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25th July 2007

Public Facing

Every twelve months the members of 134 (Bedford) Squadron Air Cadets face an advertising conundrum, how to advertise their forthcoming open day? The problem stems from the fact that the squadron isn't actually located in Bedford itself, instead it acts as something of an outpost, located just off the A600 in the parish of Shortstown, formerly RAF Cardington.

In an attempt to let as many people as possible know that the doors are being thrown open to visitors, large signs with bright orange 'day-glow' lettering are placed on the fence to attract the attention of the 2000 vehicle movements past the unit's headquarters during the morning and evening rush hours. However this alone only makes passers-by aware. So in addition on Saturday 21st July a market stall pitch was set up in Bedford's busy town centre, exactly one week before the open day itself. The idea was to capture the imagination of as many young people as possible who otherwise might not be aware of what the Air Cadets do.

With a prime location secured on the busy crossroads of Bedford's pedestrianised centre, the Cadets set up base using one of their tents to act as their hub for the day. Here visitors who had been canvassed by cadets with flyers for the open day could talk directly to cadets and staff about life as a member of the UK's premier youth organisation. Many visitors were surprised at the sheer variety of activities open to the next generation. With a number of interested parties travelling in for a day's shopping, the team were also able to offer advice on approaching alternative squadrons for those who were not local to Bedford, including prospective members of neighbouring areas such as Hertfordshire & Buckinghamshire and South & East Midlands Wings.

The stall was backed up by a video presentation of the current Bedford Squadron recruitment video, showing off the various facets of 134's operations, the flying and shooting chapters proving to be the most anticipated by potential recruits. With a good deal of interest generated, 134 (Bedford) Squadron can now look forward to a busy open day with the intent of bolstering the numbers of an already thriving and successful community.