A new cadet centre is needed in Holbeach to meet demand for the youth groups, its leaders have said.
The 2430 (Holbeach) Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets say they’re currently full and unable to accept new cadets unless they find new premises.
Members have teamed up with the town’s detachment of the Lincolnshire Army Cadets which are currently based at Tonic Health’s hub to appeal to Holbeach Parish Council for help in finding a new home.
The air cadets have been at their current premises off Church Lane since the 1960s.
“It’s now too small for the amount of cadets we have,” said Flt Lt Keith Bate. “We could easily take on another 20 cadets.
“We currently don’t have room for much of our equipment.
“That’s a particular problem for our band that have nowhere to put their instruments.
“We have one flight simulator and do have the money to purchase another for our cadets to use, but we don’t have the space for it.
“The Army Cadets are in an even worse position than us as they just have one filing cabinet they own and they meet at the Holbeach Hub.
“The plan is to move in together.”
The groups have been asked to identify possible sites by The East Midlands Reserve Forces and Cadets Association which oversees army, air and sea cadets in the region.
That organisation is allocated funding from government to build and maintain premises.
The Holbeach cadets have been offered use of one building but it’s thought to be in too dilapidated a state to be of use.
A hard-standing site at Netherfields Playing Fields may provide an option.
But Flt Lt Bate is to speak to Holbeach Parish Council about options going forward.
“We’re hoping Netherfields might lead to something,” he said. “The RFCA have said that might be the best option that we’ve come up with so far.”
Another thing both the air and army cadets need to increase their capacity is more volunteers.
“We always need more volunteers to help our youngsters take on all the opportunities open to them,” Flt Lt Bate said. “It’s a very rewarding role.”
For more on 2430 Squadron of the air cadets email [email protected]
Information on Lincolnshire Army Cadets is available at https://armycadets.com/county/lincolnshire-acf/
