CONCERN has been raised over the future of a vital organisation in Halstead.
There are fears the 1163 Colne Valley Squadron of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets may be closing down its activities in Halstead.
The Air Training Corps group normally operates at its site at the Courtauld Sports Ground and holds ‘parade nights’ on Mondays and Wednesdays 7pm to 9.30pm.
The squadron teaches air cadets life skills and arranges activities for the youngsters involved.
This includes first aid, drill and ceremonial procedures in the RAF, adventure training, and teaches them how to safely use air rifles.
There are also opportunities to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
Most excitingly, as an air cadet, you can gain different aircraft flying experiences and earn scholarships.
An anonymous source told the Halstead Gazette the squadron may be closing due to a lack of staffing, and they’ve urged something needs to be done to prevent a closure.
They said: “The air training core is closing down, they meet in Halstead, they train youngsters, give them discipline, they teach them a lot of things about life.
“They meet at Courtauld Sports Ground and have their own building, it’s been going on for years, it has always been part of Halstead.
“It shows them the correct way to operate in life, they do so much training with them, and so many successes that have come out of it.
“We have to stand up and fight, it is so good for the young people, we need to encourage something.
“It gives them a good start in life, if we lose it, we will never get it back, they need it.
“The whole town needs to fight for this service.”
According to the RAF’s website to be an Air Cadet you must be 13, or 12 if you’re in Year 8 of secondary school.
The latest you can join the Air Cadets is before your 17th birthday.
The 1163 Colne Valley Squadron staff positions are volunteer-led and over the years, the group has hosted multiple recruitment drives to help gain new cadets.
The Halstead Gazette contacted the Air Cadets for a comment, but they did not respond before going to press.
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