News

May 2nd 2018

Officially opening a cadet centre in Alvaston

126 (City of Derby) Sqn after the Military Tattoo

126 (City of Derby) Squadron after the Birmingham Military Tattoo

The new cadet training centre in Alvaston that is used by Air Cadets from 126 (City of Derby) Squadron is set to be officially opened at an event next week.

Although cadets from 126 (City of Derby) Squadron moved in to the new building in November last year – to give the youth organisation time to settle in to the new training facility an official opening event was scheduled for May 2018.

The centre, that includes modern classrooms, a canteen and radio room will host a variety of guests at the event including Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty CBE who will officially open the building.

Cadets on parade

Cadets on parade at their new base

A variety of activities will be on offer on 10 May for invited guests to see and get involved in such as taking to the skies in the flight simulator and seeing a First Aid demonstration.

The new training facility was delivered both on time and on budget and was constructed on the same site as the three former 1970 modular huts that the cadets previously trained in.

Senior Adult Volunteer Squadron Leader Ian Marshall, from 126 (City of Derby) Squadron, said: “We are delighted with the new building and are looking forward to welcoming our invited guests at the official opening event. The unit is a thriving hub for young people in Derby and we are hoping that our new modern training facility will encourage more potential cadets and adult volunteers to join us from the surrounding area.”

Martin Capewell, Head of Estates at East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA) project managed the development of the new building. He explained: “It’s great to see cadets and adult volunteers enjoying the new state of the art training facility. There are lots of opportunities in the air cadets from learning about aviation to taking part in a variety of adventure training and sporting competitions. I’m sure the new building in Derby will be enjoyed by those who train within in for many years to come.”

126 (City of Derby) Squadron is recruiting. To find out more about volunteering with the unit as a cadet or adult volunteer call 01332 754721 or visit www.126derbyatc.co.uk for further details.

The squadron meet on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7pm to 9.30pm at the centre on Curzon Lane.

“We are delighted with the new building and are looking forward to welcoming our invited guests at the official opening event."