Post by Dave Homewood on Mar 15, 2007 22:07:04 GMT 12
Cadets have new home at last
By RICHARD MILLER
The Marlborough Express | Wednesday, 14 March 2007
After 30 years at Omaka, Blenheim's Air Training Corps has moved to new facilities at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.
The 35-strong No 27 squadron has moved from a dilapidated ex-military building at Omaka to office space and lecture rooms at Longbank, where they will enjoy better training and sport facilities as well as use of the gymnasium.
Base Commander Dave Green welcomed the unit to the base during a half-hour parade, where the cadets were presented with a new ensign to signify their arrival.
Cadet Unit Commander, Squadron Leader Peter Carter said the move was a big bonus for aviation training and meant the squad was not constantly having to raise funds for the Omaka base.
"We can now concentrate more on training with better facilities," he said. "For example on Saturday March 24 we are planning to fly off the base on a flying camp exercise where every cadet will have a flying lesson and navigation training."
He said the cadets moved to Omaka in 1967.
"It's been costing us hundreds of dollars to fix up and we have had to borrow and beg as well as people giving us a hand to keep it running, but obviously we won't have to do that at the new base.
"However I would like to thank the community for helping and supporting us over the years."
He said the cadets, aged from 13 to 18, were a uniformed, disciplined youth organisation which met every week for drill, leadership training, aviation studies, adventure and work and safety training.
"We also do community service and set them all sorts of challenges and encourage leadership development," he said.
The squadron is currently recruiting for new cadets and anyone interested should ring Peter on 579 3386.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/3992635a6008.html
By RICHARD MILLER
The Marlborough Express | Wednesday, 14 March 2007
After 30 years at Omaka, Blenheim's Air Training Corps has moved to new facilities at RNZAF Base Woodbourne.
The 35-strong No 27 squadron has moved from a dilapidated ex-military building at Omaka to office space and lecture rooms at Longbank, where they will enjoy better training and sport facilities as well as use of the gymnasium.
Base Commander Dave Green welcomed the unit to the base during a half-hour parade, where the cadets were presented with a new ensign to signify their arrival.
Cadet Unit Commander, Squadron Leader Peter Carter said the move was a big bonus for aviation training and meant the squad was not constantly having to raise funds for the Omaka base.
"We can now concentrate more on training with better facilities," he said. "For example on Saturday March 24 we are planning to fly off the base on a flying camp exercise where every cadet will have a flying lesson and navigation training."
He said the cadets moved to Omaka in 1967.
"It's been costing us hundreds of dollars to fix up and we have had to borrow and beg as well as people giving us a hand to keep it running, but obviously we won't have to do that at the new base.
"However I would like to thank the community for helping and supporting us over the years."
He said the cadets, aged from 13 to 18, were a uniformed, disciplined youth organisation which met every week for drill, leadership training, aviation studies, adventure and work and safety training.
"We also do community service and set them all sorts of challenges and encourage leadership development," he said.
The squadron is currently recruiting for new cadets and anyone interested should ring Peter on 579 3386.
www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/3992635a6008.html
