High-flying cadets

DIAMOND GEEZERS . . . Margaret Molloy, Air Commander Ian Stewart, Flt Lt Mike Holroyd, commander of the 2200 Air Training Corps, Mayoress Shafeena Kausar, Mayor Shoab Akhtar, Rosemary Stewart and wing commander Steve Molloy

A LOCAL air training corps marked its 60th anniversary in style.

More than 100 guests, including Air Commodore Ian Stewart, commandant of the air cadets, and Wing Commander Steve Molloy, officer commanding the East Lancashire Wing, got together at the Bower Hotel to celebrate 60 years of the 2200 (Oldham) Squadron Air Training Corps.

Flt Lt Mike Holroyd, officer commanding the squadron, took guests through the squadron’s history and talked about its impressive growth over the past year, particularly in the number of female recruits.

Air Commodore Stewart then praised the cadets on their good manners and standard of dress, saying: “Oldham is a very warm and friendly squadron, and I wish you all well.”

The squadron was founded as Saddleworth Squadron on February 9, 1949, and met at the Drill Hall in Uppermill.

It was originally part of the Oldham Wing, but when the Drill Hall closed, they moved to Lees and were renamed Leesfield Squadron. Following a further move to their current premises in Wellyhole Street, Lees, they became Oldham Squadron.

The squadron meets on Monday and Wednesday evenings at Wellyhole Street. Cadets enjoy activities like flying and gliding, shooting and adventure training and also have the opportunity to obtain first aid and BTech qualifications as well as taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.

And annual camps are held at RAF Stations in the UK and overseas. Anyone aged 13 to 17 who wishes to join the squadron can phone them on:01616241937, or e-mail on: oc.2200@aircadets.org.