Mr. Shahid Malik, Member of Parliament for Dewsbury, Batley and Heckmondwike and Minister for the Department for International Development, met cadets, senior commanding officers, civilian committee members and proud parents as he toured the new facilities.
Escorted by his ADC for the evening, Instructor Cadet Warrant Officer Daniel Culpan, 19, Mr Malik spoke to the cadets as he explored the interactive displays on kayaking, aero modeling, air cadet expeditions and even had a chance to try the radio equipment and Grob Tutor simulator.
For the last six months the squadron has been co-located with 868 (Mirfield) Squadron while the 28 year old wooden modular building was replaced with a new metal clad structure, offering extra space to host the squadron activities.
The squadrons Commanding Officer of 26 years, Flight Lieutenant Alan Curtis, invited Mr Malik to cut the ribbon and officially declare the new squadron HQ 'Open for Business', unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
During his speech thanking the cadets, staff and guests, Mr Malik informed the audience that he had recently won the House of Commons Pool Championship for the second year running (the first MP to do so) and decided to donate one of his prizes, a brand new Riley pool table, to the squadron.
The Commanding Officer presented Mr Malik with a 96 (Dewsbury) Squadron plaque to hang in his parliamentary office to thank him for graciously giving up his valuable time for the Air Training Corps and remind him of his visit.