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31st July 2006

Roll Up, Roll Up.

On Saturday 29th July 2006 134 (Bedford) Squadron opened its gates to the general public as part of its annual recruiting drive. With a wide range of activities on display potential new members were given an insight into the kind of life they can expect at 134.

Having preceded the event with a recruiting stand in Bedford town centre the week before the squadron was poised to show off all that the Air Cadet organisation has to offer young people. The event was aimed at individuals aged between 13 to 17 years of age and their parents from Bedford and the surrounding villages.

Staff and cadets from the squadron worked hard to create themed zones within the headquarters building and grounds through which potential recruits were guided by serving cadets who had received specialist training to be chaperones for the day.

The zones included activities such as camping where visitors were shown the different types of equipment that used for various styles of deployment, bridge building, a task that demonstrates teamwork and leadership skills. Guests also saw examples of the academic subjects including an interactive lesson from the airmanship 2 syllabus. The tour culminated in a cinema style presentation of videos showing some of the squadron’s recent adventures.

Having concluded the guided tour visitors and guests were treated to a goodie bag containing contact information and ATC and RAF promotional gifts and had the option to take advantage of refreshments courtesy of the civilian committee, and wander among the exhibits at their own will.

Although primarily aged to attract new members the open day also saw a number of ex cadets visit the Squadron, one had even brought along a photograph of cadets in uniform taken in 1949, which will assist Mr Wiggins the unit’s historian in the compilation of his book to celebrate the 70th anniversary of 134 (Bedford) Squadron.

With clear blue skies and temperatures in the high 20’s the weather enhanced the sense of occasion and the event was well attended by potential recruits and their families. The squadrons recruiting campaign will continue until the end of the summer and will culminate in a number of school assembly presentations at the start of the new academic year. 

AWO Oliver Browne said “today’s event has been a great success, with the media interest earlier in the week from our Parade in Downing Street no doubt having an effect on the interest shown by all of our visitors. It is an exciting time to join the squadron and we look forward to welcoming our new recruits”.