Biggleswade Air Cadets are looking forward to new adventures after their Happy Return post Covid-19 lockdown

Biggleswade Air Cadets are delighted to mark their 'Happy Return' to parade night and are now inviting new recruits to join in the fun now that lockdown has ended.

The group made its return this April and members have already taken part in real or trial expeditions towards their Duke of Edinburgh awards.

The cadets can't wait to welcome new members, and recruitment nights will run from today (May 6) through to the end of June, every Thursday from 7pm - 9.30pm.

Flight Lieutenant Amanda Wilson, said: "The benefit of joining is to give yourself more opportunities that wouldn't otherwise be available to you. There's teamwork, camaraderie, having the sense of being part of the community, and you also learn life-long skills.

"It's the RAF Air Cadets 80th anniversary this year and it's good to continue to give back to young people, which we've done for almost a century.

"We're moving to the future and trying to keep developing with the times. We're introducing a space syllabus, cyber awareness, and keeping our aviation programme updated.

"We're keen to keep moving and elevating ourselves."

By joining 2065 Biggleswade Squadron, ambitious recruits will open doors to a range of activities, including: flying and gliding, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, leadership, first aid, shooting, training and education, sports, parade and drill, music and radio, cyber and space, and 'Adventurous Training'.

There are also several qualifications available, including: Duke of Edinburgh Awards (Bronze - Gold), BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Aviation Studies, BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community, BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Music for Practical Performance, ILM Level 2 Young Leaders Award and ILM Level 3 in Leadership and Management.

Amanda explained: "Our aims are to promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force among young people, provide training which will be useful in the services and civilian life, and encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship."

And intrepid endeavours will certainly be on the cards for the air cadets, with two camping trips planned for the near future - one to Wales in September and one to the Lake District in October. There are also choir camps planned in the autumn.

In the meantime, the group is enjoying seeing one another face to face once again for parade nights, as they were only able to meet up twice in December before the Tier System saw the return of online sessions.

In a message to the cadets, Amanda added: "Well done for continuing your high levels of engagement and for continuing to develop your skill set regardless of obstacles in the way.

"That spirit and ethos is what we try and foster and I've never been prouder. Well done to them."

Parade nights are Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7pm - 9.30pm, and there are also sessions at weekends.

You have to be aged 12 to 18 to join (those who are 12-years-old must be in Year 8). Cadets can stay on until they are 20 with the opportunity to transition to the staff team.

New recruits nights are on Thursdays (until the end of June) from 7pm - 9.30pm.

The cadets are based at 2065 Biggleswade Squadron, off Shortmead Street.

To join, call 07701307952 or email [email protected].

Facebook: @2065sqn

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