08 Feb 10 - Chiefs On Hand As Air Cadets Fly The Flag In Ripon
It was Flags Flying and Music Playing as 120 Air Cadets marched through the centre of Ripon on Sunday. The parade was organised to celebrate the 69th anniversary of the founding of the Air Training Corps. The station commander of RAF Linton-on-Ouse headed up the VIP guests who were on hand to take the salute.
The parade featured cadets and staff from squadrons based in Ripon, Wetherby, Harrogate, York, Knaresborough, Yeadon, Keighley, Church Fenton and Lawnswood. They formed up behind the North Region band which led them through the city centre, before attending a short service in Allhallowgate Methodist Church. As they marched through the market place, Group Captain Mike Longstaff took the salute, alongside North Yorkshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Tim Madgewick and Mayor of Ripon Councillor David Parnaby. During the church service, two cadets gave engaging accounts of some of their experiences during their membership of the ATC, and two cadets were formally enrolled as members of the corps.
The nine squadrons form part of Central and East Yorkshire Wing, which comprises approximately 1000 cadets plus supporting staff in 28 squadrons. It covers a large geographical area ranging from Stockton in the North to Keighley in the South and across to Hull on the East Coast. All 28 Squadrons are supported by local volunteers and administered from the Wing Headquarters at RAF Linton on Ouse.
Speaking after the event, organiser Flight Lieutenant Chris Crebbin of Ripon Air Cadets, said "I think we put on an impressive show today. Everyone I spoke to commented on how smart the cadets looked. I think this reflects the effort each individual made to ensure the event was a success."
Membership of the Air Training Corps is open to all boys and girls aged 13-20 years old and there are approximately 30,000 members nationwide. Cadets undergo training in aviation and military subjects, as well as first aid, sport, adventurous training, drill and citizenship. Local squadrons meet on two evenings a week and are supervised by qualified adult volunteers. Squadrons are always keen to talk to anybody interested in joining as a cadet or adult volunteer. For more details on finding your nearest squadron, visit www.ceyorks.net.
