Cadets Say Farewell to an Old Friend

Their regular parade night on Thursday 6 December 2018 was one of mixed emotions for the cadets and staff of 1440 (Shoreham-by-Sea) Squadron, Air Training Corps. The newest members of the Squadron were enrolled as full members of the Air Training Corps in front of their friends and families.

Cadets Josef Triyantoro (13), Katie Atkinson (13), Abiola Cele (14), Benjamin Broxup (13), Alex Ciangola-Sada (13) and Lauren Alford (13) joined the Squadron at the beginning of October and have already completed their British Heart Foundation Heart Start training. They will now go on to complete their basic training that will let them participate in the full range of activities the ATC has to offer. Cadet Lauren Alford said “I’m really looking forward to being able to fly with Cadets and also go on summer camp to an RAF base.”

An event full of excitement and happiness was, however, tinged with sadness as the man conducting the enrolments, The Reverend Dr Mark Betson, undertook his last duty with the Squadron. Mark, who during his twelve years with 1440 has enrolled hundreds of cadets, is moving to Cambridge to take a new job as the Church of England’s National Rural Officer.

Flying Officer William Bruce, the Squadron’s Commanding Officer who was himself enrolled as a cadet by Mark said: “Mark’s contribution as the Squadron Padre has been outstanding and we will really miss him. He has been a trusted friend to the cadets, staff and support committee, always ready to offer support and help wherever it is needed. We wish him every success in his new job.”

Mark said: “It has been a real privilege to be part of the Squadron for the past few years and I will miss spending time with the cadets and watching them achieve as they grow into young adults. In my new job I’ll be helping people from rural communities across the country, supporting families and young people to enable them to thrive.”

All of the cadets and staff gave Rev Betson a rousing send off and look forward to seeing him again next year as guest of honour and the Squadron’s annual dinner and presentation evening.

1440 (Shoreham-by-Sea) Squadron Air Training Corps is part of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and first opened its doors in 1941. The Squadron take part in a range of exciting activities including flying and gliding and is open to young people aged 12 (and in Year 8 at school) to 18. The Squadron meets twice a week in Eastern Avenue, Shoreham and we are keen to recruit new cadets and adult volunteers with a background in aviation to help us deliver the best opportunities to our cadets. Anybody interested in joining should contact Flying Officer William Bruce RAFAC via e-mail: oc.1440@aircadets.org or visit the website www.1440sqn.org for more information.

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