Members of Wimborne Air Cadets are more than ready to return to the Squadron headquarters in Leigh Road, as lockdowns have curtailed their activities for more than a year.

The group, which in February this year celebrated the 80th anniversary of its founding, has been able to take part in online activities, thanks to the efforts of the Officer Commanding, Flt Lt Nigel Winton.

Nigel said: “Air Cadets is traditionally an organisation which encourages social interaction between cadets and staff. We are currently keen to hear from anyone interested in joining our staff and they do not need any specific qualifications or expertise as we will give all necessary training.

“Looking at how we could remain engaged with our cadets we arranged online training sessions and ‘drop-in’ evenings and I am pleased to say that several cadets have successfully completed their exams. We look forward to seeing our cadets again on parade nights when they will be under a new banner, the Squadron having devised a new crest which identifies with our local links.”

Normally a Civilian Committee also works alongside the Squadron to assist with fund-raising to enable some cadet activities, but all fund raising activity has also had to be suspended.

Sue Cook, chairman of the Civilian Committee, said: “We really appreciate all that the Officer Commanding has done to retain the interest of the cadets and to prepare for a return to normality. But without the opportunities to raise funds to support the Squadron I know that they will be hard pressed to resume normal operations when the time comes.

“I would welcome any approaches from people wishing to get involved in the Civilian Committee activities or who have ideas for fund raising for the Squadron”. Sue can be contacted at: chair.1069@rafac.mod.gov.uk