Berkhamsted air cadets on cloud nine after £500 windfall from Taylor Wimpey

The 1113 Berkhamsted Squadron of the Air Training Corps has received the cash through housebuilder Taylor Wimpey.

It comes after a scheme invited Gazette readers to nominate worthwhile causes to receive a grant from the developer – which is building new homes off Shootersway, Berkhamsted.

Flight Lieutenant Chris Brooks, commanding officer of the squadron, said: “We’re very grateful for the funding we’ve received.

“We’ve recently had a big increase in numbers, which is fantastic news, but does mean we were in need of additional funding to support the activities that our cadets undertake.

“For example, we provide outdoor camping equipment such as rucksacks, tents, compasses and stoves to enable the cadets to take part in the bronze Duke of Edinburgh scheme, so this grant will be incredibly useful.”

The air cadets meet at the ATC headquarters in the grounds of Ashlyns School on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 7pm and enjoy a variety of weekend activities including flying, gliding, shooting, marching and Duke of Edinburgh expeditions.

The squadron also offers First Aid qualifications, BTECs, adventure training, annual week-long camps and a whole range of sporting opportunities.

The group is currently looking for more adult volunteers – especially women – to assist with the cadets’ learning. Visit www.berkham
stedaircadets.org.uk for more information.