It’s all hands on the deck at Barton-on-Humber’s spanking new, purpose-built cadet centre – and even the new officer commanding of Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force’s E company has been there to help out.
Major Clare Kirk, pictured, was lending a hand as contractors make the final preparations ahead of the arrival of cadets later this month.
Cadet training
Army cadet units in the region were given the go-ahead to re-open for in-person cadet training from Monday 26 April. But in Humberside and South Yorkshire Army Cadet Force (HSY ACF), the resumption of face-to-face training for cadets has been deferred until May 17 to ensure all adult volunteers have completed their mandatory training.
“Barton has traditionally been one of our strongest units,” said Tim Atkinson, executive officer of HSY ACF.
“However, as the old cadet centre deteriorated, the decision was made not to actively recruit until the replacement was ready. We’ve had lots of expressions of interest from young people around the area wanting to join the cadets. So we’re looking forward now to see all the unit, including Barton, expand as our normal training resumes.”
Change for cadets
“It’s going to be a big change for cadets,” said Clare.
“Not only will they be seeing their cadet friends for the first time in a long while, they will also be returning to a completely new detachment unit.
“The old one was shabby, run-down and no longer a fit place for our cadets to use. So we’re delighted that we’ll now have a modern base with classrooms and a drill hall and everything that we need to provide a fantastic Cadet Experience.”