Double Take for Bangor Cadets

Bangor Cadets have launched a New Year recruiting drive as they prepare to take advantage of a bright new facility specially created for them within the TA Centre at Balloo Road in the town.

The Centre will provide accommodation for both the Air Training Corps and the Army Cadet Force … and there may just be a bit of friendly rivalry as the Cadets from each Detachment go into battle to secure new members.

Officially opening the new facility, Colonel Hubert McAllister, Chairman of the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association for Northern Ireland, said, “We have two great Detachments meeting here at Balloo Road and we are delighted to be able to provide such an attractive environment in which they can work, train and, of course, socialize.  The new surroundings have already energized the Cadets and both the Air Training Corps and the Army Cadet Force are ready and eager to take on new members for 2014.

“Both the ATC and ACF offer young people some fantastic opportunities to build their self confidence and circle of friends as they learn new skills and enjoy sports, adventure training and a myriad of challenges.  Deciding whether they will opt to have their eyes on the skies as an Air Cadet or secure a grounding as an Army Cadet will be up to the potential recruits themselves. 

“While the ‘serious fun’ offered by the Cadet movement is well known and respected, we also offer young people important opportunities to acquire widely-recognised qualifications and build CVs which will be important as they move on to college, university or the world of work.  That is something that parents will value almost as much as the Cadets – and families will also be delighted to learn that the amazing opportunities we offer Cadets are either totally free of charge or at a nominal cost.  In today’s economic climate, that will be welcome news!

“I would encourage young people from across North Down to come along to see for themselves what we have on offer with these Open Detachments in Bangor.  They will be sure of a warm welcome and two very persuasive sets of teens!”

To find out more about joining the Air Training Corps in Bangor call 02894 452023 ; to check out the Army Cadet Force call 02890 815223.