Saturday 21st January saw the official opening of the new home for Grays Army Cadet Force (ACF) and 106 (Orsett Hundred) Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC). The purpose built facility, including classrooms, secure equipment storage and an indoor rifle range, will accommodate up to 150 cadets and their adult instructors. The new facility has been provided in partnership with the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation.
The purpose built centre was opened by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, The Rt Hon The Lord Petre MA JP, who unveiled a commemorative plaque in the presence of VIPs, cadets and their families. VIPs attending the event included: Colonel Lacey CBE DL, Chief Executive of the East Anglia Reserve Forces and Cadet Association; Wing Commander Mayes, Commanding Officer Essex Wing ATC; and local MP Jackie Doyle-Price. As part of the opening event the building was blessed by ACF and ATC Padres.
ACF Detachment Commander 2nd Lieutenant Mick Beadle Mick, who in civilian life works for the London Ambulance Service NHS Trust says “The lack of purpose built facilities has limited the number of Army and Air cadets that we could accommodate. With these fantastic new facilities we hope to see both the Army and Air Cadet numbers grow over the coming months.”
The new building replaces the former home of the cadets which was in a part of the TA centre built in 1913 and was originally a store for horse tack and equipment. During the building works the cadets have been parading in portacabins on part of the old post office sorting centre on Brooke Road. In May 2011 the Army Cadets marked the start of building work when they buried a time capsule in the foundations of the building including items selected to represent life in the ACF in 2011.
About life as an Army or Air cadet, Mick says “The cadet movement has lots to offer young people, the opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills, enjoy adventure training and to participate in activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. On top of this we are very active supporting the local community.”
“Once we are settled into our new home we plan to hold an open day, otherwise any young person interested in finding out more about the ACF is welcome to pop down on a Thursday evening between 19.30 – 21.30hrs. We are also looking for adults, both male and female, to become instructors. Being an instructor is something I highly recommend, no military experience is needed just an interest in working with young people."
http://armycadets.com