A GROUP of new recruits to Northwich Air Cadets have been able to continue their training while under lockdown.

Nineteen new recruits joined 146 Squadron, which was one of the first Air Cadet units formed during the summer of 1939, only two weeks before the lockdown started.

There were fears that lockdown would hinder their training as they can no longer meet at the cadet centre on Darwin Street, meaning that they would not be ready for their summer graduation parade.

But thanks to modern technology, they are now well underway with their preparation, while other cadets adapt to continue their Air Cadet roles.

The squadron was able to hold its first e-Parade under lockdown, which was well received with around 60 cadets in attendance.

Northwich Guardian:

A similar enthusiasm was later shown in a sports fitness session led by senior cadets.

Northwich Air Cadets’ band, which leads the town’s Remembrance Sunday parade, have been able to practice under lockdown, with weekly challenges being set by the bandmaster.

And Corporal Joshua Rowland from Northwich Squadron was named runner up in a national poetry competition hosted by The Royal Air Force Air Cadets.

This asked cadets to get creative and compose a poem based on the theme of lockdown.

On the efforts of 146 Northwich during lockdown, Squadron Leader Thompson said: “The e-Parades are the new normal for our squadron.

“I am incredibly impressed by the staff and cadets’ great response in these difficult times.”