AN OPEN evening held by Weymouth's air cadets was a soaring success.

1606 (Weymouth) Squadron RAF Air Cadets held an open evening at the squadron’s headquarters in Barracks Road.

It was attended by friends and family of the squadron, as well as members of Weymouth and Portland’s RAF Association. The coming together of the different generations was a welcome sight, with this year marking the 100th anniversary of the RAF.

The evening was hosted by Squadron Commander, Flight Lieutenant Dave Ackerley RAFAC, and the guest of honour was the Reverend Canon Tim West, Team Rector for the Ridgeway parish churches and long serving honorary chaplain to the squadron.

Upon arrival, Canon West inspected the squadron and took time to speak with some of the cadets. Later in the evening he took pleasure in giving out the many promotions and awards achieved by individual cadets throughout the year whilst guests gave enthusiastic rounds of applause to each one.

Flt Lt Ackerley took time to explain to the audience that whilst cadets were guided and encouraged by the squadron’s staff they were nevertheless self-motivated to study and that their achievements were so much the more commendable for this.

During the break in the evening’s events, guests were invited to view several displays designed by cadets to show information about the RAF Air Cadets organisation, uniforms and badges of rank, equipment, aircraft, activities and ceremonials. The cadets were also ready to answer any questions raised by visitors.

The evening concluded with Flt Lt Ackerley thanking Canon West and guests for joining them for the evening and giving their valued support to the work and achievements of the Squadron.

1606 (Weymouth) Squadron was formed in 1941 when Britain’s Air Training Corps was created by King George VI.

To find out more about how to get involved with the air cadets visit www.1606atc.org/