A PRESENTATION was made to 2238 Squadron of the Air Training Corps based at the combined cadet centre in Warminster, marking the fact that the Royal Air Force Association branch covering Trowbridge has expanded to cover the entire West Wilts area.

Branch president Air Vice Marshall Martin Clarke RAF CB handed the certificate of adoption to Flight Lieutenant Kevin Farrell, Warminster CO, watched by Squadron Leader Philip Lobb MBE RAF VR(T) the branch vice chairman, who organised the presentation, and Squadron Leader Norman Parker RAF VR(T) the ATC Sector Commander.

Karina Preston the civilian chairman of the ATC said the ATC had been running for about two years at the new combined cadet building in Warminster, where the CO is ably assisted by Sergeant Tracey Shepherd and Flight Sergeant Steve Murphy, both of whom have been in the ATC for some time and provide instruction and are valuable members of staff. Recently four cadets went to Colerne airfield for powered flying experience in the tutor aircraft which is available to all cadets as part of their training with the ATC.

The combined cadet building is state of the art and has facilities for archery and shooting, though at the moment they lack a qualified instructor for the shooting range: chief instructor Tom Phippard, who was with the ATC for six years, is aiming to achieve qualification soon.

After the presentation AVM Clarke had an informal chat with the parents and cadets and explained the role of the RAF as well as giving them information on how to join and what qualifications they might need.

The squadron parade on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7-9.30pm and if anyone would like to join they would be very welcome.

The RAFA club meets on the third Tuesday of the month at Lovemead House, Trowbridge. Any serving member or ex-member of the RAF is welcome, for further information on how to find us please see our Facebook page.