The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
A group that’s helped the lives of thousands of young people take off in Spalding for nearly 70 years is looking for volunteers to help keep it flying.
The 1406 (Spalding) Squadron of the RAF Air Cadets currently helps 50 young people take part in a host of activities from flying small planes to community work.
But its resources are currently stretched with seven volunteers who oversee everything they do.
They include 20-year-old Civilian Instructor Jordan ‘Bert’ Bertolaso.
After enjoying being a cadet so much since joining in 2012, he’s now volunteering and inspiring the next generation of cadets as he was inspired himself.
“We’re looking to celebrate our 70th anniversary in 2020 and we’re delighted with how many cadets we have,”
Bert said.
“But we aim for one adult volunteer for every ten cadets and we have to have some male and female, so having seven volunteers is pushing it to its limits.
“Being a volunteer, you will receive fantastic training, make lifelong friends, achieve qualifications and enjoy a whole host of amazing experiences.
“There’s leadership opportunities and you will expand your knowledge and it’s a fantastic way of giving something back to your community.”
Bert himself sat in a cockpit with the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton and explained to her how he flew the plane.
“I’ve recently finished as a cadet and being a part of the corps has just given me so many opportunities.
“I’ve done everything from flying, visiting camps to trips to the Ukraine, Germany and even Buckingham Palace.
“Being a part of the cadets is definitely like being a part of a second family.”
The 1406 (Spalding) Squadron is based in its own hut in the Castle Sports Complex grounds.
Anyone aged over 20 who is interested in volunteering and being an adult instructor can contact 0345 6006601 or go through the squadron itself by emailing 1406@aircadets.org
