Youngsters celebrated the opening of facilities worth £700,000 at a cadet base which will enable them to take part in more training exercises.  

The Joint Cadet Centre in Whipps Cross, Leytonstone is home to 12F squadron RAF air cadets of Walthamstow and Leyton and army cadets.

The building which includes classrooms, offices, a kitchen and a hall is complete with solar panels and replaces aging cadet huts which were no longer fit for use.

Air marshal Sir David Walker attended the opening ceremony on Wednesday September 13 where he watched a drill display by cadets and unveiled a plaque.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Air marshall Sir David Walker inspects 35 Cadet Detachment (Inns of Court and City Yeomanry) ACF and 12F (Walthamstow and Leyton) Squadron RAF Air Cadets.

He said: “It is undoubtedly true that it’s the quality of its people that lies at the heart of an organisations success but giving them the right facilities to do the job matters too.

“This purpose built cadet centre will provide a fantastic environment in which cadets can learn, grow in confidence, make new friends and most importantly have fun.”

The project was funded by Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association for Greater London (GLRFCA).

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

12F (Walthamstow and Leyton) Squadron RAF Air Cadets on the steps of their new £700,000 home.

The Army Cadet Force (ACF) is one of the UK’s largest voluntary youth organisations for 12 to 18-year-olds.

The Whipps Cross Joint Cadet Centre is the first of three east London sites to be formally opened this month following investments.

The new buildings will enable the army and air force cadets at the bases to work side by side in shared, purpose-built facilities.

GL RFCA chief executive Colonel Hugh Purcell said: “These new buildings are a vote of confidence in the young people of north east London.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series: 34 Detachment (Inns of Court and City Yeomanry) ACF on the steps of their new £700,000 home.

“They represents not just a substantial 2 million pound investment in bricks and mortar, but also an investment in the character and values of the young people who will use them.”

Flt Lt Georgia Rosenbloom, commander of 12F Squadron added: “We are now looking to build on this in the future, widening the opportunities and experiences open to our cadets. “

Anyone interested in volunteering with the cadets can find out more information click here