AIR cadets were reminded of the opportunities open to them at their annual dinner in Salisbury.

1010 (City of Salisbury) Squadron Air Training Corps held the event at the TA Centre, Old Sarum. The Officer Commanding, Flight Lieutenant Jim Gillespie RAF VR(T), staff and cadets were joined by guest speaker Wing Commander Mark Van Vogt RAF (Retd), who is the chairman of the squadron’s Civilian Committee.

A former cadet warrant officer, Wg Cdr Van Vogt spoke about his time in the corps and the opportunities he had which gave him life skills that he used throughout his career in the Royal Air Force.

He told the cadets they should set themselves goals and to strive to achieve them. He concluded: “There are opportunities out there, both in the air cadets and beyond, and you don’t have time to stand around waiting for them to come to you, you have get out there and seize them.”

Wg Cdr Van Vogt presented promotions to Cadet Dominic Lawes, who moves to corporal, Corporal Kyle Hill who is promoted to sergeant, and Sergeant Edward Mercer who is promoted to flight sergeant.

He also presented the Best Cadet award for 2013 to Cadet Flora Thomas, for all that she has achieved since joining the squadron. On behalf of the Squadron’s SNCOs, Cadet Warrant Officer Stuart Strachan presented an award to Cadet Rory Harris for his dedication and hard work since he joined the squadron.

For more information on joining the ATC as a cadet, or an adult volunteer, please contact the squadron on 01722 320634, Tuesday and Friday nights between 7pm and 9.15pm.