The very first edition of the quarterly Wing Magazine was launched at a reception in Southampton yesterday evening.

Hosted by James Bailey, Regional Sales Executive for Blacks Leisure, the reception was held at Blacks' store in Above Bar Street. Representatives from the Wing, the magazine sponsors and other parties involved in the product were all in attendance.

As with all initiatives in needed several key ingredients.

First it needed the idea and this came from a conversation between WO Alex Blyth and Fg Off Michaela Coutakis on a coach trip back from RAF Digby. The idea being to give the Wing it's own paper magazine that could not only be delivered to cadets and parents but also to potential staff members, possible sponsors of the ATC and to local businesses and organisations to promote the ATC in the wider community.

Second, it needed a team of committed people to do the work. Fg Off Coutakis roped in CIs Becky Pilsworth and Chris Wood from 424 Sqn. Between them they pulled together the format and content for the first edition.

Finally, it needed money. With support from Alan Walters of MG Barkers, Merseyside enough money was raised to finance the first edition. However, it was imperative that enough sponsorhip was found to keep ahead of the game. Following a suggestion from CWO John Gore Fg Off Coutakis approached his employer, Blacks Leisure, and funding was secured for 2 further editions. The hope is that support will be available from Blacks and MG Barker for even more editions in the future.

At the reception and launch yesterday evening, James Bailey said "he was very pleased to be able to provide such support to an organisation such as the ATC where it is clear that their is a tremendous commitment from the volunteer staff and cadets in running such a team"

Blacks have continued their offer of discounts to ATC personnel and will offer an immediate 10% on production of some form of proof of membership of the Corps. They have also pledged to work with the ATC on equipment provision in the future and Sqn Ldr Stonestreet will be liaising with Mr Bailey on what can be done here.

Representing OC Wing, Sqn Ldr Peter Priest personally thanked the editorial team, MG Barkers, Blacks and BAS Printers for their support in this venture and expressed his desire that this should just be the start of a longer term relationship.

Copies of the magazine will be distributed via Wing HQ to all units and a copy is available for each cadet and staff member. Further copies are available for schools, libraries and other organisations on request.