Cl Pete Lewis, squadron adjutant for 999 Dunmow & District Squadron Air Training Corps, explains what the cadets have been up to lately.
999 Dunmow and District Air Cadets have had a busy few weeks what with a trip to Battle of Britain airfield RAF Kenley in Surrey for a gliding experience, followed up shortly after by Dunmow Carnival and this past week the largest open evening in recent memory with over 70 attendees from the town and surrounding areas visiting the Squadron!
As an addition to this the Commanding Officer Flight Lieutenant April Dutton got married to the former CO of 309 Sawbridgeworth Squadron Flt Lt Alex Fuller who is now Chief of Staff for Essex Wing.
Due to honeymoon commitments it was left to veteran staff member Flight Sergeant Nigel Thomas to lead proceedings at the Open Evening.
Over 20 recruits signed up to join the Squadron, taking the official number of cadets on strength to over 55 cadets now, the largest number of cadets the Squadron has had in at least the last 25 years.
This is also testament to how different members of staff have picked up things in the absence of Flt Lt Fuller (formerly Dutton) with particular thanks to Civilian Instructors Mark Farthing and Steve Dew, alongside the Civilian Committee, who led the parade events at the Carnival under the watchful eye of Sector Commander Squadron Leader Chris Newton who stood in for Flt Lt Fuller, whilst also overseeing his former cadet Squadron (2317 Harlow) and their band who played amazing music throughout the carnival parade.
Being selected to be near the front of the parade meant that the float had to look outstanding and this couldn't have happened without the kindness and support from Travis Perkins and Dunmow Tesco who both donated items to make the vehicles look the part in the parade.
Coming up the cadets will be learning multiple different things with classroom based learning at the Drill Hall and also outdoors learning with a visit to Dunmow Fire Station planned and a visit to Chelmsford City Racecourse to assist them with their Remembrance Saturday events.
FS Thomas said "I've been with the cadets here for over 12yrs now in a variety of roles and to see it growing as quickly and well as it is is very heart-warming to see so many young people coming to the Air Cadets in Dunmow.
"We would love to have a few more staff members coming along, especially as we're growing so fast now, so always drop us a line!
"We will have another Open Evening early in January for more youngsters to join so keep an eye out for when you can join us!"
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