Local Squadrons’ transport ready for take off
2016 was a year of celebration for the Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Cadets, marking its 75th anniversary since it first began in 1941. The voluntary organisation has grown in popularity with close to 41,000 members now nationwide and promotes an ethos of get out, get active and get airborne through a wide variety of activities.
As with a lot of UK organisations, transport plays a big part in their operation and not just from an aviation perspective. In the case of local Wellingborough based squadron, 378 (Mannock), it’s their minibus that keeps them moving; an essential tool that enables them to carry out core activities such as flying, gliding, adventure training, the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, sports and camps.
As a voluntary group, 378 (Mannock) Squadron Air Training Corps are self funded by their Civilian Welfare Committee through which they undertake various fund raising. These funds go towards all the activities and clothing etc and the general maintenance of the bus will often fall to the latter end of the list. Following an MOT carried out, the bus had a long list of advisories which would take time and much needed funds to put right. However, the opportunity to support the local community meant commercial dealer TruckEast offered a helping hand and ensured the vehicle was fully operational.
Following a full service, general repairs including; both front suspension arms, corroded brake lines and replacement mirror glass, the bus undertook a final tacho re-calibration at TruckEast’s specialist service branch in Corby and was returned in time for the cadets Christmas camp.
The Squadron’s Officer in Charge, Flying Officer Phil Warr, said: “We are incredibly grateful to all the team at TruckEast Limited for supporting our unit in this way. As a volunteer youth organisation we are dependent on fundraising and the generosity of local business and organisations.”
“For Mannock Squadron our minibus is a vital tool that helps us deliver a range of activities and experiences for our cadets. On behalf of the Squadron and the cadets I would like to say a big thank you to TruckEast.”
The RAF Air Cadets aim to promote and encourage a practical interest in aviation whilst providing useful training for civillian life and encourage the spirit of adventure.
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