New Cadet Centre For Gravesend Cadets

Air Training Corps (ATC) cadets from 402 (Gravesend) Squadron and Gravesend Army Cadet Force (ACF) cadets celebrated the opening of their new Joint Cadet Centre in Grange Road, on the […]

News Posted by on 30 October, 2014 in 402 Squadron, Community

Air Training Corps (ATC) cadets from 402 (Gravesend) Squadron and Gravesend Army Cadet Force (ACF) cadets celebrated the opening of their new Joint Cadet Centre in Grange Road, on the evening of Thursday 30 October 2014. 
 
The brand new facility was officially opened by Colonel James Partridge, Deputy Lieutenant for Kent in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress of Gravesham, Councillor John and Mrs Sue Caller, together with other local dignitaries and military personnel. 
 
The building of the Joint Cadet Centre has been funded by both the South East Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (SERFCA) and Headquarters Air Cadets and will be home to approximately forty ACF and forty ATC Cadets who will train on separate days. The facility replaces previous cadet accommodations in both Grange Road and Wrotham Road sites. The new building includes a shared drill hall, kitchen, toilets and store rooms, as well as dedicated offices for adult personnel and classrooms for use by each cadet service. By utilising the building in this way, the shared facility will be in use almost every day of the week. 
 
The Grange Road site has long been associated with the Armed Forces and even received a direct bomb hit in the Second World War, totally destroying the site. After the War, a Nissen Hut was built on the same location, and it was this building and some additional timber huts that have been used by cadets from the 1970’s until now. 
 
Commenting on the new building, Colonel James Partridge, Deputy Lieutenant for Kent and also Chairman of SERFCA said, “We are delighted to be able to provide these Cadets and their Adult Instructors with a much needed new base with modern facilities. The new facility also allows us to maintain our strong military connections in the area whilst allowing the local youth community to enjoy the opportunities, challenges, skills and qualifications the Cadet Movements offer.” 
 
For further information about joining Kent Wing of the Air Training Corps call (01622) 754188. We particularly welcome enquiries from adult members of the public who may be interested in the challenge of becoming uniformed adult instructors, aged from 18-50 years old