and villages

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The RAF Reserves’ invitation to ‘live a more challenging life’ is opening up around 120 new part-time career opportunities at Aldergrove for men and women who think they’ve got what it takes to support RAF operations around the world.

502 (Ulster) Squadron, last seen in the skies here in the late 1950s, is proud of its historic links with the region, but the re-born squadron has its eyes firmly on the future. Royal Air Force Reserves are pivotal in today’s RAF and the new presence at Aldergrove is local evidence of a UK-wide initiative to develop Reservist squadrons. The new generation of reservists will be fully integrated with regular RAF personnel, training and operating to the same high

standards; as seen in recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, were they work on RAF units, side-by-side , undertaking exactly the same tasks, as 502 (Ulster) Squadron Commanding Officer, Wing Commander James Armstrong explains.

“Aircrew duties aren’t actually open to reservists on 502 Squadron: however we do offer a huge range of opportunities in incredibly diverse disciplines.

“We’re looking for people keen to develop their skills and sense of adventure through vital RAF roles such as aeromedical staff, flight operations, logisticians, personnel support staff, technicians and photographers. 

“If new recruits supply the enthusiasm and drive, we’ll supply training which will not only prepare them for their new roles in the RAF Reserves but will also be of tremendous value in their civilian careers. We don’t minimise the challenges ahead, but we are confident that the RAF Reserve’s famous blend of camaraderie and sense of purpose, coupled with superb personal development opportunities, will make this an attractive prospect for many.

“Those benefits are underpinned with financial rewards which include an annual tax-free bonus, good daily rates of pay and mileage to and from our Aldergrove base.”

The Squadron is seeking to recruit men and women aged from 18 – 50. They could come from any sector of the community and from any employment background, but they must be focused and motivated – and a degree of physical fitness is also a must. Currently the recruitment priorities are for personnel support, logisticians, General Technicians – Electrical and Mechanical, medical staff, dental officers, physiotherapists and nurses

Wing Commander Armstrong and his team are currently welcoming potential new recruits to a series of Information Sessions at Aldergrove. He says, “We are passionate about the importance of our work and what the RAF Reserve has to offer new recruits, but we recognise that the level of commitment required, coupled with the inherent challenges, mean it isn’t for everyone. The best way to find out about the RAF Reserves is to come along and meet us and see for yourself what’s on offer – and that informal chat and show-and-tell tour could be the start of an amazing and challenging new future.”

If you would like to find out more about joining the RAF Reserves visit raf.mod.uk/rafreserves or telephone 0845 606 9069.

CLOUGHMILLS

Sequence and Social Dance

There will be a Sequence and Social Dance in Cloughmills Community Centre on November 7th.

Music by Peter Mac.

Dancing from 8.30pm - 11.30pm.

Admission £5 including light supper.

ballymoney

Glebeside Women

Glebeside Women’s Club AGM will be held on Wednesday 13th November at 2.30pm in Ballymoney Resource Centre.

ballymoney

Independent Orange

There will be a grand parade by the Independent Orange Institution to mark the 325th anniverary of the landing of the then William, Prince of Orange later to become King William III at Brixham to begin the glorious revolution followed by reformation service.

This will take place on Saturday, November 2nd.

The parade leaves Independent Orange Hall at Edward Street, Ballymoney at 2.30pm to make a circuit of the town.

Reformation Service commencing at 3.30pm in hall.

Speaker will be Rev Canon RJ Johnston.

All loyal order brethren welcome. Regalia to be worn

garryduff

School craft fair

Garryduff Primary School is holding its annual Christmas Craft Fair on Thursday, Novedmber 14th from 7pm.

Thirty fabulous craft and gift stalls.

£2.50 entry which includes tea and tray-bakes.

Primary school children free of charge.

lavin

Lavin annual sale

The annual sale organised by the Ladies Committee of Levin LOL will take place in Lavin Orange Hall on Saturday, November 9th.

The event will commence at 2pm and there will be numerous stalls offering a wide variety of wares.

Over the years the sale has grown in popularity due to the generosity of the many people who supported the event.

As in previous years, the hall will be open on Friday 8th from 8pm and anyone who wishes to donate gifts may bring them along them or on morning of sale.

Along with the many bargains on offer, there will be a host of prizes up for grabs.

Light snacks will be available. Admission is free and everyone will be welcome.

BALLYCASTLE

Blaney on meetings

Ballycastle Independent councillor Seamus Blaney claimed that in the period of a year there was not one meeting held of the Moyle Sports Advisory Committee.