High flying cadets

Overseeing the 160 fledgelings and making sure they don't get into a flap is someone who sees them as his extended family.

For squadron leader Chris Day is at the controls of the 241 Squadron Air Training Corps (ATC) and the army of cadets based in Finchingfield Road.

The ATC cadets, whose ages range from 13 to 18, receive a thorough grounding in all aspects of aviation. Not only do they have the opportunity to spread their wings, they can use the ATC to help them take the first steps towards a career in the air.

The 241 squadron was founded by Sir James Hawkey in 1941 with a grant of £400 from what was then the Borough of Wanstead and Woodford. Two days after it was set up, recruits were queuing up to join.

The first meetings took place in the Memorial Hall, South Woodford, then moved to the Napier College, formerly situated in Chelmsford Road. Recruitment was at its height during WW2 when the unit boasted over 1,000 cadets.

"Churchill was our president. He was not just a figurehead, he visited the squadron regularly," said Mr Day, proudly displaying Sir Winston's signature in the squadron visitors book.

"Many of those who signed their names in here went on to serve their country. We are immensely proud of them all."

The unit moved from Chelmsford Road to a base near Chigwell Road cricket pavilion, and in 1986 the cadets took up residence in the purpose-built centre they now occupy in Finchingfield Road.

"That was the start of something big," said Mr Day. "The 241 squadron is now the largest in London and the South East with 160 enrolled cadets. The average unit has around 30 cadets."

About one third of cadets are female and the youngsters come from all around Redbridge, Loughton and as far away as Harold Wood.

Mr Day said: "Our limit is the size of the building. We squeeze as many in as we can. The building has already been extended and we are waiting to see if we can get another extension."

Mr Day joined the ATC when he was 13 and soon decided that the only direction he was going was upwards. He worked his way up through the ranks and took command of 241 squadron 16 years ago.

Civilian instructor Trevor Roberts, from Loughton, has been with the 241 since 1962, and says cadets who stay with the unit for as long as Mr Day has are rare.

"Chris is a dedicated leader. He has been awarded the Cadet Forces Medal and Bar," said Mr Roberts.

Mr Roberts' speciality is gliding. He was part of the unit until he retired some years ago but he couldn't stay away and now he is almost a permanent fixture at the unit where his skills are used to the full.

He said: "We are extremely proud of all the cadets. Whenever they go they exude confidence. We all work as a team and the camaraderie here is such that we are like one big extended family."

Mr Day said the most important thing about the unit was giving everyone, whatever their background or family finances, the opportunity to learn new skills and take part in activities they wouldn't otherwise do.

Nicola Jannele, 16, from Clayhall, echoed Mr Day's words. She said: "I love everything about it here. We are all treated the same. I heard about the ATC in a school assembly and as soon as I joined I was hooked."

So was Daniel Collins, who wants a career in the RAF. At just 14 years old Daniel, a Roding Valley School pupil, has already completed a 20-minute solo flight and has gained his RAF marksman badge for competitive shooting.

"I have wanted to be a pilot since I was little, and I really love it here. I have learnt such a lot about aviation and flying skills," said Daniel.

Student Nick Harvey looks every inch the officer in his smart Air Force blue uniform. At 19, the staff cadet from Wanstead is clear about what being a member of the unit means to him.

He said: "Being an ATC cadet is great, it stands you apart from the others."

When a cadet reaches 20, he or she can go on to the staff and get a commission in the RAF reserve. And, as Mr Day explained, even if the cadet isn't looking for a career in the Air Force, their achievements look very good on a CV.

Mr Day, Mr Roberts and the staff run the ATC in what they laughingly call their spare time. The unit meets two evenings a week with regular weekend training sessions at Air Force bases such as Wittering.

Leadership skills, management training and confidence, gliding, aerobatics plus a range of sports are on offer.

Mr Day explained: "Every cadet has instruction in a two-seater glider plane at 16. Many learn how to glide solo before they are old enough to drive a car.

"At 18 years old they get to command a flight of 50 cadets and many go on to jobs in the police, ambulance service and the armed forces."

Uniforms are supplied free, bought from funds raised by committee members, and, apart from weekends and trips abroad, a weekly £1 subscription is all the cadet has to pay.

Mr Day said: "They get such a lot for so little. And the more effort they put in the more they get out of it."