The new Joint Cadet Forces premises in Eastleigh were officially opened by Hampshire’s Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Mary Fagan JP, on Monday evening 2^nd March 2009.

The premises, shared by 1216 (Eastleigh) Squadron of the Air Training Corps (ATC) and 11 Platoon Hampshire Army Cadet Force (ACF) are within the recently built multi-use community centre on Kingfisher Road provided by Eastleigh Borough Council. The building is an excellent example of where, despite the limited financial resources, the combined requirements of the two organisations have resulted in a modern facility.

Mrs Fagan gave a short speech before unveiling the plaque in the parade hall in which she commented on how lovely it was to meet all the cadets present and how delighted she was to be invited to formally open the new premises.

Also in attendance were Wing Commander Tony Clavell, Officer Commanding Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wing, Air Training Corps, Colonel Rod Lambert, Officer Commanding Hampshire & Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force and the Mayor of Eastleigh, Mr Derek Pretty.

After the official unveiling, the invited guests were treated to a tour of the new premises and a snap shot of life as an Air or Army Cadet. The cadets demonstrated their skills in a variety of areas including first aid, weapon handling, navigation, engineering and field & military tactics.

The Lord Lieutenant was the joint guest of the Air Cadet Squadron's commanding officer, Flight Lieutenant Dave Barker and the Army Cadet Force’s commanding officer Second Lieutenant Wendy Rishton. Flt Lt Barker remarked that the new facility was an infinite improvement over the previous premises the Air Cadets occupied in Woodland Road which was not only devoid of windows and a watertight roof but was being rapidly outgrown by an ever increasing number of cadets!

It was also the first occasion where both cadet forces had jointly paraded with a combined total of 80 cadets and officers. The Air Cadets normally parade on a Tuesday and Friday night whilst the Army Cadets parade on a Monday and Thursday night.

If you are between 12¾ and 18 and would like to know more about the:

• Air Cadets then please contact the Officer Commanding Flt Lt Dave Barker on 01264 771006 or visit the Squadron’s website at www.1216eastleighsqn.org.uk
• Army Cadets then please pop down on a parade night