Page 56 - Cadet Review Spring 2024

SWY Wing ATC
CHARITY SUPPORT BY MIRFIELD AIR CADETS
Fund raising support for charities is an important aspect of community involvement and the Autumn period always seems to be a busy time for members of 868 (Mirfield) Squadron, when they work to support various local and national charities in different ways.
Starting in September, cadets and staff were involved in collections for the Royal Air Force Association Wings Appeal around Mirfield, operating out of a base set up by the entrance to the local Co-op; also manning a collection point at the Lidl supermarket and coupled with street collections, their efforts helped the local branch of the RAFA to raise £1050 for the appeal.
Additionally, on Battle of Britain Sunday, another contingent from the Squadron joined in with the Battle of Britain Parade and Service at the memorial in Batley. VIPs at the event included Major Stan Hardy DL, Batley MP Kim Leadbetter and Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Baker, West Yorkshire Police.
Next in the calendar was a specially arranged coffee ‘morning’ during the regular evening meeting on September 29th, as a fund-raising activity for MacMillan Cancer Support. An evening Coffee
and Cake session formed a part of the evening’s activities, and a wide variety of cakes were provided by staff, members of the Squadron Committee and the cadets themselves. Cadets and others took little persuasion to part with money in order to consume the cakes on display. In cake sales and an extensive raffle, a total of £121 was raised in donations to the charity.
Of course, November brought Remembrance Day, and collections for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Once again, cadets were out around Mirfield to help the local Royal British Legion branch in their efforts, joined by the local MP Mark Eastwood who had also turned out to support the fund raisers.
Finally, it is a tradition at the Squadron to have a relaxed, fun evening to support Children in Need. This year was no exception, after all the formalities of the Remembrance Day Parade the previous weekend, Friday night at the Squadron was dedicated to a fun time for all and aimed at raising
Flt Lt Peter Doubell and cadets on duty at the local Co-op
it is a tradition at the Squadron
to have a relaxed,
fun evening to support Children in Need. This year was no exception
funds for Children in Need. A series of activities, well removed from the normal routine, led to £301.81 being raised for the charity. Activities during the evening included Stick the spot on Pudsey, Musical Chairs, Leg waxing, a Quiz and a ‘Pudsey’ themed raffle.
The evening culminated in a “sponge the NCOs” session - cadet NCOs dressed down to t-shirts
and shorts for the privilege of having wet sponges thrown at them by cadets, who gladly parted with more money for the opportunity! The NCOs got very wet, but were soon brought back inside to dry off, change and have a hot drink.
The Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Peter Doubell said “we do encourage our cadets to support worthy causes, and our Squadron based activities are always arranged around something of a fun nature - they also seem to involve food in some way! This does seem to motivate the cadets and results in a good evening, which is beneficial to the various charities.”
Flt Lt Peter Doubell and cadets on duty at the local Co-Op, together with Mark Eastwood MP and David Horobin, Mirfield RBL Branch President
56 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2024