ATC gets new lease of life
A NEW Commanding Officer of Birstall Air
Cadets has been appointed.
Having struggled with a high turnover of volunteer staff for
almost two years, activities are now on the increase as the squadron
re-establishes itself in the village.
Pic: Ready for take off at RAF Cranwell in
a Grob Tutor
Pic: Rafting at Bosworth Water Trust
Supported by the Royal Air Force, the Air Training Corps is
a national youth organisation providing a wide variety of activities
and opportunities for young people. Recently, Birstall squadron
has been enjoying weekend camps, water sports, visits and competitions,
as well as flying and gliding at RAF stations. Cadets are also
participants in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, with those
undertaking the Bronze level completing a two day expedition
during July.
Pic: (l-r back) Flt Sgt Meachem, Flt Sgt Zawadzki,
Sgt Ameer-Beg, D. (l-r front row): Cdt Haynes, Cdt Ameer-Beg,
R., Cdt Darlinson, Cdt Cluly
Pilot Officer Ian Rose, the new Commanding Officer commented:
"Having spent 18 years with the Corps at a successful squadron,
I am to apply that experience here in Birstall and make it one
of the best performing squadrons in the area. Already we have
scooped top place in the Leadership event at our annual competition
day. Held at RAF Wittering, we beat stiff competition from 28
other squadrons in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire and Northamptonshire."
Pic: Cadet Palmer (left) and Cadet Harrison
wait for their flight
Based in the grounds of Riverside Primary School, the squadron
has its own headquarters where it meets on Tuesday and Thursday
evenings to undertake training, sports and activities, sometimes
with other local squadrons. There are also many additional weekend
activities throughout the year, as well as a selection of longer
camps ranging from a week of outdoor adventure, to living and
experiencing life on an operational RAF station.
Lesley and John Meachem said: "As parents of one of the
NCOs we are extremely grateful to the squadron for its huge influence
on our son, it helped mould him into a caring, responsible and
respectful young man who is a credit to ourselves, the ATC and
his peers, as are all the other members of the squadron. We are
very proud of them all!"
We have spent the first half of the year carefully re-establishing
ourselves and are now ready to expand and recruit new members"
said Pilot Officer Rose. "We have an exciting programme
of activities in the coming months and anyone aged 13 to 17 can
join as a cadet by visiting the squadron on one of our parade
nights from 7.30pm, or calling 0116 2672868 for more information."
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