Recruitment call by Gorleston air corps
MORE air cadets are needed at a Gorleston-based squadron which is expanding its HQ to provide more classrooms and a store room.The Air Training Corps 221 Squadron, in Suffolk Road, is hoping to attract an extra 10 recruits to swell the corps' existing ranks of 27 cadets.
MORE air cadets are needed at a Gorleston-based squadron which is expanding its HQ to provide more classrooms and a store room.
The Air Training Corps 221 Squadron, in Suffolk Road, is hoping to attract an extra 10 recruits to swell the corps' existing ranks of 27 cadets. However, only two of the cadets are from the Suffolk Road area, with many travelling in for the meetings from Bradwell, Belton and Lowestoft.
To give the cadets a boost, Kevan Jones MP, Under Secretary of State for Defence, visited the Suffolk Road base during a whistlestop tour of the borough on Monday.
Earlier in the day, he had visited the Winterton 901 Troop Marine cadets, where he was greeted by the Troop's Commanding Officer, Capt Paul Dodson and learned about the ethos of the troop, its history and achievements.
He delayed his departure to learn more about the troop's professionalism, dedication and leadership and also visited Sea Cadets at Gorleston during his trip.
He said Yarmouth MP Tony Wright invited him to visit the borough in his role which includes responsibility for the air and sea cadets and he was also launching the Sea Cadets' Poppy Appeal.
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“I think young people these days get a very bad name and I think people need to come and look at the work of the cadets to see some great examples to fill us with pride,” Mr Jones said.
He added the aim was to provide young people with a positive image to aspire to, rather than recruiting for the armed forces.
Pilot officer Tracy Cameron hoped Mr Jones' visit would raise the profile of the RAF and help to recruit more cadets.
She said: “The biggest things being a cadet brings are self-confidence, self-respect, pride and teamwork. There is a whole list of positive things, actions that come out of being a cadet.”
The air cadets start at the age of 13 and learn flying, shooting and leadership skills, though the corps is not a recruiting ground for the RAF.
