When I was young, I was an Air Cadet. It was great being an Air Cadet. I learnt a lot about flying related things (eventually getting my own pilot’s license), first went camping and learnt how to become a little self sufficient and met a lot of nice people.
Times moved on, children and work meant that I left as a cadet and lost contact with a lot of people. As the business has developed and there are less demands on my time (hey, I now only work a 6 Day Week!) I thought I’d like to get involved again but hadn’t got round to doing anything about it. On Thursday there was a small article in the local paper asking for help at the local ATC Squadron. I decided to turn up and see what I can do. The article mentioned a name that was familiar and after 12 or so years I met my friend Clare who I first met on Annual Camp at RAF Coltishall. She’s now the Flying Officer on the squadron. It was great to see her again, and Nick (Flt Lt and Commanding Officer) also made me feel really welcome. It turns out several of my old friends are Officers, NCO’s and CI’s around Kent.
So, it looks like I’m back in the ATC again but this time as a Civilian Instructor. “Plus ca change, plus la meme chose” (If I remember my French lessons after all that time, now there’s some more memories…).